Why I Quit Makeup Blogging

When I first started blogging, the topic I chose was “green beauty” where I would discuss natural and organic makeup and personal care products.

I wanted to start an online presence because I wanted to gather experience in creating digital content and working online.

I chose that topic because everyone says that if you blog, you should have a niche as narrow as possible, to become regarded as an expert in that field. So I thought the topic of organic makeup would be an easy one to become knowledgeable in, and at the time I had accumulated a sizeable makeup kit of natural only brands.

I never really thought that makeup was all that I am about, but I imagined that maybe I would get some low-stress work opportunities in that field, so that I could spend more time doing things I love like being in nature and reading books.

So, that was my mistake. I should have always gone for a lifestyle theme I love, but I was afraid I didn’t have a narrow enough niche in any other interests.

How I Feel About Makeup Now

Through being in the “green beauty” community, I became very detracted from makeup. Even though it was organic and “safe” it all started to seem very superficial. I started to realize that makeup just really isn’t important or necessary.

The makeup industry, even the organic one, is not empowering for women. It needs you to feel like you have to paint your face everyday to be beautiful.

“Organic” makeup started to feel like a hypocrisy to me. If we are interested in natural products, then in a way, doesn’t that mean we are concerned about the environment, and the consequences that over-consumption has on the planet?

But in order for the organic makeup industry to thrive, it still requires people hooked on consumption and acquiring fancy new things. It still contributes to environmental pollution – the extraction for all the ingredients, the petroleum used to produce packaging and transport these products all over the world.

Most things we use, of course, require energy to produce. But some things are necessary and some aren’t, especially when we are in an environmental predicament.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that sprucing up with a little gloss or mascara is a bad thing. I still like to occasionally do that.  But I think that our inherent desire to enhance natural beauty is being exploited.

It’s like tons of new “organic” makeup brands are popping up monthly all so that we can have the luxury of choice. This is an unnecessary decadence and too much of an imbalance focusing on outer appearance.

Beauty should be simple – nourish your body and cultivate your mind and soul, do things that actually make you happy and fulfilled and it will show in your physical appearance.

On Fitness

Then I decided that I should focus on fitness, since it is a daily part of my life, I’ve worked as a personal trainer and I enjoy it. Well, I soon discovered that I just do not enjoy creating content about exercising.

I felt like blogging about it made it unnecessarily complicated. To me, it’s just an everyday part of life like getting dressed and making food.

Fitness, like beauty is simple (to me). You need to get your heart rate up in high intensity, short intervals. Learn how to swing a kettlebell properly. It will change your life.

I also don’t find creating fitness media to be very visually appealing or beautiful.

Where I’m At Now

Beauty is a good thing. But that of the earth is more important than a perfectly blended out crease or winged liner every single day.

The world just doesn’t need more makeup or fashion bloggers. Because of the emphasis on these industries, we are turning the planet into a wasteland.

I’ve come to a place where I really appreciate the small things in life like crafting, reading or making food. Reviving a connection with nature and ancient wisdom which has been sorely lost. And obviously with the latter, that entails an eco-friendly lifestyle.

What I’ve Learned About Blogging

Being pressured to have stay within a niche can feel really restrictive. Only stick to something really narrow if you have a genuine passion about it.

It’s okay to start to blog about general things under not too broad of a niche that you’re interested in. This way, you will get practice and find out what you are good at.

The old cliche : Be authentic! Don’t resist who you actually are and what naturally compels you.

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