10 Things I’ve Learned After 10+ Years of Beauty & Lifestyle Blogging

When I first started my little corner of the internet more than a decade ago, I had no idea it would become my full-time job, bring me awards, or take me from the Scottish Highlands to Dumfries shire with two Dogs and a mountain bike in tow. Honestly, my younger self would be shocked. She’d probably ask how on earth I managed to make a career out of writing, testing products, and sharing bits of my life online.

So today, I want to share the real things I’ve learned after more than ten years of beauty, wellness, lifestyle and everything-in-between blogging. Not the perfect Pinterest version, the honest, slightly messy, very “Laura” version.

1. Your voice matters more than perfection

When I started, I worried about punctuation, grammar, and whether I “sounded professional.” Now I know the truth: your voice is your brand. People read your blog because it’s you. The warmth, the chatting, the honesty, that’s what keeps readers coming back.

2. The beauty industry changes constantly, and that’s a good thing

From TikTok trends to ingredient deep-dives, the beauty world never sits still. I’ve tested everything from cult lip treatments to luxury skincare that claims to fix your entire life. Not everything works, but finding the gems makes it worth it.

3. There’s real power in honest reviews

One thing I’ve stayed true to is honesty. If something is amazing, I’ll shout about it. If it’s awful, I’ll tell you that too. My readers trust me, and that trust is something I’d never risk. If you’re curious, you can always find my latest beauty and wellness reviews on MissLJBeauty.com.

4. Being dyslexic doesn’t stop you, it shapes you

I’m open about being dyslexic. Subtitles move too fast, punctuation rules confuse me, and sometimes people are mean about it. But blogging has been one of the best things for my mental health. Writing became a coping mechanism, then a passion, then a career.

5. Mountain biking keeps me grounded

I know, beauty blogger who mountain bikes? Wild. But honestly, riding 100 miles a week keeps me sane. It’s also the ultimate product testing environment. If a mascara can survive a sweaty trail ride, you know it’s good.

6. Social media isn’t everything

Algorithms change, platforms disappear, trends shift, your blog is the only space you truly own. Instagram may hide your posts, but your blog is yours forever.

7. Dogs make everything better

Mylo and Millie aren’t just dogs, they’re part of the brand now. They’ve been in product shoots, long walks, stressful writing days, and moments where I thought I’d quit. Dalmatians bring chaos and comedy… and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

8. Blogging isn’t easy — but it’s worth it

People think it’s all PR parcels and pretty flatlays. They don’t see the backend fixes, SEO battles, late-night writing, or algorithm crashes. But I’d still choose this life every time.

9. Community matters

Some of my closest friendships came from blogging. Whether it’s supporting other creators, sharing tips, or cheering each other on, community is everything.

10. Your journey is never “done”

Blogging isn’t something you finish. It evolves with you. From the Highlands to Ae, from makeup to wellness, from beauty boxes to biking adventures, I’ve changed, so my blog has too. And that’s the magic of it.

Final Thoughts

Ten years later, I’m still learning, still growing, still testing products in my bathroom with a dog staring at me, and still sharing it all online. If you’re thinking about starting a blog, or sticking with one, here’s what I can tell you:

Do it your way.

Write with heart.

Let your life shape your content.

And never underestimate how powerful your own voice can be.