Almost Posh: September 2015

Almost Posh x The Iconic

September 30, 2015
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Adelaide Hair and Make-Up Show

September 28, 2015
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6 Things I've Learned About Blogging

Now that I'm a worldly and experienced blogger of a whole year, I feel like I can tell you everything you need to know about blogging, specifically; what you're doing wrong, how to get a million followers and rake in loads of gifted items.

Yeah, nah, you know me.

What I can tell you though, is things I've learned along the way.

1. Be Nice

Nice

Niceness, there should be more of it around, right? When I started the blog, I had something about rants and grievances in the description and I was fairly certain I was going to have more than a few strongly opinionated complaint posts on the go. I'm no stranger to a RL bitchfest so I naturally expected to take this online as well.

When I got going, I wrote a post about upcoming summer fashion that was really whiny and whingy and when I read it back a few days later, I'm all "URGH, AS IF. I DON'T WANT TO BE THIS PERSON." You don't have to be non-stop sunshine and rainbows and there's no reason you can't blog about things that annoy you, and I still do, just not making it a primary focus. There's already enough negativity on the internet and I see no point in adding to it. Just don't be fake. Which leads me to . . .

2. Be Authentic

I want to write my best post every time, and I want to make sure it makes sense, flows well and is free from typos and grammatical errors, however I also want it to sound like me. I feel like overthinking a post leads to a forced tone and that's not cute. Especially for a sponsored post. Too scripted and you might as well be appearing on a late night infomercial explaining how the Shark Nagivator LiftAway has legit changed your life.

I think having your own blog voice is important and if you're blogging about the right stuff - the stuff that interests you and stuff that you love - that should shine on through and you won't have a problem. Don't worry about niches and stuff. Remember, you're there to either inspire, educate or entertain so make that your focus. I learned at the Little Blog Big workshop that in terms of the internet, 80% of users consume (just reading, scrolling, eyeballing), 9% of users engage (commenting, liking, sharing etc) and 1% of users create. ONE TINY PERCENT. I have to tell you, I felt massively chuffed about that. As someone who was creating Angelfire homepages from 1997 and rocking a Livejournal from 2002 - 2009, I feel like I've been part of that one percent for a good part of the internet's life!

3. Get Good Photos

Good
(in my humble opinion)

This is something I am still challenged on, being that I'm too tight to buy a snazzy camera, too lazy to use the point and shoot I already have and not having my personal photographer Stacie on hand at all times to capture my looks. The tripod I bought from eBay is now ~~a duopod~~ landfill after an unfortunate leg snapping incident, I'm still reluctant to ask people to take photos of me, my toddler isn't old enough to not get distracted by apps and it's hard to find a good selfie spot outside that doesn't have a hose, wheelie bin or BBQ in shot. Also, I still only have this slightly warped Reject Shop mirror to work with. Work in progress.

Not good. It's okay, you can say it.

4. Read Other Blogs . . . AND COMMENT ON THEM

One of the first things I did when embarking on my blogging career was start following a load of Australian bloggers who were blogging about the things I wanted to blog about. I was looking for real people, not models or starlets or fashionista icons in expensive gear on professionally-shot sets. I wanted backyards and pet photobombs and attainable brands and affordable products. I'm pleased to say I found loads and when I started commenting . . . THEY REPLIED! Sometimes they came to my blog and commented on my stuff! I was amazed. The love continued across various social media forms. Don't be afraid to follow your favourite peeps across all platforms. I felt a bit stalkerish at first especially when commenting on every post but that's how you build connections, engagement and, as Carly from Smaggle told me personally, that's how you get on radars and being on radars is cool. Just make sure if you do comment, it's genuine and actually says something. I'd personally also steer away from the "follow 4 follow" requests, but that's me. You do you.

5. Go To A Meet-Up / Workshop / Join Blogger Groups

Rolling with the big guns

Even if you're a showpony introvert like me, mixing and mingling with fellow bloggers is great. Being able to put real-life animated faces to blog titles means more connecting, more engagement, more fun and hopefully more friends! They get your struggles, can help you with questions, share in your success and help you drink tea/wine/whatever. A workshop will give you an insight into how top bloggers roll and that is a great help, whether you're new to the game or not. You won't be the only shy one in the room, so get it together and get amongst it. Click here to see when the next Little Blog Big workshop is available in your hood!

Contact bloggers directly and see if they're available to catch up one-on-one if you have already developed a good online rapport. (Not out of the blue, bit creepy). Assure them you're not a weirdo.

Luckily she believed me

6. Enjoy It

Just like I enjoyed these TimTams

Don't make work for yourself. If you're not enjoying it and finding it difficult to create content or get anything together, maybe try another platform. Don't spread yourself thin trying to get engagement through every single social media outlet ever. (It's okay, you can delete your MySpace page now, everyone will understand). Post at a schedule that suits you but aim for consistency. In the immortal words of Sonia Styling, you want all killer and no filler. But it should be fun. So make sure it is.

What have you learned about blogging that you can share with me? Besides always end on a question?

September 25, 2015
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Kat Von D Studded Kiss Review, New Australis Velourlips Colours + More!

Australis

One of the things I picked up in my Sephora haul (once I'd elbowed other ~~bitches~~ shoppers out of the way) was a Kat Von D Studded Kiss lipstick in "Lolita".

Actually, I got two - one for me and one for Stacie - who was hoping for "Lovecraft", which was unfortunately totes sold out. I would probably have picked up another shade for myself but all the remaining ones were a bit lairy from what I could see - think orange glitter and bright green. Plus they were on a high shelf so I was on tiptoes and couldn't really get a full overview comfortably. Next time, Gadget. Next time.

Here's Lolita in all it's glory:

I dig the studded black case, it feels solid and chunky. The bullet is engraved with a fancy KVD logo so you know it's special (having said that, Essence also engraves their bullets and they are like $4.70). Sadly, after taking some photos, I replaced the lid without winding the bullet down and took a chip out of it! Boo!!! #beautybloggerproblems

The colour is described as a matte, dusty rose and I would say that was quite accurate. Here it is on my face, inside and outside:

Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick Lolita Almost Posh

It has a sweet scent on application (the website says Creme Brulee - so fancy!) The formula is thick and long wearing. This can be polarising - I like it but Stacie finds it too thick and drying on the lips. The website does claim "one swipe is all it takes", however I respectfully disagree and reckon it needs a couple of layers for full coverage.

These bad boys cost $34 at Sephora which puts them a couple of dollars under MAC in our rip-off Australian cosmetics market. Still, I'd definitely consider getting another one in an equally suitable shade as a treat.

Christina from Love That Lippie also picked one up but I can't remember what shade she went for. I'm sure it will appear on a review post shortly and you can now follow her again on Insta too! Yay!

At the other end of the matte lip price scale - Australis have dropped five new Velourlips shades:

L - R: Los Angel-es, Mum-Bai, San-Fran-Disco, Mel-Burn, Bae-jing

These have crept up over the $10 mark from $9.90 and are now priced at the random amount of $10.49. Still, you know you can often get them at Priceline on special.

The breakdown of shades:

Los Angel-es: super candy pink
Mum-Bai: Deep deep deeeeeeeeep burgundy
San-Fran-Disco: Orangey red
Mel-Burn: BLACK. Straight up. Props to Australis for this name - everyone knows Melbourne is all about the black.
Bae-Jing: A conservative pretty rose pink and probably the one most likely for me to try

Still on the matte bandwagon and even cheaper, I have recently been to three separate Pricelines chasing a matte shade from Essence in their new Love & Sound range called Glastonberry. A dusty pink shade and at the aforementioned $4.70, you can't go wrong.

In final lipstick news, I picked up two half price at Chemist Warehouse's recent 50% off sale. The two Chemist Warehouses in town were severely picked over but I managed to get out to Harbourtown where there was still a good selection left and grabbed a Maybelline Color Drama lip pencil in Minimalist (pinky nude) and a Rimmel Lasting Finish Matte by Kate in "103" (mid-tone pink).

You will no doubt be seeing them before the end of the month as part of Fashionista In Suburbia's #30Lippiesfor30Days challenge!

Linking up with Ingrid at Fabulous and Fun Life for the Monday Makeup Madness Link Party!

September 21, 2015
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Almost Posh Turns 1, Celebrates With Facelift

adelaide

September 17, 2015
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What I Wore: Style Challenge Prize

adelaide

September 14, 2015
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GlassesShop.com Review (featuring Stacie)

accessories

September 11, 2015
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Tarte FOTD and Beauty Blogger "Get To Know You" Tag

beauty

As you might remember, I recently went to Sydney and visited Sephora for some serious haulage action.

One of the items I picked up was the Tarte Cosmetics "Tartelette" palette which I have much love for.

Tarte Cosmetics Tartelette eyeshadow palette

Featuring 12 new matte shades that are exclusive to the palette, each one is so perfectly useable and wearable for me. This was what won me over from the Energy Noir (too much purple) and the Rainforest After Dark (unnecessary bronzer) palettes. Believe me, I spent PLENTY of time making the decision too. As with the Poppy Picnic palette, the shades are so blendable, beautiful and perfectly pigmented, they are a joy to use.

This morning I enacted the "Day Time" look included in the box which comprised the pinker shades Caregiver, Natural Beauty, Best Friend and Bombshell as a liner with a wet brush as part of my FOTD.

I'm doing Fashionista In Suburbia's #30LippiesFor30Days challenge on Instagram, hence why I'm holding up the old Maybelline Color Drama lip pencil in Nude Perfection in such a fashion. I am a bit worried I have burned through all my favourite neutrals so early in the month!

But, there's always Priceline.

Also gracing my mug is Rimmel BB cream, Clinique Almost Powder, MAC blush in Plumfoolery and a dusting of my newest acquisition:

YASSSS, it's Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Lighting Powder in "Luminous Light". I've been lusting over Hourglass from afar for ages and I got offered a sweet deal via Ways and Means, meaning I got 40% off normal RRP.

I applied it with another new purchase, this one a bargain at $6 from Kmart, the E.L.F Studio Complexion Brush. SO SOFT. SO CHEAP.

In other beauty news, the also-rad-in-real-life Christina from Love That Lippie tagged me in on this Getting To Know You tag a while ago, so I thought I'd get in on the action!

1. Name a beauty routine you barely do

Cleaning my brushes, I'm awfully slack when it comes to that. I also rarely wash my face at night unless I happen to have a shower. Baby wipes all the way! I also don't tone or use masks or serums or night creams or any of that. Maybe I'll get around to it as the face starts to crack.

2. Is washing your brushes something that you regularly do?

See above. I'm not proud.

3. How long do you last with chipped nail varnish?

Minutes if I can help it. Can't handle any kind of chipping so off it comes instantly. I even have nail polish remover at work.

4. How often do you put off buying/replacing a beauty item or nail polish, even if you need it?

Who puts things off - I look for excuses to buy or replace! I might hang back for a sale on a particular item but other than that, I don't let myself go without. Nobody likes a beauty martyr.

5. What is your worst beauty habit?

See 1. And 2. Such negativity in this post. What about my best beauty habit or favourite item or whatever?

6. Name something non-beauty related that you tend to put off all the time.

Again with the negativity. Going to the dentist. Starting some sort of health regime. Going to bed.

7. When going out somewhere do you leave getting ready until the last minute or not?

I try and give myself loads of time because I will also usually be organising a toddler and a husband simultaneously or at the very least responding to them in some way. If I get an early start then I won't wig out when things go awry like eyeliner.

8. Can you commit to spending bans?

I did reasonably well at No-Buy July, so yes, I believe so.

9. How organised is your make up and nail polish collection?

I did a big clean out recently and am fairly certain I dumped about 5 kilos of old product, empties, near empties, expired and gross stuff so that was very satisfying. The remaining items are organised reasonably neatly within my bathroom cabinet and cupboards. The joy of having one's own bathroom!

10. What is the longest time you have gone without writing a blog post?

Probably a week in the very early days. I committed to twice a week some time ago and have maintained it pretty well.

Linking up with Ingrid at Fabulous and Fun Life's Monday Make-Up Madness Link Up Party!

September 07, 2015
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