#ImperfectlySustainable with @byjuliaperez

As part of booni doon's #ImperfectlySustainable interview series, we are thrilled to chat with Julia. A mom to a beautiful daughter and native Californian, Julia started her Instagram account @byjuliaperez as a way to track her project panning, but has since expanded to sharing everything she loves, product reviews, and product photography!

What inspired you to start your Instagram?

I started this Instagram account nearly two years ago as a way to track myself using up my makeup ("project pan"). It slowly evolved to what it is now - a plain old beauty blog sharing what I love, thoughts on products, videos and product photography!

Which is more important to you: skincare or make-up?

For me, makeup always came before skincare, which definitely contributed to my skin problems. Within the past couple of years I delved deeper into the skincare world and even became a licensed esthetician in my state.

What are some of your skincare must-haves?

I still have a lot to learn about skincare, but I would say 100% without a doubt that SPF is a must. I love a good double cleanse as well. For makeup, right now I'm loving tinted moisturizers and cream blush.

Do you have a mantra or favorite quote?

My favorite quote is one from Ed Mylett, who is an awesome entrepreneur (definitely recommend listening to his podcast!). In an interview he did on The Skinny Confidential podcast, he said,

"Everything happens FOR you, not TO you."

It totally changed my perspective on everything that happens in my life - past and present. Now instead of sulking and wondering, "Why is this happening to me?" I think, "Okay, this is happening for a reason and I'm going to grow from it."

Tell us about your sustainability journey.

I used to be the biggest beauty product collector. I would spend my entire paycheck in a week all on beauty items and not be able to make rent sometimes. I'm someone who's coping mechanism is shopping.

Each year, I feel like I get better about my spending habits and what all I'm bringing into my collection. I'm nowhere near a minimalist by any means and have a long way to go in terms of sustainability. My impulse buying has settled down a ton, especially after becoming a mom, owning a home, etc.

What advice would you have for those seeking a more sustainable lifestyle?

Some advice I have for those seeking a more sustainable lifestyle is to just do your best and start with the small things. I bring my own bags to the grocery store and if I have to online shop, I make sure to choose the option to have the products be sent in one shipment, even if that means it will take longer to arrive.