Junior Anne-Marie showcases one of her favorite beauty looks. (Rebecca Keay / The Daily Campus)

Anne-Marie Clegg, a junior majoring in advertising and minoring in French and fashion media, is the author of her beauty blog The Beauty Book.

When did you start blogging?

I started my blog, The Beauty Book, about two years ago, but I didn’t know how exciting blogging was or that it was turning into such a massive industry.

When I started, it was more of an online diary for myself. I wrote about things I loved in the beauty industry, but I just didn’t know how to channel my passion. I was simply a freelance makeup artist that wanted to share her knowledge. Honestly, in the beginning the blog wasn’t very impressive at all. I barely ever posted because it was really just for myself.

I hardly had any viewers when I first started. A year later, my enthusiasm and dedication grew. I realized what a great opportunity I had in front of me. Eventually, my hard work began to pay off with new followers joining each day.

Describe your blog.

My blog is home to product reviews, makeup tutorials and DIY beauty projects.

I work with an affiliate website called RewardStyle where I earn commission through the ads that are on the sidebar of the blog.

I like to hold myself to a higher standard and ensure that I am only advertising products that I use myself and would recommend to my best girl friends. The goal of my blog is to truthfully inform others and to test products for my subscribers.

What is the theme of your blog?

I recently changed the design to reflect my personality. I feel like I cannot accurately represent my style with just one word or category. Therefore, I combined classic glamour and femininity with a little edginess.

I am inspired by Marilyn Monroe and Rihanna, because of their originality and strong sense of style.

What is your favorite part about blogging?

I like helping people and giving them my insight. I want everyone to realize both their inner and outer beauty.

We live in a world today where girls are constantly barraged by negative ad and media messages. I feel like makeup can really enhance a girls’ confidence.

Who is your typical reader?

I target mostly college women, but all ages read my advice; from teenagers to even women in their 50s. I actually have a lot of middle-aged readers because my followers will tell their mothers about the blog and soon become are some of my most avid readers.

How often do you post?

I post about once a week, but I am trying to post more often.

Sometimes it’s hard with school and a job, but I really enjoy the fulfillment that I get from blogging.

How do you go about choosing products to test and feature on your blog?

The beauty gurus and makeup artists on YouTube serve as a great inspiration for me. A lot of them are professional makeup artists and write about products that they have recently used.

I really look up to their opinions and like to try out the merchandise they suggest.

Sometimes I just walk into a drugstore or department store and find random products to write about. I like to do things out of the ordinary to add more originality to my content.

What is the best piece of beauty advice you would give to our readers?

First of all, it’s important to know that the beauty industry is not like it used to be. Don’t be afraid to buy products from the drugstore. You may be surprised with the quality you can get when shopping on a budget.

There are some products in the drugstore that I think are better than the high-end ones.

Another beauty tip I can give is moisturize. It it so important to preserve and refresh the skin.

Do you have any projects in relation to your blog?

I want to give back to a special woman who gives to her community.

I think it’s important to celebrate those people who have given so much or who have gone through hard, tragic times, so I encouraged all my readers to send me exceptional stories of strong independent woman.

On March 18 I announced the winner of this giveaway. I am going to surprise this woman and go to her house and give her a full day of pampering and a make-over. I’m also partnering with a photographer who will give her a photo shoot to remember the day.

I’ve always wanted to give back to my readers. Most bloggers do only product giveaways, but I wanted to do something more meaningful.

Where do you see your blog going in a year?

I want to have more content on my blog. I should be posting every day, because that’s the best way to earn subscribers. I also want to shoot more video tutorials. I feel like this is one of the best way for a person to learn how to apply makeup. 

I want to keep talking to my readers on a personal level. I want them to feel as if they are listening to their best girlfriend.

Visit Anne-Marie’s blog at http://www.beautybooklove.com.