Today’s blogger is Kathrine, aka Product Pixie. We finally met recently, at the Max Factor Elixir event, and rapidly got chatting about all things from nail varnish to lipstick, to hunky waiters, to The Great British Bake Off. With a good sense of humour and a dollop of wit, Kathrine’s blog features a wide range of beauty products with honest and thorough reviews. And I don’t know many other bloggers who would let their sister draw a Dali-esque moustache on them then post a photo on the www…. Check Product Pixie out here
1) Why did you start your blog?
I wanted to satisfy my writing urge in my spare time and looked around my house at what I had the most of to write about. It was either books or make up, and I went for the pretty option.
2) How long have you been blogging for?
Around 18 months.
3) What do you enjoy most about blogging?
Just having my own little space online to write about what I want, how I want and interact with an audience of people with a similar interest. I’m trying to get better at photography, too, as my lack of skills embarrass me, so blogging is forcing me to be better at that.
4) What frustrates you most about blogging?
BLOGGER. It’s essentially crap. I’m teetering on the brink of WordPress. That plus the lack of time I have to commit to it. It’s a lengthy process sometimes (see reason 1).
5) How much time a week do you spend on your blog / reading other people’s blogs?
I try to spend at least an hour a day on my own blog. I spend lunchtimes and train journeys reading other people’s.
6) What advice do you have for aspiring bloggers?
Just do it. Don’t set out to do it to gather followers and get loads of hits and freebies. That’s not the point, that’s the bonus. Just write about what interests you and take time to find your style and your groove. All the other bits can come later.
7) What other hobbies/interests do you have?
Is prosecco a hobby? I read a lot, I play the piano, I try to make the most of my spare time by going out and about with friends a lot seeing plays or visiting interesting things…and cats. Hence the picture. Sadly, she does not belong to me, but one day, I will have my own. It will be called Digby.
8 ) How many bottles of nail varnish do you own?
36. They live in the fridge.
9) Do you set yourself a shopping budget, or do you purchase on an as-and-when basis?
As-and-when but I don’t go mad. I reckon I spend between £40 and £80 a month on skincare and make-up, depending on if I’ve run out of things or there have been a few launches I’ve been waiting on.
10) What is your favourite make-up brand, and why?
I find it hard to choose as I’m not loyal to any brand; I pick and choose for favourites. Overall though, I’d be perfectly happy to only be able to buy from Bobbi Brown. I’ve never had a dud product and she makes my favourite lipstick of all time, the Rich Lip Colour in Guava.
11) Do you ever leave the house without wearing make-up?
Yes, happily.
12) What is your favourite beauty product and why?
Can I pick a type of product? I hope so…it’s mascara. It’s the one thing that makes the most singular difference to my face. Of mascaras, my favourite was More Lashes by Max Factor but it’s no longer available. Major sad face.
13) What is your favourite nail varnish of all time? (yep, only one!)
This is a truly horrible question. If pushed, I’d be happy with Models Own Nude Beige. It’s pretty perfect.
14) Tell us about the best holiday you’ve ever been on.
I suppose it’s not technically a holiday as I was working but I spent a couple of summers in Edinburgh working at the festival. Totally brilliant months of comedy, friends and lots of outdoors eating and drinking. Very happy memories.
15) What would be your ideal day off?
Lie-in, brunch at Ethel’s Kitchen in Hove with friends, afternoon browsing in second-hand bookshops, pedicure at Cowshed at Shoreditch House, catch a good film at Screen on the Green in Islington and an evening of cocktails and gossip at a fancy hotel bar. I’d end the day/night with a secret midnight picnic on a roof terrace looking over London.
16) What is your favourite TV show?
Too many to choose from but The Killing (original) is one of the best series I’ve ever seen. Barefoot Contessa and Delia Smith are old favourites, as are most cooking shows. I have also recently discovered Extreme Couponers. Obsessed. Please Google.
17) What music do you enjoy listening to?
My music favourites are wide-ranging and ever-changing but current favourites are a country singer called Matraca Berg, rediscovering Jay-Z’s catalogue, and a bit of French rap from MC Solaar.
18) What is your favourite food?
Olives. Any colour, any size, any stuffing (but preferably anchovies).
19) Where would you most like to visit in the world? (money no object)
I’ve always wanted to take off a whole year from work and spend a week in each state of America. I’d spend the extra two weeks travelling through the Rockies by train. I realise this will never happen. I can but dream.
20) Tell us a secret…
I don’t know how to use a shoehorn.
Thank you, Kathrine! Remember, if you have a blog, and would like to feature on 20 Questions, please drop us a line to the usual address.
Leave a Reply