Twitter: PixieVoltaire

How long have you been blogging?
I started off on Youtube a few years ago and it led to blogging, I didnt have time to edit a video everyday

How many subscribers (across all media incl Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, etc) do you have right now?
Erm, a few thousand I guess! I really dont keep check!

What do you blog most about (reviews? make-up looks? hair care products? fashion?)?
I mostly do reviews of products and do nail swatches. There are a whole heap on nail polish swatches on my Facebook page, as its easier to upload there really quickly. Im trying to create a directory almost of polish swatches

How did you come up with your blog’s name?

Pixie Voltaire? My dad used to call me his little pixie when I was young, and people have called me Pixie over time. Voltaire is both my favorite philosopher and a family name.
It made sense, it sounds catchy and unique.

Do you blog full-time? If not, what do you do full-time?
I’m a Make Up Artist full time, I do blog as a hobby although as it gets more and more popular it takes it more time.

Have you ever been invited to any blogging events? If yes, which one was your favorite? 

Oh my! :o so many, to be honest my favourite I think was the Dr Murad skincare at the Mayfair hotel in London. It was all very swanky. I got to speak to Dr Murad himself and he wished me and Matt the best with our engagement, and then told the lady who did my facial I was too pretty for a facial.
If not that then definately the Tresseme event! I only decided I was going the day before I got down there, and was well taken care of by Dominic who organised it, and met Mandy from Itsamandything, and Natalya from Filthy Gorgeous Make Up. I love the products we were given to try, and I had my hair done by the famous hair dresser Matthew Curtis

What type of hair do you have and what’s your favorite hair care brand? 

I have verrry thick, very dry hair. Some conditioners just dont make the cut. I love Macadamia oil, their deep treatments are amazing on my hair. If I had to pick a whole brand, it would have to be John Frieda or Aussie

What’s in your make-up bag?

Right now? a lot! I got the urge to do a vampire make up look last night so dragged a whole heap of make up downstairs for better lighting! On a daily basis, Foundation – Mac Pro Longwear NC15, Concealer – Illamasqua concealer (I have some serious under eye bags), Blush – a creme blush from Illamasqua, and a powder blush from MAC, which ones exactly change almost daily! Lipstick – Gem of Roses, Myth, and Ruby woo from MAC (got to cover all the bases!), Eyeshadow – a Wet’n'Wild eyeshadow pallette ive lost the name off! Brushes- Real Techniques buffing and powder brush, MAC 217 and 239, Mascara – Daniel Sandler Jumbo Jet Mascara, a Illamasqua powder foundation, Clarins beauty flash balm, Clear top coat for nails (you always need it for something).

Clarins beauty flash balm, Daniel Sandler jumbo jet mascara, Embryolisse lait creme concentrate mascara, a good nights sleep and a big glass of water

Who are your favorite bloggers?
You! Beauty’s Bad Habit, Chyaz, Just Nice Things (helen and sheenie are great!), A Blogging Blonde. God anyone! I just browse from blog to blog and fall in love!

What animal would you be if you could choose?
A penguin! They are my most favorite animals, all cute and feathery!
If I had to be something realistic, a house cat! Can you ask for a better life!?

What’s your pet hate?
With blogging? Badly taken badly lit photos. I got some awesome shots just using my iphone and a white paper pad. In general? People having really loud discussions on the bus about their relationships/sex lives/nights out on the phone! Texting was invented for a reason people! the whole bus didnt need to know that ‘kylie pulled that minging lad last night’ COME ON PEOPLE!

What’s your vice?
Impulse buying make up. Right now its blushes, before that it was eyeshadow. Or jacket potatos with cheese and mayo. I eat them for my dinner everyday! (Im eating one now!)

What makes you subscribe to a blog?

Well im a sucker for big, clear pictures. Funny little stories about how they acquired an item. A friendly all around attitude, not just a fact fact fact blog.

How do you think your blog stands out from the other blogs?
I think my blog has both male and female reviews on it, as my fiancee Matt blogs for me as well. We also have a fantastic relationship with PR companies so we can provide up to date give aways, and new product reviews. I invest a lot of time in my blog, I paint my nails on the train to do NOTD, I review in bed before I go to sleep, I drag my mother/fiancee up and down the country to events to get some extra coverage, photos, etc

Do you have a favorite make up artist? If yes, who is it?
Im my favorite make up artist, I get to see my own work everday! On a serious note, Alex Box. amazing, creative, inspirational.

How would other people describe you using only 5 adjectives?
I asked my friend, she said – Fun, Creative, Fiesty, Friendly, Bright

What do you consider your strengths?
Im very determined, I started my own business aged 17 and have worked for myself ever since. When I start something I cant stop until its finished.

What is your favorite beauty magazine?

Im a sucker for Cosmopolitan and Marie Claire. I will wander into Elle or Red now and again though!

What food can you not stay away from?
Jacket potato with cheese and mayo, or Nandos! :) Num num num!

How often per month do you haul?
I buy a lot of stuff each month, I very rarely do hauls though. More so on Youtube than the blog. I spend a lot of money on products because being a make up artist I have to be on top of whats new, whats best.

Is there something we should know about you that you haven’t shared before?
I dont pretend to be perfect, I am flawed. I have made awful decisions that everyone else thought would ruin my life. I dropped out of college, I moved out at 17. All of those bad decisions have led me to where I am. I have taught myself to be independent, self reliant and brave. And the rest? I’ve just learned a long the way.
Also, Im double jointed in my arms right the way upto my shoulders. This means Matt can never win a play fight against me. I can always twist my arms round far enough to get out of his hold.

I know I say it about every blogger I introduce here that they are worth following and well, yeah, that’s what the Follow Friday Interview Series is all about in the end. But this girl has truly, profoundly inspired me. As in, she owns her own house. At 20. That is sooo cool. And that totally makes me wanna own a house too! Because it’s just sooo well amazing!! She does many, many unique things – especially for her age – that can really make you think about your life (in a good way) and make you wanna strive for higher things than “just getting a job/degree”. I love this girl and I wish her many many happy followers! SO GO FOLLOW HER!!

Much much love,
Miss drifted Snow White

Maria xoxo