11.03.2014

A Declaration

When you think of your favorite beauty bloggers, am I on that list? Today, I'm aiming to change that.

Four years ago, I came up with daunting task to create a beauty blog for everyone, not just makeup lovers. 
  • I wanted the new-to-makeup fan, as well as the casual beauty user to find my blog as a resource, as I keep my info/tutorials on a beginner-easy level.
  • I wanted a blog for those who are on a drugstore budget, yet sharing items worth the splurge.
  • I wanted a blog to find friends who are just as fanatical about beauty as I am, offering reviews of the latest products for hair, skin, makeup, and nails.
  • I created my blog for my friends who said they just don't have time for a beauty routine, keeping my tutorials to around 15-30 minutes, showing that it can be done. And fun!

Today, I'm making a declaration that I want to be your favorite beauty blog.

I'm not a makeup artist. I'm not a model--Or hair stylist or nail technician. There seems to be this silly notion that only people in the industry can be the best bloggers--I think there's room for all of us. Trust me, I love and admire my friends, family, and fellow bloggers who are in the business. But you don't need to be a makeup artist to have a great beauty blog. And you don't need to be the most gorgeous thing on the planet, either.

I have passion and knowledge--I've been in love with beauty since I was three years old, crying because I had to leave my Grandmother's salon. I grew up in that environment and fell in love, copying what I quietly observed (like attempting a perm on my three year old sister when I was around four). I started making my own beauty products (I called them experiments) when I was three. I read everything I could (we didn't have the internet when I was little, so no youtube or blogs growing up) about beauty, even if it was outdated. My Grandmother had her own makeup line (named after me and my sister) and then became a Mary Kay rep, so I had makeup and her salon stuff to play with. Thirty-five years later, I am more passionate than ever. I am still constantly learning and reading beauty articles and seeking more information. 

I offer a little bit of everything--some blogs focus just on skills and some focus just on reviews or collections. I have something for everyone, sharing a little bit of all aspects of beauty, like makeup, skin care, hair, nails, and myself:
  • I've got tutorials on hair/makeup/nails and even DIY beauty products. 
  • I share opinions on products I have thoroughly reviewed. I don't try a product once and form an opinion. 
  • I don't rely on "click bait" to earn views--example: I don't call something a "dupe" unless I personally own or have thoroughly experimented with that product--a common technique blogs use when the dupes aren't actually dupes. 
  • I share tips on my knowledge--not tips that I read or heard about. I actually come up with or test out these tips and tricks. I want true, valid info out there.
  • I try to review as many of the latest drugstore and high end beauty products that I can. Search my blog or ask me if you're looking for info on a new product.
  • I do the research on whatever the beauty buzzword or fancy popular ingredient before offering an opinion. 
I love this blog--I pretty much eat-sleep-dream ElleSees. I could talk about it all day long. I'm always looking to improve, like on my pictures, for example. I started off with a flip phone camera (cringe) to taking online lessons for my DSLR. In addition to my pictures, I offer YouTube videos to give another aspect. I am trying harder to put more "me" into this blog--something I was so afraid to do. I used to never share pics of myself (read more about that here). While sometimes I worry that my silly/goofy/playful/humorous personality has cost me viewers (I didn't get the memo that beauty had to be serious!) I refuse to change.

I love to blog--I think it's a common topic that bloggers experience burnout and/or writer's block. While I do get frustrated occasionally with something said in the comments or not having enough time, I still love blogging. I get really excited to write. I still come up with ideas that I love (and hope you will too). Writing posts, taking pics, and making videos are still so much fun to me.

I love YOU--I am so blessed and lucky to have made the friends that I have through blogging. Whether it has been finding other beauty fanatics who can discuss mascaras for 20 minutes to helping someone find the perfect product or finally master that fishtail braid, I am so thankful for you. You have given me incredible support through every awesome experience and when I've shared tough topics in my life. Every interaction still makes me smile and giddy. I finally feel useful and helpful and being able to share what I love is the icing on the cake.

Thank you for reading.


72 comments:

  1. I think you are doing a fantastic job and is certainly a lot more knowledgable than many other blogs out there (including some overhyped ones) x

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  2. Well, you are certainly one of our favorites! We love the reviews, and we have personally found some of our favorite products through you, so keep up the good work!
    xo, Whitney and Blaire
    Peaches In A Pod

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  3. I love your blog because you appeal to so many different people!!!

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  4. You're doing an amazing job with your blog girl! You really do have something for every one here and I love that about your blog!

    <3, Pamela
    sequinsandseabreezes.blogspot.com

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  5. Good for you! and I for one like a little humor in my beauty post:) Your doing an amazing job, and what's more you truly enjoy it!

    www.hollandsreverie.blogspot.com

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  6. You didn't need to convince me of anything! You are the only beauty blog I follow! I respect your advice and reviews and love reading all your posts!

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  7. I love your blog because you use a wide variety of items and looks that I would actually try to create. I love that you really test out the products and give honest feedback.

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  8. You are definitely one of my favorite beauty blogs (I have to remember my friend Kim too!) You have such a great mix of reviews and inspired me to learn more about ingredients too so thank you dear! I want to do more with my blog too but it's even harder to manage it with the baby these days. I'm also glad to have you as a blog buddy and just want to say keep it up lady!

    xoxo,
    little luxury list formerly Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  9. You are certainly one of my favorite beauty blogs! You give great tutorials and tips for real women! I love that you review all types of products too - from high end to drug store. Be blessed today! Susan

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  10. you ARE my favorite beauty blogger ;) xo jillian - cornflake dreams

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  11. You're one of my favorite bloggers of any category because your sweet, generous natures shines through every subject you discuss. We enjoy your Southern charm and solid advice. You're doing great with the blog so far and we look forward to the future of it.

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  12. You have a great blog that is so real. We love you. Great post!

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  13. Oh, Elle, way to go!!! I love your blog :) I'd call you the best beauty blogger with ease!

    http://taleofthegreat.com

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  14. Well, you're doing a brilliant job and you're definitely one of my top favourite bloggers! I agree about these so-called dupe posts when truth is it's not dupes at all, some are not even close!

    Keep up the good work hun, we love you!

    Reflection of Sanity

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  15. Elle, for sure you are a best beauty blog. And you may not be a "professional" makeup artist but you very well could be. I'm so impressed with your skills. Take care,

    Shauna xo

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  16. We love you back, Elle:) Keep on doing what you're doing.

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  17. I think you're doing a fantastic job! I love that your blog is so accessible. I feel like some blogs are really tailored to the super-young, or girls who have lots of money/time. I love reading a blog that feels like it's made for us real girls. Keep up the great work! <3

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  18. I love you as my beauty blogger... I know nothing about that world so I love seeing it through people that 'get it' :)

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  19. You are FOR SURE on my favorite beauty bloggers list! I don't really read a lot of beauty blogs, so I don't know what they're "supposed to" be like, but I love yours. I love all your tips and tricks, and I love that you're a real person, with a real budget, and someone I'd totally want to be friends with in real life. :)

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  20. You are definitely my favourite beauty blogger - it's not even a contest! Seriously, you're the best.

    Courtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines

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  21. You're one of the best bloggers I know and you are definitely on my favorites list!!! Your blog is the more creative one I follow and definitely has the most verity- a little bit of something for everyone!

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  22. Yours is my favorite beauty blog and the only one I need! I love how the advice you share is straightforward and easy-to-follow, and how you feature such a great variety of topics. The passion and love you pour into your blog really shows and is also very inspiring.

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  23. I love this declaration and I love your blog- especially because I have zero dollars to spend on makeup products and I get so many good ideas from you!

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  24. You are my favorite beauty blogger :) I love that you make your tutorials easy and keep the product lists light!

    Brooke
    www.pumpsandpushups.com

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  25. I just got to know u and ur blog recently but i do enjoy reading ur posts.. very few bloggers stick around for long.. its nt easy but if u enjoy it nothing like it :)

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  26. I love reading your blog and think that yours is one of the most well rounded out there!

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  27. Love your Blog and your amazing Ideas! You do a great Job!

    big Hugs <3

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  28. DECLARE YO'SELF! :)

    Seriously, this post wraps up everything that I lurve about your blog. Genuine, no gimmicks, clever, and approachable! Elle Sees has some of the best tutorials I've seen, because I actually feel like I can follow along.

    Excited to see what you have in store!
    xoxo
    Audrey

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  29. You are in my top beauty blogs. :) Not to mention that I cringe with jealousy during every hair tutorial. I die for your thick, perfectly wavy hair!

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  30. I love how sincere you are and you make everything so clear and simple. I'm also a fan of your YouTube videos because you always say just the right amount of information and keep me interested. You are a really great person and definitely one of my favorite bloggers:)

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  31. I think you are doing a great job! I love all your little tips & tricks :)

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  32. Honestly I wish I'd stumbled on your blog a long time ago. I see so many people beauty blogging just to say they are a beauty blogger. There's so much crap and people ripping off each other that it's refreshing to really find someone real. Ever since I've discovered your blog I get excited to click over to your page. I love that most of your posts are lengthy. I feel like you have a lot to say, and I love reading long posts. Keep it up! You have a fan here! (:

    http://accordingtokiki123.blogspot.com/

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  33. you are definitely my favourite! you have a bit of everything and are so helpful!

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  34. I'll be honest and tell you that normally I don't even like beauty blogs, but I love yours! It's doable, attainable, and honest, and I love that!

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  35. Hahah good thing your sister outgrew her perm (why did we ever want one!?). Love your blog, and it's one of the handful of true "beauty" blogs I follow :)

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  36. I love this post! Your blog is def. one of my faves, I may be more of a lurker (i.e. I don't always comment) but I read many of your posts. I also feel a kinship with you b/c we are the same age (i think?) and there aren't many other beauty bloggers out there I can say that about!
    I've only been doing this for a little over a year but I can't imagine getting blogger burnout. I too think about my blog all day errrrday and could talk about it forever lol!

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  37. You know I love your blog. You got me hooked on the Precision Tips Q-Tips. I also think of us a blogger friends too.

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  38. Elle, you are definitely one of my favorites which is why I featured you and your blog in my favorites, lol. :-) I went back and read that post on "On Why I take Selfies.." It was really interesting. It's so strange to me that you would lose followers for posting pictures of yourself...that boggles the mind. Actually, before I read it I had a completely different thought it my mind. I was thinking (based on my own experience), that one wouldn't gain as many followers when one doesn't post pictures of themselves. Meaning, people like to follow people they can see. Anyway, I follow people of all different backgrounds and who all look different and it's so sad to me that people would unfollow or make incorrect assumptions as those you mentioned. You are absolutely beautiful and the confidence you have to put yourself out there is something to be admired! xo Kimmy

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  39. I only recently started reading your blog and love it - keep up the good work :)
    -Kelly
    www.peachtreeroadies.com

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  40. I love your blog. Wish to see it going towards more & more success. All the best !

    http://naturelbellefemme.blogspot.com

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  41. You're doing a fab job :) I consider myself a proper beauty novice - just sticking to a few products (although I am trying to branch out) - and I really love your blog :)

    Heather x
    http://heatherrrrm.blogspot.co.uk/

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  42. Aw beautiful post, Elle! =)
    Thanks for your lovely comment!

    NEW POST on http://whattostyle.blogspot.com/

    Instagram | Twitter | Bloglovin

    xoxo,
    Jess

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  43. You are my favorite Elle! The best "models" are real girls like us.
    xo Annie
    New England Romance

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  44. You are killing it chica, keep it up!

    xo

    Michaela

    http://michaelajeanblog.com

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  45. Very thoughtful, very heart-felt post. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. I love your blog! I always look forward to new posts. :-)

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  46. You are fabulous. If it makes you feel any better, your blog is in my 'blogs I love' list. :D

    ~ Lu
    xx
    http://littlestepsbigheart.blogspot.com

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  47. I just found out about your blog recently, through This Italian Family, and I have to say I'm loving what I'm seeing, and can't wait to discover more on your site!

    Kisses from Buenos Aires xx
    http://amateandarottweiler.blogspot.com.ar/

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  48. Elle- I love you too! I honestly love your blog because of YOU. You seem so down to earth and so relatable. Your beauty tips are just an added bonus. Keep being YOU because it works. Love you and have the best week!
    xoShannon

    One Stylish Mom

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  49. I LOVE you, your blog, and your YT channel. You never cease to amaze me with the creative posts you come up with - especially your DIYs. Keep on keepin' on you!!!

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  50. Love you, girl! Your passion and knowledge are evident and I just love your personality. Your tutorials and DIYs are completely unique. You have a lot to be proud. Much love, Elles Bells! :)

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  51. I'm a new reader but you are the only beauty blogger I read regularly and stalk on all the social media (even if I don't comment every day). I find you so relatable and entertaining and realistic, and I love what you do.

    Your dog is adorable, too :)

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  52. You are doing a great job with your blog and just coming here you can feel the passion and the drive that's behind it! You clearly love your blog and blogging and though there are a gazillion beauty blogs out there you offer something unique which keeps us all coming back:-)

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  53. This is a great article! I love coming to your blog! You are great in make-up looks but you are also a great and nice person and that shines through!

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  54. I detest people who use a product for a day and review it. No no no. Especially skin products - you need to use them for a few weeks to see how they do!

    You're actually really the only beauty blogger I read. You're relatable and don't make things people are unfamiliar with seem out of reach. That comes across well! Keep it up!

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  55. Thank you so much for this post! As a new blogger, I am really inspired by your declaration, and I look forward to reading more of your blog and future posts!

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  56. You are literally my favorite beauty blogger. I'm not just saying that because we're friends. You just are. I like that you are so honest in your reviews. I trust what you have to say!

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  57. Great post! Being more of a newer beauty blogger you have definitely inspired me, and I'm so glad I found your blog a while ago! You always offer something new and exciting! :)

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  58. I have learned so very much and actually used your tips and bought products post reading your blog. You are definitely my fave beauty blogger! T. http://tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com

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  59. You are in my favorite list already and it was nice knowing new things about you :) You know i used to use pencils to curl my hair when i was 4 :P Loved reading about you and i love your work :) I also believe in your philosophy of "thoroughly tried, tested then reviewed" :)

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  60. You are obviously one of my favorite beauty bloggers, my friend. You present a wide variety of products, give honest opinions even when doing reviews, and are just REAL (aside from being gorgeous!). Your tutorials are my favorite ever and as you know, I try to recreate them on my own. You're amazing and I'm so proud of all the hard work you put into your blog - it shows, and I adore you!

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  61. Well you are my favourite beuty blogger ... so there's that. lol

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  62. Ah your eye shadow looks perfect! I need a new bronze tone so definitely will remember this one!

    xo

    Michaela

    http://michaelajeanblog.com

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  63. I love your blog, Elle — and it is the only beauty blog I follow, so I don't have anything to compare it to, but I think it's wonderful! I know that you work incredibly hard on it and actually try — and spend your own money on — new beauty products. I know I haven't read it in a while as I've been trying to adjust to working full-time and taking care of twins, but know that I think you're amazing and love reading your posts when I get the time! :)

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  64. Well... You are my fav beauty blogger. I can't read you as much as before the baby, but I still love Ellesees. I have followed your reccommendations and tutorials with great results and will keep doing it.

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  65. You are hands down my favorite beauty blogger, I know I can trust you! You are one of my bloggy buddies! You work so hard and have created a blog with such great content and it's a fabulous resource! You can tell you love what you do and it shows! Keep up the great work!!!

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