#MyBlogLife: Meet Orla McConnon, The (Perfectly Contoured) Face Behind The Orlacle

Dubliner Orla McConnon was working as a part-time sales assistant in Space NK when she decided to start her beauty blog, The Orlacle, back in 2014.

Fast forward just a couple of years, and Orla’s expanded her mini-empire to include YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, with thousands of followers on each. We caught up with the cosmetics junkie (and self-confessed McDonald’s fanatic) to find out her blogging secrets and beauty tips.

What inspired you to get started with blogging?

I had wanted to start a blog for years but it was when I was working in the Dublin branch of Space NK that I made the decision. I used to see so many people coming in buying products that weren’t actually as good as bloggers were recommending, and I decided I wanted to write honest reviews about products I loved.

On Snapchat I do talk about stuff I was disappointed in, but I only want positive, real reviews on my blog.

You also have a huge following on YouTube and Snapchat, tell us a bit about how you got started with that?

A few months into blogging I decided to bite the bullet and make my first video. I was so nervous that I’d get abused, but the feedback was so positive.

After a few months I decided to try out Snapchat. For my first few snaps I felt like such a loser but then I just forgot, in a way, that I was talking to the amount of people that I actually was and it got easier. I think the trick is to not care what anyone thinks and just be yourself.

What’s your fave platform – Snapchat, YouTube, Instagram or the blog?

I love Snapchat at the moment because the interaction is so instant. I’ve met so many people through it, I feel like it’s a really lovely little community. I do love YouTube too though, because you’re not limited. It’s so satisfying being able to work hard at filming and editing and seeing a final product that is out there for longer than ten seconds.

What’s your current beauty regime?

I cleanse every single morning and night with Algenist Genius Cleanser. In the morning I follow with a hyaluronic serum, which at the moment is Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 serum and then Environ Super Rich Moisturiser.

In the evening, after cleansing, I’ll use Radical exfoliating pads, the same hyaluronic serum, Sunday Riley Flora oil and Omorovicza night cream.

With make-up, I tend to wear the same things Monday to Friday (unless I have extra time in the morning): Becca Ultimate Coverage foundation, NYX HD concealer, Benefit Rollerlash, Hourglass Bronzer and Blush, Becca Champagne Pop Highlighter, Mac Plum Lipliner and Faux Lipstick.

Spill! The three beauty products you couldn’t live without are…

Becca Ultimate Coverage foundation, Hourglass Luminous Bronzer and Mac Lipliner in Stripdown

And what’s one totally unexpected budget beauty buy you’d recommend?

The Clairol CC Colour Seal Conditioner. It makes your hair so smooth and sleek after blow-drying, especially for thicker hair like mine.

Your skin always looks flawless. What’s your secret for keeping it in check?

Making sure I use a hydrating serum everyday. If I don’t, my make-up doesn’t sit as well throughout the day.

Who are the three MUAs you most admire?

I love Mario Dedivanovic, Pat McGrath and Charlotte Tilbury

You also have a job outside of your blog, how do you fit it all in?

Yes, I work full time as a Content Manager in Youth Nation. To be honest, I think if you really enjoy doing something, you make it work. It’s so nice when you make a video or write a post and people respond well to it. It really gives you the motivation to keep going.

What’s a day in your life like? We’re guessing very busy…

My days in work tend to vary quite a lot, from talking with potential new contributors, to editing, every day is quite different. In the evenings I always have something social going on, whether it’s an event, or a catch up with friends. I tend to do most of my writing in the evening. It calms me down and helps me unwind for the day. If I happen to be hungover, you could throw in some sort of fast food and a couple of milkshakes throughout the day to ease the pain.

Wanna be a part of #MyBlogLife? It runs online weekly and in the magazine monthly, too. To be considered, you need to have a personal blog. Join STELLAR’s Facebook group, open to all personal bloggers, or drop an email to info@stellar.ie, telling us why we should feature you.

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• Beauty
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• Irish Bloggers
• the orlacle