Blogger Spotlight on... Amanda of "A Little Powder, A Little Paint..."

  Hello Everyone! As you may know by now I have started a segment featuring other bloggers I love and follow religiously. My longtime friend Amanda graciously agreed to go through my interrogation...uh I mean...interview process. She is the author of the beauty blog "A Little Powder, A Little Paint..." a blog dedicated to product reviews for all kinds of beauty products from makeup to nail polish, along with advice on how to use these products. Her blog, like mine, is all about affordability and the quality looks you can get on a budget. You like her already, don't you? 

   Here are the questions I asked Amanda, and the answers she gave. 

This will help you get a better feel for what her blog is all about. 

1. What made you want to start a beauty blog?

I actually found a YouTube video by MakeupbyTiffanyD on accident, and tried out the look. I posted on Facebook and got a good response, so I started posting looks every day and then just moved it to a blog.

2. How would you describe your make-up style?

Experimental LOL. I have so many products that I am trying out so I am kinda all over the place. I try to do something a little different every day. I like to change it up. I guess I could also be considered universal because I am learning as I go, so anyone can do what I do.

                                                                                                

3. If you had to wear one color of nail polish for the rest of your life, what color would it be and why?

Oh geez, that's a hard one! I have over 70 nail polishes lol. I think I would pick a pink polish, because I love anything pink. It's very girly and flirty. I am loving Hannah Pinktana by Wet n' Wild right now as my favorite pink polish. 

A manicure Amanda did using Hannah Pinktana

4. I know you are all about the deals when it comes to make-up - Do you believe that consumers can really get a great look using less expensive brands?

I truly believe you can. You can make any eye shadow work with an eyelid primer. You can even get a good eyelid primer from e.l.f for $1. I think Wet n Wild brand has GREAT pigmentation, a GREAT variety of colors and you can get an 8 color palette for $5. I believe anyone can make a great look for next to nothing.

5. Where does your inspiration come from for your different make-up looks?

Sometimes I go by what I am wearing for the day, sometimes I base my outfit on my makeup. Sometimes a certain color will just jump out at me and I'll base my whole look of that. I don't technically have an inspiration, I just go with the flow.

 6. What is your all time favorite beauty product and why?

I guess I would look at that question as: what is one thing you couldn't live without? To that I say: concealer! You can't cover blemishes, under eye circles, or redness around your nose with a lip stick ya know! =)

7. If you could encourage your readers to do one thing to improve their beauty habits, what would it be?

My biggest piece of advice is: invest in yourself. You are your biggest asset, so take care of yourself. You don't need a special occasion to do your makeup or dress nice. Do it just because it makes you feel good, and makes you happy. I was in a major slump for a long time, but now that I take the time to invest in myself everyday I feel much happier with myself, and I have a ton of self confidence. Put on a pair of heels and do a smokey eye on a Tuesday just because you can. You are a woman, and you never need an "excuse" to feel beautiful. You should feel beautiful everyday. 

8. I know you are an extremely busy mom, is it possible to get a great makeup look in a short amount of time? How do you do it?

 I honestly take a bit of time in the morning, but that is because I like to play around with different stuff. It's like a kid in a candy store every time I see my collection. However, if I am in a rush I can pull everything together quickly. There is a routine to doing your makeup everyday, and once you find the routine that works for you, you can pull off anything in no time flat. I usually have about an hour between the kids getting on the bus, and the other kids waking up, to myself. So I take full advantage of it because it's the only hour I will get all day. 

9. What is a funny fact that people may not know about you?

I am one of those weird moms that dances like a complete idiot around the house, and talks in really strange voices to make my kids laugh. My husband is forever telling me I am a dork, but the boys and I think I'm funny. Plus, I'm starting to get really good at doing the MC Hammer dance.

10. What is the next beauty product you are dying to try?

Cream blush. I've never tried one before, it seems like an interesting concept, so why not? That or a heated eyelash curler for my straight little stubs =)

You can check out Amanda's blog here and "like"her on facebook here.

P.S. It's her Birthday on Monday so be sure to stop by her page and show her some love!