First Look Fridays Interview Series: Beauty Blogger Brooke Pakulski of Blushing Noir
There are just those blogs you have to read every day. For me, it's beauty blogger Brooke Pakulski of Blushing Noir. I love her product reviews, I love her swatches, I love her general attitude about beauty. And it doesn't hurt that she lives in Pittsburgh, just like me! Read on to find out how her love of beauty began, the eyeliner she can't live without and so much more.
Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I'm from the Pittsburgh area but I've moved between Philadelphia all the way down to Louisiana and back to the Pittsburgh area again! I went to the University of Pittsburgh and I'm actually thinking of going back for a degree in Communication/Marketing so I can get myself into some form of PR.
How did you first become interested in beauty, and what led you to create your own blog?
My interest in beauty probably didn't start until high school when I became a majorette. We always had to have "bright red lips and big ass hair." Direct quote. I always wore a Clinique red lip ... I think it was Candy Apple something? And then Estee Lauder Spiced Cider was my drug of choice while going to classes. I also used to always match my eyeshadow to my shirt.
I love the name of your blog! How did you come up with it?
This is so sad, but there is no rhyme or reason to my blog name. I wanted something that sounded fancy and I took French in high school and a bit in college, so I'm like, oh that sounds pretty. Looking back I totally wish I'd have tried to be more creative.
What are your top 5 favorite beauty products? Why do you love them so much?
Just going off of things I must use daily that aren't limited edition...
Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I'm from the Pittsburgh area but I've moved between Philadelphia all the way down to Louisiana and back to the Pittsburgh area again! I went to the University of Pittsburgh and I'm actually thinking of going back for a degree in Communication/Marketing so I can get myself into some form of PR.
How did you first become interested in beauty, and what led you to create your own blog?
My interest in beauty probably didn't start until high school when I became a majorette. We always had to have "bright red lips and big ass hair." Direct quote. I always wore a Clinique red lip ... I think it was Candy Apple something? And then Estee Lauder Spiced Cider was my drug of choice while going to classes. I also used to always match my eyeshadow to my shirt.
I love the name of your blog! How did you come up with it?
This is so sad, but there is no rhyme or reason to my blog name. I wanted something that sounded fancy and I took French in high school and a bit in college, so I'm like, oh that sounds pretty. Looking back I totally wish I'd have tried to be more creative.
What are your top 5 favorite beauty products? Why do you love them so much?
Just going off of things I must use daily that aren't limited edition...
It Cosmetics Celebration Foundation Set. You can use it alone on your face and it covers up all the evil. I have a lot of evil.
Milani Total Lash Cover Mascara. It's better than all of the most amazing mascaras you've ever tried and it's only $5.
Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick in Fresh Papaya. Because I feel like it transforms my entire face when I wear it.
M.A.C Teddy Eye Kohl. I can't even tell you how many years this has been a go-to for me. And also Powersurge Eye Kohl. Everyone should own them.
The IT Cosmetics CC Radiance Palette. It's your blush, bronzer and highlighter in one palette and it does insane things (in a good way) to your look. Usually those products that are "perfect for everyone" always look awful on me, but this one doesn't.
What are your top 3 beauty tips?
1) Even if you only have time to dust on some powder take 5 more seconds and lay on a coat of mascara and pop on a colored balm as you run out the door. It really makes a difference.
2) If your hair gets oily (mine does within about 2 hours after showering) carry around dry shampoo and bobby pins. You can work something out with your crown always.
3) Some people might not think this is necessary, but add a dash of color (whether it's bold or neutral) under your lower lash line. For some reason it pulls the whole look together. You may like your eye look now, but add that shadow under the lash line and you'll LOVE IT.
Being a blogger must be fun, but what do you do in your spare time?
Blogging is my spare time (which I have a lot more of now that both kids are in school). I have two kids and of course family comes first for me. We love to play games and watch awful movies. I say awful because my son insisted we watch Sharknado 1 & 2. It turned into a ridiculous marathon. He wants to watch it again now and I'm like WHY?!
In addition to your blog, how can The Beauty of Life readers find you on social media?
You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Google .
What are your top 3 beauty tips?
1) Even if you only have time to dust on some powder take 5 more seconds and lay on a coat of mascara and pop on a colored balm as you run out the door. It really makes a difference.
2) If your hair gets oily (mine does within about 2 hours after showering) carry around dry shampoo and bobby pins. You can work something out with your crown always.
3) Some people might not think this is necessary, but add a dash of color (whether it's bold or neutral) under your lower lash line. For some reason it pulls the whole look together. You may like your eye look now, but add that shadow under the lash line and you'll LOVE IT.
Being a blogger must be fun, but what do you do in your spare time?
Blogging is my spare time (which I have a lot more of now that both kids are in school). I have two kids and of course family comes first for me. We love to play games and watch awful movies. I say awful because my son insisted we watch Sharknado 1 & 2. It turned into a ridiculous marathon. He wants to watch it again now and I'm like WHY?!
In addition to your blog, how can The Beauty of Life readers find you on social media?
You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Google .
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