Matthew Lake is the owner and founder of CR Vitality, a website dedicated to people interested in nutrition, veganism, calorie restriction, and healthy living. Read our Matthew Lake interview to learn more about Matthew’s journey with this website, his mission, motivation, favorite skincare and makeup products, as well as his plans for the future.
1. How did you start the website?
I started my first blog way back in 2006! It was actually on a free platform called Blogspot, where it became a diary for me to share my thoughts and experiences with diet, skin care, supplements and all things related to health.
Later on, in 2014, I wanted to do something a bit more ambitious and be in more control of the design, feel and content that I published, so I created CR Vitality, the website I have right now. It’s really come a long way since I created it, especially in the past year. I wouldn’t say that I was a great writer in the beginning, but it’s a skill you pick up if you keep at it.
I began the blog as something personal, but I gained a following by sharing things I was passionate about. And from that, I gained a little bit of recognition from people within the health community and even anti-aging forums for my advice on nutrition, skin and hair care.
Building a website, a following, and even a business takes a lot of patience and hard work. I never imagined that it would be what it is today, and I’m nowhere near finished. For me, this is just the start!
2. What is your biggest motivation?
At the heart of it, my biggest motivation has always been to help people become the best version of themselves. I’ve gained a lot of knowledge over the years in areas like nutrition, skin care, and hair care. I love these three topics, which also happen to currently make up the majority of the content on my website.
Recently, my website has become almost a full-time job for me. I’ve coached and helped people outside of the blog, but it has only been in the last year that I’ve been able to quit my job and make a living from writing content.
I’ve never been keen on the idea of working a 9-5 job either, so this website is an ideal business venture. It allows me to write about the topics I’m passionate about, and earn money from doing it. Freedom to me means everything.
I want to be in control of my life and eventually travel the world. I have a dream of traveling to Asia one day, and being a digital nomad feels like it would be a good lifestyle for me. At least until maybe I want to settle down. So to sum it up: I want to be happy, free, and make a bit of a difference to people’s lives.
3. Your favorite make up products?
I love using skin products and hair products (I have really long hair!). I try to keep things fairly simple though. If anyone stops by my website and does a bit of browsing, they’ll probably think that I am a rep for Skinceuticals. They’re owned by L’Oréal and create skincare products with scientifically backed up ingredients and formulations.
Since 2009 I’ve been using both Skinceuticals CE Ferulic acid and Skinceuticals CF Phloretin. Mind you, these are premium skincare products, but they’ve really transformed my skin over the years and helped keep my skin young and clear.
The problem I have is every time they send me new samples, and I get to try them out, I fall in love with a new product! Right now I’m really liking Phyto Corrective Masque by Skinceuticals (I use it almost every night). Other than that, I use a simple lip balm called Blistex Lip Brilliance (Blushing). It gives my lips a nice color and has sun protection.
Before applying all of these I use a Konjac sponge. These are quite popular right now, especially in Korea and Japan. They basically help exfoliate the skin and can remove impurities, makeup, and make the skin super smooth.
As far as makeup, I use Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner, occasionally. It’s cheap, easy to apply (at least after a bit of practice) and I really like how it makes my eyes look. That being said, makeup does interest me, and I’m definitely looking forward to checking out Korean skincare and makeup products when I go there in the near future!
If you enjoyed learning about Matthew and how he managed to turn his greatest passion into his day-to-day job, we invite you to visit his website to hear more about nutrition and healthy living. Don’t forget to leave us a comment down below telling us if you’ve ever had any experience with the CR diet!
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