Of course, when I saw my fave, Smokey Glow, participate in the “Not Your Basic Beauty Guru Tag” I knew I had to join in. This tag was started by Agape Love Girl.

As a beauty blogger, I’ve modified some of the questions to fit my little niche on the WWW. Please keep reading for my thoughts on the Not Your Basic Beauty Guru Tag.

The Not Your Basic Beauty Guru Tag

1 | People tend to think beauty influencers are experts (or should be) at doing makeup. Of course, that’s not always true. What is one thing you struggle with doing?

My biggest struggle is applying false eyelashes. My vision is poor, so I worry that I’ll damage my lashes or eyes. Also, I’m not used to wearing them on my eyes . On the occasions I wear lashes, my looks feel off. 

2 | On that note, are there any makeup techniques you’d like to improve or learn how to do?

I’d love to improve my false eyelash application, my ability to do cut crease eye looks, and my technique for overlining my lips.

3 | Are there any makeup looks, styles, trends, or techniques you absolutely refuse to do or follow on yourself? (Ex. winged liner, false lashes, etc.)

I’ve never been a fan of the overly perfected and boxy Instagram brow even though it looks more precise in photos. I like my slightly messy, dark brows.

4 | Are they any makeup trends or styles that you used to dislike, but now love? Or vice versa any that you used to love that now you don’t care for anymore?

I used to live for ultra smokey eyeshadow and black liner a la Avril Lavigne circa 2003. While I still love a smokey eye, I don’t go ham on my eyeliner anymore.

5 | Are they any beauty/makeup trends that most people hate that you (maybe secretly) like?

Honestly, nothing that I can think of right now.

6 | Are there any makeup “rules” or stereotypes that bother you?

It bothers me how judgmental people outside of the beauty community can be towards major beauty enthusiasts. Just because we love makeup our passions are still valid and aren’t mindless or vapid. I’ve seen some hurtful subtweets about how beauty content is meaningless and not a worthwhile read. 

7 |  What “old news” makeup products do you still love and use on the regular?

Out of all the bronzers I’ve ever tried, my Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer is still my favorite for adding warmth to my face. It is a cult classic at the drugstore for many reasons: – it is pigmented, flattering, and affordable. To date, this is the only bronzer I’ve completely panned.

8 | There may be a specific influencer that inspired you to start your blog, but let’s talk about what, if anything, influencers inspired you NOT to do!?

Even though I’ve worked on the brand-side of influencer marketing, I’m still hesitant to promote affiliate codes and work with large influencer networks. I don’t want my reviews to seem biased. If and when I do share affiliate links or receive products for review I will always remain honest with my opinions.

Also, I’ve learned not to play the “Follow-Unfollow Game” or to buy followers across social. I want people to interact with me because they enjoy my content.

9 | What beauty content do you love creating the most?

Out of all my series, I love my reviews the most. They may be too long for some people’s taste. However, I am genuinely proud of these reviews.

Also, hooting flatlays and product shots for my blog and Instagram posts are always fun. It gives me a chance to be “artsy.” Plus, I’ve seen a lot of progression in my photography over the last year and a half.  

10 | Is there any content that you create based on audience request or interest, that you actually don’t really like or prefer to create?

Sometimes I feel less motivated to re-do blog tags that I’ve done. My answers don’t change much. HOWEVER, I always want to support my friends in the community by participating in their tags.

When I first started blogging, I felt so sad that no other bloggers ever nominated me for awards or tags. For that reason, I always love adding a bright spot to someone’s day by tagging them. Also, this is why I’m always behind with tags. I try to space them out so I can tag a mix of new and old blogger friends.

11 | How often do you post?

I typically share 2-3 blog posts and 1-2 Instagram posts a week.

12 | Do you have a job outside of blogging?

Considering that I make no money through my blog, I work outside of blogging. Currently, I work two part-time jobs and am a full-time graduate student.

13 | What beauty content do you enjoy consuming (watching or reading) the most?

I love project panning challenges, beauty declutters, beauty commentary, beauty reviews, and tutorials. I don’t have one clear favorite. Too much of anything can become monotonous.

14 | Any non-makeup blogs you love?

Of course – y’all know who you are! 🙂

15 | Are there any makeup misconceptions because of Youtube, Blogging or Instagram, that you wish people knew the truth about or that you hope to change with your blog?

The rise of the online beauty community created a warped perception that collecting huge volumes of makeup is okay. Moreover, it normalized  the idea that makeup lovers can an entire room filled with beauty products. This mindset financially irresponsible. Also, I think it promotes excessive consumption and addictive tendencies. One of my earliest blog posts spoke to this concept of being addicted to buying makeup and my own journey with overspending.

Additionally, collecting makeup isn’t the same as collecting stamps. Makeup literally expires. Moreover, why hoard makeup in drawers that never see the light of day? 

I’m not speaking out of judgment but out of my own experiences as a consumer and lover of beauty. I still struggle with overconsumption. However, by talking about my journey I hope that others will be able to relate.

I often chronicle my own struggles with overspending through my No-Buy and Low-Buy challenges, my Empties and Declutters, and my posts on consumerism. 

16 | Have you ever felt unqualified or like a bad beauty blogger because you didn’t do things just like every other “beauty guru”?

Sometimes I feel discouraged when I compare my Instagram feed to other prominent bloggers’ feeds. Although I celebrate the fact that I’ve gotten better at flatlays, I still feel inadequate when a post doesn’t perform well. Additionally, I can’t stand that my feed looks jumbled.

Also, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I felt like my voice and style holds me back. Content featuring newly released productsperforms best just after a product launch. However, I NEVER want to encourage someone to make a purchase on something I’ve barely tested. As a result, I shied away from First Impression Reviews despite the temptation.

Finally, beauty blogs grow at a much slower rate than YouTube channels. Viewers tend to gravitate to video content over written posts. Thus, many of us buck the “beauty guru” trend just by nature of blogging rather than starting YouTube channels.

17 | If you could collaborate with a brand, which would it be and what would you create?

If I were to collaborate with a brand I’d want to put together a mini bundle featuring my favorite products from the brand. I’d opt for limited edition packaging rather than a limited edition product. If I could, I’d love to collaborate with Persona Cosmetics.

18 | Would you rather collaborate with a brand or create your own makeup/beauty line?

Neither. I’d rather work on the business side of a brand in a marketing or e-commerce capacity. That is the ultimate professional goal.

Name some beauty content creators you think deserve more followers or recognition!

• Alex – All Things Alexx
• Arlene – That Girl Arlene
• Sarah – A Woman’s Confidence
• Jess – My Beauty Thesis
• Kelly Marie – Kelly Marie Beauty
• Laura – Palette of Thoughts
• MuFavorites
• Nicole – I Like It Sparkly
• Simone – Beautymone
• Tayler – Tayler’s Edit
• Teen Beauty Central

Final Thoughts on the Not Your Basic Beauty Guru Tag

Am I a basic beauty guru? No – I am not your basic beauty guru. When it comes to my perspective on the beauty community, I keep an open mind. I use my business and marketing acumen, as well as my consumer thinking to assess beauty releases from a well-rounded point of view.

However, while I may not wear certain trends or watch certain beauty gurus, I would never call another beauty content creator basic. At the end of the day, many beauty content creators love to share their love for cosmetics, skincare or haircare with the world. Nothing about self-expression is basic.

Check out these Fun Beauty Tags

Did you enjoy my responses to the Not Your Basic Beauty Guru Tag? Check out my answers to The Perfect Palette Tag.

Let’s connect on social media: Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Bloglovin’ | Influenster

Do you love the YouTube Beauty Community as much as I do? Check out my Underrated YouTuber Roundup Volume I and Volume II. Does YouTube influence a lot of your purchases? Check out my YouTube Made Me Buy It or a Beauty Guru Made Me Buy It posts.

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How would you answer these questions to the Not Your Basic Beauty Guru Tag? Please let me know in the comments below.

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