By Chantalle Duffin
Ever caught yourself wondering what exactly is in your beauty products and why? A place where science meets beauty, The Beauty and the Geek is a beauty blog you need bookmarked to your favourites ASAP!
The Beauty and Geek aims to bring geek and realism to beauty, and is your go-to guide for getting down into the nitty gritty of how your fave products work with your skin and hair from a scientific perspective. For this month's Blogger Spotlight series we chatted with self-confessed nerd and beauty enthusiast, Felicia to find out a bit more about her and what started her obsession with all things beauty.
Share your journey with us. What sparked your interest in blogging? How long have you been blogging for?
As a scientist, I have a natural thirst for the pursuit of knowledge, and basically I just want to experiment and explore as much as I can. But at the same time, Ive always loved beauty and perfecting my beauty routine to make sure I always put my best face forward. When I started reading beauty blogs, I was after something more from what I was reading. I wanted to know more, I wanted people to talk about what makes certain products so special in regards to their formulas and how they actually work. And then I thought, Hey! Why dont I start doing that? Why dont I write about products and what makes their formula so interesting? Why dont I try and communicate what the ingredients are in beauty products are and how they work in synergy with our body to deliver results? And thus, The Beauty & The Geek was born! My blog is relatively new, about 18 months old. But it is a place where I can come and combine my love for science and beauty and communicate it to my readers. It is my piece of peace and bliss in my usually hectic life!
Are you a full-time blogger or do you do have another position/job? Has blogging changed your life in anyway?
In my daily job I am a researcher in Forensic Biology, and I am currently completing my PhD studies in human identification. Although my blog is so different to my day job, its created a place for me where I can come and be the girly girl I am deep inside. Blogging has changed the way I cope with stress from my studies, its a form of release for me! Its also changed my life in ways directly related to my social life. Ive met so many genuine, supportive and relatable women through the blogosphere and it has really enriched my life.
Other than all things beauty, what else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Im a green thumb and culinary enthusiast. Apart from photography and blogging, on the weekends youll find me attending to my rose garden and veggie patch, baking, or cooking up experimental dishes. When the weather warms up Im a real water baby too.
What is the highlight of your blogging career to date?
Id like to think I had a particular moment in time that defines the highlight of my blogging journey but there really isnt, because the whole experience is a highlight for me. In particular, I treasure the friendships and relationships Ive been able to build with brands and fellow bloggers. One of my best friendships was established through my blog and thats one of the best gifts you could ask for.
What do you look for in a good everyday beauty product?
Something that is unique, but simple. I feel like Im a sort of hipster when it comes to beauty products, because I like sourcing weird and interesting products. But, at the same time I like them to be simple and effective. Extra points for multi-purpose products too!
Do you think it is important to use organic and natural beauty products? Do you prefer them to other products?
I do think that natural and organic beauty products have a place in the beauty industry, mostly because I find them to be more environmentally friendly. I wouldnt say I only use natural beauty products, but there are some ingredients that are naturally derived that have demonstrated ability to improve our beauty routines, and its those ingredients I am drawn to. I am an evidence-fuelled person, so I will use natural beauty products if they are proven to be effective, generally that means they should be backed by science!
What are your top 5 Holy Grail cant live without products?
This is always the hardest question for me to answer, its incredibly hard to pick five favourites, especially because they change of all the time!
But, I think my current top five would be: Benefit Cosmetics Rollerlash mascara, Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Facial Mist, Natura Siberica Oblepikha and Honey Body Scrub, Youngblood Pressed Mineral Powder, Hylamide C25 Stabilised Vitamin C Booster.
What are your favourite Natura Siberica products?
Nothing will ever come between me and the Oblepikha and Honey body scrub! Ive loved that since the first use, and I am onto my third tub. The Oil complex for Damaged Hair is another one of my big loves, and when I need extra hydration Ill swap out my conditioner for the Oblepikha Hair Mask for Dry and Normal Hair. Just the Oblepikha range in general! Simple products that deliver results but are really quite affordable too! You can check out more of my top Natura Siberica picks here
Where do you see yourself in five years? Do you still hope to be blogging?
I would hope that my life gets a little easier after I finish my PhD and Ill be able to juggle my blog with my daily life better, so I do expect to continue blogging. I hope to have a job in forensic science that I am passionate about, thats my ultimate goal! But since Ive started blogging, I dont think I can imagine my life without it!
