Loads of Lifestyle: January 2016

Street Style: Japan Edition

, by Mel R

Save or Spend: 5 Ways to Spend Less Money when you're a Beauty Lover!

So my good friend, Sarah from Bows & Pleats and I were discussing about how hard it can be to save money/not spend money when there is SO many new releases and limited edition products being released every month! Being a beauty addict/make-up collector can be so expensive! So we decided to collaborate on series of posts about saving money, shopping smarter, strategies for buying less and utilising what you already have in your collection, called the SAVE OR SPEND series.

Here are my top 5 ways to save money when you're a beauty lover like us!

Delete your credit/debit card off your paypal account or delete your paypal account all together - this will make it just that (tiny) little bit more difficult to purchase anything.. By actually having to go get your wallet, instead of only having to enter a password.

Go through your collection once or twice a year, and throw out any expired make-up, and sell anything that is going unloved.
Try and only have one or 2 opened products (like mascaras - 3 month shelf life) at a time, so they aren't expiring and you aren't wasting money on throwing out unused products.

Keep a list and/or pictures of all your make-up (brands/names of colours) so you realise you don't need a 4th gold toned highlighter or 5th blue toned lipstick when you're out shopping.

If you still feel the need to buy something, take a look at second hand or buy, swap and selling groups on Facebook. You can get sometimes brand new makeup for cheaper than retail, or even if it is used, you are still getting a better deal than buying brand new. Because seriously how often do you finish a blush or highlighter? (Just make sure the items are disinfected/cleaned before using them - using isopropyl alcohol)

For 5 more great tips on how to save when your a beauty lover, head on over to Sarah's post here:

Bows & Pleats

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I hope these tips have helped you possibly save a little money, or curbed your spending needs! Keep a look out for more posts in our SPEND or SAVE series to see how we are making the most of our collections. How do you try to save money when it comes to wanting new beauty products??

Mel x

As always, between posts you can find me:

Instagram: @loadsoflifestyle
Twitter: @loadsoflifestyl
Pinterest: @loadsoflifestyl
Bloglovin': Loads of Lifestyle
Facebook: Loads of Lifestyle

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, by Mel R

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, by Mel R

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, by Mel R

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, by Mel R

In beauty, Thoughts

Lesson's Learned from a year of Beauty Blogging

So, Loads of Lifestyle has been kicking around the internet for the past 18 months now, and whilst the first 6 months were a little trial and error, and I was sporadic with posts. The last 12 months I have tried to be consistent with my posts aiming for once a week.

Today I want to share with you, what I have learned in the last 12 months of Beauty Blogging.

1. Blogging is hard work! Planning posts, writing/typing up. Then taking worthy photographs and then editing them because the lighting is never just right. Formatting the posts so it flows correctly and finally IF prepared enough - scheduling posts - or in about 99% of the time hitting publish.

2. You will take 40 pictures of the exact some thing (possibly at slight different angles) but you will most likely use one of the first 5 pictures you took.

3. Do not over edit your pictures! There is nothing worse then when a product you are researching looks nothing like it does in real life. I keep it simple by only adjusting the brightness, contrast and saturation.

4. The Beauty Blogging community is amazingly supportive. I have met several like minded beauties this past year from going to events, or even if I haven't met them, by just commenting on a IG picture or a blog post, you create a small relationship that can be built up over time. I am seriously so glad to have met some amazing ladies!!

5. There will most likely be someone who is better at something than you. Whether it be, blog photography, content writing, or even just posting more regularly than you or having the "perfect" instagram account with more followers.

BUT…

6. Do not let that get you down! Embrace those feelings and put them to good use - take a writing or photography class; teach yourself photoshop; keep a notebook with you at all times, so when the inspiration strikes you can jot down notes. But most of all, take inspiration for those who you admire - don't be jealous of them. Comment on their posts, ask them questions, or write them an email about a suggestion for a post idea (like that you would love a post on how they take flat lays etc) Most of the time, the person is seriously flattered and is a genuinely nice person!

7. You can't do everything at once. I only know a few bloggers who blog full time. Most will be studying, working part time. Even if you work full time you can still do it, you just meet to plan.

8. Blogging is FUN! I have been to two blogger events this year and met some inspiring bloggers, amazing people and some fabulous brands. They are a great opportunity to step out from behind the computer/lens and get to meet fellow bloggers!

9. Sometimes all your hard work pays off. Like when a blogger or brand wants to collaborate with you on a post. Nothing is more rewarding then when someone notices the hard work you have been putting into your blog!

And finally…

10. Sharing your PASSION! It's why I started Loads of Lifestyle 18 months ago. I have a passion for beauty and I want to be about to share that with the world. Bloggers don't do what they do for the possible freebies or relationships with brands, they do it because they are passionate about their chosen topic and they love what they do!

These are some of my favourite pictures from last year!! I hope that I have given (even if it is just one person) a little hope, to keep doing what you're doing! And if you ever need to chat, feel free to email me! :)

Mel x

As always, between posts you can find me:

Instagram: @loadsoflifestyle
Twitter: @loadsoflifestyl
Pinterest: @loadsoflifestyl
Bloglovin': Loads of Lifestyle
Facebook: Loads of Lifestyle