Rewind to the start of 2019 when I took a break from Instagram to focus on exams and recharge my mind. Now, quickly fast forward to February when I made my return to Instagram and realised that there'd been quite a few changes. Not only was the algorithm issue still waving its gosh-ugly flag, but all my fellow influencers were peppering #ad and #gifted all over the place.
Of course, these hashtags didn't come as a complete surprise to me because, I had seen them floating around the 'gram for years - mostly on big-time influencers or celebrities - and even sometimes used them myself in case it wasn't quite clear that something had been gifted and, to be honest, usually for the pure purpose of being an honest writer with honest readers.
I swiftly began to realise, though, that as of March 1st 2019, including #ad (or something along those lines) on something that was a paid promotion was mandatory for influencers and, if the rule is flouted, there can be a hefty fine. ABC net put it brilliantly and discussed the idea of a grey area which I'm finding myself struggling to settle with on Instagram.
This grey area comes from the whole '#ad' VS '#gifted' thing. Let's say a blogger is sent a skincare product by a brand and the brand purely ask for some coverage on Instagram Stories. But the brand does ask for use of a selected hashtag - let's say #brand. According to the ASA and CAP code, this is classed as 'control'. 'Control' means that the company are shaping the result of the content being created by you. In this case, adding #brand means that they can categorise your content the way they wish. So here, the same applies if you're asked to write a blog post for a gifted product and include specific words - this is control.
However, let's take my own example with my Instagram Stories of the Oy! Skincare products that I was gifted. Alongside the commentary in my videos, I constantly provided the hashtag #gifted. In this situation, I actually could have put nothing at all. And, in hindsight, I probably should have just popped the hashtag on their once or even just briefly mentioned it. This is because there was no brand control of this content. Those at Green People that contacted me simply asking to gift me products for a blog review meaning my coverage on Instagram Stories (alongside no suggested hashtags, words, or comments, nor specification of particular dates for publishing any content) were completely my own doing. In fact, for this content, I could have, even under the prying eyes of ASA, not mentioned a single thing about #gifted and certainly not #ad.
But we do this, and I did it because I wanted to be honest and, frankly, I'm a very humble and proud blogger that jumps at the chance to share my gifted products with my readers.
If you are also wondering what exactly you should be saying, my opinion would be to use #ad for anything according to the ASA standards and using #gifted for anything that has been gifted but with no control. In this case, you are purely using the #gifted for consumer honesty.
Learning about the Influencer Marketing standards in accordance with the Advertising Standards Agency has been something that I feel has helped me breathe a little easier when it comes to applying these hashtags. I'd completely recommend checking out the ASA website and learning about the CAP codes before you use these hashtags and to settle any worries.
What are your opinions on the new #ad rules?
To be honest, it's not very often that I decide to change up my foundation. Similarly, the fact that I waltzed into the store and bought this straight away is also quite unusual for me. I'm usually the kind of person to never 'treat myself' and pretty much never really indulge on material things. This little bottle is quite the exception...
It all started, actually, about a year ago when I was invited to an event at The Body Shop. I was very kindly made up by one of the staff members in a full-face of the Body Shop Make Up cosmetics and I adored the foundation so much that I took a sample away with me.
Fast forward a few months, I finally got round to using the sample. And, like I did the first time I wore it, I was whizzed off my feet by the way it suited my skin and preferences so perfectly. Fast forward a few more months, I was walking past The Body Shop, walked in, asked for a shade match, and thus bought the foundation. A complete whim-buy, for me, but one that I look back at pretty smugly.
So what is so great about this foundation (and what makes it so perfect for the summer)?...
So what is it?
This is The Body Shop Fresh Nude foundation, it's a 30ml, pump dispenser glass bottle. My shade is 015, Kyoto Blossom, and contains Sun Protection Factor 15. According to the website, the product claims to have 24H moisturisation, be light to medium coverage, a semi-matte finish and be suitable for sensitive skin. So, let's talk about that.
- Size, Amount, Coverage
As I mentioned, the description of the product is 'light to medium' and it certainly lives up to that. This is not the foundation for anyone looking for full coverage although, I have found that, with its buildable quality, it is achievable. Speaking of which, it does build well. Adding more layers onto your skin doesn't mean you feel claggier and claggier, you definitely see more of a difference than feel more of a difference - which is only a good thing.
I'm a believer that, in the summertime, my foundation should be many things, but definitely not full coverage. I get uncomfortable in warm weather if I'm wearing thicker foundations or if my skin can't happily soak in a bit of well needed Vitamin D. Therefore, I tend to go for the likes of BB Creams or, now that I'm in the company of this product, a light coverage foundation. I reckon 1 pump of this will give me the base that I need on a hot summer's day to even out my skin tone while letting sun at my skin and avoiding the risk of packing my pores with a thick product.
- Complexion Finish
In relation to the coverage of this foundation, the finish happens to be something I definitely wouldn't reach for usually. It's very dewy, in my opinion, and I certainly wouldn't agree with the claims of it being 'semi-matte'. On the typical highlighted points of my face such as my forehead, chin, and nose, the light really catches the moisture. As a result of this, I do prefer to mattify it with a translucent powder but think that, as the foundation gets time to soak into my skin and stick to the mattifying powder, I don't find myself needing to apply more powder later one.
Which leads me perfectly onto the 24H moisture claim. Firstly, I think the claim itself is already a bit fetching as I don't know a single person prepared to wear foundation for an entire 24 hours but, I have to say, this foundation doesn't cling to the dry parts of my skin anywhere near as much as some of my others do. I did try testing the foundation for around a 9-hour wear and noticed that, by the end of it, it seemed to have pretty much stayed put and my skin didn't feel any sort of tight or dry underneath.
- The Summer Factor
What truly stands out for this product and makes it the ideal item for a travel bag, or a new kind of holiday romance, is the SPF 15. I'm a preacher of the idea that SPF keeps the skin young and I even aim to use an SPF moisturiser every day, even throughout winter, to minimise my skin's exposure to damaging UV Rays. I think there is nothing more reassuring than knowing that you can feel and look your best while not having to worry about adding extra products for extra protection. Essentially, it's like a 2 in 1.
Overall, I'm just delighted that I bit the bullet and got this foundation after thinking about it for so long. Not only does it match my skin impeccably, but it also has all of these wonderful characteristics that are both ideal for me or something completely different to my usual, safe kind of style. I highly recommend this product and can guarantee it's definitely raised my expectations of The Body Shop make up even further.
What foundation are you loving at the moment?
We all know by now that, as of Septemeber last year, I'm a full-time Uni student. I study English Language in a city University, I've moved homes, I've made new friends, and I've already had a bunch of new experiences. From the outside, looking in, you'll probably see my Uni life as a cliche kind of set up - friends, learning, drinking, and just all-around student vibes. And, to be honest, you wouldn't be too wrong because I certainly do wish to embrace these sweet years before it gets serious, but there are definitely some honest truths about University that you don't always get to hear.
1. IT REALLY IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT
If you're heading to Uni anytime soon and you've already got your Netflix subscription lined up, you might want to consider taking it down a tier and just keeping yourself on the standard tariff because there's no way you're going to fulfil your Uni experience by glueing yourself to a screen the entire time. Ok, yes, there will be times when you need those peaceful moments to yourself and, believe me, they're equally as good for you, but you're not going to necessarily achieve lots by keeping the laptop as your only friend.
Doing things like joining societies, saying yes to more things, arranging things, joining group chats, or just simply trying something new can really open your eyes and, if you're lucky, help improve you as a person.
When I started Uni, I said yes to a job that I thought was completely out of my reach, actually ended up getting the job, and now thrive in a position that I love while knowing that this will be great for my CV. Getting up, saying yes, and being your best self is exactly what will make Uni a great experience.
2. £9,000 ISN'T ALWAYS JUSTIFIABLE
Being on a course like mine where the most specialist equipment you possible get is a database for corpora, where others get lab coats, iPads, and whatnot, I can easily have days where I feel frustrated at the amount of money I pay for this experience. Of course, the money is loaned and right now not something I need to worry about, but I'll be delighted when the day comes that different courses are given different loan amounts. At the moment, my course is a hefty £9,000+ and, frankly, it only involves powerpoint slides.
Understandably, I'm paying for the environment and the expertise that I get to work amongst at University, but I just don't quite believe that courses like mine should have to pay the same amount as a course that requires lots of time and equipment.
3. IT'S NOT JUST A PRETTY WALK IN THE PARK
As I mentioned at the start, a lot of people see students as living their best lives, socialising and having fun, but I cannot sugar coat this experience completely. There are moments of stress, a fair amount, to be honest, moments of upset, weakness, or frustration but these are just the battles that you have to face to enjoy everything else and get good grades and memories by the end of it. Just like many things in life, this University chapter is supposed to challenge you - whether for you that is waking up for 9am lectures, finding friends, learning about yourself, or tackling deadlines - at the end of the day, these should be obstacles that make you stronger on the other side.
4. THERE REALLY IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Part of my role as a representative for my University has meant I've had to open my mind to every length and breadth of the University lifestyle. For example, I've had to engage with societies that would normally be of no interest to me, and open my mind to exactly how these niche places are such safe havens for others. I guess you have to put yourself in another person's shoes in some instances. Take my University's Boardgame Society, for example; that's something that wouldn't take my interest but for others has provided a space of safety, friendship, and a sense of belonging. To me, hearing about how joining the society had impacted some of the students warmed my heart because it really gave me the sense that University can bring people together from all stretches of the world and make them feel less alone.
So, basically, if you're thinking of starting University but worry that there isn't something there for you or that you don't know anyone or even where to start, you can pretty much be assured that you'll find something and be accepted as yourself.
5. IT'S REALLY NOT THAT DIFFERENT FROM SCHOOL
... but believe me, I hated school but love Uni. However, I can't deny that you'll still find 'the popular kids', and the ones that never shut up in class, the days where you and friends just can't stop giggling through lectures at completely immature things, the fact that lecturers really can't get you to be quiet, and even sometimes do that 'I'll stand here silent until they notice', and the childish gossip that floats around now and then. These though, are the things that I think actually make it that bit more bearable. I guess it's like a home-from-home or a nostalgia that never left; these qualities are what keep us going, keep us feeling young, and keep us learning.
So, it may not always present itself at face value but one of the best things about attending University is learning about the University experience. Even coming from someone who was doubtful as to whether I'd go to Uni, I would now completely and wholeheartedly recommend it.
What truths about University have you never shared?
I would probably consider it a rare occasion if I get to the bottom of a product worth talking about. I usually find something new, lose it behind a pile of new products, or let it go past it's use-by. 'Cus of this, I reckoned I'd celebrate my achievement by discussing the items that I've completed and, most importantly, if I'd repurchase them.
B O T A N I C S R A D I A N T Y O U T H D A Y C R E A M
I loved this stuff from the get-go. Not only does it smell like florally goodness, but it also sits really well with my skin type. As someone who was always attached to the same moisturiser for years, when I took a new step towards this, I was scared but I was pleasantly surprised. An anti-aging, gingko, radiant youth, spf cream ended up being my skin soul-mate. So much so, this little tub went on a Spanish holiday with me. The SPF15 kept me protected from the strong sun without giving me any of the usual suncream breakouts. Other than that, I still used this every day in the UK in a battle to fight aging from UV rays - obviously, though, that's something difficult to measure just one year on.
Would I re-purchase?
Yes, and I have! As soon as the last little drop of this escaped the tub I was straight back in Boots to grab a new one. Luckily, there's often offers on the Botanics products in Boots, so I managed to get a new one at a discounted price. Definitely worth every penny.
B O T A N I C S R A D I A N T N I G H T C R E A M
Like two peas in a pod, this next product sits perfectly alongside the previous one. Despite their difference in colour and consistency, they're products designed to work together. As this is a night cream, however, it does lack the SPF15, meaning you don't get any unnecessary additives on your face - especially at the crucial skin-replenishing time while you sleep. While the Day Cream is a thin, white cream, this is a thicker more gel-like moisturiser but has the same level of moisture as the Day Cream - it reacts just as well with my dry-combination skin type too.
Would I re-purchase?
Unfortunately, I don't think I would. Because the Day Cream worked so well with my skin AND had the extra benefit of SPF, I didn't think twice on re-purchasing it. This, however, does seem to do the same jobs that a lot of other moisturisers do. I haven't re-purchased it yet just because I'm sure lots of other brilliant products will catch my sights but that's not to say that I'll never consider it again.
S O A P & G L O R Y A R C H E R Y B R O W
If you've been following me long enough, you'll know that this is definitely a product that's been re-purchased a few time before because it's not only the perfect match for my eyebrow colour but is a great way to perk up my eyebrows even when I'm in a rush. The precision brush at one end is exactly what it says on the tin, precise enough for drawing in life-like hairs in areas that are a bit more sparse. On the other end, however, is a smooth crayon for filling in. As I mentioned, the colour is really great for my eyebrows but, I've got to admit, it does seem to fade and run out after a few months of use so, if you have dark brows it would be worth you going for a dark shade.
Would I re-purchase?
As I mentioned before that there's always the possibility of new, perhaps better, products coming along, I reckon I still would re-purchase this one. It's just such a trust-worthy product and there's nothing handier than begin able to feel confident about your brows with a quick flick of the pencil. I will, however, keep an open mind.
What products have you finished using
recently and would you repurchase them?
It feels so weird to sit down and write this post, to be honest. Taking a break for 2 months has certainly rusted over a few bolts in my internal blogging machine. Nevertheless, there's been a lingering excitement over the past few weeks as I finally see my return approaching. While I'm nervous about what's to come, and hoping that I can find a perfect work-play balance, I'm also enjoying just feeling myself again. And, best of all, feeling happy.
Since putting my blog on halt at the very end of December, lots of things have happened to me in regards to both my life and my blog but, right now, I'm feeling very at peace with how things are going. I'm really hoping that, as I return, I can continue to enjoy everything equally and be able to spread my time across everything.
So what has happened recently...
L I F E
After spending a wonderful few weeks at the very start if the year at home, with my parents and cat, Jamie and I came back up to Newcastle very willingly. We'd missed the city and our flat and I was super excited to see all of my friends again. Seeing them, though, meant exams. I remember all 5 of my girlfriends and I sitting in the Uni library, revising for our exams, for SEVEN hours straight on one of the days. As you can imagine, I worked my bloody socks off for those assessments but, luckily, it all managed to pay off and I achieved a 1st in both of them - I was so delighted.
On top of that, I've restarted the gym! Woop, Woop! Going to the gym is something that I love doing; exercise makes me feel great and, as someone not very body confident, I love how the gym makes me feel. My friend and I have even been doing classes, which is something I never thought I'd do, but I'm really finding it great for my confidence. Not only that, though, I've also started eating with a healthier regime. I mean, I'm definitely not an unhealthy person because I'm far too conscious to eat crap 24/7 (in fact, Jamie and I had our 2nd ever take away in our flat last week), but I have just started taking it a little step further and making sure my diet fits hand in hand with my exercise. This includes eating smaller portions, cutting down on sugar, increasing my intake of fruit and veg (something I'm already pretty good at), and going meat-free at least once a week. So far, so good, but I'll keep you updated.
So other than that, life has just been hustling by me in a complete flash of lectures, books, work, gym, food, and friends. You probably see why finding a balance is important for me right now, because my plate is pretty full.
B L O G
So, if you're an avid reader of my blog, you will have completely expected me to stop posting after December and, in a way, I really hope that people have understood my reasons for doing so. What I didn't warn people for, though, (mainly because I had no idea it would happen either) is that I'd completely drop off the face of the earth in terms of social media. And, in fact, I'm still struggling to jump back onto the cart.
My Instagram went quiet for a month which, in fairness, is something I'd expect if someone was busy and/or not producing content but I'm managing to slowly but surely make my return. As the better weather rolls back around and I can get outside more, I'm enjoying capturing more images and getting more inspiration.
What I didn't expect, though, was how hard it would be to return to Twitter (of all places). The app on my phone is completely dusted over and I barely go near it at all these days. I have moments where I think 'Oh, I could tweet that' but quite frankly don't have the motivation - so a lot of the time, I just keep my thoughts to myself. Perhaps, it's not too much of a bad thing, but I did always enjoy engaging with bloggers there yet it seems to be something so difficult for me right now. Of course, though, I'll be trying my hardest to retrain my brain because, at the end of the day, for this little internet space to grow, using Twitter (one of the best platforms in my opinion) would be quite vital.
-- -- --
So that's it! My first blog post of Season 2 and it feels like it's been a joy to write. I'd love to know what your opinions are on taking a break from blogging or even any kinds of posts you'd like me to cover in the next season - whether that's my gym/healthy eating regime, more personal posts, reviews, or whatnot - just let me know.
For now, anyway, I'm very happy to be back.
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