It's just an evolution of personal interests, but it's also a sign that the 27 year old blogger of past is now a 34 year old woman entering a new phase of her life. Don't get me wrong, I still adore a beautiful eyeshadow palette and lust after a new Benefit blusher, but I've personally moved away from wanting anything and everything to a more curated list of gems I can rely on - and thoroughly recommend to you. Over the last six months I've definitely felt lethargic when it comes to beauty, not helped by the fact that the industry has also reached saturation point and isn't too sure where to turn. Many of the 'new' launches are simply re-launches or re-brands of existing products, and many of the 'trends' are just re-hashes of something we used to use in the 90's. I've found it increasingly hard to write 500 words on a new mascara that's not that different from the twenty others on my dressing table, so have simply chosen not to.
The fundamental role of this site will always be to share beauty news, recommendations and helpful information, but over the last seven years my interests have also evolved: I'm passionate about travel, fashion, well-being and discussing issues that are close to my heart. When I started LBQ back in 2010 I would never have dreamt that I'd be writing about feminism, food banks and far away places - but as we age we evolve, and our sites have to evolve with us. Can you imagine writing about makeup day in, day out, for the best part of seven years and trying to keep it fresh? It's an incredibly difficult task, so in order to keep myself motivated and my creative juices flowing I've started to diversify into new areas that I hope you've been enjoying reading as much as I've enjoyed writing.
You'll have noticed that my beauty content is now an edited version of what I believe to be interesting and worth talking about, with a sprinkling of what's new and noteworthy - and those posts have been some of my most popular ever, so there's no doubting you still want to know what's hitting the shops. But if I'm completely honest the beauty industry is failing to light my fire right now; too many brands are insisting on working with young pretty faces to endorse products that are totally wrong for them, too many launches may seem exciting on the concept table but are actually dull as dishwater in reality, and I just can't even look at another nude eyeshadow palette without rolling my eyes so hard they hurt. I used to rip open every new envelope with glee, eager to find out what's inside, but now my mail often remains unopened for a week because I know practically none of it will get me excited. So what does a beauty blogger do when she gets beauty lethargy? She goes back to basics and starts sharing information she'd find valuable and insightful herself, rather than delivering endless reviews and trying to flog a dead horse.
I want this site to provide a moment of escapism and joy, but I also need to have as much joy creating the content as you do reading it. Otherwise none of us get what we came for eh?
(I know this was a bit of a rambling post, but it's something I've been feeling for a while and wanted to get off my chest. If you have any ideas or suggestions of content or posts you'd like to see, please do let me know in the comments - suggestions are always welcome!)
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Always better to write about what is inspiring you and it will always make a good read xx
ReplyDeleteI hope so! x
DeleteI think the problem these days is that there are just to many different brands with to many different products which then all becomes a little bit boring. There is just to much choice these days, it was better when there wasn't so many different types of the same product about.
ReplyDeleteYou're right Kelly - there's too much choice and it's overwhelming. Often there's little to no difference between one brand and the next, even those charging extortionate amounts.
DeleteI totally feel you here. On a personal level, I've moved away from that haul culture, and I'm a lot more choosy when buying new products as I've just done a huge declutter! I'm now a little more focused on sharing my holy grail products, and then the odd new launch that I love, rather than a ton of new products I'm not that fussed about! xx
ReplyDeleteI do think both as bloggers and consumers we got overwhelmed - we went from being able to pick up stuff only in Boots/Superdrug, to this world of expanding department stores and then 100s of new websites. Too much too quickly has left us all feeling overwhelmed.
DeleteThis! I mostly stopped blogging last year (after trailing on for about a year of not really feeling it) - it becoming more like a chore, and my interests moving really far away from just beauty as I've got older and other things have taken hold. Applaud your decision to focus on writing about the stuff that's more important to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lucy. I hope people keep reading!
DeleteI hear ya! There's not very few exciting launches lately and I don't have the money that I had last year (that's house purchase!) so I can't be running out to buy everything. I want the curated edit which is what you have been giving me! Also loving your outfit posts!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Kirsty! And thank you for always encouraging me and taking some amazing snaps which makes it possible. x
DeleteI think this is such a fantastic and honest post, Hayley. I completely see what you're saying about growing up with your blog and therefore seeing a change in priorities. Going back to basics, writing things you'd like to read and not pressuring yourself to do review after review makes a lot of sense. I think your blog is great and like the frankness, diversity and quality of your posts, and I know I'm not the only one. xx
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Sarah - that means a lot. All I ever want is to provide a moment of escape or help someone make a decision, so knowing it makes a difference is so valuable.
DeleteIt is definitely always best to write for you and not the reader. It comes across as false if you aren't being true to yourself!
ReplyDeleteRachael xox
http://gatsbyandglamour.blogspot.com
This was such a lovely, refreshing read! It's this kind of article that makes me love your blog! I think your right there will always be a place for product reviews and information (it's wonderful that the Internet has allowed us to find out that kind of things so easily before parting with our cash) but you're right - it's overwhelming! I enjoy beauty and skincare and I have an English degree so enjoy writing! I use it as an escape from my day job but you see how much pressure upcoming bloggers put on themselves to have the latest this that and the next thing! It's a shame and it should be like that! I'm a from believer in writing about what you like and what you enjoy! I also agree with the organic change of your content because of age - that's what makes your work genuine and real! There are many bloggers and bloggers I discovered in my youth that I've moved away from because as I grew they didn't grow with me and I couldn't connect with them anymore! And that's in itself is sad too. So thank your Hayley for having the gusto to change and move with us and for us! I know I really appreciate it :-)
ReplyDeleteHilarious part of my reply to this article is the amount of typos (with an English degree - classic!) Ah the pitfalls of replying on an iPhone! *sigh*
DeleteIt definitely sounds like it's your time to refocus and I know from my job it's nearly impossible to write compellingly if you don't feel something about what you're working on. Good luck!
ReplyDelete~Keely
www.keelys-nails.com
I love this post, people change and grow and your blog should reflect that, I think the followers are more interested in your thoughts than a new mascara, that said I am waiting the return of roller ball lip gloss :)
ReplyDeleteLyn x