Juliann Newton is the owner of one of the coolest mommy blogs around, Beautiful Mommies. She approaches beauty and lifestyle topics, as well as family and health-related ones. In this Juliann Newton interview, we talked to her about her blog, her favorite beauty and fashion products, her inspiration, and her advice on achieving the perfect look. Check it out!
1. How did you start your website? And, most importantly, why?
I began my blog, “Beautiful Mommies,” in 2008, when my youngest son, Braxton, was two years old. I was a stay-at-home mom with four children, and I needed and wanted a hobby of my own, because I felt like I was losing my identity as a busy mother. I needed something that wasn’t messy, (such as painting or crafting) because my little guy was so busy and into absolutely everything, so I was quite limited in my creative endeavors. I loved writing, and considered writing a children’s book, but wasn’t sure how to go about that process. Thankfully, my sister, Kim, had just began her very popular blog, “Shop With Me Mama” and I wanted to try blogging for myself, since ‘Mommy Blogs’ were starting to be really popular, and my sister was having such great success.
I have always loved beauty products, and wanted to look and feel my best, and I know that many mothers, younger as well as older, need to feel beautiful. So I set out to connect with companies in hopes that I might be able to review their products. I also wanted to review the very best products for children and families, and connect with other moms out there. I decided to jump right in starting a blog, so “Beautiful Mommies” was born.
2. What is your favorite beauty product you can’t live without?
I cannot live without Lash Discovery Mascara by Maybelline. I have tried every fancy mascara out there it seems, but I keep going back to Lash Discovery because nothing else compares. It is very affordable and works wonders on my lashes with its tiny applicator wand. I have been using it for about 20 years. My second must-have beauty product that I cannot live without is Rodan + Fields Lash Boost. My lashes have never looked so long, lush, and beautiful.
3. What is the most important fashion/lifestyle advice you’ve ever heard?
That first impressions matter. Unfortunately, we are all too judgmental of each other, (myself included) and we all tend to judge a book by its cover. So, I think a woman (yes, even busy moms), should make at least a small effort to look presentable, even if it means just brushing your hair into a ponytail, or putting on a dab of lipstick or mascara before going out the door. Most importantly, however, is that you will feel better about yourself. Even on days when I feel horrible and do not want to even put forth an ounce of effort into my appearance, I always find that my mood improves and I feel better after I put on a little makeup, or brush my hair. (Besides, what if I run into somebody I know, or run out of gas, or get pulled over? Heaven forbid!)
4. What does it mean for you to be a beautiful woman?
Confidence. It took me a long time to learn that. I always relied on how I looked in order to feel beautiful. If I was having what I thought was a bad hair day, or something as trivial as a zit on my face, I would believe I was ugly and that everybody else viewed me that way. I have learned that what you feel on the inside reflects on what people see on the outside. You just need to tell yourself that you are beautiful, and then you will actually start to believe it! Others will see it, too! But what is most important is to love yourself and not worry too much about what anyone else thinks.
5. What inspires you the most? Who are your top 3 most inspirational and stylish women?
I tend to draw inspiration from celebrities that are around my age or a little older, and I try to find clothing (in my price range, of course) that is similiar to what they are wearing. I love Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Garner, and Jennifer Aniston. If I worry about being too old for a particular type of look – and see it on a celeb my age, I figure it is definitely fair game for me to wear. (Such as ripped jeans.)
6. Your favorite fashion item?
Actually, my favorite fashion item is a good pair of jeans. If I am going to splurge on something, it is definitely on jeans. There is nothing quite like a pair of jeans that make my “mom” butt look good. I do not wear jeans that are highly embellished with bedazzled pockets, however.) Right now, I am loving my Rock Revival jeans. (I have both straight leg and skinny jean styles.) I love my Doc Marten boots, too. They never go out of style!
7. Any tips for all the women out there on achieving the perfect look?
The perfect look depends on the woman, but for me, it begins with taking care of my skin! I always begin with a hydrating facial moisturizer. Healthy skin is always the best canvas for makeup. Make sure to enhance your eyes with a bit of mascara, and add some lipstick for a pop of color. Try to focus on your best features, and have fun discovering which products work the best to play up your natural beauty. With a bit of experimentation and a lot of patience, you will achieve the perfect look that is right for you!
You can follow Juliann on Facebook and Twitter, where she shares her thoughts on beauty, family, lifestyle, and more. Are you a mommy trying to balance your personal interests with caring for your children? Leave us your thoughts down below!
Fashion item jeans? Nice 🙂 Mine would be leggings. I wear them all the time 😀