#MyBlogLife: STELLAR Meets Sinead Kavanagh From The Beautiful Truth

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Why did you start The Beautiful Truth?

I’d been diagnosed with thyroid cancer which had spread and I was facing a longer road to recovery than I anticipated. So instead of sitting at home and feeling sorry for myself, I decided that I’d start blogging to keep my mind busy.

What do you like most about blogging?

The readers of The Beautiful Truth have always been so supportive. Sure, what’s a blog without its readers? I’m so beyond grateful to have such a supportive group following it.

Any nice freebies?

Anytime the postman comes with a package I’m like a child at Christmas! I think the biggest thing I’ve gotten are six month clear braces from My Dental. They were life altering. I was always so paranoid about my teeth, but now they’re perfect.

How big is your following?

The Beautiful Truth Facebook page is approaching 35,000 subscribers. I still find it baffling that so many people follow the blog.

What was it like being diagnosed with cancer?

Devastating. It got to the point that the doctors thought I was faking and wanted to prescribe me antidepressants. When I found the lump in my neck it was the most terrifying experience of my life. I remember sitting in the oncologist’s office with my now husband, and the doctor talking about my survival rate. I couldn’t comprehend it. I didn’t smoke, rarely drank and exercised regularly, but it was happening. I was angry. Like, really angry. After that meeting, something inside me switched on. I’m in remission since December and I feel better than I have in almost four years.

Did it change your outlook on life?

100%. I’m a firm believer in the saying that, “out of something bad, comes something good,” and even though I was really sick, so many good things came from it.

I could very easily have curled up into a ball and let myself wallow when I was sick, but I didn’t.

And when you got the all-clear?

Relief: I could finally go on with my life without the cancer cloud hanging over my head. I was no longer, “the one with cancer.” I could move on and leave hospitals behind me.

What did you learn from the experience?

I’m a lot stronger than I give myself credit for. I could very easily have curled up into a ball and let myself wallow when I was sick, but I didn’t. Instead, I started a new venture that’s quite literally changed my life.

How was your wedding?

Magical. It was everything we wanted and more. The love I felt on my wedding day was phenomenal. It was also a very emotional day and there wasn’t a dry eye in the place during the speeches.

What look did you go for on the day?

I was a make-up artist’s worst nightmare. I’m SO picky! We went with a really flawless base, loads of highlight and a soft contour. For my eyes, I had a multitude of warm tones. I had my hair in a vintage roll.

What are your tips for flawless make-up?

Preparation is key. Good skincare and a good primer will lead to a flawless base. That, and a really good foundation brush.

Top brands?

Make Up For Ever, Makeup Geek and MAC.

What are your three essential beauty tips?

Blend, blend and blend again, so that you don’t have tide lines. Blend your eyeshadow until your hands hurt to give a flawless eye, and for the love of god, blend your contour.

Essential beauty products?

Anastasia brow whiz for filling in eyebrows is an absolute holy grail and Maybelline Instant Dark circle eraser for dark circles.

Any advice for other young women going through what you went through?

There’s no silver bullet answer to this, as everyone’s experiences differ, this helped me though. Don’t let anyone tell you how to feel. Go with your emotions and be kind to yourself. Surround yourself with loved ones, as they will support you through the times that you can’t get through on your own and finally ice cream. Ice cream solves everything!

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