Why, hello.
What brings me back to this poor, neglected blog?
Blame Neutrogena.
Recently, I took a trip to Ulta with a friend, in search of a good sunscreen. I have formulas that I like — one of my recent faves is the Suntique I’m Pure Perfect Cica Sun Cream that I bought from a sweet lady at H-Mart — but barring the rare exception, I’m not married to any one brand or product and I wanted something immediately. I was keen to revisit the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen, which triggered the memory of the review I published on this very blog.
I couldn’t find it anywhere, but did come across a new (to me) product: the Neutrogena Hydro Boost SPF 50 Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer. A 2-in-1 sunscreen and moisturizer? SPF 50? Neutrogena? Sign me up, especially since I tend to skimp on moisturizer in favor of sunscreen during the day anyway. So far, I’m satisfied with my purchase.
I don’t frequent Ulta much these days, but being back in there reminded me of my wanna-be Instagram influencer days, which are long behind me now. I took a break from Instagram at the start of 2021, then after largely leaving my account untouched decided to delete it altogether in 2022. This reminds me that I should go through this blog and rework the posts that prominently feature(d) posts from my deactivated Instagram account. But more on that later.
Why did I leave Instagram behind?
It wasn’t fun anymore. Simple as that.
What started as a hobby soon devolved into a source of stress and resentment. I started to question the intention behind my actions — after all, skincare is supposed to be self-care, right? It was starting to become downright performative and fake, which really didn’t sit well with me. When a post or story didn’t achieve the level of engagement I had anticipated in spite of my best efforts, I’d become miserable and obsess over likes, follows, and approval from influencers and brands who didn’t know or care if I existed. Eventually, something that was supposed to be for my benefit turned into a detriment.
This all sounds very bleak, but I certainly had my heyday, too. I enjoyed frequenting beauty events, exploring interesting products, and meeting people who did know and cared that I existed. Of course, COVID killed all of that for a good while, although I wonder if I would have stuck around the IG beautysphere if that in-person component didn’t completely come to a halt. However, I cut loose as Instagram was shoving more ads in my face and gearing up to become another TikTok so I doubt it. (I did dabble in virtual skincare parties, though.)
I no longer do a 10-step skincare routine or wear a sheet mask every single night, but I manage to follow a steady routine that involves double-cleansing, moisturizer, and retinol-based eye cream (because 40 is staring me down). I’ll also exfoliate once or twice a week (still use the Cosrx Snail 96 Power Mucin Power Essence!) and after a bout of redness and irritation, I’m slowly bringing the Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop Serum back into the rotation for a dose of vitamin C. It seems to be working because over the last couple of years, my skin has been aging gracefully and I rarely have to bust out the pimple patches anymore. (Let’s hope I didn’t just jinx myself.)
So what am I doing now?
In 2019, I attempted to strike out on my own and become a freelance beauty writer, hence this blog. I contributed reviews and roundups for a few sites and even did some ghostwriting for a small beauty brand before the pandemic hit and the entire world went straight to Hell. At this point, I didn’t have much to lose since my life was in a state of flux anyway. (Despite how horrid 2020 was, I consider 2019 my personal rock bottom.)
After completing a TEFL certification course and readying myself to become an online English tutor, life suddenly had other plans. I reviewed a Tuft & Needle mattress, and the rest is…well, you know. I’ll still dabble in general commerce pieces and even challenge myself by writing about sales software. But these days sleep content is my number one niche, and I enjoy it.
What’s the future of this blog?
I don’t know. Although I do know that I won’t be shutting it down. In fact, I think it’s time for me to spruce it up, update some of my evergreen posts and work around the lack of Instagram embeds. (Good luck following through on that, Al!) According to Google Incognito searches, there’s still useful content on here and why would I want to deprive the masses of that?
Also, I’m proud of this blog and the work I’ve put into it. It’s not my first blog rodeo, but I consider QoWS my finest grassroots work to date. A lot of care went into building it, and despite a gross lack of maintenance over the last several years, I’m much less inclined to blow it up, unlike Instagram.
Something I should do more of is write for myself, and a blog is the perfect vehicle for that. Not to discredit the awesome editors who work with me to hone my voice — with a contemptuous grunt towards the editors who’ve drowned it out with the sound of their own — but this is my writing at my purest, and I’m free to write what I like. I don’t want to lose that channel, nor do I don’t want to default to churning out seldom-read LinkedIn think pieces.
Don’t expect a total rebrand, though. Queen Of Wrong Style may no longer live on Instagram, but I’m willing to keep it alive here. I think it’ll still be related to skincare, at least tangentially. Or maybe I’ll treat it more like an online diary. Ugh, I hope not. I’ve long outgrown my angsty LiveJournal days.
But for now? Don’t call it a comeback. At least, not yet.
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I am not a professional. All opinions are my own.