Blogger Q+A: Blogging In Autumn

Today's post is a very exciting one! It's my second Blogger Q&A post (you can check out the first if you want which was all about working with PRs) and I'm so glad that quite a lot of blogers want to be involved, it brings back lovely memories of the early days of blogging for me when there was such an incredible sense of community. The Q&A for the month of September is all about Blogging in Autumn with some lovely bloggers!

Question One: Are there any negatives about blogging in Autumn?

Jennifer: I adore autumn but for me, things tend to ramp up in pace so I find it difficult to keep on top of blogging alongside my personal life, especially keeping up with social media - long gone seem the days of just writing and taking photos! 

Ellis: The biggest negative about blogging in Autumn is the change in natural lighting. It gets increasingly darker each day and the lighting can change very quickly. My biggest bugbear when it comes to Autumnal lighting is the warm amber glow that often appears at about 3-4pm. This is beautiful to look at when you’re not trying to take blog photographs but it seriously impacts my aims to achieve light and bright blog photographs.

Fiona: Instantly I thought about the lack of good natural light when it comes to Autumn. This definitely makes taking images much more tricky and you can't shoot after a certain time in the afternoon!

Lauren: I think the biggest negative for me (and a lot of bloggers) is the lack of natural light for taking photos. There's no lightness before or after work, and it's generally very grey even when I am off. 

Kara: For me, no! I used to have real trouble with photography as the hours of natural day light are so much shorter, but I invested in a professional lighting box last year so I can shoot any time of day or night now! I actually find that I feel so much more productive in Autumn/Winter, so my blogging game always steps up around this time of year. 

Question Two: Do you change your blog design/photo props/photo style during the colder months? 

Jennifer: I use a lot of flowers in my phoography and they’re more of a seasonal item so I think my photos tend to look a bit more autumnal. I don’t theme my blog design around the seaosn but I’ve been thinking about tweaking my blog design lately. 

Ellis: I often switch up photo props in the colder months. This can be as simple as adding some new trinkets, leaves or decorative pumpkins to shots or using a different rug or area of floor to take my photo on. It’s also the perfect time to add in anything copper or rose gold related.

Fiona: When writing about Autumn or anything related that’s cosy seeming I do try to have a autumnal theme to my photos but generally I like them to stay bright and white!

Lauren: I haven't previously but this year I've really been trying to improve my photography so I do want to try and add more texture and greys to try and give my photos a cozier feel. As for my design, it stays the same.

Kara: Usually yes! I love adding in seasonal props and last year was all about the munchkin pumpkins (so cute)! I have recently started to try to stick to a colour palette in both my blog posts and instagram, which is blushed pink and gold. I think this year I’m going to try to stick to that, but incorporate Autumn appropriate props where ever I possibly can. I get totally obsessed with Pinterest at this time of year too, there’s always so much inspiration for visuals on there. 

Question Three: What do you love (or hate) most about Autumn?

Jennifer: I’ve a natural affinity for autumn as my birthday is in October but one of my favourite things about it is the light - I’ve an insatiable appetite for the warm glow the season brings. 

Ellis: I’m a big fan of wrapping up in the brisk cold air and Autumn has to be my favourite season when it comes to fashion and adding quite a few new pieces to my wardrobe. When it comes to what I hate, I really despise waking up when it’s still dark outside. It’s even worse when you head out of the house in the morning and it’s still dark.

Fiona: I seriously love most things about Autumn – I can't get enough of it! However when it gets to November I can't say I love the cold weather. I have a condition that affects the circulation in my hands and feet, which basically means I'm allergic to the cold!

Lauren: I just love how cozy everything is. The layers, the candles, the scents, everything about it make me feel cozy. I also love the crisp mornings... Perfect for a walk!

Kara: Let me start off by saying Autumn is without a doubt my favourite time of year, so I don’t hate a single thing about it. As soon as I notice the leaves begin to turn I feel instantly happier! Where to begin with what I love…cosy jumpers and socks, dark crisp evenings, the beautiful reds, yellows and oranges that suddenly appear in nature’s colour palette, candles (especially my Diptyque ones), berry lipsticks, dark nail colours, good books, halloween and bonfire night, wooly hats, wellie boots, Pumpkin Spice Latte’s…I literally could go on forever! 

Question Four: Are there any upcoming beauty, book or holiday releases you’re looking forward to or any Autumn posts you’re excited to publish?

Jennifer: I’ve recently posted my 7 favourite lipsticks for transitioning into fall which was pretty exciting - and the first time this years I’ve got to play with burgundy props - one of my favourite colours. I can’t wait for the big holiday makeup collections to come out too, and I think I'm finally going to talk about my skincare routines, as I’ve had so many requests. 

Ellis: I always get really excited for the holiday beauty releases. It’s a great time to grab a bargain as many of the sets and kits include some big beauty products for a lot less than purchasing them individually. It’s also fantastic to try out new products thanks to little gift sets too. I’m particularly looking forward to Too Faced’s Christmas In New York collection launching and hope to pick up some beauty Advent calendars too this year.

Fiona: I love seeing previews of Christmas gift sets and I actually can't wait for the new Zoella Lifestyle range to launch (I need that marble thermal cup!). Also this years Boots Christmas catalogue is out 3^rd October, so we don't have long to wait for that.

Lauren: I can't say there are any releases I am particularly looking forward to but I am looking forward to posting about my favourite Autumn makeup! I might also try to start some OOTD's this Autumn! 

Kara: In terms of releases, I get more excited about the Christmas launches. I’ve already seen a sneak peek of the Dityque advent calendar and am crazy excited. There are so many amazing beauty advent calendars around now (how insane was the Charlotte Tilbury one last year?) which makes advent all the more fun! For posts, I have already kicked off my Autumnal posts with one dedicated to curling up with a good book! There’s plenty more in the pipeline but I don’t want to give too much away, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled! 

Jennifer: Blog - Twitter

Ellis: Blog - Twitter

Fiona: Blog - Twitter

Lauren: Blog - Twitter

Kara: Blog - Twitter

What do you think of the September edition of my Blogger Q&A series? What are your favourite things about Autumn? Feel free to answer the questions yourself in the comments below! 

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Blogger Q+A: Working With PRs

Today's post is a little different, it's my first blogger Q&A post! If you haven't seen my tweets, it's a series I'm starting once a month where a group of randomly selected bloggers, who respond to my blogger Q&A tweets will answer questions on a monthly topic. If you want to join in next months Q&A and share your opinions/blog link then look out for my tweets (@ofbeautyand) - I will have a few polls on Twitter each month to choose a topic. The topic we are discussing for August is, working with brands/PRs. 

Question One: What brands/PRs have you loved working with?

Kathryn: Ah there's so many to choose from... I'd have to say the ones that stand out to me were Carex, Jewellery Box and Seventeen. The PRs who contacted me from those three brands were solovely, it made working with them a whole lot easier!

Kenzie: I have been lucky enough to work with some amazing PR agencies and brands a few favorite brands have to be Urban Decay and Boohoo. PR agency wise Imagination PR are a agency I have been lucky enough to work with for about 2 years now on a regular basis and the girls there are so so lovely.

Olivia: I LOVED working with boohoo. They’re a brand I have loved from a far for a long time so to work with them was amazing! Kolcha Gov Barba also invited to London Fashion Week which felt like a dream, their collection was to die for! 

Sarah: I absolutely loved working with Amber from CRR, she relocated PR jobs to a different company and still keeps in touch with new opportunites. Also SEVENTEEN have been amazing to work with- such friendly people and amazing goodies.

Clara: I have worked with a select few, including Sass & Belle, Gemporia and Morse Toad. All of these opportunities I have sought out myself.

Tori: I loved working with Tigi - their PR company were so friendly and quick to answer any questions that I had about the products.

Lottie: There are a number of brands and PR agencies I love working with. So long as they're suggesting products that would be right for my audience and are polite and friendly, I'm happy! 

Lyndsey: I've always loved working with The Body Shop. They've supported my blog from day one and we have had a great relationship since. I also have found since I announced my pregnancy, many parenting PR companies have been in touch and they are SO lovely. They are genuinely excited about my news and about the prospect of working together, which has been a lovely touch. I think for me, the relationship between the blogger and the PR/Brand is everything. 

Sarirah: I've enjoyed working with Kiehl's and Nourish Skincare. They are supportive and engage via social media which is always appreciated. They aren't ones to disregard someone based on the numbers game. One that stands out to me the most is the time I worked with Prestige Flowers. Communication was great and they thanked me for the post I wrote which I wholly appreciated. It's always nice when the effort you put into something is recognised. 

Question Two: Do you think sponsored posts are honest/interesting? Do you like reading them?

Kathryn: This is a tricky question. For me, I don't mind reading sponsored posts - as long as they deliver a blogger's honest opinion then I'm not bothered if a post is sponsored or not. I think you can pretty much see through the posts that are deemed as dishonest though, the enthusiasm is just never there.

Kenzie: I think it depends on the blog you're reading, I would like to hope most bloggers work on the same ethos as me. If it's not relevant or sometime you would normally write about then don't do it as a sponsored post. I think if you do it looses integrity for your blog and the relationship with your readers. If you produce authentic content then sponsored or not it to me wouldn't matter if the content was sponsored.

Olivia: I think some can be honest but a lot of people may lie or make the product sound amazing for the sake of looking good to PR teams. I personally have emailed a PR team and told them I didn’t like a product because I just can’t lie on my blog!

Sarah: Depending on the post, they can be great or boring, just like any other post. All bloggers I’ve spoken to hold honesty as something sacred and always disclaim (but then I guess I wouldn't know if they hadn’t). I love reading them if they’re related to their content already and feel you can really tell when someone’s heart isn’t in a post, sponsored or not.

Clara: I love seeing how creative bloggers can be with sponsored and PR posts, especially when they turn an idea completely on its head to accord with their blog! However, I tend to avoid pre generated posts or regurgitated content, as I feel no personal connection to the writer, it is just an advertisement for me.

Tori: I think we've got to trust bloggers with sponsored posts. There's nothing wrong with bloggers being paid for the time put into posts and I don't have a problem with that as long as it is disclosed. The best sponsored posts are where it's much more than just a rehash of a press release - I can always tell if that's been done and think it's a little lazy.

Lottie: I do enjoy reading sponsored content, so long as it's relevant to the themes of the blog and that it isn't an obvious / simple advert. I prefer it when bloggers tell more of a story and mention products or brands in their own way - I love reading content with personality. 

Lyndsey: I think with honesty, this all depends on the blogger. I believe that 9 times out of 10 a blogger will only write something they truly feel, but I'm sure there are cases where the blogger has just done the post for the money! Usually, you can see straight through these posts, they are pretty obvious! If I like and respect the blogger, I will enjoy their posts whether they are sponsored or not as I've put my trust in them. 

Sarirah: I've never judged a post based on it being sponsored. Content always has the potential to be interesting based on the topic and the spin that the blogger chooses to put on it. Granted, not every sponsored post out there will be genuine (or a good read) but the ones I've read have been enjoyable. If you're being paid to write something, chances are that a lot of effort and research has gone into it.

Question Three: Have you had any negative experiences while working with brands/PRs?

Kathryn: The only negative experience I've had really is a PR hounding me after I'd already replied. They sent me an email that was worded quite rudely so I simply replied asking them not to contact me again. They've since apologised and all's good in the hood!

Kenzie: I think I have been pretty lucky with not having any really negative experiences when writing review posts. When I started out I would review everything I was sent but although not to moan or sound pretentious I can no longer review everything I am sent and since explaining that to companies when they offer to send me products for review, the expectations are that while I will try to review I can't guarantee unless agreed. I think this allows them to make the choice and know where I stand and where they stand meaning the possibility of negativity is lessened by being honest and upfront.

Olivia:   I haven’t at all! All PR teams have been amazing with me and to date I haven’t had one bad experience! *touch wood!* As for a negative review I would also let the brand know first and let them decide if they would like to post to be published.

Sarah: No negative experiences yet, but of course almost every product has bad parts that as a blogger you have to be honest about. I find that even when I do include negative aspects of a product in a sponsored post, the brands/companies are always really pleased with the feedback. It works for them to sell their product and improve on it!

Clara: I have learned to be wary when collaborating for a sponsored post, as there are companies that like to pull tricks to avoid having to pay ie. changing their mind once the post is written, inventing new agreements. Be aware of any red flags or anything that doesn't seem right in communication. Only agree to a collaboration when it makes sense to you and is relevant to your blog and be aware of everything that is going on. 

Tori: I haven't had any negative experiences or not liked a product I've been sent. I think I've probably been lucky there. I'd rather not post at all than post a totally negative review - I would let the brand know that it wasn't suitable for my skin type and therefore I wouldn't be posting a 100% positive review.

Lottie: I do receive products I don't particularly like, and I usually share my feedback with the brand directly, and don't tend to feature them on my blog or social channels. To be honest, I like to read about each product I'm sent before accepting any gifting, as I feel it's pointless receiving products I'm not interested in. In terms of negative collaborations, yes - I've had a handful! This includes not making payments after an agreed sponsored post, or general rude emails! Luckily these are few and far between! 

Lyndsey: I have had a couple of occasions where I feel I need to write a negative review and I will always be honest about this. I've always spoken to the PR first to discuss options as keeping a good relationship with them is key, however honesty and credibility is so important too - it's a tricky balance. 

Usually I try and strike a middle ground, for example if I didn't like a skincare product I'd highlight why it didn't suit me and the downsides, but put a positive spin on it saying it could suit someone else because of x, y and z. 

Question Four: Do you think there is more comptetion to work with brands/PRs? 

Kathryn: I think there will always be competition in blogging, especially when it comes to working with brands. My advice would be to go ahead and contact brands yourself, make yourself known to PRs. Otherwise chances are they may never come across you!

Kenzie: There is huge amounts of bloggers around now than when I started out. I don't think there is any more competition though, if you blog for the right reasons brands will want to work with you. The amount of brands wanting to work with bloggers has grown hugely meaning more opportunities for more people who may not have got them before when blogging was really niche.

Olivia: Definitely!! I sometimes think it can all be about numbers, although I have approached brands myself with the low follow count I have and they still would like to work with me! I think if you put time and effort into your blog brands will appreciate this!

Sarah: I think there’s definitely some competition going on but believe that if you really want to enjoy blogging as a hobby, you can’t let competition/‘winning' be the only reason you’re doing it. Every blogger is different and we’re such a diverse bunch when you get to the nitty gritty so obviously brands approach bloggers for unique reasons, and the strength of the blogging community totally outweighs any competitiveness.

Clara: I think it is difficult to be noticed as a blogger in today's world so never be disheartened if you are rarely approached by brands, you are never alone! You are entirely individual, your blog is a beautiful, rare thing and never let PR opportunities define the worth of your little corner. Instead, take matters in to your own hands! Contact brands that are relevant to your blog and pitch them some of your awesome ideas. Alternatively, there are often forums on various sites where brands are searching for bloggers. 

Tori: I think that blogging becoming bigger has lead to blogging being recognised as a powerful voice in the industry. However, it's harder to get noticed in amongst all the blogs out there. I do find that there are brands out there keen to work with smaller bloggers but obviously brands also want their product to be seen by as big an audience as possible...it's a tough one.

Lottie: I think there is definitely more competition to work with brands as the blogosphere is constantly growing. But, each blog and blogger is different - differing topics, audiences and writing styles. I don't feel in competition with other bloggers at all. To be honest, I love the variety of blogs out there and as a whole it's a very friendly and welcoming community that I'm proud to be a part of. It's great being able to help each other out when need be and I love seeing bloggers collaborate together - that's definitely something I'd like to do more of. 

Lyndsey: I guess there must be, but I try not to worry about that or compare myself. I just work on my own little blog and take on my own projects. I'm happy with the amount of collaborations I receive, so I must be doing something right 

Sarirah: In short, yes. But there are also a lot more brands (big and small) who are open to working with bloggers now. With engagement and quality content being recognised (and not just numbers) the competition is definitely tough but the playing field is open to all. 

Kathryn at Chapters of Kat: Twitter - Blog
Kenzie at Lemonade Lies: Twitter - Blog 
Olivia at Olivia Cheryl: Twitter - Blog 
Sarah at Scarlet State: Twitter - Blog
Clara at Ice Cream and Clara: Twitter - Blog
Sarirah at Pretty Not Inc: Twitter - Blog
Tori at 30 Plus and Beautiful: Twitter - Blog
Lottie at Lottie Pearce: Twitter - Blog
Lyndsey at Fizzy Peaches: Twitter - Blog

Make sure you check out of blogs and social media of the lovely bloggers who have taken part in my first blogger Q&A post! If you want to join in next months Q&A post *the topic will be blogging in Autumn I think* then tweet or email me! 

Feel free to answer the questions in the comments below! Do you think this Blogger Q&A series should continue? 

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Three Years Of Blogging: Q+A Part Two

I received more questions than I thought I would so I have had to split the questions into two posts. If you haven't seen the first post, click here. 

1.  If you could go back to day one of your blog, would you do anything differently? (question from Lay It Bare Lifestyle)

I would learn how to use my camera and how to edit photographs! Most of my photos from the early days of my blog were cringingly embarrassing and I wish I could go back and change that! Also I would not add my blog name to my photographs, it looks amateurish (to me) and no-one would have wanted to steal my photographs back then anyway!

2. How do you keep your blog posts fresh? (question from Ashleigh's World)

I like to think I keep my blog fresh and different as I love to talk about so many different topics from lifestyle, fashion/ootd and posts about all things beauty, even hair removal and being a vegetarian! Inspiration from other bloggers, magazines, products, seasons and social media helps to my blog ideas flowing. 

3. What are the brands you have loved working with the most? (question from Mon Petit Billet)

So far I have loved working with (individually and through PR's): Makeup Revolution, Newlook, Jurlique, Manuka Yoga, Clarins, Debenhams, Essence, Brodie and Stone and so many more! I am so lucky and grateful that I have been able to work with a lot of brands, some of which I have loved since I was a teen! You can check out the list of brands I've had the pleasure of working with, here.

4. Advice for new bloggers, how would you say you can get your blog seen by more people?  (question by This Is She Dates)

Here are my personal pointers to a good basic blog to start with and how to get more traffic as a blog beginner; although keep in mind that it can be a very slow process and I am definitely not an 'expert' in this topic:

- A simple but unique blog design and clear bright photography will always attract readers

- Comment on other peoples blogs (don't spam though) as it has personally brought so much more traffic/page views and followers to my blog

- Blog about what you are passionate about

- Make it easy for your readers to find your social media icons so they can follow if they want to

- Link your blog to all of your social media accounts and join in with twitter chats, follow bloggers and generally just interact 

5. What has kept you motivated these past years? What tips would you give a beginner blogger? (question from Neenys Little Blog)

My personal motivating factors are: wanting to grow my blog and I want to share my opinions of all things beauty! Reading other blogs keeps me motivated too! I've already noted some tips of blog beginners above but another point I would emphasise is not to give up!

6. What is your favourite blog post type to read? (question from Haileys Workshop)

I love reading reviews, bloggers are fantastic enablers! I have bought quite a lot of makeup and some accessories based on bloggers reviews and recommendations. I also love reading hauls, especially Primark hauls as it can be a great way of seeing what stock they sell currently. 

7. Did you have any initial misconceptions about blogging or the blogging community? (question from Life Of a Thinker) 

When I started my blog I didn't know about the blogging community or about blogging generally. Blogging wasn't nearly was big/popular as it is now, it was a small community so I did't really have any misconceptions. 

8. What's the best thing about blogging... please name just ONE (question from Suede and Symphony)

That's a difficult question as there are so many amazing things about blogging but I would have to say: the blogging community. The blogging community is SO supportive, whether I reached a new blogging milestone or if I'm having a bad day, the blogging community is always there to help, support and celebrate. Also twitter chats are a great way of talking to bloggers with the same interests - I always look forward to them, especially the #lbloggers chat!

9. Why did you start your blog? (question from Fizzy Peaches) 

I have received this questions about so many times on social media and on my giveaway post (here). I started my blog because I wrote on review websites. I loved writing about beauty products and testing products so starting my own blog was a natural progression for me - although I didn't think about what having my own blog would entail at the time. 

10. What piece of advice would you give to me as a fellow blogger either about my own blog or blogging in general (question from Beauty Queen UK)

My advice for bloggers would be: keep doing what you are doing, don’t get disheatened by negative comments, keep supporting one another and don’t be scared to contact other bloggers to chat/ask questions. Also my advice for everyone (as photography is a passion of mine) is to experiment with your camera, try different settings and locations as well as props/lighting. 

If you have any other questions for me about blogging (or anything else) leave them in the comments below and I will reply as soon as possible - make sure you click the box next to the comment section to receive an email when I reply to your comment!

*make sure you check out my blog giveaway (here) and my twitter exclusive giveaway (here)*

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Three Years Of Blogging: Q+A Part One

I asked on twitter, Instagram and Facebook for your questions all about blogging as I have been blogging for over three years now and I thought it would be a great post to share! The bloggers who asked questions have their own blogs linked below so definitely check them out. The second part of this blogging specific Q&A will be live within two weeks time; also I will have a couple of general Q&A posts soon too!

1. If you could only pick one social media channel to use to promote your blog which would it be/which drives the most traffic? (question from Sally Says Beauty)

I would definitely pick Twitter! I love the twitter chats, it's so quick and easy to get blog feedback and to promote new posts. Also I *rather controversially* love the #prrequest hashtag as PR's advertise blogger opportunities and I've been able to take part in some fantastic blogger opportunities from it.

2. What have you learnt since starting your blog? (question from Pint Sized Beauty)

I have learnt how to use my camera well, how much I LOVE writing and even how to apply makeup better as well as how to network. There are more things I've learnt but the list would be SO long!

3. What has been your favourite blogging experience or most exciting blogging moment in the 3 years that you've been blogging? (question from Ellis Tuesday)

I would have to say that being invited to the St Legers Ladies Day was the best experience/event and I was able to take my non-blogger friend Yasmin along too. It was a great experience for both of us, it made me feel like a 'professional' blogger and it was something I never thought I would be able to attend. 

4. How much time do you spend per day on different tasks such as photography, writing, answering emails ect and do you have a blog plan for the future? (questions from Sweetpea London)

Answering emails doesn't usually take too much time but photographing products can take a long time and I sometimes have to edit photographs for ages! Writing time depends on the post, some only take an hour or less but others can weeks and weeks if I am testing a product for a long time *such as the HPL system I reviewed a couple of months ago*

For the second part of the question, I would love to continue improving my blog (with regards to my content, design and photographs) and hopefully gain the confidence to attend more blogger events. Also I would love to have more giveaways for my readers.

5. What's your ultimate blog tip? (question from Hannerking)

That's a very difficult question to answer, I would say that be honest and write about your passions! 

6. How do you find inspiration for posts and whats your best tips for overcoming blogging block? (questions from Your Almost Alice)

I find inspiration from other blogs, pinterest, magazines and even the seasons and magazines. I honestly don't get blogger block as I'm always thinking of new post ideas but I would say that if you have blogger block, check out some of your favourite blogs for inspiration or have a little break from blogging - whichever works for you!

7. In your 3 years of blogging, what has been your favourite / most memorable blog post and why? Congrats on turning 3!! Your blog is fab! (question from Holly at Rock On Holly)

My most memorable posts are my milestone posts (1/2/3 years and follower milestones) as it shows the progress of my blog. Although special blog events, such as the St Legers Ladies Day Post, is also very memorable as I never thought I would be able to attend a ladies day! Oh and the TGI Fridays event post is memorable as it was the first blog event that I attended. 

8. Wow, congrats on 3 years! My question; What's your biggest blogging mistakes and what was the best blogging decisions you made - with regards gaining followrs/people enjoying your content etc? (questions from Yay Interiors)

I think my biggest blogging mistakes (apart from not adding the follow widget to my blog) is not learning to use my camera. My photos from 2012 to 2013 were SO bad! 

The best blogging decisions I've made:

- Getting a pre-made and then custom blog design!!

- Joining twitter 

- De-cluttered my blog and started to comment regularly on other blogs

9. What influenced you to begin blogging? (question from Melissa at Beauty And The Little Lady)

I didn't really have many influences, apart from knowing that a lot of youtubers started out as bloggers. I didn't put much thought into starting a blog, I just did it and I knew nothing about blogging when I started!

10. What changes have you found have happened within the world of blogging over the 3 years? And how have you adapted your blog to embrace the changes? (questions from What Emma Did)

Blogging has become so much bigger, more popular and there are so many more bloggers than there were when I started back in 2012. I try to make my content as wide ranging as possible to reach as many people and keep my blog up to date with fashion trends, new homeware styles and upcoming/new cosmetics. 

Thank you to all of the bloggers that asked questions! If you have any questions leave them below and I will answer as soon as possible!

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