The insider has but one aim. To bring to the forefront what it is about makeup that makes your fav Bloggers fall head over heels in love with it! This week is going to be about what Bhumika of http://www.newlove-makeup.com had to say to us..

1. What was it that prompted you to begin writing about beauty and make up?

I always loved taking care of my skin..and pampering myself..and colors in make up also always attracted me..and when I discovered Beauty Blogging..the surfing was endless…the more and more I saw new stuff..the more I was getting pulled towards it..and I wanted my own platform where I can share my opinions and views and what worked for me and how..so that it might help others too..and thus started my blog New Love- Makeup J

2. For how long has your blog been up and running?

I started in September 2010..I did take some short breaks in between coz of my CA exams (short coz it was very difficult to stay away for long and I still used to blog in between even with exams :p) but now I blog daily..coz its an inseparable part of my life now..

3. From where did your love for makeup and beauty care stem? (first exposure)

My first exposure to make up was when my cousin from US had sent a huge Markwins (Who own Wet n Wild) Make up Palette which had everything from 64 eye shadows to 10 lip glosses, 6 blushes, eye shadow base, 2-3 brushes, etc…and it was when I was in school…and I did not even know how to use most of the stuff..(never knew what a eye shadow base was ) I just used some of the stuff from that palette and that too occasionally. I hardly used any make up then..only after school…and in college, a kohl and lip balm were two things I used regularly and my beloved Lacto Calamine..and still I use those mostly.

4. What was the first beauty product you ever used?

I guess it was Shahnaz Husain Herbal Kohl or Kajal…I used it for a long time..but it used to smudge a lot..and then I shifted to other brands.

5. Your most loved product that you just can’t do without? And why?

Choosing one product is sooo difficult..I guess it would be my Lacto Calamine and Kajal…Lacto Calamine coz it balances my combination skin and gives moisture without any grease or shine coz of the clay…and zinc oxide provides basic sun protection too. I have been using it from the last 5-6 years and there has been a major reduction in my break outs since..still I use it daily..obviously I do need some added moisture on dry days..and a sunscreen separately..but the first thing on my skin is always my LC ! And Kajal..coz I love the smoldering effect of the kohl on my eyes..and now I do not like a single day without it..though am not a fan of bold thick lines..

6. How is it that you believe you are able to help your readers?

I like reading and researching a lot..especially about skin care..what works and what does not, for which skin type, ingredients good and bad for the skin or hair,  solutions for various problems, natural home made remedies, aromatherapy, hair care, etc apart from some new make up launches, etc and I come across a lot of useful stuff which I make sure I share with my readers..coz the more people benefit from it, the better..Also the products I love and swear by..and that would suit which skin type..so that they can read reviews and judge before buying anything..Also I make sure I have enough pictures, description  and clear swatches of all make up products..especially lipsticks, eye shadows and blushes..so that one can check the shade in case they are buying online…and with foundations..I make sure I share the skin tone it would suit. I do receive numerous mails by people asking for suggestions about products, where they can buy a particular product from, or the stuff they have bought after reading my reviews..or just saying that I am doing a wonderful job..that makes me immensely happy and contented J

7. What does it feel like knowing that your words influence decisions that matter so much to those that come to you with questions?

It feels amazing ! And encouraging too..When people come to me for suggestions and later thank me as to how it helped them..I feel soo good..it keeps me going..

8. Have you ever met one of your subscribers face to face? How does it feel?

Yes I have met few of them..and most of them are friends..we have discussions, share stuff, etc on Facebook too..In fact I am so glad that I made so many new friends all over India and a few outside India too coz of blogging I have attended events where when I share my blog name..people say we regularly read your blog and love it..

9. How has caring about yourself influenced your life? Personally and professionally?

Though I always took care of my skin, there were many things I was not aware of which I came across blogging and doing my research for it..I have learnt so much..and grown a lot..I totally loved and enjoyed the whole experience..and now I feel so much better about it..I love pampering myself and having the ME time which we all should..and obviously having better skin, hair and being more presentable boosts anyone’s confidence, right

10. What is the one thing that you would advise people to follow as a beauty care routine on a daily basis?

Cleansing and Moisturising…and a Sunscreen for sure are required on a daily basis..Though Toning is helpful for a few..it does not suit some..it totally depends from person to person..I do not tone on a daily basis..but summers might require it…if you are the one whom toning does not suit..you can make a natural home made toner..and use as a spray. Cleansing is very important at the end of the day to remove the dirt and impurities from the pores..those who live in metros know how much pollution and dirt they face the whole day..and its necessary to cleanse our pores of these..and No, a face wash is not a deep pore cleanser which would remove your make up, water proof sunscreen, long staying eye pencils, etc along with all those dirt and grime..you need a proper make up remover or cream based skin cleanser to get rid of those..and you can follow it up with a face wash. Do not use a face wash more than twice a day..you are just ripping your skin of the essential balanced oil making it secrete more oil..and thus making the skin more oily..use plain water instead if you have to wash your face more than twice a day..essentially in the morning..you do not need to cleanse much since you had deep cleansed the previous night and have not been outside..Moisturising is required for every skin to maintain the moisture level and hydrate the skin from within..and yes oily skin does not mean hydrated skin and even people with oily skin require moisturisation…they can use a gel based or water based light moisturizer instead which is meant for oily skin. And last but not the least, Sunscreen..it is to be used every day every time..and even reapplied when outside for a long time..we all know about the harmful effects of sun..and the signs would appear faster in our 40’s if we do not protect our skin from the sun..I am sure everyone of us wants to look good and not age faster right..prevention and protection is always better than cure..so always wear an appropriate sunscreen with proper SPF which suits your skin..and reapply as necessary.