How I Started Blogging and How You Can Too!

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by ShopStyle Collective.

I started blogging in 2014. Almost 7 years ago now. I used my blog as a way to share my love of shopping, beauty, and style. But I’ve shared this story before.

What I haven’t touched on as much is how I got started. Like with anything you don’t know much about, I had to do a lot of research. I googled any and everything there was to learn about blogging and it’s different components. I found others who were already doing what I wanted to do and studied their content. From this I discovered the two things that essentially launched my current career: blog conferences and affiliate networks

Once I got started, I became enthralled with the world of blogging and social media. And quickly learned that I could monetize my various platforms through affiliate marketing. And just in case you didn’t already know, affiliate marketing is where you earn a commission for promoting the products you like. 

While I do still get excited talking shop, teaching others how to blog is not my calling. In many ways I am still learning myself. However, something that I love about being an influencer through ShopStyle Collective is that they provide me with the resources I need to grow. And they have two different programs, depending on what level you’re. If you’re just starting out, I recommend their Standard program. Have questions or need help? They’ll even walk you through the application process!

I have been a ShopStyle Collective influencer since 2015, but once I decided to really get serious about blogging and utilize ShopStyle’s tools and sponsored campaign opportunities, I’ve since been able to become a full time content creator. 
Are you thinking about starting a blog? What’s stopping you? Are you already a blogger? Apply to join ShopStyle Collective!

Bloomingdale’s Bonus Box

Face Masks and Skin Cream

Remember how excited I was to be one of the 50 influencers selected to receive a Rakuten Affiliate Network Bonus Box for the second time?

It’s happened again. Only this time, instead of the quarterly Bonus Box, I was one of the 25 selected to review an exclusive Bloomingdale’s Bonus Box.

I though I was the luckiest girl in the world. well, one of them anyways).

And then I opened the box and knew I was!

Luxury Beauty Products

The first three items are different face masks.

I’m not going to talk about them, that’ll be another blog post…

I’ve tried a few, but I don’t use them very frequently. I have a feeling I am going to be using them a lot more often.

 

SK-II

SK-II Facial Treatment Mask | 1 Sheet $17, 10 Sheets $135

Malin + Goetz Detox

Malin + Goetz Detox Face Mask | $42

Tumeric & Cranberry Seed

Kiehl’s Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque | $32

What I will talk about is the makeup included.

Any other time I’ve used a setting powder it’s been white. Even though they are all technically translucent, this one has been the best by far.

Loose Setting Powder

Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder | $38

Normally liquid eyeliner is not my thing. Not because I don’t like it. But because it’s frustrating to apply. It bothers me that my eyeshadow gets all over the tip of my pen. And it really bothers me when it takes forever to apply over eyeshadow.

Not the case with this liner. It goes on smooth and is super vibrant!
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Gucci Power Liquid Liner | $38

Bobbi Brown is one of my favorite makeup professionals and her makeup line is top notch. I love this mascara for everyday use.

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Bobbi Brown Eye Opening Mascara | $30

Trying new products is always an honor. Clinique’s Pop Oil isn’t available yet, but when it is, you’re going to want it!

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For now, you can pick up their Pop Lacquer Lip Color + Primer.

I had to pick my jaw up off the floor when I saw this Sisley Paris face cream. Given my budget, anything over $50 for a skincare product that doesn’t come with a plug seems somewhat excessive to me, but my skin feels amazing and I am going to savor every single little scoop.

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Sisley Paris Sisleÿa L’Integral Anti-Age | $525

Plus there’s a ton of bonus offers right now on the Bloomingdale’s website that you don’t want to miss out on!

xx

My Q4 Bonus Box

My Q4 Bonus Box

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links.

Guess who was lucky enough to be selected to receive the Bonus Box by Rakuten Affiliate Network for a second time…

And the Q4 Bonus Box is equally as amazing as last quarter’s!

Q4 Bonus Box

I’m not exactly a fan of headbands, but the one from jdklajkjdskflajlskj is cute and although I have yet to wear it out, Valentine’s Day is coming up so I’m pretty sure I will be very soon.

Headband Details Headband

Jewelry is one of those things I like to look at and then don’t invest enough in. So it’s always nice to get something that is luxurious, yet practical. This Monica Vinader bracelet is the perfect addition to my little bangle collection, although I prefer to wear it solo.

Monica Vinader

My skin care routine is something that I’m constantly adapting. Even more so as I start to get older. Being able to try a new anti-aging cream cleanser was very nice treat!

Elemis

I have already have a Clarisonic Mia, but the Foreo Luna Mini is a completely different experience! I especially recommend it if you have sensitive skin. Plus, you don’t have to worry about buying replacement brushes.

Luna Mini

E.l.f. Cosmetics is one of the most predominate brands in my makeup bag. It’s affordable and their products work really well. I don’t think I could ever have too much e.l.f.

Plus, this Party Ready palette is great to take your look from day to night!

Party Ready

There was also a voucher for a pair of DL1961 jeans. I requested the Emma Skinny Jeans in Slashed.

DL1961

The Rakuten Affiliate Network Instagram account has been releasing little sneak peeks of some of the contents for the 2016 Q1Bonus and I don’t want to get my hopes up, but I think I saw something from Clinique!

xx

 

Shop this post:

My Q3 Bonus Box

Disclaimer: This blog post contains a crap ton of affiliate links.

I don’t try to hide that I use affiliate networks and links on my blog. But I would have never thought I’d get to try another type of “subscription” box from an affiliate network.

The Bonus Box by Rakuten Affiliate Network is totally free and they only select 50 affiliates to receive it!

Q3 Bonus Box

What is the Bonus Box?
A quarterly collection of samples from some of the Rakuten Affiliate Network advertisers.

Bonus Box by Rakuten Affiliate Network

This past weekend I did my first Periscope sesh and unboxed my Bonus Box. I don’t want to double dip by just telling you what the contents are, so this is also what I think of each of them.

Even though I don’t live in the green mountain state anymore, this is now the softest tee shirt I own. LookHUMAN has tons of other clever tees and tanks. Seriously, SO many…

Look Human

The Ole Henriksen vitamin C complex is a product that I would seriously hoard samples of any chance I got. Part of why I even tried to get my hands on the Bonus Box was because of a sneak peek they shared on Instagram of the box. I knew exactly what it was and wanted it. Bad.

The other two products were a bonus. Nice to have, they work great, but I could live without them.
Ole Henriksen

Even though I will never purchase Birchbox Man for the manfriend again. Ever. I still like getting samples to make him try. I really like the way that Lacoste L!ve smells. I can’t describe as anything other manly.
Lacoste

If oily bothers you then I don’t know that this Nourish Organic cream-to-oil skin solve is for you. But if you’re like me and hate having dry skin it’s worth it! I won’t be keeping this in my purse (for fear of accidentally not closing it properly and getting everything greasy), but I don’t really have to because it works that well. I recommend for use before bed, but that’s my personal preference.
Nourish Organic

While TATCHA Dewy Skin Mist feels very much like any other facial spray, it made my face look… Well, dewy. The spray looks milky, smells super fancy and spray lightly, but evenly.
TATCHA

I know if oil cleansers are still having a moment or not, but I’ve tried them and didn’t have the best experience. It was messy. With DHC that wasn’t the case at all!

Just a few drops got off the makeup that I forgot to clean off from the day before.

Rinse and you’re clean, not even the slightest bit of oily residue. DHC

This is a total bias, but the Laura Geller GlamLASH mascara was my favorite item in this box! I love mascara in general and was excited to try it. The wand doesn’t look like it does very much but don’t let it fool you. Zero clumps!

Glam LashLaura Geller

This keychain is cute. I would love to live in NYC someday, but until then this will hang on my inspiration board.The New York Times Store

Overall this was an amazing box. I won’t know what to do with myself if I’m not selected for the Q4 Bonus Box…

xx

 

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