First Look Fridays Interview Series: Beauty Blogger Phyrra of Beauty for the Bold

If you're into reading beauty blogs (and, if you're on this site, I really hope you are), then chances are you've heard of Phyrra - Beauty for the Bold. Phyrra has been one of my favorite beauty blogs for quite some time, thanks in large part to the fact that when she says bold, she MEANS it. Where else could you find a beauty blogger with purple hair and the willingness to wear black or purple lipstick -- and who looks AMAZING doing that? Phyrra's swatches are unparalleled, and I love that she features cruelty free beauty products, which gives her a unique take on the beauty industry. Keep reading to find out how she came to start her blog, the eyeshadow primer she can't live without and so much more.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
Hi! My name is Courtney, but you probably know me as Phyrra from Phyrra – Beauty for the Bold. I’m a cruelty free beauty and lifestyle blogger. I have a standard poodle named Phaedra, who appears on my blog from time to time, as well as a little pug named Maximus. I’m originally from Indianapolis, but I’ve lived all over the USA. I used to live in San Francisco, which is where I got my AA degree. I also lived in Memphis, which is where I got my Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology.

Most people don’t know, but I play several instruments including the bassoon and marimba. I worked in the video game industry for almost 10 years before becoming a freelance writer.

How did you first become interested in beauty, and what led you to create your own blog?
In 1999 my husband introduced me to M.A.C and I fell in love. This love led me to starting my own blog, many years later. Before I started my blog, I remember reading Temptalia, Musings of a Muse, All Lacquered Up and Cybele Says. I started my blog in 2008 but I didn’t really focus my blog until 2012, which is when I went cruelty free on my blog. Having that focus really helped me to take off.

I love the name of your blog! How did you come up with it?
My blog name Phyrra is from one of my roleplaying characters. She’s a drow elf.

What are your top 5 favorite beauty products?
This is a hard one!

Too Faced Shadow Insurance Anti-Crease Eye Shadow Primer

Sugarpill eyeshadows

Urban Decay Eyeshadow

COVER FX CC Cream Time Release Tinted Treatment SPF 30

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tars

What are your top 3 beauty tips?
1) Invest in skincare! I love Paula’s Choice and I feel like you’re getting quality skincare at an affordable price with all of its claims backed up. Having good skincare and taking proper care of your skin will give you a great canvas for your makeup.

2) Invest in quality brushes. Quality brushes don’t have to break the bank. My favorites are Wayne Goss, Makeup Geek, ecoTools and Real Techniques.

3) Be confident in yourself. If you believe you look good and feel confident, you can pull off any sort of makeup look, from blue lipstick to black eyeshadow.

Being a blogger must be fun, but what do you do in your spare time?
I read urban fantasy (Seanan McGuire, Yasmine Galenorn, Jim Butcher, Kim Harrison, etc). I like to dance in the dark on occasion. I write, swim, hang out with my friends, take Phaedra to the dog park and lift weights.

In addition to your blog, how can The Beauty of Life readers find you on social media?
I make videos on Youtube and I take requests.

You can also find me on Pinterest, Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter, Google+, Bloglovin and Facebook.