This is long, but bear with me, please
Last night just as I was drafting a post about the new Milani Matte Baked Blushes, I was putting in a story about how difficult it is for me to get pictures of me wearing makeup due to my schedule (you can read about it when I get the post up—I’m gonna leave it as it was so you can see the full scoop). Then I got an email with the subject SWATCHES in the title. Now my inbox has looked quite war zone-ish lately and even more because of NYFW and because of that I try to answer any reader email as soon as I see it so that I don’t forget and then more email comes in and buries it. There’s always a constant struggle…lol.
But boy was I not expecting the content of the email. I thought maybe someone was asking for me to post swatches of some makeup line they were interested in but can’t get to see in person because of where they live—which I’ve gotten before and have actually accommodated. I’ve been working on this blog since 2007—it’s given me so many opportunities including being able to leave a career I wasn’t in love with to finally become something I’ve always wanted to be—a writer. I’ve been published in a number of major online publications and just last year I had my first article ever published in print followed by another one just this winter in Cosmopolitan for Latinas. On top of that I’ve come A LONG way with the content I produce for this blog. I run it all by myself—I don’t have any interns, a boyfriend who does tech stuff, or even a manager. So if something breaks, I gotta put on my fake tech hat and fix it, meanwhile I haven’t a single clue. If there’s an event to attend (which there are so many here in NYC), I have to attend even though I still have my regular day’s workload to go through (I also write for another site three days a week and I often work with brands a lot and on top of that in order to sustain, there’s a lot of pitching and tending to the business side of my work).
I’m not sure most people realize how much work goes into running a blog whether you do it part time or full time. How I’m outside in below freezing temperatures taking pictures of products (or how long it took me to figure out how to get good lighting and how to work my camera—that’s another thing that takes up a ton of time—figuring out how to do stuff) in the small window of space I have to get direct sunlight so my pictures can come out right (usually between 9AM and just before noon)—and that’s WHEN I’m fortunate enough for it to be sunny out. Then I have to take a gazillion pics just to make sure they’re good. Ditto when it comes to swatches on my skin—it takes MANY outtakes to get it right—I’m not a professional photographer but I learn a little bit here and there. Once that window is up where the sunlight comes in near my apartment, that’s it. I only have a good maybe 2 hours for this on a sunny day—and this is only if I don’t already have any meetings or appointments to attend for the day or have to submit work to other sites. Then after I’ve taken those pictures, I still have to run them through Photoshop to clean up any smudges, brighten the pics up, and resize them (and now I’ve been adding my copyright info to the File Info for each image). Depending on how many products I’ve taken pictures of, that process can take an hour or more just to edit. I also don’t take product pics and pics of me in makeup on the same day. Some weeks brands send me a lot of products for review consideration and I’ll take them all or most of them in one sitting because I try to get pictures before I start putting my fingers in it (because sometimes that looks crazy in a photo…lol).
Prior to a few months ago, I didn’t even post pics of me with makeup on in reviews that often—since I work from home most days, I don’t wear makeup everyday like I used to when I worked outside my home. I just don’t have the time to put on a full face of makeup when I’m working from home—I usually test products when I’m home working—if it’s blush or eyeshadow, I’ll apply it (without primer to really test its performance) and sometimes I’ll have two different colors on my face or an array of products just so I can multitask and get multiple reviews up because I know I write for an audience of people who are just as excited about new beauty as I am and would want it up as quickly as possible. But because I’m eternally a people-pleaser, I listened to feedback from those of you who said it’s much easier for you to make a product purchase decision when you see it on me and started adding more pics of me in the posts. Though this blog was started for women of all colors and sizes, I do realize that many of you who follow along with me look like me and so I understand how important it is for you to see it on.
But then I can’t just post ANY old pic of me wearing makeup. Last time I did that I found out (months later) that I was the brunt of a thread on an online forum. It hurt my feelings a bit at first, but I had to laugh because a lot of the comments were funny. But it taught me (and my Virgo self—if you’re a Virgo or know any Virgos, you’ll totally understand this whole entire post…lol) that I’m not putting any pics out unless my hair is done and I look “on-brand.” Do you know how much pressure that is to put on one’s self? lol. I’m in constant fear all the time of not looking “pretty” online because I run a beauty blog and someone’s going to say something (that would be another thread I found myself on in an online forum *SIGH*). So when I’m at home working from 9 AM until 2 sometimes 3 AM and looking a hot mess because in order for me to maintain my lifestyle, I have to constantly be working on what’s next, I don’t always have my hair done nor do I feel like putting on “face” just to snap pics and go back to sit in front of my Mac.
I promise I’ll get to the contents of the email…lol.
But I still knew that it’s more helpful for you guys to see makeup ON me—but it’s so hard to break out of a routine–I really wish you guys could see how hard I work at this…lol. I didn’t really consider myself a “swatch blogger” (because you know there’s different genres of beauty blogging) but I did start to understand its importance for the audience I reach. But in no ways am I complaining because I LOVE doing this. So to compensate, I took this Virgo brain of mine and thought of how I could get content out that you guys would love and came up with things like 50 Shades of Lipstick where I PAID to have my photos taken professionally by my friend Nas who owns a studio in Brooklyn so that a guide of lipsticks on dark skin like mine would be available for you to make it easier to make makeup decisions. I even did it for another round because there were more gorgeous shades I wanted to show you. I also have tons of ideas for content in my head, but have to figure out how to execute them the best way I can (remember it’s just me running this).
I want to do more makeup looks—in fact I did a few but then the only time I really had to get good lighting and have the time to be able to really try out different looks was on the weekends and then my weekends started to get crazy. Then some months ago I said I’d have to figure out how to take my own pictures using my SLR. But even with just that I need to have a routine and a setup so I can get the best pictures I can (remember I’m a Virgo…lol). And like many ideas I have for the blog (which I write down in a notebook), sometimes time isn’t on my side and they get pushed back. Just last week I bought a tripod after asking another blogger friend for some ideas on how to execute a blog post I wanted to do that involved pictures of me. It took me a week from when I ordered the tripod just to find the time to pick it up from Best Buy (why didn’t I just have them ship it? lol) and the thing is STILL in its box. I also need to rig up a white background for me to stand behind because the lighting inside isn’t great at all and remember how I said it’s winter and lighting isn’t always on my side during the day.
So I have all this and so much more that I want to work on to keep bringing you guys the best content I can. In fact tonight even though I had another hectic day running the blog and business, I went out to cover backstage at The Blonds. I didn’t get home until after 9:30 and then realized I wanted to put up a post about the new Milani blushes for tomorrow, but I forgot to get pictures of me wearing it earlier so I did a quick switch up and put one color on each cheek and went to the only light source that works which is a lamp and I shot the pics with my iPhone which is what I usually use when taking pictures of myself because when I try to take pics with my SLR, they make me look really, really, really bad because I haven’t had the time to figure out my setup for taking pics of myself. Plus do you know how hard it is to take pics of yourself with an SLR without a tripod? I get so nervous I’m going to drop it and then the pics don’t even come out right and that’s just something I have to dedicate the time to looking up and asking my photographer friends for advice. And as much as my friend Nas who’s a photographer would love to help me out, we live 30-45 mins away from each other—and in order for me to do anything during the week, I have to schedule all my work from the night before, and if you haven’t already seen from this post, mama gets tired. And you know what else—sometimes I just don’t have it in me to take pictures of myself. I am a woman and a Virgo and if I have to look at a series of photos where I don’t look good, it totally takes a hit to the ego where I don’t even want to take any more pics.
So while up working on a post last night I got this message in my inbox…
First, I’m honored—to the point where it can make me ugly cry that I have readers like you who have followed me for years. And obviously you didn’t know all the plans I’ve had (though I have alluded to how much of a process it is to get a blog post up numerous times) to better the way I do content here and while I do appreciate the willingness you seem to have to help, the email did sting (after all it is a criticism of my work and I am human). But hopefully after this long drawn out post, you’ll understand my process and that I’m constantly working on ways to be better.
But at the same time, this is my space and while I may not have taking photos all the way down (can you believe I used to take pics with my Blackberry camera back in the day??? I’ve come up since then! lol) I do know a (excuse my French) shit ton about beauty and fashion and a lot of that comes out in my words and in the way I describe products and steps in my posts. After getting my Marketing degree I worked in finance full time and went to the Fashion Institute here in NYC to learn color theory and image consulting—all the things that I’ve used to help women to look and feel better about themselves since starting this blog in 2007. I’m also someone who LOVES to interact with people—if someone doesn’t get something I’ve posted at first, I’m there to respond to comments, emails, Tweets, Facebook messages, IG comments, I’m all up and through and if I miss any it’s a mere oversight.
I also don’t wear any lip pencil or add gloss or another lipstick when I do lip swatches as you stated in your email. It’s always that color straight up out of its container if I’m doing a review (aside from the recent Viva Glam Rihanna post where I showed each lip product on its own and then a pic with the gloss on top of the lipstick). If I’m just doing my own makeup look, I might wear a lip pencil or even mix colors because that’s just how I wear my makeup. Not sure why you thought I was wearing lip pencil in swatches.
And I’m sorry but if you can’t hang with me and my inconsistent swatches until I figure things out—then I’m just not the blog for you. Which is fine—not everyone has to like me but that’s what’s great about the online beauty world—there’s so many of us out there.
Oh—and one more thing. I’m not plus-size. I also don’t know what being plus size would have to do with running a successful beauty blog, but I’m not plus-size. I can’t even fit plus size clothes. I may have gained some weight since I’ve been freelancing since late 2010 (another side effect of working for yourself) that I’m trying to take off, but I’m not plus-size and have never called myself that. There’s nothing wrong at all with being plus-size–not saying that at all—I appreciate that we all come in different shapes and sizes and love the beauty in that, but I’m just not plus-size. Yes, if I were a high fashion model, I’d be considered plus-size at a size 12, but I’m not a high fashion model—I’m Danielle from Queens. I’m not skinny, I’m not plus-size—never been, I’m just me.
Snap, snap and an applause! :)
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LOL
I appreciate all your hard work on the blog. You do an awesome job of explain how things work and sharing your tips. I’ve been labeled plus size too…. my blog is not about plus sizes. Not hating but what does that have to do with anything?
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Thanks, Trina!!!
Danielle,
It is unfortunate that people take any opportunity they can to tear someone down in the name of ” constructive criticism.” I appreciate what you do for us chocolate girls, we are often ignored when it comes to beauty and make-up. I utilize your blog religiously as a baseline for making my make-up purchases. Notice I use the term “baseline” because I know that no matter what lighting or camera you use, we are two different people and I need to make adjustments for that when I make my purchases. I spent many years at department stores buying whatever makeup was on the shelves that looked like it was for dark skin and returning it because I looked like a clown. I appreciate that you still showcase drugstore and high end make up. I appreciate you trying on 50 lipsticks so that I only I don’t have to. I thank you for your time, your effort, and representing us chocolate girls!!
Author
Hey Tiffany!
Appreciate your comment so much!
I don’t think she was trying to tear me down—I do see where she was coming from (though things like the size comment was misguided/unnecessary) but I really wanted to illustrate that I do think of you guys when I blog and how difficult it can be sometimes to get the kind of content you want out there.
I really appreciate that you use this blog often—like I don’t even know words with the proper magnitude to articulate it—-it makes me feel really great to be considered a source for beauty advice.
And yes—baseline is a great word. Of course I’d like to provide all the info in one spot, but it’s impossible for me to be all things for all people. Which is why the beauty community online is so great—I don’t just read one beauty blog—there’s so many I go to.
Thanks so much for reading and for this lovely comment, Tiffany! Hope I can continue to help ;)
I second Tiffany……I can’t even manage to take a selfie with 2 different lipsticks just to show my baby sis without whining like a hyena. You do a mad awesome job, I appreciate you really :-) Have a slamming weekend and stay hot.
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Hehe! Taking your own pics or having someone take them can be a struggle! lol. That’s why models get paid the big bucks to turn out a fierce photo—they make it look easy but there’s so much technique behind it.
Thanks!
Clearly people think that you do stuff at their beck and call……smh at folks who don’t pay you but still making demands…..
What she said!
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LOL—thanks!
Coming out of lurkdom to say I think you do a great job! I love your explanations and details that you put in all of your posts!
And where on earth did she get plus sized from?
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Thanks for coming out of lurkdom, Lashawn!! I appreciate that and your comment :)
Danielle,
I’ve always thought you to be an amazing and admirable blogger and I still do. The one thing about blogging is that people are going to judge you no matter what you do. The only person you are supposed to please is yourself. If you’re happy with the content of your blog including your photos then we as loyal readers should be happy because you are doing one hell of a job. I’m usually out of breath just keeping up with you on social media lol. Keep doing amazing work Love ya!
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Hey Melody!!
Thanks so much—hearing that from another blogger is really fulfilling—appreciate it! I totally agree—gotta definitely make sure I’m happy—but then that people pleaser in me always pops out. Good to have a balance.
LOL @ out of breath! I always say the multiple content comes from me talking too much in real life…lol.
I’d also add that if you weren’t doing this right you’d still be working in a job you do’nt like…so not only does your blog make you happy but as much work as it is, it allows you to live your dream. A lot of people don’t get that far when they veer from the traditional and safe paths…
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Yes!!! I’m super grateful for that! I have to work harder now than I did in corporate jobs but I wouldn’t trade it for anything :)
Was that a read? Haha! Please let folx know what time it is, Danielle. Running a blog is not easy and people always underestimate the effort it takes. All the long days and nights show – the content is exclusive, fresh, engaging and well thought out and the pictures are beautiful. I loved this site even before we became friends.
People will always complain when they’re on the outside looking in — so please keep doing what you’re doing and pay insensitive feedback no mind. Your legions of fans and support from brands and just your success in general speaks for itself. Keep letting your light shine!
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Thanks, Jess!!! I mean, I get what she’s saying, but definitely felt a post like this was needed to really show how much work we put into our blogs.
I stumbled across your blog about a year ago, and fell in LOVE. I applaud all the hard work you put into it. I‘ve never noticed an inconsistency in your posts, AND I actually love the variety of your posts….its shows that you’re not staging everything to get the best of the product. Now if only I lived in NYC to help you out with all that you do when producing a post for us! Keep doing you, Danielle!
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Awww! Thanks so much for this! I wish you were here, too—but then I’m sure I’d annoy you with my Virgo ways…lol
Yeah, you have some of the most consistent posting of any blogger I follow. I mean, not knowing a lot, a lot of people who have as many committments as you just post less to balance it out. But I know that if I lvisit here everyday, I’ll see something new, and that is rare.
I also appreciate how when I FIRST started visiting your blog and emailed you a question, you answered me ridiculously quickly with a LOT of info that I was able to take and run with. I don’t know anyone else who does that either.
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Aww! Love ya, girl! Thanks!
I get excited to post (plus I like to talk a lot) plus I personally love blogs that have lots of new content so I mirror that.
And I’m super lucky to have such great readers like you :)
No shade, drapes or curtain, Just Truth!
*Flips hair and walks away*
Kéla
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haha! heyyy, Kéla!
Loved this post, read it from top to bottom.
I too was struck by the ‘plus-size blogger’ comment. It sounds like the reader was trying to give you props…. but I’m not sure what her mentioning that had to do with the feedback she was giving you thru the blog.
I wonder what the criteria is for ‘plus size’ these days – because you certainly are not that!
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Hey Yakini!!
Thanks!
Yeah—it was so weird that she added that in. I’m not sure how size would correlate to running a beauty blog. And I’m also not sure what the criteria is either—I have friends who wear size 6, 8, and 10 who also get called plus size. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with being plus size at all because I think all shapes and sizes are beautiful, but it is very confusing.
Girl, I applaud you for even taking the time out to write this post. You definitely don’t need to explain yourself to any of us.
Blogging is hard work. It always has been and I realize that now more than ever that I am blogging alone and no longer part of a duo. That you’ve managed to do it for so long is a feat on it’s own and not only do you post consistently and look great doing it, you are always a friendly face in the crowd for those of us who see you out and about here in NYC.
I bought my first blush ever (Nars Exhibit A way back in ’09/10) after reading one of your posts. The space you’ve created here is necessary and very appreciated. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
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Hey Melissa!
Thank you so much! Reading a comment like this from another blogger is just so great—love the community we’ve built!
Glad I was able to inspire you to buy that blush because I know it looks great on you :)
Danielle I’ve been reading your blog for ages and if I’ve never said it before, I definitely appreciate it! I used to have a blog myself (nowhere near the scale of yours) so I understand the volume of work that goes into it. I also get the self-consciousness of putting your face out there for public scrutiny after a brief foray into video blogging during which I endured all kinds of ignorant comments every time I made a video sans-makeup.
Anyway, I think that although I believe bloggers do have a responsibility to their readers, sometimes readers fail to appreciate how much effing work goes into putting out content every day and feel entitled to more than they really are. Hence emails like this, which to me is absolutely insane. If it were me I would have been like “hey – you can always swatch things your damn self if you don’t like the way I do it”, but that’s ignorant and probably why I don’t have a blog anymore :)
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Hey Max!!!
LOL
Thanks so much for reading—I’ve always looked forward to seeing your comments :)
People have some nerve! Danielle I enjoy your blog posts ever since I started reading back in 2009! You are more than consistent with daily content! I applaud your work because I know how hard it is to maintain a blog. Keep doing what you do!
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Thanks so much, Nicole!!! LOVE you for this :)
I am laughing at the specific directions this reader gave you about how to do things on YOUR website. It does not work that way! And you can take the most perfect, HD photos of makeup on your skin, and it still doesn’t mean it will look the same on you and the reader. Hello, trial and error, like the rest of us!
As a TS&BD early adopter/OG (I will forever pride myself on that), I will say that you have come a long way and you are doing a fantastic job at running this site! My first MAC and NARS purchases were because of you! I am happy and so proud of you for ditching Finance to persue fashion/beauty/styling full-time—many of us will never have the courage to do that and spend a lifetime wondering, “what if”? Do you, boo. It’s impossible to please everyone, and you shouldn’t try to. Keep up the amazing work!
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Hey Jen!!!
We go WAAAAY back and I appreciate it! Loved knowing you all this time and appreciate you following along!
Thanks so much for your comment!!!
Wow no idea what being “plus sized” has to do with swatches either. Great response! I like that you said “I’m not the blog for you.” Your blog may be professional/beauty oriented but it’s still yours. You didn’t set it up to just post swatches. Someone shouldn’t rely on ONE pic for a swatch. When purchasing nail polish, I check several sites lol you can’t be responsible for all that.
And yes, blogging takes SO MUCH effort. And you do an amazing job keeping up with everything on yours. Keep up the great work!
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I seriously don’t understand how plus-size came into this either!
But yes, I’m a huge people pleaser and love all you ladies who come to this site, but there’s only so much I can provide. You’re right—I also look at more than one site, too when deciding on a product purchase. But I do the swatches because I know they’re helpful for so many people—they’re not easy to do—you should see all the out of focus outtakes in my camera…lol.
Danielle,
I would like to take the opportunity to tell you how much of an inspiration you are. I’ve been a loyal reader since your Blackberry days lol. I’ve seen how much your blog grew and the amount of thought, insight and handwork you put into TSABD, and I appreciate it 1000%. Everyday I come to your blog because you have a kind spirit and you genuinely care about your readers. People do not understand the amount of time and effort that goes into creating and maintaing a blog, specifically a beauty blog. I tip my hat off to you. You the best that you can, you interact with your readers and you never changed your blog to gain acceptance for others. You are fierce and continue to keep on having an amazing blog. I wish you all the best in everything because you truly deserve it.
Author
Thanks SO much for this!!! Really love this comment and thanks so much for following along! See, you remember from the Blackberry days!!! HAHA—that’s love and I really appreciate it. It’s a constant struggle between the type of content I’d love to produce and what I can actually produce…lol.
I think the feedback was well intended and constructively presented. This blog is awesome and I would continue to follow if you never changed a thing. You know that you’re doing everything and a half and you’re even taking steps to address her concerns. As for plus-sized, she has her take and you have yours and since you’re the style blogger and living in your body I’m guessing you’re the one who’s right.
Again, I am a relatively new follower but I love what you do and appreciate the inspiration. I hope that you can look for what you can use in that email (her for love your site, her critique of swatches whether you agree or not, and even the fact that somebody thinks you’re plus-sized) and keep delivering amazing. Someone wanting even more from you does not instantly equal a hater or a lack of appreciation.
Author
Hey Leah!
Thanks for being a new follower!
Yeah—totally—like I mentioned in this post, I do understand where she was coming from and even had the steps in place to do more for this blog. What I wanted to illustrate here mostly is the all the work that goes into blogging—because I’m sure she’s not the only one who feels that way.
Not sure what you mean in taking what I can use in someone calling me plus-sized even though I’m not and even though size has nothing to do with anything here. It just seemed so misplaced in her email because what does size have to do with running a beauty blog?
I agree that the size comment is misplaced and has zero to do with style, beauty, or all things fabulous. My bigger point was that she is not the authority/arbiter and that no matter what you do people will just get it wrong sometimes.
I should also mention that you’re beautiful “on brand” or not. I’m sure your editing only enhances that but you start out gorgeous and the rest is sprinkles. Thanks for your honesty and hard work. And I’m geeked that you responded. On my wish list this year is buying something from one of your widgets.
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Ahhh got it!!! Thanks for explaining, Lena!
When I say that I edit pics in Photoshop—I meant product photos and swatches—only editing I do to pictures of me is to resize/crop and once I did take out a dark spot I had on my chin once…lol. Shoot–because if I knew how to really go in on Photoshop…let me stop…lol.
Thank you—I really appreciate your comments and I’m geeked that you’ve left me comments! I actually get really excited and happy when I get new comments :)
Danielle, I absolutely love your blog. You have given a great insight into the life of a blogger and honest account of the hard work you put to maintain your blog. What does your size have to do with you doing an impressive job? Although her perception of your size is inaccurate.
Keep doing what you are doing.
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Thanks so much, Lorie!!!! :)
Danielle, I think in my first comment here I mentioned how much I appreciate your blog but let me just reiterate it. There are not that many beauty blogs out there whose idea of inclusive extends to those of us on the darker end of the skin colour spectrum, so I am very grateful to you for all the effort you put into making sure that your blog is truly for all women (and men who love makeup :)). And on top of that, you’re always extremely helpful and responsive which is another reason I keep reading your blog. I got exhausted and stressed out just reading about all the blog stuff you have to do so I give major props to you, girl…I most certainly could not do it!
As for anonymous, perhaps if she would like more “consistent” swatches in natural lighting taken with a camera, she should get off her high horse, get to swatching and photographing and start her own damn blog.
P.S. Danielle: I am mad at you for getting me addicted to NARS blushes and for feeding my blush addiction, though. It would be better for me and my bank account if you limit your reviews to non-blush items so I don’t have to be tempted, kthxbye. :-)
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Bwahaha!! Thanks, Yemi!!! Really appreciate you! But as much as I would like to accomodate, nope—not quitting on the blush. I am addicted to it and you will be, too…lol.
Seriously though, love you for reading!!!
Just wanted to say I love blog. We are pretty much the same skin & undertone so if it looks good on you, I can take a chance sometimes and make a blind purchase online. :-)
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Thanks so much, Michelle aka skin twin lol :)
Girl, I haven’t even read past the part where she called you a “plus-sized blogger.” That got the big record scratch from me. It’s like when people call FLOTUS fat.
It’s inaccurate. I’m plus-sized. You are a on the small side of thick. (Also LEGGGGSSSSS!) I’m trying to figure out who would call you plus-sized? Maybe she thinks it means tall? Or maybe I’m projecting b/c if you are plus-sized I need to just buy myself a sponge on a stick and a scooter…
I just can’t. I’m not sure I can finish the email but I just had to put that out there.
I think you were the first dark-skinned, black beauty blogger that I ever found. I think I literally googled some makeup product or color and dark-skin. I’ve always been a girly girl when it comes to clothes but I got into the makeup game (beyond just lipstick) REALLY late.
It’s been about 3 1/2 years and now my bedroom looks like a mini-Sephora thanks to you. You made me go back to the fabulous En Vogue days of the 90’s from having 1 red lipstick that I only wore in the bathroom before wiping it off as too bright to now having every color under the sun. I have good access to product but there are NOT a lot of black people out here so I trust your reviews way more than going to a local makeup counter.
Also, blush. I hadn’t had blush on my cheeks since my mom had occasionally dabbed some on me in high school for special occasions. Now it is one of my favorite products.
I’ve always been curious about how people make this work…esp. the photos b/c I will tell you that I’m pretty photogenic but wind up looking like the illegitimate child of Chewbacca if I try to point a camera at myself. It’s pretty awful.
I think a lot of people think it’s a cakewalk to do, but like you said, when you do get insider info you do find out that a lot of people get a lot of help.
But I hope this one email doesn’t make you feel unappreciated b/c I think for a myriad of reasons, I do think it’s a LOT harder for dark-skin women to find themselves represented in the beauty world.
I think the next time you get an email like that, you should just let the sender know that it’s hard out there for a pimp…
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Thanks, Andrea!!!
I found it really weird that size would even come up in this at all. I’ve never heard of size being correlated to makeup in the context that she brought it up. And it’s funny because I never heard so much categorizing according to size since blogging started to become more mainstream. I’ve had other people categorize me into plus size and it just leaves me scratching my head because 1. why are other people telling me what to call my body and 2. I’ve never been plus size. Even some of my blogger friends who wear sizes 6 & 8 have people trying to call them plus size, too. And not that I’m saying anything is wrong with being plus size—I celebrate all shapes and sizes, but it’s just not accurate for me especially since I don’t call myself plus-size anywhere/anytime.
But yes, the photo taking struggle is real! Like today I wanted to take pics of some Burt’s Bees products but it was SUPER cloudy and snowing so my lighting would have been off. I’m hoping for tomorrow but that means I have to get up early to catch the window when the sunlight is the best where I take my pics.
And I didn’t even start out taking product pics or swatches on the blog—I do that because I know so many people don’t have easy access to products and also because there are women who want to wear makeup, but may not know which colors would look good on them, etc. Plus I enjoy helping people and talking about makeup, skincare, fashion, etc. so it’s like win-win for me…lol.
And thanks so much for the comments! I always look forward to hearing from you :)
Totally love your blog. Point. Blank. Period! :) lol
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Thank you so much, Ahlia!!! Appreciate that and you :)
You’re great. One of the hardest working beauty bloggers in the biz. DASSIT!
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Hehe! Thanks, Candice!
Hi Danielle,
I love your blog and have been reading it for a few years. Pursuing your passions is also helping those of us who rely on your blog for product information swatches and beauty and fashion information.
Success is very offensive to an empty and bitter person, keep your head up and stay strong
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Thanks so much, Tanisha!!!
I call bs on her attempt at constructive criticism.
I don’t even think you needed to break down how much work you put into the blog, it’s obvious. Your REAL long time readers have nothing but admiration and appreciation for your hard work. I LOVE your swatches, I love having a guide for what may or may not work on me. Ultimately, if I want something I go swatch it and figure out how it’ll look on me. If it doesn’t work that’s what the return policy is for.
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Thanks, girl! Really appreciate you for reading and commenting all these years :)
I mean, I’m always trying to see what I can do to have better content but it’s a struggle sometimes…lol. Glad you’ve been appreciative of the work :)
Girl…..as a fellow Virgo AND almost your bday twin (8/30/81 lol) I SOOOO feel you on taking pic after pic and wanting to look as close to perfect as possible. It’s a woman thing but we female Virgos are on a completely different level & we take “perfection” very seriously.
I SOOOO appreciate what you do on your blog because it is awesome. Inho your blog really is one of the only ones that does in fact cater to women of ALL colors and that is impressive and much appreciated. And you really do take the time to respond to emails…when you responded to my little query back in August I was truly touched and honored that you’d take the time to send me several emails.
So you keep doing you girl, because you’re killing it!
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Heyyy 4-day bday kindred spirit!!! lol
Girl, why must Virgos be so extra? lol. I mean it’s a good thing but it can also drive us nuts.
Thank you so much for reading!!! Appreciate you :)
Danielle you know I’ve been down with you for a good LONG while. Let me tell it, you are MY personal beauty guru. I appreciate the fact that you even do swatches, you don’t have to, but you do because you seriously do fill the void of QUALITY and consistent blogs that have makeup for a RANGE of skin colors and types! You not only know makeup, but you give sound advice on skin care, clothes/fashion and health tips.
I have come to embrace my skin wholeheartedly because of the work you’ve done to show me and other NW50ers out there that we can do brights, blushes, various eyeshadows, etc and not look like clowns. I love that you do high and low end. Anybody can swatch high end cosmetics and figure out for themselves if it works, but you’re real and understand that some of us appreciate the drugstore brands too and you provide great info about those brands as well!
The fact that you do know your readers and respond super quick to things we e-mail you, post on IG/Twitter/Facebook further cements why you’re my homegirl in my head! I post on other blogs regularly but I KNOW I’ll always get a comment back from you. I don’t get that at all with any other blog I follow.
I know I’m a 10 (sometimes 12) and I ain’t no plus-sized…but why does that even matter with the price of tea in China if you’re talking about makeup swatches?! #ByeFelicia
Keep doing what you do! I can’t wait until the day I can finally meet you in person and real life. Love your work and will forever be a fan of TSABD!
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Aww Bukky!
I seriously cannot wait until we can finally meet in person! You’re such a sweetheart! Thanks so much for this comment—I’m so happy to have been able to help! Ahh—this is so sweet! *hugs you through screen* lol
Danielle, you are fantastic. I appreciate and applaud your efforts and you are a necessary beauty forum for us darker Queens. I understand the Virgo need to elaborate, but it was totally unnecessary. The work and dedication you put into your blog is self evident. For example, I’m amazed by the 50 lipstick shades series you’re doing. The detail, photo quality, product selection, etc. is amazing. That random ‘fan” doesn’t deserve a response, let alone an explanation. To paraphrase a quote I read eons ago, “Don’t explain. Your critics won’t believe you, and your loved ones don’t need it”. Continue your calling. We need you.
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Hey Erica!!!
Thanks so much for noticing, Erica! I mean, I do get what she was saying and because sometimes readers do request I do certain things in posts, I thought it was good to layout exactly what goes into creating a blog post, ya know? And even with all of that, I still feel like there’s so much more that I can do.
Appreciate you so much!
Hey Trini girl! Hope you’re still gearing up and excited for Carnival and vacation in Barbados soon! I actually stumbled across your blog last year desperate to find swatches of products on dark skin. I’m between NW43-45 in MAC so what a heaven-send to find your blog randomly from a swatch that I saw in a google image search! I really appreciate what you do. Especially as a person not living in the US, a lot of my online beauty purchases are at risk and blogs like yours help me see what a product may or may not look like on me. I do photography on the side and totally understand your plight! Just one tip, if there’s anything you should try to learn about, it’s the custom white balance option. It can help your pic look true to colour in even the crappiest light! All in all, I really appreciate what you do! From one Caribbean sister to another… thanks Doc! lol
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Hey Shars!!!
So glad you found me! Also happy I’ve been able to help as well :)
I’m starting to pack my suitcase—still need to buy a few more things, but hopefully I’ll be ready early this week…lol.
OK—so as soon as I read your comment, I looked on my camera and found white balance—so do I keep it on auto white balance or is there another setting I should use? Gonna try it out tomorrow (hopefully if it’s sunny out…lol). THANK YOU!!!
You’re welcome!! If you keep it on white balance, the camera will try to think it knows what’s best, but that isn’t always the case. If you’re inside and you have one of those lights with the white(-ish) fluorescent bulbs, you should use the white fluorescent light white balance setting. That will cut down the blue hues that fluorescent lights give off that affect the true colour payout on the lens. Same with the yellowy bulbs – use the incandescent white balance setting. That will cut out some of the overly yellow, orange and red casts that come through. If it’s daytime and you’re indoors, try going between the shade setting and the cloudy setting to see which one gives you more true to colour shots! Hope this helps somewhat! :)
First I would like to say, I love your blog and have been following you for the two years, I have witness the transformation from the old blog format into the new blog format (which is amazing). I will also add I love your Outfit post ideas, they are always on trend and budget friendly. I do understand how that email could have been a blow to the ego, in which some of the wording was a bit harsh, and let’s face regardless of your zodiac sign, we all as people are sensitive about our “work.” I do believe, however that this reader was providing constructive criticism (in regard to photo quality) in which you stated that photography is an area in which you are learning and honing your craft. I do believe that having professional quality photo’s is what defines a DOPE blogger, a blog is similar to magazine, an editor is not going to throw selfies via Iphone 5S on page 6 (not insinuating that you would do so). The point is that perhaps this reader, believes in you and wants to see your blog elevate to much greater levels, and key to achieving such is to have excellent content and images. As a reader I understand how difficult it may be to run a blog full time, but you made the choice, keep learning, keep striving and make it your best work! No shade, just re-framing in a different perspective.
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Hey!
Thanks so much for being a long time reader!
I have said multiple times that I understand where she’s coming from, but unlike a magazine I don’t have a staff to assist nor a team of professionals to help with the content NOR do I have the budget a magazine does—I don’t even have the budget and help that mega beauty blogs have. It’s just me and I explained the difficulties in this post so readers would understand just how much work goes into it so when something that seems like a simple request to me from a reader (which I get often i.e. “can you show the lipstick swatches on your face,” etc) doesn’t look like I’m ignoring. I love what I do—it’s not a complaint and of course it’s the choice I made (not sure how it came off anywhere in this that I was complaining about that) and as I’ve said in the post—I’m not a “swatch blogger” I only started doing swatches to help you guys make decisions on your purchases—and it’s funny because swatches are like 20% of the content on this blog but take up like 75% of my time. There’s tons of beauty bloggers who don’t do swatches or post makeup pics and do well—and that’s the thing about blogging—it’s still pretty much a new medium with very few to no “standard” rules. While content and great images are a part of what makes a blog “successful,” it’s not the only variables that go into blogging.
Girl, bye! That’s my response to the young lady who emailed you. I think you are doing a phenomenal job,I appreciate all the swatches because it gives me a idea of what it would look like on me. Keep doing your thing D!!
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LOL—thanks, Farrah!!!
Yes yes and yes! I REALLY appreciate your honesty and candor. People really don’t get how much effort goes into running a blog – and I can only imagine it being so much worse for a beauty blogger. It also warmed my heart and gave me utmost hope that you run this all by yourself! Anyway, you addressed this email perfectly. When you figure out how to take pics with your fancy camera, write a post about it! I’m still struggling on that front.
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Yes, it’s crazy but I do run this by myself. But it’s doable. Because beauty is so visual it’s important to be able to show products and really describe how they perform–it may look easy from the outside, but it definitely takes a lot of work. Ditto for fashion bloggers who post personal style pics. I used to do it (and will continue once it gets warmer out…lol) but it take A LOT into taking pics and putting yourself out there. Shoot, ditto for any genre of blogging—there’s a lot of work that goes into it all.
Thanks! I’ll try to keep you posted—some of the ways I get things done are really janky though :x lol
Chile is she serious?! I stopped reading at plus size. LOL. It amazes me how people can tell you “HOW to DO it, but They NEVER DID it” (in Jay-Z’s voice) I have been a loyal reader for years, even when you wrote for FBD, I was there. I appreciate the time and effort you take to make this blog happen by yourself, because I know it isn’t easy. Keep up the great work!
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Heyyy, Cierra!!!
LOL! Always loved reading your comments :)
Thanks so much for reading for so long—really appreciate that more than I can find words ;) lol
Danielle,
From the time I discovered your blog, I loved how honest and open you’ve been with your readers. I can come to your blog and find great content and a great review of a product. Thank you, I love your blog and all you “inconsistent swatches” I have always said, you made me start wearing bright lipsticks and blushes. Keep up the great work.
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Thanks so much, Nesh!!! Appreciate you!
as usual i always enjoy reading your blog and i look forward to everything you post! you’ve helped me expand the way i look at beauty and what that means to me and for that i’m appreciative. continue doing you because after all that is what draws us all in! :)
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Aww thanks so much, Joanne!!! Have always appreciated you here :)
Great job always! keep doing what you are doing.You are needed!!!!
Honestly, I don’t think the person who wrote you meant any harm. I don’t know what the plus-sized comment was about, though. I’m not sure how it was relevant to the topic at hand. I can understand why you took offense, though. When you are so close to a process, it’s infuriating when people comment and ask questions as if what they’re asking is easy to do. This whole post explaining your process was insightful, and I hope the person who wrote you reads it and understands why you took offense. I don’t think you needed to put her message out to the public in all it’s glory because it doesn’t read as if she’s trying to shade you-I would have just referred to the parts in question. Did you respond to her privately? I’m curious as to what you said if you did.
I love the 50 Shades of Lipstick series, by the way. I’ve got things on my To Buy list because of it. Thanks!