Sparkle FAQ

Who are you?

Well, hi there! I'm Lisa Kate, just a normal 21-year-old girl in boring Ohio trying to share her sparkle addiction with the world! I started blogging in July 2009, but I have been using mineral makeup for about 2 years now.

Why did you start blogging?

I was frustrated with the lack of mineral makeup blogs out there. I could find a lot of MAC blogs, but those didn't exactly cater to me. I was also disgruntled with bloggettes who get free samples from companies and then pimp them on their blog. Why? Oh because I, as a normal customer, got ripped off, sweared at, and treated poorly from more than one of these companies this particular blogger kept saying was so great! After a particularly awful experience (which I've never posted about and probably never will, although she knows who she is! Jerk!), I started up my own blog. I never thought anyone would read it!

How do you do your swatches?

I use a cheap Walmart Sanyo camera that I bought for less than $100. Each swatch in done dry with the same Aveda brush and no primer. If I do a swatch foiled (or wet) I will always say so. I think consistancy is key in swatching! Keep in mind that my skin is very, very pale so light colors don't always show up and some colors may look brighter.

Why are you so mean/nice in your reviews?

I try to be an "average customer" to each company, instead of a blogger. I don't want special treatment (see above). Sometimes I'm pissed off when I don't have a good experience and I'll be completely honest about it. I don't write bad reviews because I dislike the owner, it's not personal at all! My experiences with a company may be different from yours, and I'm open to all sides. Sometimes, you will see me gush and coo over a new company too. I'm not mean all the time! If I genuinely love a product, service and image, I will tell you! And then I will proceed to gush about my new finds for months.

Are you a makeup artist?

Well, sort of. I am a licensed cosmetologist and certified Aveda makeup artist. I don't practice though, so I don't consider myself one.

Do you get makeup for free?

Sometimes. If a company contacts me asking if I want to review, I generally research them first if need be. I don't always say yes! I'm very particular on what I write about and I can't tell my readers to go out and buy "product A" if I wouldn't buy it myself (and I'm really cheap)! I don't ask companies for free samples and I never will. While I DO appreciate free stuff (doesn't everyone?), its rude to ask and if my Catholic school upbringing instilled anything in me, it's to not be rude. The majority of my collection was purchased by me, with the exception of free samples that companies give to ALL of their customers.

Can I swap with you?

I love swaps! I was burned on Makeup Alley a few times and am a bit more cautious now, but I love swapping and am totally opened to it.

Please feel free to keep emailing or posting questions! I try to answer everything but time gets away from me! I appreciate each and every one of my readers!