At COCOTIQUE, we believe in the spirit of beauty through confidence, grace and optimism. In our COCOBlogger series, we feature women who exude those things through their personal brands, and have them share their favorite beauty and fashion secrets. In this post we present Kristin Booker: Editor/Publisher, Fashion.Style.Beauty.
In 3 to 4 sentences, please tell me about yourself and your blog?
I’m a former HR executive who always wanted to write, so in 2007 I sold everything I owned to move to New York to do so. I started Fashion.Style.Beauty in 2009 as a pet project to chronicle my discovery of how to live life to the fullest at every price point. The process of discovery - and writing the blog - has taught me so much about myself. It’s been one of the best experiences of my life.
What are 3 products in your ultimate beauty arsenal and why?
Simple Skincare - So amazing, so kind to your skin…I love it so much, I’m a Brand Ambassador.
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat - Whatever sorcery they use in that product is well worth whoever sold their soul to create it. It’s a magic wand of goodness - concealer, luminizer…self-esteem builder. It’s my favorite makeup product ever.
MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Russian Red - Everyone has a perfect red. This one is mine. I have multiple tubes stashed in every bag possible so I don’t forget it.
What separates you from other bloggers?
My writing style is unique: it’s very personal, raw and honest.
If you had 2 hours to pick out an outfit from head to toe, where would you shop and why?
Zara is hands-down the first choice. You can get a head-to-toe look there without searching and searching for days. If you need a head-to-toe look and it involves underwear, then you have to head to TJ Maxx. That place is a treasure trove of fashion goodness. If price is no object, then it’s Bergdorf Goodman all the way.
What are a few of the often-overlooked rewards and pitfalls of blogging?
The rewards of blogging are numerous, but the one that’s often overlooked is the true connection with your readers. I love getting emails and comments when people connect with what I’m writing, when I’ve informed or inspired them.
I don’t know if there are ‘pitfalls’, per se, but I do think you have to avoid a sense of entitlement when it comes to invitations to events and requesting products. You also have to focus on doing your own thing, making sure to set your own vision and unique path. Comparison to others is the worst act of violence against yourself, and it can derail your success before it even has a chance.
What is the one bit of advice you would give to all women?
Never, ever be afraid to be who you are, say what you feel and do what you want with your life.
What cosmetic ingredient(s) do you avoid and why?
I really try to avoid sulfates and alcohols in hair products because they suck the life right out of your hair. I don’t always avoid them, but I make a conscious effort.
Do you have a Sunday night or weekend beauty ritual? If yes, what is it?
Sunday night is my Big Night of Beauty. I deep condition my hair and I give myself a facial masque.
What has been your proudest blogging moment to date?
It’s a tie between the feature in the New York Times and seeing my face in a national print ad campaign for Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy, which was featured in Marie Claire and Harper’s Bazaar.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
I’m currently working on a book, getting ready to expand the coverage of FSB and a few good things that I can’t talk about just yet. All sorts of great things are happening. I’m really, really grateful. :)
More about Kristin Booker:
Blog | Twitter
In 3 to 4 sentences, please tell me about yourself and your blog?
I’m a former HR executive who always wanted to write, so in 2007 I sold everything I owned to move to New York to do so. I started Fashion.Style.Beauty in 2009 as a pet project to chronicle my discovery of how to live life to the fullest at every price point. The process of discovery - and writing the blog - has taught me so much about myself. It’s been one of the best experiences of my life.
What are 3 products in your ultimate beauty arsenal and why?
Simple Skincare - So amazing, so kind to your skin…I love it so much, I’m a Brand Ambassador.
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat - Whatever sorcery they use in that product is well worth whoever sold their soul to create it. It’s a magic wand of goodness - concealer, luminizer…self-esteem builder. It’s my favorite makeup product ever.
MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Russian Red - Everyone has a perfect red. This one is mine. I have multiple tubes stashed in every bag possible so I don’t forget it.
What separates you from other bloggers?
My writing style is unique: it’s very personal, raw and honest.
If you had 2 hours to pick out an outfit from head to toe, where would you shop and why?
Zara is hands-down the first choice. You can get a head-to-toe look there without searching and searching for days. If you need a head-to-toe look and it involves underwear, then you have to head to TJ Maxx. That place is a treasure trove of fashion goodness. If price is no object, then it’s Bergdorf Goodman all the way.
What are a few of the often-overlooked rewards and pitfalls of blogging?
The rewards of blogging are numerous, but the one that’s often overlooked is the true connection with your readers. I love getting emails and comments when people connect with what I’m writing, when I’ve informed or inspired them.
I don’t know if there are ‘pitfalls’, per se, but I do think you have to avoid a sense of entitlement when it comes to invitations to events and requesting products. You also have to focus on doing your own thing, making sure to set your own vision and unique path. Comparison to others is the worst act of violence against yourself, and it can derail your success before it even has a chance.
What is the one bit of advice you would give to all women?
Never, ever be afraid to be who you are, say what you feel and do what you want with your life.
What cosmetic ingredient(s) do you avoid and why?
I really try to avoid sulfates and alcohols in hair products because they suck the life right out of your hair. I don’t always avoid them, but I make a conscious effort.
Do you have a Sunday night or weekend beauty ritual? If yes, what is it?
Sunday night is my Big Night of Beauty. I deep condition my hair and I give myself a facial masque.
What has been your proudest blogging moment to date?
It’s a tie between the feature in the New York Times and seeing my face in a national print ad campaign for Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy, which was featured in Marie Claire and Harper’s Bazaar.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
I’m currently working on a book, getting ready to expand the coverage of FSB and a few good things that I can’t talk about just yet. All sorts of great things are happening. I’m really, really grateful. :)
More about Kristin Booker:
Blog | Twitter