First Look Fridays: Connie Wong and Carolyn Hsu of The Daily Obsession

Gals, I am thrilled to bring you this week's edition of First Look Fridays, featuring the fabulous girls behind one of my fave blogs, The Daily Obsession. I'm speaking, of course, about Connie Wong and Carolyn Hsu (that's Carolyn on the left and Connie on the right!). I've had the pleasure of hanging out with both of them, and I can truly attest to the fact that they are fun, smart, beautiful women who write one of the best blogs out there. They cover fashion, shopping and beauty, and -- of course -- everything they write about is an obsession of the moment! I'm so happy they wanted to participate in this week's column. Read on to find out more about this dazzling duo!

Can you tell me a bit about yourselves?
Carolyn: I like to fancy myself as a bi-coastal gal. Currently, I live in New York City, but before moving here two years ago, spent seven in Seattle where I went to school (go UW!). I grew up in a small Connecticut town called Wilton -- which you may never have heard of -- but produced such celebrities as Paul Dano, Lydia Hearst and Christopher Walken.

Connie: I've lived on the West Coast my entire life -- and totally love it! Currently, I live in Los Angeles, but have lived in cities including San Diego, Honolulu and San Francisco in the past. Carolyn and I met in high school at a conference and became fast friends. Almost a decade later, she's one of my closest friends!

Why did you decide to start your blog?
Connie: Carolyn and I have never lived in the same city, but we share a love for shopping and would "window shop" together online. I started The Daily Obsession as an outlet to share what I was currently obsessing over and soon enough, I asked Carolyn to help because I couldn't imagine doing it without her.

I love the name of your blog! How did you come up with it?
Connie: Very simply, this entire blog is all about what we're obsessing over every day!

Do you have a "day job?" What is it?
Carolyn: My day job is completely irrelevant to the blog. I work in publishing at a business magazine. Before, I worked in high tech, and am currently in the process of applying to law school. Umm ... talk about being all over the place!

What have been some of the highlights of having your blog?
Carolyn: For one, it's brought Connie and me so much closer together. I don't think I've gone a single day without chatting with her for 2+ years! Also, it's given me the opportunity to meet other bloggers (such as yourself!) and key players in the fashion and beauty industry. Honestly, I never thought I'd be able to be as involved in the scene as the blog has allowed me to be.

Connie: I agree! Carolyn and I have become even closer than before -- and it's been wonderful to collaborate with her on the blog. Meeting other bloggers in the industry is another perk. It's so fascinating to hear about their points of view, the brands they love and what they're doing. It's also been amazing to work with brands that we love and have their support!

What are your top 5 beauty essentials?
Carolyn:
1) Skinceuticals Phloretin CF
2) Tan de Chanel
3) NARS Blush in Dolce Vita
4) Lipgloss (any kind!)
5) Davines Love Shampoo and Conditioner

Connie:
1) Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
2) Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer
3) Clinique Lash Power Mascara
4) Bumble & bumble shampoos and conditioners
5) Smashbox PhotoFinish Foundation Primer Light

What brands can you simply not live without?
Carolyn: For hair, I loveeeee Davines and Alterna. They've taken care of me through many seasons. It's hard to pick makeup, but I have to say that NARS and Chanel have produced some of the best colors for my features.

Connie: I'm not devoted to a certain brand of makeup, but rather products from certain brands. That said, I usually find that Chanel, Laura Mercier and Clinique products work well for me. I also adore Bumble and bumble products for hair. Almost every product I've used from their line does something great for my hair.

Playing with products must be fun -- but what are some things you do for fun outside of blogging?
Carolyn: I'm a huge believer in giving back to the community so I dedicate every Saturday to a great mentoring program here in New York called Minds Matter. I've met some great friends through it as well and really enjoy the regular interaction I get with my awesome mentee. I also love traveling (Peru in December!) and spend much of my time fantasizing about future trips.

Connie: In reality, between the blog and my day job (which I love and think is quite fun), I have very little free time. I'm a bit of a workaholic, you could say! When I do have spare time, I love meeting up with friends or hanging out with my boyfriend just to relax. Also, I absolutely adore traveling and wish I could do it more often!!!

Are there any other beauty blogs you read regularly? What are some that you like and why?
Carolyn: I read Beauty Blogging Junkie, The Jet Set Girls and Beauty Addict every day. What I love the most is how personal and personable these girls are. Every entry is like having a heart to heart conversation with them!

Connie: My daily must-reads include Allure's Daily Beauty Reporter, Bit by the Beauty Bug, Blogdorf Goodman, All Lacquered Up and The Jet Set Girls. I love hearing what these girls have to say and they all have such unique voices. Also ... their reviews of products are usually spot-on!

Thank you so much to Connie and Carolyn from The Daily Obsession for this wonderful interview. Now be sure to head to their blog immediately to form some obsessions of your own!