First Look Fridays Interview Series: Beauty Blogger Lisa Heath of Cosmetic Sanctuary

If you're not reading Cosmetic Sanctuary yet, you really need to start. This beauty blog, written by the fabulous Lisa Heath, features some of the most impeccable nail polish swatches I've seen to date. And, while I know about a LOT of nail polish brands and colors, I'm always learning about new niche brands through Lisa, which I love! Read on to find out how Lisa decided to start her blog, her number one beauty tip and so much more.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I was born and raised right outside of San Francisco. I work full time in an accounting firm, have a wonderful little 9-year-old son and run my beauty blog alongside my boyfriend of 6 years, Nick.

How did you first become interested in beauty, and what led you to create your own blog?
I've always been interested in beauty and when my boyfriend first moved out here to live with me back in 2009, he took one look at my makeup stash and said, "You need to do more with this!" He was used to women who loved cosmetics since his mom and sister (who is Jess from Love For Lacquer) have quite extensive collections. I fought him on blogging for almost 3 years before I finally gave in and said, "Fine, I'll blog!" He works in IT, so he does all of the behind the scenes stuff to keep my blog up and running smoothly.

I love the name of your blog! How did you come up with it?
I actually didn't name my blog. While I was dragging my feet and fighting Nick on being a blogger, I got an instant message from Nick at work asking, "Do you like the name Cosmetic Sanctuary?" I said, "Yeah, it's good" and he said, "Good because I already bought the domain name." And from there, Cosmetic Sanctuary was born.

What are your top 5 favorite beauty products?
Oh that's a tough one. This changes all the time, but right this moment my top 5 beauty products would have to be:

Urban Decay Sheer Revolution Lipstick in Anarchy. For summer you get a nice pop of color that isn't too harsh.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Incandescent Electra. It gives my skin this amazing glowy quality.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara. My HG mascara. Gives my lashes length and definition without the clumpiness.

Tatcha Polished Classic Rice Enzyme Powder. I have combination skin and it isn't too harsh, but provides the perfect amount of exfoliation.

Tarte Showstopper Clay Palette. I love neutrals on my eyes this time of year and this palette has everything I need.

What are your top 3 beauty tips?
1) MOISTURIZE! I didn't realize how important this was when I was younger, but now it's a necessity. I keep facial mists on me for the especially dry days.

2) If you aren't happy with a lip color purchase, don't toss it or return it yet! I've found some of my purchasing mishaps looked amazing layered with other lip colors to create a whole new shade!

3) If you're a perfume lover like I am, do a spritz or 2 on your body, then another in your hair. When someone hugs you, your hair will smell incredible!

Being a blogger must be fun, but what do you do in your spare time?
I don't have a whole lot of spare time, I'll admit. My day starts around 5:30am. I get ready, then get my son ready for school or day care, sit in traffic for an hour, work from 8am to 5pm, drive for an hour to get home, dinner, school work, play time, bath time, bedtime... and then I'm blogging. It's a packed schedule. I do play some World of Warcraft or Diablo on the weekends if my blog load is caught up though. I used to play a LOT more, but cut back.

In addition to your blog, how can The Beauty of Life readers find you on social media?
I can be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.