If you’ve ever wondered how beauty bloggers get started, how PR in the industry really works, or why someone might get mistaken for a PR manager at an event, this episode of PR LIKE A BOSS! has the answers. I sit down with the legendary beauty blogger and influencer Ree of REALLYREE to dive into her journey, her pinch-me moments and the wild world of beauty blogging.
From Hobby to Full-Time Gig (Accidentally!)
Ree started blogging purely as a hobby, blissfully unaware that it could turn into a career. Inspired by discovering beauty blogs on Twitter, she wrote her first post about shoes, not makeup! Over time, her love for beauty products took over and her blog became a trusted source for product reviews, swatches and beauty news.
The PR Sample That Changed Everything
One of Ree earliest “This is actually a thing?!” moments came when a PR reached out to offer her free fake tan and nail polish. As a self-proclaimed fake tan fanatic, she was floored. She called her equally obsessed friend Lucy and marveled at the package like it was treasure. That moment cemented her realisation that beauty PR is an entire ecosystem of product launches, samples, and influencer outreach.
From PR Packages to Chatting with Courtney Cox
Throughout her career, Ree has had countless surreal experiences, including interviewing THE Monica Geller herself. She recalls sitting in her living room, shushing her family and having a full-blown Friends fangirl moment while chatting with Courtney Cox. Another highlight? Securing an exclusive preview of Victoria Beckham’s Estee Lauder collaboration without attending the VIP event. She hopped on a train to pick up the products herself, proving her dedication to getting the scoop before anyone else.
Beauty Blogging Then vs. Now
Ree reminisces about the early days when beauty blogging was a tight-knit community, everyone knew each other at events. Now, with the rise of TikTok and a flood of new influencers, it’s a much bigger and more anonymous space. She jokes that at events, younger influencers sometimes mistake her for a PR manager or even someone’s mum! But she’s stayed true to her lane, focusing on in-depth reviews, SEO-driven content and her love for all things new in beauty.
The Good, The Bad & The Cringeworthy of PR Outreach
When it comes to working with PR professionals, Ree has seen it all, from brilliant, well-researched pitches to the unfortunate “Dear Really” emails. She loves when PRs offer her exclusives and first looks at products but could do without being called “hun” or receiving promotional hats with random skincare slogans.
The Strangest PR Packages & Beauty Blogger Confessions
Some of the strangest PR deliveries? Jägermeister with shot glasses (not exactly beauty-related) and some ahem very personal hygiene products she’d rather not discuss.
As for product testing disasters, she recalls a particularly chaotic night in a hotel room, swatching Urban Decay’s Moon Dust eyeshadows under the influence of a little too much wine. The result? Glitter everywhere.
Final Thoughts
Despite the industry changes, Ree remains a beauty blogging powerhouse. Her advice? Stay in your lane, focus on what you love and don’t chase trends for the sake of it. With a strong passion for newness and a sharp eye for SEO, she’s proof that sticking to what you’re good at can lead to long-term success.
Brands & Experts Mentioned:
Nanoblur by Indeed Labs
Jägermeister (yes, really)
You can find Ree on:
Instagram: @reallyree
Website: www.reallyree.com
Pinterest: @reallyree
If you found this episode useful, don’t forget to follow, subscribe and share it with a friend who needs to hear it!
Patz x
!!!!GIVEAWAY ALERT!!! My friends at L’Oréal Paris are providing the chance for FIVE of my UK-based listeners to win a selection of goodies worth £85. Follow me (@pgaleota and @prlikeaboss) on Instagram and share today’s episode Reel tagging me in for a chance to enter. Five winners will be selected at random. Deadline: 10pm Monday 10th March 2025.
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PR SPECIALIST & COACH
PATRIZIA GALEOTA
With over two decades of experience, I’ve established myself as a PR Powerhouse, collaborating with renowned brands and experts within L’Oréal Paris, Kiehl’s, Garnier, and The Body Shop, among others.
My expertise lies in shaping compelling narratives, providing strategic guidance and fostering impactful collaborations on both a national and global scale.
I empower brands and experts in the beauty, wellness and lifestyle space to secure media coverage and communicate their products and expertise effectively.
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