ASK MINDY – What Camera We Use, Best Whitening Toothpaste, Favorite Lipstick & More

urban-decay-vice-lipstick-reivew

It’s been way too long since my last Ask Mindy post, so today I’ll be answering some commonly asked questions that I receive from readers and my social tribe. I also created THIS FORM so you can submit questions for my next Ask Mindy post. You can ask me any question anonymously and I’ll answer it in the next go around. Enjoy! Xo

WHO TAKES YOUR PHOTOS AND WHAT CAMERA DO YOU USE?
My amazing husband takes all my blog photos. One month into blogging, he gifted me my first ever DSLR that we still use today! We taught ourselves how to use it and shoot on manual mode. For most my photos, we use this Cannon with a 50MM 1.8 lens and while traveling we use this Sony with a 50MM 1.8 lens or a 20MM 2.8. 

The Cannon is a great starter DSLR. It will take awhile to learn manual mode, but we just YoutTubed everything! Once you have aperture, ISO etc. down, you’ll be just fine. I suggest researching camera lenses because the one that comes with the DSLR [no matter which brand you buy] is junk. The 50 MM lens is ideal for portraits so just research lenses based off what you’ll be shooting. 

The Sony is great for travel since it’s super small and light. The model I have also has a flip screen which is great for shooting video or taking selfies, duh!

 

I’M MOVING IN WITH MY BOYFRIEND! DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR LIVING TOGETHER?
Yay – so exciting!! I always say that moving in together is having one big sleepover forever! Below I linked a blog post all about going from dating to roommates. It is old, but I read it over and I still agree with what I wrote.

READ BLOG POST NOW →

 

WHO MADE YOUR ENGAGEMENT RING?
My ring was custom made by S with a designer in NYC. He did an amazing job! And both my bands are by A.Jaffe from a local Boston jeweler.

 

DO YOU WHITEN YOUR TEETH AND IF SO, WHAT DO YOU USE?
I only really whiten my teeth with the toothpaste I use. I swear by this toothpaste. It actually shows results and you can grab it at your local grocery store for about $6. Once a year-ish for a big event I’ll do Crest whitening strips, but I try to avoid them as long as possible since they are hard on enamel and my teeth are sensitive.  I hope that helps!

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HOW DO YOU EDIT YOUR PICTURES?
I Photoshop Elements via my desktop and Snapseed via my phone. I’m currently learning about Lightroom and testing out presets to create my own personal aesthetic. 

 

HOW DID YOU SURVIVE WEDDING PLANNING WITH A FULL TIME JOB? I’M OVERWHELMED. 
Since I’ve received this question from multiple girls, I wrote a whole post!

READ THE POST NOW →

 

ARE YOUR LASHES NATURAL OR DO YOU GET EXTENSIONS?
I have never used lash extensions. I just don’t have the time and I personally don’t want to damage my lashes. When I go to bed I like everything being off my face and even gel nails drive me insane so I don’t think lash extensions would be for me, but I know lots of friends that love them!

I’d rather just work on growing them so I use this product and it works insanely well. I apply it on my top lash line right before bed. I use it every night and see results in two weeks and full results in four. After a month, I will just apply a couple times a week rather than every night since they get super long.

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WHAT’S YOUR ALL TIME FAVORITE BEAUTY PRODUCT?
Ahh this is hard. I’ll pick based off area 🙂 For make up, this foundation. For hair, this detangler and this blow dryer. For body, this self tanner. For skin, this cleanser.

 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE NUDE LIPSTICK?
Not only my favorite nude, but all-time fav color ever is Urban Decay’s Vice Lipstick in shade ‘Backtalk’. It’s the perfect muave-y nude!

VISIT SITE →

 

WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS FOR STARTING A BLOG?
This is a question I get very frequently and I wish I could answer it in a simple way, but it’s a short question with a very long answer. Much more goes into blogging then people think. Bloggers put 6+ hours into most posts from photgraphy, styling, copy, SEO optimization, contract negotiation and more.

I honestly learned everything I have created here via trial and error, online resources and my marketing degree. There isn’t any magic one line answer to bring you from a brand new blog to a business. It takes time, effort, persistence and love for what you do. My biggest suggestion is to JUST DO IT! Stop talking about it and take the plunge. What’s awesome about blogging is that no matter how saturated the market is, everyone has a unique perspective to share.

While I don’t provide blog consulting at this time, I do have two blog posts that cover a chunk of the details.

READ POST ON HOW TO START A BLOG →
READ POST ON HOW TO GROW ENGAGEMENT

 

WHAT DID YOU MAJOR IN AND WHAT DO YOU DO FOR WORK?
I attended the University of Maine where I majored in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing. Now I have a career in marketing as a Demand Generation Campaign Manager. I also have my own business through this little nook of the internet.

READ FULL POST →

 

WHICH PRINT DO YOU SUGGEST FOR MY FIRST LOUIS VUITTON?
I have the Azur Damier print in my Nerverfull MM and classic LV Monogram on my Pochette Metis crossbody. Both prints are super versatile and are used for different occasions. The Azur Damier print is lighter, so naturally needs to be treated with more care so if you are hard on your bags I’d suggest considering the darker prints!

 

WHAT UNDER EYE CONCEALOR DO YOU USE?
I use this light neutral or this in medium. They both provide great coverage, are buildable and blendable. They are a thicker consistency not liquidy, which I prefer. 

 

HOW DO BLOGGERS MAKE MONEY?
Fashion bloggers earn money a few different ways, but my main sources are a mix of the following:

1. AFFILIATE LINKS: When I share an outfit and you click on a link, your browser is then cookied. If you make a purchase from this retailer, I’ll receive a commission. I think of it as being a personal shopper.

2: SPONSORSHIP: Brands will pay a flat rate to guarantee themselves a blog post or social post slot. You’ll see all sponsorships clearly noted on my blog posts with a disclosure at the end. On social posts, you will see #Ad, #Sponsor, or #Partner, etc. noted at the end of the caption.

I turn down thousands of dollars each month because I only partner with brands I truly love to share products I actually use.  For example, a hair dye company reached out to me and I politely declined because I do not use box dyes and that would be a lie for me to share that with you all. Same as a popular sneaker brand that wanted me to test and promote their running shoes. I tested the product and didn’t like them, so I turned the partnership down. The price tag was really nice, but I’m fine saying no because authenticity is key and when bloggers don’t stay true to this, they lose the trust  of their readers and ultimately that will be their demise of their business. I’m proud to stay true to myself to serve you transparently with products and brands I truly love and use!

3: ADS: On my site’s sidebar you’ll see a couple ads. When someone clicks, I earn money. Again, I only showcase brands I love and actually purchase from.

 

  1. Hannah says:

    WHat great tips, Mindy! My husband helps me with photos for blogging, too. It’s so helpful to have someone lese that’s camera-savvy take the pics 🙂

  2. Sanziana says:

    Interesting tips & tricks on different topics! Think this can turn out into a great series!

    Sanziana
    sannafey.com

  3. shay says:

    having a husband/parner is such a great way to have a on demand photographer. i struggle to find people to take my pictures, friends will only say yes so many times before they’re annoyed. one of the downsides to being single i guess lol!
    -shay
    http://www.shayshaytries.com

  4. Great blogging tips! And I love my DSLR too! It’s amazing the difference it makes.

    -Jennifer
    https://maunelegacy.com

  5. Hannah says:

    I’ve been on the fence about purchasing a 50mm lens but I’m really considering it now because it makes portrait shots look beautiful! Also that tarte concealer is hands down the best out there!

  6. Deborah says:

    I’ve heard so many good things about Neulash! I really want to try it now!

  7. That’s interesting to hear about the camera and the lens. I am working on saving up for a DSLR and trying to learn everything I can about them so that i’m prepared when i get mine. so thanks for sharing that great info. I am also just starting to play around with lightroom. so far I love it though. Lightroom and VSCO are my fave.

  8. There’s something about a custom made ring. I love that you guys went to NYC to get it done.

  9. Katie says:

    Such a fun q&a! I’ll have to check out your concealer recommendation- I feel like concealer is such a makeup essential!

    xoxo,
    Katie
    chicincarolina.blogspot.com 

  10. rachel says:

    Such helpful info! i love q&a posts like these!

  11. Jenny says:

    Loved this little Q&A! Such a fun idea. Backtalk is one of my favs as well.

  12. Molly says:

    Fun Q&A, girl! I may check out the toothpaste you use–My teeth are also really sensitive, so I have trouble with whitening products.

    Molly // Miss Molly Moon

  13. Tiffany says:

    What a fun q&a! My hubby takes a lot of photos for me as well, but so does my 6 year old (she’s really good!). I’m all about natural lashes too!

  14. Loved learning a little more about you! My engagement ring was also custom!

  15. Nita says:

    These are really great tips! I’m looking into getting a camera and I’m thinking that Sony doesn’t sound like a bad idea

  16. adriana says:

    Loved reading this! I’m definitely going to try out that nude lipstick shade, it’s beautiful!!

  17. Sonya says:

    So great learning more about you! i love your insights about blogging – just do it! but also know there’s so much more to it than you think!

  18. Such a fun q&a! I wish my fiance would help with blog photos haha – most of the time it’s me or me + my tripod, but sometimes my sister helps!

  19. Azanique says:

    I’m totally grabbing that whitening toothpaste! I love your liip color, too 🙂

    -xo, Azanique | http://www.lotsofsass.com

  20. Rachel says:

    Oh my gosh! SO much good info and stylish tips in this post! I need to get my hands on that lipstick!

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Servello & Co. Interiors

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Hi there

I'm a Maine native residing in the Boston 'burbs sharing my love of interiors through decorating my husband and I's first home.

Through this experience, I discovered I have a knack for curating spaces that feel warm, cohesive and inviting. That passion turned into friends and family asking for interiors help and now we are here! 

Home should be a place you love to be. I'm here to help you achieve that!