Full Name: Julie Arnhold (maiden name is Jacobsen)
Major: Public Relations
Graduation Year: 2009
Hometown: Somerset, NJ
Beauty Blogger: Julie Arnhold
Seton Hall alumna Julie Arnhold turned her passion for makeup and skin care products into an amazing beauty blog, www.collectivebeautyblog.com . She currently resides in Plantation, Florida with her husband, three year old daughter and a son on the way. Arnhold transferred to Seton Hall in 2006 and graduated in 2009 with a Bachelors degree in Public Relations.
Her Campus (HC): What is your favorite Seton Hall memory?
Julie Arnhold (JA): Every year during midterms and finals, Father John would pass out candy to students walking to class. I always looked forward to that simple, but yummy, gesture!
HC: What do you miss most about Seton Hall?
JA: I really miss the sense of community. It’s such a small campus, so I never felt like just a number. Class sizes weren’t too big, and professors really got a chance to connect with students.
HC: Were you involved in any activities or clubs at Seton Hall?
JA: I was a commuter, so I did not join any clubs. Though, I was an active member of Delta Phi Epsilon prior to transferring to SHU. However, I did not join the SHU chapter.
HC: When and why did you decide to start a beauty blog?
JA: I started Collective Beauty in 2011, as a way to mix my two passions – writing and beauty. For years, I was the one friends and family turned to for product recommendations, and after seeing how my tips and tricks helped others, I felt encouraged to start my blog.
HC: How often do you blog?
JA: I currently post 3-4 times per week.
HC: What is your favorite part of running a blog?
JA: Interacting with so many beauty lovers all over the world.
HC: Which beauty vlogs do you like to watch on YouTube?
JA: I’m a big fan of Makeup By Tiffany D, Casey Holmes, and Mrslolalynn.
HC: How do you balance your busy schedule?
JA: Being a Stay-at-home-mom, and a full time blogger is difficult. But, for me it really helps to stick to a schedule. I work primarily at night, when my daughter is asleep, and I plan out my editorial calendar months in advance (so I’m never scrambling for content). But, most importantly I’m not too hard on myself if I have to skip a day or two of blogging. Life happens, especially with a toddler, so flexibility is key.
HC: How did you learn how to apply makeup?
JA: I learned through trial and error. I’ve been playing with makeup for as long as I can remember, and over the years my skills improved. I also learned quite a bit from watching makeup tutorials on YouTube.
HC: Which beauty products would you recommend to someone just starting out with makeup?
JA: It can be overwhelming shopping for beauty products, so my tip for beginners is to keep it simple. First, I suggest investing in great skincare. My favorite products are from First Aid Beauty. They are gentle and effective, and keep skin looking clear and even. For makeup, I suggest sticking to the staples, like foundation, concealer, blush/bronzer, and lipstick. Mineral foundation is great for those just starting out, because it’s easy to apply, and lasts all day. For concealer, I suggest sticking to those in tubes (rather than sticks or pots). They are usually more hydrating, and easier to blend. For cheeks, I recommend finding an all-in-one product like the Maybelline Master Contour Palette. It includes a bronzer, blush, and a highlight. Finally, for lipstick I recommend hydrating formulas with a satin or glossy finish. They don’t settle into fine lines, and they aren’t drying like mattes can be. My favorites are MAC Peach Blossom, Clinique Pop Lip Color in Melon Pop, and Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine in #15.
HC: Which beauty products can you not live without?
JA: First Aid Beauty Daily Face Cream, L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil, MAC Soft Ochre Paint Pot, Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Peaceful, and Macadamia Professional Deep Repair Masque.
HC: Where do you buy your makeup?
JA: Mostly Sephora and ULTA. Sephora has a great selection of high-end brands, and exclusive brands like Kat Von D. ULTA is also great, because they feature both high end and drugstore products, and their rewards program is excellent.
HC: What are your favorite drug store makeup and skin care products?
JA: I love EOS lip balm, Garnier Micellar Water, CeraVe SPF, NYX Butter Gloss, Maybelline Fit Me Foundation, and Milani Rose Powder Blush.
HC: Do you prefer eyeliner in pencil, liquid, or gel form?
JA: I prefer pencil eyeliner because it’s quick, and easy to work with. Pencils are also much more forgiving than gel or liquids, so there’s less pressure to apply it perfectly every time.
HC: How would you advise somebody to pick a foundation for their skin color?
JA: First, it’s important to learn your undertones. As easy way to do this, is to look at the veins in your hands or forearm. If they look green, you’re warm, if they appear blue, you’re cool, and if you can’t really tell then you’re neutral. Once you know your undertone, choosing a foundation shade is much easier, though I still suggest asking for samples at Sephora. Color matching under bright florescent lights is tricky, so I always ask for 2-3 shades in whatever foundation I’m interested. That way, I can go home and apply it under normal lighting to see which one works best.
HC: What do you like to do in your free time?
JA: When I’m not blogging, photographing, or editing, I love to binge watch Netflix, spend time with family, and lay on the beach!