Beauty Blogger Confidential

Meet Buff Beauty blogger Gem Bolton…

The blogosphere’s become a mighty crowded place. With a plethora of new fashion and beauty blogs popping up every week, it sometimes feels like blogging might be the new black. So how do you stand out from the crowd and make your voice heard above the noisy hubbub of the blogosphere? You need a watertight USP.

And Gem Bolton has just that: her blog Buff Beauty is all about natural and organic beauty. Rather than pages of makeup tutorials or new product reviews, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of features on the very best products from brands with emerald green eco-credentials, alongside interviews with industry insiders and suggestions of healthy food and wellbeing goodies. We found out more about the lady behind the blog…

When and why did you start blogging?

I launched Buff Beauty back in Dec 2011. I felt there was a real need for a natural beauty blog that was just was glamorous and enticing as it was green and with my love of writing, products and previous brand training, I felt I should give it a go.

What’s your daytime face?

A concealer, bronzer (and sometimes cream blush) combo for the skin, with black liner along the upper lash line and plenty of black mascara. Always lip balm and nearly always gloss.

And evening make-up?

More brows, more eyes, more lips! I favour a soft powder brushed into the brows for gentle definition and golden eye shadows to bring out the blue of my eyes. For lips I’ll line with a very natural shade and apply plenty of plumping gloss in a pale pink for the fullest finish I can create.

Favourite niche European brand?

Själ: a Swedish brand that fuses European technology with Eastern methods. Such clean and understated packaging too.

Always in your make-up bag?

Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm and Organic Glam’s Mascara and Bronzer in Golden Bronze. The mascara truly is incredible - ultra glam and so good for the lashes too.

Current make-up crush?

Miranda Kerr’s perfect radiance. She’s said to be a fan of the RMS Beauty Collection, and I’m not surprised as the formulas really bring the face to life.

Favourite DIY home treatment?

I’m not trying to cheat, but it would have to be a full on spa session! Exfoliating top to toe, applying face and body masks, soaking in the bath, a mini pedi and creams and oils all over. The experience isn’t complete without some Neom candles, a huge mug of detox tea and a magazine or two.

Best luxury buy?

Bodyism’s Beauty Food. It contains a mind-boggling number of ingredients in one supplement and makes you feel fantastic. It’s an investment for full body beauty!

Buff Beauty’s can’t-live-without products: skincare, make-up and well-being goodies from the loveliest natural and organic brands…

Favourite skincare product?

It’s counted as skincare, but it’s not for the face. It’s Orico London’s Full Cup Bust & Neck Treatment. My bust grew by several centimetres in just six weeks. Results I would never have believed if I hadn’t tried it myself. Who wants to give up those extra centimetres?!

What beauty addresses can we find in your little black book?

At the top would be my hairdresser, the delightful Zac Fennell, a Director of Bath’s Artizan. He was a finalist on E4′s Great British Hairdresser and his talents, along with his charms, mean he’s always in high demand. It’s an Aveda salon, so the products are much more caring than the standard salon offering. For total relaxation there’s also Bishopstrow House. The Hotel is perfectly situated between Bath and Salisbury, so makes for a great meeting place for spa days with my Mum or Sister-in-Law. The spa menu is also a real treat!

Do you read any other blogs?

Yes, too many to list them all! For beauty I love The Beauty Shortlist, Biteable Beauty, Bare Faced Chic, Sugarpuffish and Mademoiselle Nature!

I’m also a big fan of the foodie and fitness blogs Francesca’s Fitness Kitchen and The Model Foodie, both of who I’ve enjoyed interviewing for Buff Beauty.

What perfumes can we find in your fragrance library?

Patricia Gallagher’s Embrace, which is super sultry and Jo Wood Organics’ Tula for a lighter, floral feel.

Favourite beauty trend this season?

The naked face with a vibrant lip, which I might brave but only on my freshest faced days!

How should brands engage with beauty bloggers?

I find most do it really well. I’d say for brands yet to engage with bloggers (or those not having much success), take the time to read the blogs you’re approaching for an understanding of their work. Contact the blogger to find out which posts they’re working on, or to promote particular products you think would best fit. And always take the time to promote the feature from your end; a prospective customer might be looking at your corporate or Facebook page for more information and would love to see some genuine reviews.

Can you run in heels?

Of course! For evidence do come and see me racing around the cobbles of Bath. Though please politely avert your eyes when I trip.

To find out more, see the Buff Beauty blog. You can also follow on Twitter @BuffBeautyBlog.

Buff Beauty’s favourite addresses include Artizan and Bishopstrow House. On the trend-to-try list: bright lips at Giles for S/S ’13