Some beauty blogs stand out for a reason. Part of why Arielle Thibodeau’s BeautyByArielle.com was a finalist in Allure‘s Beauty Blogger Awards 2013 and landed a prime spot on Beauty High’s 50 Best Beauty Blogs is because of the fascinating lady behind it. Aside from writing and vlogging about some of her favourite products, Thibodeaux also writes amazing first-person articles like “Weight Loss: A Story of Ups and Downs” and “Beauty for the Soul: How to Attract Positivity.” We also love that she has a full-fledged section on her site called Frugal Living that makes saving money seem hip and sophisticated with articles like “Couponing for the Busy Person: How to Get Rock Bottom Prices.” The avid reader, who’s as big a bookworm as she is a beauty junkie, also posts regularly about what’s on her bedside table, as in last week’s “What I’ve Been Reading.” We caught up with Thibodeaux to find out more about her exciting life in beauty and blogging, including her signature fragrance and favourite beauty tip of all time.

Tell us a bit about yourself. What should people know?
You wouldn’t know it from my videos/blog but I am an introvert. It takes me quite a long time to open up to people I don’t know.

What’s currently in your beauty bag?
I have three drawers filled to the brim with products. I have a daily makeup container that I swap out every few weeks. Currently, I’m switching between Rimmel Stay Matte and MAC Matchmaker foundations. The Urban Decay Naked palette is a constant in my repertoire.

What beauty product changed your life?
Without a doubt: bareMinerals foundation. I picked up the customizable kit a few years ago and became an addict.

What’s your signature fragrance?
I have been wearing Amor Amor by Cacharel for the last six years.

What’s one of the best beauty tricks you know that every woman could benefit from knowing?
Highlighting and contouring changed my life. The easiest way is to apply your bronzer in the shape of a “3” (from the top of your forehead around your hairline, out to the hollows of your cheeks then down to your jawline). Then, tap a highlight on the tops of your cheekbones.

What’s your biggest beauty indulgence?
Massages – they’re my guilty pleasure.

Favourite drugstore gem?
Pixi Correction Concentrate in Brightening Peach. If you have under eye circles or discoloration this is the best concealer on the market. It’s a dupe for Benefit Erase Paste, but at half the cost.

What are three things you can’t live without?
Books, my dog, and a good mascara.

What’s your favourite restaurant and why?
I love to check out local restaurants more than chains. I find a lot of pleasure in stumbling upon a family-run hole in the wall.

Let’s get social for a mo’. How can people stay up-to-date with your busy life?
BeautyByArielle.com, Twitter, Instagram.