Ask Elle: Foundations & Frustrations

A few years ago I used to do an Ask Elle series. I switched it to a yearly video where I answered any and all personal as well as beauty questions. I've decided to combine the two and bring back the series. I'll answer one beauty and one personal question weekly for the next month (or more, if you like).

Shireen asks: If there is only one foundation that you can choose to use everyday for the rest of your life, what would be it?

Having dry skin, I tend to love a dewy finish, so I'd chose Guerlain Lingerie de Peau. Pricey, but gorgeous. Don't believe me? I wore it in this Instagram pic yesterday. NO FILTER, no editing, and no highlighter. And I'm wearing two of the Japonesque lipsticks I shared yesterday mixed together to make this gorgeous red. Mixing lipsticks together was one of my first beauty "inventions" as a kid. I think we all did this when we were little! My Grandmother had her own makeup line in the 80s, so I've always had access to fun makeup, nails, and hair stuff.

Claire asks: What are your biggest blogging frustrations?

I love having the interaction from my readers by them leaving comments. However, I think the tone of some of the comments that I get can sound negative, and I don't think people realize their tone sometimes comes across that way. It's different from a difference in opinion. I think it's something that not all types of blogs encounter.

I share beauty products, tips, and tutorials that come from over 35 years of a love for all things beauty. I never suggest a product or tip without it being throughly tested. I am dedicated and do this because I love it.

But there is no way that what I suggest will work for everyone. We are all different. I appreciate the uniqueness of us all. I appreciate constructive criticism. We all get negative comments on blogs and in life.

Now how about instead of "I hated that product!" "I don't like this tutorial" "You have too much makeup!" "Why didn't you like that product? You're using it wrong!" or "I would never buy an expensive foundation" (just picking some examples) why not choose another way to word it? Just something to consider, but know I am thankful for your comments and you choosing to spend a little of your day with me here on the blog.

Take a style blog for example. She is wearing a lovely outfit and killer shoes. The comments are positive, focusing on the overall. She is gorgeous, the outfit is gorgeous, the shoes are gorgeous, instead of commenting on how she has too many shoes, that her outfit is ugly, that you would never buy something so expensive, or that you would never wear that. See the difference?

It has me wondering if I am more prone to negative-toned comments because I don't post my picture every day, like a style blogger pretty much has to. Is there a reader disconnect? Is the commenter less likely to leave a negative comment because she sees the blogger's face daily?

What do you think? Keep the conversation going (I love comments!) below!

I'd love to hear your favorite foundation or your blogging frustrations.

Please leave your questions below to be featured in a future Ask Elle if you'd like!

PS: $100 to Sephora--enter today!