An Open Letter to Old Friends and a New Chapter
There are not enough words to convey how thankful I am to have had so many dear readers frequent Temptalia over the last 17 years. There have been times where all of you have kept me going and moments where even just the kind words of a single reader was enough to make my whole day. I have to send a special shoutout to the readers of Temptalia’s Discord who have been there for me over and over again in an extra special way. The trajectory of my life is the result of all of your support and continued readership; I cannot overstate how much my life has been enriched by Temptalia on the whole nor how much this endeavor has positively impacted my family and extended family.
I do not know where I would be without Temptalia. It gave me a job that I never imagined but found deeply fulfilling for almost 13 years, when not enough people get the opportunity to love the job that they do. It is what has made so many achievements in my life possible. I’m so proud of what I’ve done on Temptalia and how it has shaped the person I am today. I am a better person because of all of you. I am forever thankful for having the support of so many people in the community from readers to brands to my family that have made it as successful as it has been.
It is time for me to confess that for the last four years, I have struggled mentally, and this year is really the first where I’ve started to feel closer to normal. I lost a lot of my passion for Temptalia in late 2019, and when you’re entire life revolves around one thing that you love and you no longer love it… that really does a number on your mental health. It took me awhile to even realize that falling out of love with Temptalia and not having another outlet that really brought joy was the source of destruction of my mental state.
I worked 80+ hours a week on Temptalia without fail, but it often did not feel like work. I felt like I had a dream job, loved what I did, felt fulfilled by it, while it all supported my family. I’ve always been someone who tends to have only a few interests, and I’m still that way (0/10, do not recommend) despite trying to discover or cultivate other interests. The reality is that those 80+ hours a week that used to bring me joy started to bring me misery because I didn’t enjoy it any more, and it worsened as I pushed through and did everything I always did, just without the joy.
For awhile, the feeling that I would let readers down by taking a step back sustained me and kept me going enough to get it all done, and I felt like the love would be rekindled eventually, so I’d push through. It’s not like every single day for the last 17 years was the Best Day Ever, but even during times where I had more on my plate between the blog and personal life, I could get through tough weeks or months.
By early 2020, I spent most days on the verge of a nervous breakdown; I felt like I was ready to burst into tears all of the time, and I wasn’t managing my emotions well. There were other things going on in my personal life, too, that contributed to a heightened level of anxiety, and they were things that I needed to get through but couldn’t really “change” or offset. It was at this point that I started recognizing that I couldn’t live with that much anxiety, and I did reach out and start taking anti-anxiety medication, which was a massive help to manage that anxiety and get “through” the rest of the year. It gave me clarity at just how far I had let my mental health get away from me.
Then, Magellan passed away, which has been the most devastating thing that has ever happened to me (which does make me pretty fortunate, all things considered). It was my first real, intimate loss and experience with grief. I actually felt like I had so much closure that I was sad about his passing but I had no regrets; Mellan was just such a huge part of our lives that his lack of presence was still something that took a long time to process and work through. Do you know how inconvenient it is to be someone who tests eye makeup but tears up 10 times during the day?!
When Winnie entered our lives a few months after, he helped me center my attention and brought out feelings of joy again. He was a new hobby, allowing me to pour energy into him as I trained him, watched him grow up, and bonded with him. He was NOT an easy puppy to raise (turns out, Mellan was basically a perfect puppy and Winnie was more like 7/10 difficulty-level puppy), but he is the most affectionate and cuddly dog I’ve ever been around, so he always made it (and still makes it) worth it 🙂
In early 2022, with Winnie being able-bodied and youthful, I begged my husband to let me try fostering puppies for a local rescue. I’ve always wanted to foster, but so many dogs always tried to attack Mellan (even though he was dog-friendly!) that I did not feel comfortable doing so. My husband relented, and I had my first pair of foster puppies and promptly broke my hand within 24 hours of having them–of course, I didn’t realize it was broken until a few weeks after I did so. Obviously, this meant no fostering, so I started volunteering on-site at the rescue for the next several months. I’d go almost every morning for an hour or two. My heart felt lighter, my mood was higher, and I realized just how much I was missing from the last couple of years.
Between having limited mobility in my left hand (and my right hand was already in a state of chronic pain from overuse) and realizing what fulfillment felt like again, I decided to make some changes on Temptalia that would help minimize the stress on my hands as well as reduce some of the time spent on getting things done on the blog. These were changes like bullet-style lists (which readers actually loved) rather than trying to write the same sentence over and over again in slightly different ways, allowing me to enter dupes as I could rather than pushing beyond my pain thresholds, and reducing the number of images I took and had to edit.
It was also in this period of time that I recognized that I had been in some stage of burnout, just in general, for years and so I knew that I had to allow myself to make bigger changes, even if it would upset some readers, in an effort to try to move forward without breaking myself down in the process. Those changes have helped tremendously, as I used to be in a constant state of pain and soreness with my hand and now only have that after a particularly long photographing/editing session. One day of pain in a week instead of all seven days with little to no reprieve was well worth making changes!
As you might expect from someone capable of living in a perpetual state of burnout for four years, it is difficult to make changes, and I have always found it difficult to do them on the sly. I find I have to say it loudly so I actually hold myself accountable to those changes, which is why I will be officially transitioning away from working on Temptalia full-time to part-time over the next few months. I need to make it official so I’ll actually do it, which will give me time and space to figure out what that looks and feels like. After going at full-speed for almost 17 years, it will be an adjustment to navigate what easing off actually means.
You might not see any immediate changes as I have about six weeks of content already written but likely by Temptalia’s 17th birthday (October 2023), changes will be felt. I’m currently going to see how many posts per day makes more sense and how I want to approach the mix of brands/products I review. I’m hoping to have more time to just play with some of the makeup I have. That being said, if there are particular aspects of the site that you would be loathe to lose, I’d love to hear it as we consider archiving certain aspects of the site that we feel are non-essential and/or underutilized to help button things up and streamline parts of the site overall. This is not the end, it’s just me turning the page to the next chapter 🙂
I’m hopeful that I can rekindle my love for what I do here while giving myself more time to embrace and seek out the paths that currently bring me joy. Those paths include volunteering more, continuing to foster, and spending more time with my family. Fostering and volunteering with my local rescue has felt like it has saved me from the gaping chasms that felt like they were going to swallow me whole, and it has made it clear that in life, acts of service for others brings me the greatest sense of joy and fulfillment. It wasn’t a love for makeup but a love for helping readers love their purchases more that fulfilled me for so many years in the past. Now, I am going to embrace what has given me a sense of purpose in life and see where that path takes me.
Finally, I am incredibly privileged to have a partner in life, my husband Shaun, who has been a pillar of support for over two decades, and is truly everything that I could have ever asked for in partner. Without him, I would not have even had a chance of getting through the last few years (especially because no one else would put up with, nor appreciate, my grim humor). It is also thanks to his genius that we have built successful sites outside of Temptalia over the last decade (I help to manage those), which have given me the luxury of choosing a different path forward. He is the best, and I love him to the end of the universe!
Thank you for letting me share what’s been weighing on me these last few years as I finally feel like I’m in the right place to be vulnerable, share that vulnerability, and move forward in a meaningful way. I’m looking forward to make these changes and opening myself up to what is ahead!
Love & Lipgloss, Christine
Change is the one thing we can all count on in this life. Life feels like a roller coaster sometimes and All we can do is hang on. I’m so happy you are stewarding your mental and physical health before career/work. Life goes by in a minute so grab all the happiness and content you can. I teared up seeing Mellan’s pictures! Winston is adorable and all beautiful the little fluff balls who you gave a good start in their new lives. Will continue to follow Temptalia in it’s new format. Proud of you Christine!!!
It is really a credit to how far acceptance of mental health as being something one SHOULD prioritize in the last several years that I am where I am today! I followed grind culture for so long, and I feel like I’m fairly built for it – like it did take a very long time to burnout, lol, but balance and being able to take care of yourself so you CAN take care of others is so important… and not everyone has the luxury to even do that sometimes.
First off, thank you so very much for all the hard work you’ve done over the years. You were one of the very first makeup. Logs I found, and you still provide some of the highest quality, most thoughtful reviews and swatches. When you rate a product highly I am confident that it will also work for me.
I am happy that you feel able to step back and I hope you find respite and joy. Congrats on fostering so many adorable pups- they are definitely a highlight on my feed to see!!
Best of luck with everything in the future!!
This is so moving and meaningful, Christine, thank you for sharing with us. Best of luck for you and for Temptalia! We love you!♥️
❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for being so brave and honest and for sharing your love of animals. I’ve always loved reading your reviews more than any others, but I’ve also loved seeing photos of such beautiful happy souls. I wish I had the strength to foster and I believe it takes a truly special and selfless person to be able to nurture animals in need. I wish you all the best as you enter this new chapter
It can be hard for sure! My mom gets super invested in all my fosters, even though she only sees them once a week or so.
I know I can’t be the only to shed a tear at this news, but I understand. I’ve been a daily reader since 2008, and I still habitually check multiple times a day despite no longer wearing makeup. The pandemic, an injury, and unexpectedly losing my sister did a number on me that I have yet to move past, so I completely understand the need to move on. I hope you can find something new to bring you joy, and that you continued to move towards peace. Thank you for the colorful joy you’ve brought to my life!
I am sorry for the loss of your sister! Sending hugs <3
Oh my gosh, I saw this title and started reading and thought it was going to end with a farewell. I’m glad you will still be here and that Temptalia is not completely shutting down. You’ve put a lot into it and we have such a great little community here.
As someone who has experienced severe burnout and finds joy with my animals I can completely understand wanting to step back a bit and enjoy LIFE. We only get one and it should not be spent working all the time. I have always volunteered at rescues, but recently started fostering and currently have my first foster puppy and three foster rabbits… who am I? I am loving it though and they have been helping me get back into a routine and out of my depressive funk I feel like I’ve been in for a handful of months. Glad you will have more time now to do things for you that make you happy 🙂
You went in on fostering! Have you had rabbits before?
The biggest thing with volunteering with animals/fostering them has been how it’s really forced me into the present and to stay in the moment. And sometimes, while it can be hard to take care of ourselves, taking care of an animal that is dependent on us really does help reestablish routines and order!
I had a rabbit in college a very very long time ago. Two of my fosters are a bonded pair and hang out together. The other I only brought home Monday and is in a separate area (not neutered yet). All are very sweet and so silly… but it is a LOT of cleaning and feeding. I’m trying really hard not to foster fail the bonded pair, they crack me up.
I completely agree about helping reestablish routines. I was sleeping too much and not being active which, of course, does not help depression. Now I am getting up earlier for morning feeding, doing a bit of cleaning every day for both pens, evening feeding, and play time. They really are so much fun and I’m not longer in that funk!
Stay strong! You can do it! (And if you cave, that’s okay, too!)
I remember when I was in the thick of it, and I’d sit in the kennel with the puppies crawling all over and just felt like they soothed my world!
I hope you can find your peace thru all of these changes. You do need to do what brings you happiness. And being a long time follower , I for one, and glad you took time for you Took time to find out what brings you peace !! We will be here. As always. Good luck ! Thank you for all you have done
Christine, thank you so much for the meticulous reviews and your hard work here! I know I just started commenting (thanks to my own anti-anxiety journey) but I’ve been a daily reader since the early days and the swatch gallery and the review breakdowns (and even the Weekly Features, when I’m looking for a product) have been a tremendous help figuring out what’s going to be worth it for me to spend my money on!
I’m glad you’re taking steps to figure out what’s going to work for you. Life isn’t easy and I understand needing to try a change. Thank you for communicating and I look forward to what you can do at Temptalia and whatever you decide to do in the future! <3
You do you; I love the addition of the puppies!
Okay, I cried. Not because of loss, but because of joy for you being true to your heart and doing what you know is best for you, and how exciting this new stage will be for you. 💗 💗 💗 Thank you for all that you’ve done over the years. This blog has been a companion to my studying and working life too and you deserve all the flowers for these 17 years 💐💐💐
Girl, you do whats best for YOU!! Thank you for all the years you have provided us with reviews and swatches, you are the OG swatch queen and the first blogger/beauty guru I followed back in my late teens (Im now 33, my how time flies lol). I love the instagram posts of all your puppers btw, beauty and animal content is my jam!!
It is amazing just how time passes!!
You’ve been an absolute machine for years. You earned whatever type of reconfiguration you need. Thanks for everything you’ve provided over the years. Looking forward to more puppy content on Instagram and whatever you offer here.
Thank you for your vulnerability and the wonderful site you have created. That said, please put your health and passions first.
Best to you. 💜
Omg I thought you were going to stop Temptalia entirely, so I had a mini heart attack/meltdown!!! I am so grateful that you’ve decided to stick around part time! Your service is so appreciated. My main outlet has been makeup for many years, and you have been an integral part of that outlet for pretty much half my life.
I’m so happy you were able to find joy in life again. I’ve been there with the anxiety and medication/lifestyle changes really do wonders. Hoping that you’re able to find continued fulfillment in all areas of your life – you deserve it 🙏
The medication helped SO much to just like… get out of the abyss and even feel like “Okay, I can handle this. I can get through it.” It was like training wheels for me and helped me be in a place mentally to start working through it, making changes, etc.
Dear Christine,
I have enjoyed your content and eye looks for many years and puppy pictures.
I think it is awesome that you are taking some more time for yourself. Life is way shorter than you think it is. I say this from the vantage point of being 65.
You should enjoy life and also get enough rest.
Sending love, light, and blessings to you.
Lisa NKB Ellis
Christine! I’m so happy you’re choosing you! Even if you decided to give up the site completely, we would all understand, as you have given everyone so much for so long! It’s brave and freeing to say “hey I need a change” and to do it and I selfishly am so happy that you’ll continue to foster pups because your posts about them being me joy each day and inspire me to do the same one day (we lost our “Mellan” soul dog in January and while we don’t have a new dog yet, the loss is so deep and the joy you have with Winnie and the fosters gives me hope I’ll feel that again some day).
Excited for all your future endeavors <3
Losing that heart dog is so, so hard. Even though Winnie filled me with joy, it took me longer to really bond with him than I expected, and that’s even when I had a ton of closure with Mellan’s life and passing (like I just couldn’t have asked for more since he was fine until the morning he wasn’t, and he lived a long life for his breed and an exceptionally long life for all his health issues!).
You will feel it someday, when you are ready. It might take years and that’s okay 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing with us, Christine! Whenever I realize that you’ll eventually have to retire, I feel dread lol.
I remember a long time ago you used to have guest posts. Would it be feasible to have those again?
The most important features for me are definitely the swatch gallery and dupe list, and I enjoy being able to catalog things in my vanity and wishlist.
I second the idea of guest posts! Not only would it take a good bit of the burden off of Christine, it’s also always interesting to get a different perspective on makeup. Maybe some of the guest posters could even cover products that Christine’s already covered and give a second opinion on them.
Christine, I can’t really add much to everything that’s been said since I’m late in reading this, but I’ll try: first of all THANK YOU for everything you’ve done, I’ve been reading you for about 10 years and your blog is one of two I try to check every day that I’m in front of my computer.
Second: please do whatever you need to feel better – been there, done that. It’s tough but you can get through it with help, I had to learn that asking for help is OK!!!
Finally and least important, I mostly agree with Helena on the features: most important for me are the vanity, wish list and dupes (particularly dupes in vanity).
Sending you a big healing virtual hug.
Blanca
Thank you for all your hard work! I’ve turned to your site and reviews countless times because I knew you were honest and thorough! You’ve set a precedent for others blogs, the bar is high! I’ll always appreciate this site and you!
Sending you immense love! I look forward to see what the new and slowed down Temptalia looks like. I’m happy you’re prioritizing yourself as there is no Temptalia without you. <3
So awesome that you have found your balance. You have helped me aide manynof my clients in finding alternatives to items they’ve loved but could no longer find. You’ve helped me as an MUA see brands before I invested yet another unnecessary amount of money on something I didn’t need. Im so pleased you’re staying with us, even if its only part time. Please know working Makeup Artist worlds of tv, film & theatre YOU ARE A GEM!!!!
The one source you provide that would literally make me cry with unending pain if you stopped is the DUPES AND COMPARISON!!! PLEASE DON’T STOP THE DUPES AND COMPARISONS!!!!
Duly noted, Monica! Dupe List is definitely sticking around!
Sending you a big hug and kiss!
This was such a heartfelt post! You have always gone above and beyond in your reviews and I have often wondered how you did it. I am so sorry that your health has been impacted by doing all the work you have done. We have been absolutely spoiled by your love and dedication to all things beauty. I had wondered if something was up because this week is the Sydney Grace Christmas in July sale and you didn’t post. I am so sorry that you have suffered for so long! I do appreciate your puppy posts and thoroughly enjoy them. I honestly think that your long time readers understand your need to step back. I know you were worried about letting us down, but sometimes you have to step back and take care of yourself. We support you no matter what. Please go kiss those delightful puppies and Winnie.
I thank you for ALL of your hard work and dedication!
Much love, Stephanie
Thank you taking time to write all this! I visit the site almost daily, though I rarely comment on posts. My favorite features have been the inventory and the ability to find dupes. Using Temptalia as a resource has helped me to be more mindful of my purchases and my uses (but please don’t look at how many of my lipsticks are dupes of each other!!). Your reviews seem to be the most thorough and the most consistent. I’ve never worried that you’ve been influenced by hype, and certainly never been bought. Truly, thank you for all the time you’ve put into Temptalia, this site has been a treasured part of my journey through the beauty community.
This is what I have been sensing for at least the past few years, Christine; that the love that you once so fervently felt towards all things makeup was rapidly going away. When the dupe list pretty much died, when we stopped seeing your amazing eye looks, when the Friday Finds weekly check-in became forgotten more and more often. Just so many little things here and there, but they added up to a noticeable lack of joy towards the website. This is nothing to feel bad about though! Because we are all in a near constant state of flux, even though we may not see it at first. Our interests change. Our lives change. What we value changes even when we don’t want that to happen. And those are just the deeper, more personal reasons. Then there was the 3+ years of the Covid pandemic and all the outward changes forced upon all of us. This includes the dissolution of so many CHERISHED, deeply loved makeup /beauty brands (Bite, Becca, etc.) Yes, these sucked the joy out of this venue/interest on a once unimaginable level. I believe that most of us would gladly rather have just 3 instead of 5 articles/reviews per day, but with the dupe list getting back to what it was before. Friday Finds kept as a constant, as this is like a “town meeting/gathering” for so many of us out here who may not have anyone else with this specific interest in our lives, plus many of us have maintained and nurtured relationships with each other there! Also, please keep the survey? Perhaps give ColourPop, the redundancy factory, the boot? IDK? But, I do know a thing or two about emotional and mental burnout, though. Please, just take care of YOU. We do collectively care for you and appreciate all the hard, demanding, difficult work that you’ve put into Temptalia for these past 17 years. You are its HEART.
Nancy, I also had the sense over the past year or two that Christine’s fervor was waning (and this is NOT meant as a criticism in the least). Oddly, one of the things that really kept me “happy” during the worst of the Pandemic was coming here and visiting with everyone else at a time when we couldn’t even visit family or next door neighbours – we could still “visit” our Temptalia “family”.
Friday Finds and the occasional survey would be enough for me – a chance to “touch base” with all the people I’ve met here over the years and who have become like friends. I’m also really blown away by all the names I see in this thread that I’ve never seen here before (or don’t recall) – Temptalia touched a whole lot more people that I was ever aware of and I hope that Christine is buoyed by that.
Nancy and Mariella this is what i have also been sensing for the last 2 years. Your health and happiness is what i important. i rather have 3 post or so a day and you be happy. We all support your decision.
I lost my lab Sunshine in 2011 and i still miss him, it gets easier with time but a little pain is still there.
I’m sure it took a lot of introspection and strength to make this decision. You deserve the best and only you have to power to make it that way. Recently, it’s seemed that you have really enjoyed fostering and I know personally how much time that takes. I appreciate all of your hard work and support your decision. I’m very happy for you!!!
I support you totally! Temptalia has been an amazing resource for me over the years. We know you’re not a machine and can’t keep producing high quality content forever and ever!
The best lifesaver of this website has always been the dupes for me. I’ve saved so much money through this website, made new discoveries, and I’ve even discovered when it was worth it to splurge. I will continue to support you in whatever way.
Christine,
I am so sorry you have gone through all of this. Temptalia was one of the main ways I learned it was okay to love makeup, and I will continue to support any way in which you want to evolve or change not only Temptalia, but also your life in order to continue to do what is right for you! I still adore your reviews, but I would never want to read them if the result is your burnout. Hope that makes sense!
Thank you for spreading your love of makeup with us 🙂
Thank you for being so open. Life is too short to push yourself into unhappiness. Wishing you all the best, love Temptalia no matter how many posts are uploaded💜💜💜
The older I get, the more I feel that in my heart of hearts – if you have the ability to pursue happiness, it’s worth the risk to do so! Not everyone is in the place where they can, and many of us go through periods where it’s more or less feasible, but when we can, we should.
As someone who has followed your posts since 2007 when I needed inspiration on what to do for eye makeup for my senior prom, I want to thank you greatly for providing a welcoming and wholesome site for us makeup addicts to visit all of these years. Watching the site develop and grow in so many ways, I’ve always been in awe of your ability to put so much of yourself into this work, finding more and more means of connecting between content you post and a really great user experience for your audience.
But also, lady, after years upon years of swatches, how do you keep your skin from rebelling? Lol.
Anyway, I wish you all the best on this new chapter in your life! May it be filled with joy, recovery, and lots of puppies!
I am lucky to have skin that doesn’t seem easily aggravated, LOL. I think the texture of my swatching arm is permanently changed, though, haha!
Ily and I’m happy you’re choosing you. Good luck in the new chapter! 🩷
Christine, Temptalia has been my go-to for years, for the best quality swatches and honest reviews! I completely understand that you need to take care of yourself and do what feeds your soul. Wishing you the best in all your endeavors!
Wooohooo! I’m so excited for this new path. You’ve consistently given us incredible resources for over a decade and if this is the end of Temptalia as we know it, I for one am left feeling grateful and optimistic. Life is so short and you deserve every happiness. Keep seeking out your passions. I just want your life to be full of joy and relaxation 🙂
Christine, thank you so much for sharing your life with all of us. I for one am cheering you on as you strive to find a new balance…it’s something I am struggling with myself as I find myself in a job that is 40% rewarding, 60% nightmare, and 100% the only job I have available to me at the moment if I want to keep paying the mortgage, so feeling trapped is a daily experience. You’ve found such joy in the puppers, and I’m so glad you are taking this step forward. I will be a faithful reader of Temptalia no matter what form it ends up taking!
I am rooting for you, Jess, to find more reward in your job or else to have the opportunity for a more rewarding job in the not-to-distant future! I can only encourage you to find any outlets outside of the job to help add joy to your life while you have to deal with the parts you can’t change 💖
Thank you for all your work thru the years! Losing our animal partners is certainly devastating but the fact that you are helping other ones is truly inspiring.
Dear Christine,
To quote a great philosopher, the only constant in life — is change. May you find joy and fulfillment (and many, many adorable puppies) in all your new endeavors. You have given us so much, been so helpful to so many; whatever aspect of Temptalia works out to be part of a comfortable and enjoyable future for you will be just right.
(I broke the metacarpal on my left hand decades ago and still have some issues with the adjacent pinky! Hopefully your orthopod is better than mine was.)
Love,
Amy S.
It seems mostly healed, thankfully, but occasionally, I can feel a stiffness in the hand that wasn’t there before, which does have me a little wary for 10-20 years down the line. Hands are so delicate!
Christine, I can not thank you enough for everything you’ve being doing these 17 years! Temptalia brought me so much joy through since I started reading it in 2008. It has been my bible. And seeing you with Winnie, the mamas and the puppies brought me a new kind of joy. It made me admire you even more (which I didn’t think it was possible). You’ve been inspiring me to search for a new purpose as well! I wish this new routine bring you the happiness you deserve and the time you need to spend with your family and the dogs. Thank you for everything
We only live once… follow your heart… feed your soul… the rest will be whatever it needs to be <3
Good luck to you! I’ve supported you and visited your blog everyday and multiple times a day 🥸 since you started. You changed the whole Industry for consumers in a way Karla Sugar never did!! Remember her?!!!
Life is short and you have to do what makes you happy and we will all be here rooting you on!
Christine! I think it’s great that you’re acknowledging something that once brought you a lot of joy and an income is no longer fulfilling to you. This is harder than many realize. Things change in life, our priorities change, and what we choose to give our time and energy to also changes. I think many of us know what it’s like to go through life just trudging through a job that kills our souls but pays the bills. You’ve identified your priorities and developed a plan for how to move forward. Congratulations! I truly wish you happiness and success in wherever your future takes you.
You are so incredible, Christine, and thank you for creating this space for us to enjoy over the years. The quality of your work is unmatched and your kind and passionate soul radiates through each post. I wish you well and can’t wait to continue supporting you in this new chapter!
Oh, Christine! Thank you for being open and vulnerable when you didn’t need to be. Others who struggle will benefit from your recounting your experience. I’m sure I’m not alone in saying I will be grateful for any and all content you create and share. I appreciate everything you do on the site and highly, highly value your opinion on product. I hope these changes allow you the time and space you need to care for yourself. Light to you and yours!
I know exactly how you feel. I got into a dogs, rescue and showing in 1990. And sometime in 2020 I had just had enough. Like every other hobby it’s full of good people and bad people, and situations that you would really rather not find yourself in. I hope that your involvement with brings you a ton of joy. It can be very rewarding. Much love.
That is a long time to be part of the dog world, Mary! I know rescue folks face a lot of burnout in particular because it’s just overwhelming, never0ending, and a heartbreaking sphere to be part of.
Hope you have found something new that brings you joy!
I’m so happy that you are taking care of your health, both mental and physical, and finding your joy again!
Please put yourself, Shaun and your family first, you are not letting us down in any way. I know writing this was difficult for you, I hope telling us a little of what you have been going through, relieves you of that burden you’ve been carrying, and you can feel the love we’re sending.
I have such a deep admiration for you, your integrity, thoughtfulness, kindness and love that you put into everything you do. Thank you for sharing this deeply personal information with us, may you soar even higher in your next chapter!
It has! I have wanted to share, but I have always worried that it would come off as a “poor me” kind of thing – I am so happy that it seems like readers have taken it as I’ve intended it!
I have enjoyed the puppy content as of late and had a feeling that you were shifting gears somewhat. You are my number one place for reviews and dupes and honest opinions on products and I’ve always really enjoyed your personal touches and feeling about you. Thank you for all your hard work and best wishes for putting you first. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Enjoy your new passion. Love from Canada
Hi Christine!
First I just wanted to thank you for so thoughtfully explaining that Temptalia will be changing up . It really is an internationally known and loved site and service among the beauty community (even for those of us who don’t have a lot of disposable income.)
I have been in the same kind of burn-out state myself, and now as I’m entering my 50s, I’m seeing how much that has affected things like physical mobility and fatigue. My full time job is to bringing up my now 10 year old ASD kiddo, while being diagnosed with several new and exciting (eye roll) diagnoses myself. I’m not a fan of “live laugh love” style platitudes, but the expression “You can’t pour from an empty cup” – as the kids say, where’s the lie? Often as women we’re expected to do just that, and while it’s heartbreaking to hear about how difficult things have been for you, I’m sure you have plenty of readers and followers who have been in the exact same space.
I will absolutely miss Temptalia as a resource, as a tool, and just a general “site I habitually check for updates”…. there’s no point fibbing about that. But I’m glad you’ve found a way to move forward into a healthier headspace.
While you’re asking for suggestions, I’m wondering if there’s any way of keeping the Vanity archive active, and the Dupe List. While I love and would very much miss your reviews, I would still be happy with swatches only, the compare tool, and the Colour Story tool. These have helped me out so much as a low-income earner for years now.
(Another suggestion would be just leaving a rating for a swatch eg A+, B, C, F… instead of you having to type endless repetitions and descriptions, as you mentioned.)
Whatever Temptalia becomes, it will always be a permanent bookmark for me, just as it has been for over ten years now. Thank you so much for creating it in the first place; I’m unaware of anything else quite like it, and I’ve been a makeup addict for a good thirty years now (yikes!)
Most of all, I’m glad you’ve found a beginning to a new stage of life, where you no longer have to see Temptalia as a burden. As much as I would hate to lose it completely, it is a huge job for one person, and I’m certainly guilty of thinking it must indeed be a “dream job”!
I hope things continue to improve in your health and well-being, and also that we’ll still have some version of Temptalia to interact with. I suspect we couldn’t be more different in real life (Gen X Australian Goth Lite with a very low elegance score! 🙂 ) but I do appreciate you giving us a heads up.
All the best,
Pandora, Melbourne, AUS
Thank you, Pandora! Sending you hugs and strength as you manage raising your kid with your recent diagnoses 🫂
It is very true about having to take enough care of yourself first if you want to care for others. I wish it didn’t take me so long to understand that, but better now than never!
We definitely will keep the Dupe List available, and I think we’ll make a few modifications to the vanity stuff like make it so only I can add brand new products/brands (I have never been able to keep up with submissions there anyway) but hope to keep a lot of that intact as I know users have spent a lot of their time building that out!
The Color Story builder will stay as well – surprisingly well-used feature!
So Beautifully said and shared. Good for you for having the courage to do what you MUST/NEED!!
Best of luck with all of your decisions. I have very much enjoyed your hard work!
You were the first Beauty expert that I followed <3
Suziekate
Christine, I’ve been a long-time (since the early 2010s) reader. Take the time you need, find what fits you best at this stage in life. Your reviews have been incredibly valuable. I’ve been on a strict budget for years, and so wasting money on products that didn’t deliver was a major issue. But the reviews weren’t what kept me coming back. It was hoping for another article by Shaun (to share with my husband), the glimpses into who you are as a human being, the stands you chose to take, and how kindly and patiently you explained your convictions. I greatly appreciate that you chose to share some of your personality with us. It’s made sticking with Temptalia easy, and it’s what makes sticking with you, now, a no-brainer. I grew up with many pets, so I always enjoyed the Mellan updates, and I definitely cried when he passed, and when your collaboration with SG was released.
All of that to say, I hope you find balance. As a reader, I’ll be here for as long as Temptalia is going. As a fellow human, I wish you a success in finding harmony, rest, and rejuvenation. *internet hugs from a long-time reader*
Have to pass this along to Shaun, who will be delighted to hear his reviews are missed, lol!
Christine,
I’ve been with you since the start and have relied on your comprehensive reviews and images too many times to count since then. Hundreds upon hundreds of times!!
Wishing you all the best on this next chapter as you work to find the balance that allows you to feel fulfilled. Thank you so much for all your years of devotion to Temptalia. I’m so grateful you’ll still be focusing on it part time, moving forward. All the best!! Celena
So happy for you and excited to see where you take the soon-to-be reduced site next. I personally have loved the site for the ability to “peek in to the makeup bag” of a friend. And I have loved having your insight on what’s worth the money. Any capacity you feel like keeping will always feel like a gift. Thank you so much for your commitment to your readers! We will still be here no matter what you decide to post.
Thanks for sharing the depths of your hear with all of us! Even I you quit tomorrow, I’m thankful for all the content you created and shared with so many of us all these years! I’m really glad to hear you’re going to spend more time taking care of you and not pressuring yourself to put us before your health. I hope that the future holds more joy and excitement for you than you had at your peak years ago.
I look forward to seeing Tempatila’s next chapter ❤️
Btw, you have the sweetest fosters. What breed are they?
The first mom + pups I did were a mix of pit bull, husky, and bull dog! The Yoga Poses were a mix of cattle dog, Australian shepherd, pekignese, and pit bull, lol! I didn’t DNA test Freddie & co., so I am not sure about them. My current ones I have a DNA test out on but I am guessing mastiff something-rather!
I wish you nothing but the best, Christine! I have been a loooooong time follower (2009!). I don’t believe there’s been a makeup product I have purchased over the last 14 years that hasn’t had your seal of approval.
Burn out is real. I hit it once in my career (teacher), and left the profession for two years. I did return to it, when the timing and the setting was right. And I’ve held on for 10 years and maybe only regretted a few of them (looking at you 2020-2022). It is totally possible to fall back in love with what you do. Take time and think about what aspects bring joy and let that recenter you. Temptalia will undoubtedly change, but for the better.
And a quick note as a reader making observations- I did notice a change in your writing over the last 4 years. It was subtle, but as someone who knows your writing and reviews, the excitement wasn’t there. I actually wondered a few times if all was well. I stopped getting that feeling of excitement for new releases I used to get when I would see your swatches. I’m so excited for what Temptalia Recentered will be like!
The last four years have been brutal for a lot of people. Thank you for being candid on your mental health journey. ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Thank you for sharing your story about your career – I have such high hopes about finding love again for makeup!
A couple of years ago I went back through your site from the last page onwards. It was an amazing journey through a world of makeup, that at that time, I did not know existed.
The millions of hours you and Shaun have put into the site is truly amazing and there were many times, particularly when you were developing the SG Temptalia palettes, that I feared for your physical, mental and emotional health at the hours you were working and your sleep issues. Mellan’s passing was devastating.
So I am not surprised, but still saddened to read, of your burnout feelings and ambivalence to the very thing that you once loved so much. I guess it’s about knowing when you are done and dusted.
I am so glad for you that you have found another passion – taking care of rescue pups, bringing love, joy and serenity to your life.
Moving forward – I guess what I would like to see here are some lipstick, eyeshadow and blushes. But what is most valued by me is the online community that you have created – so the the Surveys and Friday finds would be, if possible, what I would like to continue with.
Thank you so much Christine from the bottom of my heart.
Just for you, Genevieve, because I know you love the Survey Says so much, I already went ahead and made sure there’s one ready to go through the end of the year so I don’t forget!!
Ooooooh Christine 😍 We loved you and we love you for ever because you will be and Tempatalia too forever in our head and heart 😍
OMG I am grateful that you are well now. Please do not stop informing us and detailing cosmetics. I look to your posts before I purchase! You would be missed.
god bless you and your husband.
Thank you Christine for sharing a heartfelt update on your situation, and where you need to adapt Temptalia to better suit the workload you can effectively manage. I’m glad you are taking care of yourself and your family as that’s the most important thing in life. Makeup is the fun stuff that’s not necessarily required.
I love everything about Temptalia, if I had to pick the most helpful, it’s your swatches and descriptions, they are the best on the internet with your encyclopedic knowledge and attention to detail for actual shades, color, texture, wearability, etc.
Whatever you think is best for Temptalia is A-OK with me, you’re the expert I trust and I’m happy to interact with your site however you see fit. (apologies for formatting, I’m on a phone).
Be well Christine, thank you for all you do! ☺️
Love you! Your happiness should always be first! I’ve been following for at least 14 years, always amazed at all you would cover! But now, there is just so much fun watching you foster! I’m so glad it makes your heart happy! Take care of what’s important, love, and ENJOY!
You are the premier blogger and when you cut back it will break a lot of hearts. But you deserve love and happiness. No one needs to go through depression. You are embraced by hundreds of thousands readers and have a positive effect on them. I’m one of them and will miss your daily posts but I completely understand your reasons. Thank you for what you do.
Christine, it’s perhaps ironic that the post right before this one deals with products named Contentment, Integrity and Well-being. Your integrity is what has made this site the useful tool that it is for makeup products and information. I know I won’t be the only one wishing you both contentment and well-being and I hope that stepping back will bring you closer to those things. You are to be admired for prioritizing your physical and mental health and I don’t think anyone here will feel let down by you stepping back. Most of us marvel at how you’ve been able to keep up this pace for as many years as you have and it’s not just keeping up the pace but continuing to improve. It’s been clear that fostering all these puppies (and their moms) has brought you a massive amount of joy and purpose and I hope that continues, just as I hope that Temptalia, in whatever degree of attention you can give this site, will continue however it works for you. Sending you love, positive thoughts and huge admiration!
Thank you for sharing Christine. I’ve always enjoyed your site for thorough, reliable reviews and swatches. It was always so nice to come on here and get your take on products and get away from the “noise” of online influencers. Your foundation matrix has helped me so much over the years too. I can’t believe it’s been 17 years! Wishing you all the best for the adventures to come. I hope you find all the happiness (and less anxiety) you deserve.
Thank you, Christine! I found you in 2007 and you were the reason I finally decided to try wearing makeup – as a 27 year old! As I approach my 42nd birthday, I now happly rock a full face because I can and because I love it. I love following your foster posts and I hope you find the balance and happiness in your life that you deserve!
I must have sensed this announcement because I surfed on over the day you posted this! I truly assumed you would be a “lifer” but I’m glad you decided to do what is right for you and your happiness. Temptalia content has always been the gold standard among the original “beauty blogging” community, and the features you launched over the years like the Dupe List and Foundation Matrix are innovative and amazing! Thank you for all of the years of gorgeousness and entertainment. Best of luck with your new chapter! xox
-Jen (aka Raging Rouge and Realtor Extraordinaire)
I’ve been here since 2009, maybe.
And Temptalia have been my beauty bible over the years. I trust in your opinions and reviews, I love the way you write about things.
I’ve cried when Mellan passed… I was so happy when Winnie arrived and you started to Foster puppies…
That’s ir, I’ve been here and really hope you take care of yourself, cause you’re a diamond ❤️
Hey Christine 🥰 I’m a very longtime lurker of your blog. I have followed you for 10+ years now. I just wanted to say thank you for all you’ve done for the makeup community, temptalia community and now doggy community too 😉. Take all the time and rest you need, we have had 17 wonderful and dedicated years from you. I’m sure no one will complain. I wish you the best of luck and the biggest of hugs for being an amazing creator ❤️
I’m just glad it’s not goodbye. Your health is more important. You’re doing great things especially caring for those fuzzy babies. They need an advocate like you. I’m only sad because I’ve watched you for many years. You’ve been so helpful and I always looked forward to your content. I wish I would’ve been more vocal in the temptalia community but I’m working on that. Take care my dear
Just reading and checking in is so amazing, Chelsea! Leaving comments is great, but it’s not for everyone, so not to worry!
All the best to you Christine as you begin your next chapter! I’ve enjoyed Temptalia content for many years and made purchases based on your excellent reviews. However, I understand burnout and the need to re-calibrate and follow one’s’ passion. Best wishes!
I am so excited (but also bittersweet) for you to be moving forward and discovering other joys in your life than your current work. You mentioned particular aspects of the site that we would be loathsome to lose, and for me that would be the arm swatches. They are enormously helpful even just for me comparing swatches on the site to find dupes myself.
Thank you for all you have shared. You were always my go to reviewer because you stood strong in your beliefs and showed integrity. And you were so thorough and detailed that your opinion had a lot of weight. Take care of you, and I am glad you are following your happiness!
I have to confess that when I saw the title of this post, I thought you were going to announce that you were retiring from blogging, and would be archiving the site. (Coming from the indie nail polish community, burnout among swatchers/bloggers is extremely common, and it’s rare that someone lasts more than a few years these days.) So it’s a relief to hear that you’re only planning to slow down to part-time!
I’m glad that you’ve been able to find some new passions, and that you’re taking the initiative to slow down. We’ll be fine with a slower pace, I’m sure.
2nd.
You are extraordinary. You’re a trail blazer wrapped in grace and art, and we all owe you a mountain of gratitude for your incredible labor and your fierce work ethic.
Onward to new chapters! You’ve built a community that will laud your talent and professionalism from here to high heaven. So step boldly onto the next page and explore and delve into all the things that tug at your heart. Thank you for opening your heart to us and letting us peek behind the curtain. We’ll love a scaled back Temptalia if it means that our best girl is enjoying quality time with loved ones, and exploring new avenues and paths.
Big hugs Christine!
Thanks for sharing your feelings, so sorry though you felt so bad for so much time…
Don’t worry about changing, developing, it’s part of life, not even a stone remains the same through time, and it makes life never boring.
To be honest I always wondered how did you release new reviews and concepts every-single-*******-day, and still think if it was me I would have quit years ago, so cheers to you, and thanks for all.
I’ll go on following you, waiting to see which awesome creature will leave the chrysalis.
Again, big hugs, dear!
Phew! I saw your Instagram post earlier and I was fearing you would stop posting updates or content on your blog. After reading everything that you have shared, all I want to say is big hugs to you, Christine! Thank you for keeping this blog alive. I would visit this site daily since the early days and see if you posted something new. Your blog also kept me entertained when I was not feeling too great about myself, thank you for that!
As a reader, your reviews are important to me. Before I would buy a new product, I would always check your site if you have reviewed such. Your swatch database is a treasure. I would be sad if it went away.
Do take care of yourself always. xoxo
I am so happy (and sad) to read this post! I have loved going to Temptalia for swatches and reviews for years, so I am sad to see that you’ve lost the passion you once felt for it. However, I am beyond thrilled to hear that you are stepping back to enjoy your LIFE – something a makeup review site should never come before. Hopefully this endeavor will transition into a hobby for you instead of remaining your entire all-consuming job. In the end, it doesn’t matter what WE want… It only matters what will bring you peace.
Hello Christine,
I am happy to hear that you have reached a point in your life where you know what you want to do. I think all of us need to realize that at some stage of our life.
I also lost my beloved dog of 14 years in 2021. I was completely and utterly devastated. I sunk into the deepest and darkest depression of my life. It took me a long time to get over her death. So I completely understand what you went through when you lost Magellan. I also lost my passion for make up during that time.
I read your blog every day, but I never comment. I realized that make up just didn’t give me any joy, and I have no interest in it anymore. I like to read your blog, because I do like to see what is new in the make up world however, I have scaled back tremendously on the things I buy. I have realized over these past few years that make up should not be an obsession, which it sort of was with me. At this point I just look at your beautiful pictures and I move on. I don’t buy as much and I use what I have and trust me, I have a lot of make up.
I just want to say thank you for the many years that I have followed your blog. It has been a wonderful resource. It is the first thing I check when I am out at a store and I see a new product. I think you will find that most people will be supportive of your decision to take a step back. Only you know what is right for you and you must follow your heart. Thank you very much for all you have done for all of us. We are all strangers in this world, and I really am appreciative of your blog and the time that you have taken out of your life to post these photos and write terrific reviews.
Take care.
Those fur-babies really get into our hearts! I’m so sorry for your loss of your baby but encouraged to hear that you have been able to process your grief and get to a better place now.
I feel like so many of us have scaled back on our interest in makeup in one way or another, whether that’s being totally less interested or just reducing purchases! It is hard to remain obsessed with something for long.
Thank you, Carol!
Thats great! Everything has its season…… and I think alot of us feel the same I too still buy makeup but not to the degree I was prior to covid! That put a blanket on the fire I held for the stuff….. and I am not missing it at all! I too love dogs and agree they help us heal emotionally! I love your site and encourage change and growth! Sounds like your on the right track for you! Love it! Keep going see what new doors may open for you on your journey! 🙂
I’ve been with you from the beginning. I haven’t been interactive but have always been the person advocating your website for people to refer to and to check out. Your post has helped me as I’m sure has helped many. Blessings to you as you move forward. XO
Thank you so much for all of the work you did. I have used your site over and over. You are awesome!
“I will be officially transitioning away from working on Temptalia full-time to part-time over the next few months.” When I saw the title of this post my heart sank as I thought for sure you were quitting altogether. Although I love getting your emails every day, it’s more important that you do what is right for you and your family. Your true fans will understand and wish you the best no matter what lies in your future. You’re right, you have helped us over the years whether it’s just getting a fun email or providing a sense of normalcy during the pandemic by providing a way to window shop online when a lot of places were closed. And you have helped us save a buttload of money or the guts to try new colors, formulas, brands, etc. But wait there’s more! You hosted a safe space for makeup lovers to share their opinions and you took your knowledge and creativity and created one of the most thoughtful and beautiful makeup collabs I have ever seen. We love you and wish the best for you!
I wish the best for you Christine! You have done an awesome job with this sight. I love looking at it every night to see what new products you are reviewing. I also look up reviews when I am looking at buying a new product. Have you thought about maybe hiring an assistant?
Christine, I have enjoyed Temptalia for many years. Your site, and you, are a true inspiration to me.
I am so sorry about Mellan. I did not know he had passed. Thank you for sharing him with us. I so enjoyed seeing his photos and hearing about him.
I,too,struggle with anxiety and depression as well, due to chronic pain and other illnesses. I know how difficult it can be to just get through the day, much less work or run a business. Please learn to put yourself first. It’s a difficult lesson, but it’s so important. Like they say on the plane, ‘put your own oxygen mask on before assisting others traveling with you ‘. Lol. It’s a cute little way to remember that you are important too.
No matter what you decide to do, I wish you all the best I know that you will be very successful going forward, even if it doesn’t include Temptalia. You are an amazing, intelligent and powerful woman and I am proud to have known you in some small way.
I think of that instruction on the plane often! I tell myself that line to help me prioritize my needs at times.
Unless you’ve had to deal with chronic pain, it can be so hard to understand just how big of an effect that can have on your entire life!
Be happy and be well! You deserve to be. Temptalia has been a wonderful source of information and inspiration for me and many others and you have a lot to be proud of! If it’s time to scale back or change, do what is best for you. I wish you all the happiness in the world.
Hi, l have really enjoyed your blog. I have read it every day for years and recommend it to many people over the years. You need to take care of yourself, find your way and feel better. I even read some of your older posts and l appreciate how hard you work. Keep us posted and l hope you are doing well.
Oh, Christine. I understand, and I’m sure others do, too. It’s so much to pour your entire life into something you love and make it your job — because then it becomes work. My lovely boyfriend says I should focus on art full-time, but I know if I did I would hate doing it. So I work doing refunds for a health insurance company by day (monotonous, glorious, work-from-home work) and do art by night or on weekends. It’s okay to just have hobbies for the sake of enriching your life.
I hope you find some extra joy and relaxation by scaling back Temptalia. Honestly, I’m excited that you’ve come to this decision, which I’m sure was so hard to do. I have been a reader since 2009 or 2010, and have gotten the daily email for as long as it’s been available. It’s part of my nightly routine to go through the posts, “Ooo” and “Ahh” at everything, add things to my wishlist (or take screen shots), and then forget to buy it later. 😂 Can’t wait to continue reading, in whatever form that will be. 💚
Hi Christine,
I’m a relatively new visitor to your lovely website, which has helped me make many important decisions on the makeup that I purchase, especially with shade descriptions of lipsticks, concealers and foundations. I’m so thankful for your work as it has been most helpful, so thank you!
Reading through this post touched me because I can relate to your experience. I too have made one aspect of my life everything in my life and experience very similar emotions to the ones you have expressed. Life took me down a path, forcing me to slow down and reprioritise what truly matters to me and to evaluate who I am today because I’m not the same person I was even 2 years ago. Humans grow, evolve and change, it’s necessary to change gears to adapt to those changes. Being forced to slow down honestly saved my life, although I didn’t appreciate it for a long time, doing so made me realise just how miserable and unhappy I was living that way.
Like you, I’m also transitioning from one phase of my life to another. It was scary at first and now it’s becoming increasingly more exciting. I’m glad that you have found something you truly love to channel your creativity into that uplifts you. Finding this website has helped me reawaken my love of makeup and the desire to do more with it that could uplift and sustain me too, it comes with a kind reminder not to make it my whole life and to not take it too seriously either.
Take all the time you need and go at your own pace. Self-love and nurturance is just as important, if not more important than work. I hope you find a balance that works wonders for you so that you live your best life.
So glad you were able to slow down and reprioritize before it took your life away from you <3
Sending you all the love and kindness. I’ve loved your content and am so glad you’re prioritizing your health, nothing is more important ❤️
Christine,
Thank you for sharing all of these with us. While my own situation prevented me from being an active member of the community for the past few years, do know that Temptalia is the one blog I routinely check,. Losing interest in something you were passionate about is never a good feeling, and I imagine it was mortifying to communicate to so many people that your boundaries have shifted!
I sincerely hope you’d be able to find a good balance — While I love Temptalia and have been reading your posts religiously for over a decade, I feel like it’s important to remember that there’s a person behind all of these posts and reviews, and since there’s only one of you, of course your well-being should take priority. Please do what you need to do to take care of yourself. ♡
As to what I’d hate to lose from Temptalia, I always appreciate your objective, no-nonsense approach to reviews and your clear, detailed arm/lip swatch photos. If I have to pick between the two, however, I think the swatches would get my vote — I do enjoy your swatch-only posts, after all! And if it would allow you to spend less time testing products and more time living your life, I’d happily take it. Of course, less posts per day would be more than okay by me as well. 🙂
Once again, thank you for everything you’ve done, and still strive to do, to help us readers.
Do take care,
~Ryou
To be honest, I could sense this was coming for a while now – but not the why. And the why is the most important part.
Taking care of yourself and your happiness is huge and really brave thing to do, especially when you feel like you “owe” it to people to keep doing something.
You don’t owe anyone anything, least of all your mental health.
Take care of those puppies, and yourself.
<3
I had a feeling for quite some time. I wish you all the best. Do your thing. Take care of you and yours.
I can’t thank you enough. You have really helped me over the years. Thank you Christine from the bottom of my heart!❤️
Thank you for all that you have done for us and our love of beauty. You are the one I trust the most for advice on where to spend and where to save. I hope you are able to rekindle your passion to your site, but mostly, i want you to have all the happiness and joy that you bring us! Trust yourself like we trust you!
For what it’s worth–I completely, fully, unabashedly support you and these upcoming changes, Christine! Even as a practically-anonymous lurker, I adore your content and what you’ve done to empower beauty consumers over the years. It’s honestly incredible, but none of that should be at the cost of your well-being and health. I’m really, really glad you’re finally in a place to make decisions that fulfill you. As awesome as this site may be, *that* is also something to be very proud of.
You have been my North Star for many years but I am so glad to hear that you found your joy and that you have an amazing support system. I am so happy for you and wish you a life time of good health ❤️❤️❤️
Brava! Good for you. Take care of yourself. Rescue is awesome-so wonderfully hopeful, satisfying and necessary. We will be privileged to have Temptalia part time.
You have to do what truly makes you happy and you’ve made the best choice. Everyone is behind you 100%!
Wishing you the best. I have loved your reviews for a long time and support whatever changes are best for you and your family.
Your posts have been a constant in my life since I learned about Temptalia 8 or so years ago. Your daily posts helped distract me during the isolation of Covid and gave me some sense of normalcy when I was later diagnosed with cancer and dealing with surgery, chemo and radiation. I am very grateful for all of the work you have done for our benefit – the accurate color swatches, the spot-on descriptions of products, the notification of upcoming sales – so thank you! But your happiness and mental health are more important than makeup. Thank you for honoring us by sharing your struggles and challenges. Thank you, too, for letting us share in the joy of your fostering (and the ADORABLE photos of those puppies).
Hoping your health is better now, Patricia, and humbled to have been part of your need for normalcy.
Thank you!
I’ve followed you for the last 10 years or so Christine, and your passion and commitment to your blog and SM channels is so inspiring to see! I’m so happy you’ve found something you enjoy doing! I wish you all the best and all the happiness!
I have been reading your blog since 2008 (sometimes consistently, sometimes not, sometimes commenting, most of the time not) and have so appreciated all of the hard work that you do. Whenever I think of something I may want to purchase I always come to see your thoughts and or/swatches. But I totally understand that life is just… A LOT. Please do whatever it is that makes you happy and makes your life better. Hearing how much volunteering with animals is great to hear because I’m thinking about doing the same; I need something in my life that fills that hole. Thank you for all that you do and have done.
I hope you give it a go, Rebecca! There are so many organizations that could use another volunteer, and while fostering definitely isn’t for everyone, there are lots of ways to volunteer that suit your skill set / preferences.
I help transport puppies and dogs sometimes, just from vet appointments, but I’ve done longer trips, too! I tend to avoid more of the people-interfacing bits, haha.
Avoiding the people-interfacing bits sounds right up my alley! Lol.
Hello Christine. 🥰🙏🤗 I feel you are a beautiful friend who had given me so much joy over the last several years! Especially when it comes to duping eyeshadow palettes using my plethora of Sydney Grace shadows. And I think I have tried hundreds of your looks, again using your Sydney Grace shades or duping other brand palettes. I am so happy to hear that you are seeking your happiest place and that puppies are helping. They are so adorable!! And most of all what a blessing to have such a wonderful husband. That is what makes life the very best. Love you and I hope it all works out, whatever path you choose. 🤗💖🥰
If there is one thing I’ve learned in this life (because I’m old now), it is that you cannot live your life for other people. You have to live your truth; it is absolutely essential to your wellbeing.
Please, do not feel bad for taking care of yourself! It is your life, and you need to do what brings you joy and sparks your creativity and intellect!
I am heartbroken that you have been suffering for such a long time; please- do what you need to do! I know that I do not speak only for myself when I offer you a huge THANK YOU for all you’ve done with Temptalia for so long- you are truly one of the OG makeup mavens. Your swatches are THE BEST (bar none), as are your trustworthy reviews. Thank you for all of your incredibly diligent, thorough, incisive, and really, really helpful hard work!
That said; please don’t feel beholden to us, please do the things that YOU like- we’ll be along for the journey, because we respect and admire you. We want you to have peace in your soul and be truly happy in/with your life! Best wishes for your wonderful future and big hugs to you and all the adorable animals in your home!
It took me so long to get to a place where I feel like I am in agreement and feel like I am a full person above being the person behind the site! Having so much support shown after this letter reinforces that and is healing wounds I thought had healed.
Thank you, Rita!
Just want to drop in and show my support!
I thought this was a goodbye post and was going to take the time to tell you that I’ve been a follower and reader since the beginning. I would have hated to see you go but at the same time- I also understand.
It’s hard to do ANYTHING for 20 years. Even something you love. You are not A makeup blog. You are THE makeup blog.
You are and will always be a pillar of the beauty community and will always be regarded as one of the most thorough and extensive sources of information in the business.
❤️
Christine- I have been an avid/daily reader of Temptalia for at least a decade. You have brought so much joy to my life! For part of my job, I am a career services provider and I can’t tell you how happy I am for you to be making specific, deliberate occupational changes to lead a healthier, more balanced life. You get an A+ from a career coach! I support you and I can’t wait to see what this new chapter brings for you. ❤️
I definitely realized that I had to make significant changes, particularly at any “pain points” if I had any hope of moving forward/continuing. I’m super lucky that I was able to make changes!
i’m happy to hear you prioritizing mental health. i’ve always felt that your review pace seem brutal. the only thing i would hate to lose would be dupes and compare swatches. i do like the ad to list function but tbh i’ve never actually looked at that list to buy something bc i already have too much. i’m not sure if you’re still posting your eye looks to the eyeshadow for your reviews. when the page underwent the first restructuring, i wasn’t able to find it and i didn’t want to bother you. if they still exist, i’d love to see an easy way of being able to find it. i also love the editorial pieces you write when there are issues so please keep the think pieces! i love the puppy content over on ig and really admire you taking on fostering.
Deep down, I had felt the changes. Covid was a catalyst for many things and revealed many hidden aspects and distortions in society. Also in humans and families. You were my daily company. You brought changes, quality and progress to this community. Your hard work has led you (at least to me) to be the number one and the only place for reviews, dupes and honest, in-depth product opinions. I learned so much from you and I had expressed it many times in my comments. I never bought anything that didn’t have your stamp of approval. Pandora’s suggestions I read here, are great. As a wife and mother of vets, I know the joy of fostering. There are fine balances to be struck here, so that the joy doesn’t get lost and turn into avalanche. Although I studied obstetrics, I worked for many years in the veterinary clinic and saw a lot. Everything changes in life and I wish you to be healthy and happy in your life. May all your dreams and your family’s dreams, come true. Everything gets better in life. Keep us updated with wonderful news! Thanks for everything, be well always!
It has been a pleasure to follow you for a number of years and I’m glad you are prioritizing your well-being and happiness 💕 much love to you!
I am longtime reader; I am so grateful for all the work you have done over the years and most importantly, this community that you have helped shape. The Temptalia community is a reflection of you: it is great because you are. I am so glad that you are putting yourself first. I will be grateful for whatever you continue to post (though please keep the dog posts coming because they bring me such joy!).
I hope you find a path that brings you joy, peace, and purpose. Thank you for all these years of beauty!
It has been a very long time since I bought any makeup without checking your review first. There are so many things that I love (especially Japanese makeup brushes) that I would not have considered without your ‘nudge’. But life is a marathon and not a sprint and you must do what fulfills you.
All the best for your next chapter and we will be here when you are.
Dear Christine,
Thank you for sharing this letter with us. If there is a particular aspect of the site that I would be loathe to lose, it’s you! Your readers will always be there, even if Temptalia changes. It’s so important to take care of yourself, and to work for yourself: it’s YOUR website and we will be happy to see it’s evolution.
<3
It’s good to hear that you have found and prioritized the things you find fulfilling and make you happy. Work is NEVER as important as one’s well-being! I’ve been reading Temptalia at least for the last 10 years and the work you have done to the beauty community is outstanding. Just take the steps that you need for feeling better, I’m sure that we readers will support you 100%. I’m excited to see the future of Temptalia and will continue reading!
I wish you all the best for the future, I’m so proud of you!
Do what you need to get better!
I’ve been there too with burnout and anxiety – dogsitting was my joy then when I couldn’t manage much else. I’ve been reading for six years and am so grateful for the lovely reviews. In my eyes you don’t owe anything else to give, you’ve already done so much.
Good luck 🤞
Glad the dogs were there for you, Christine, when you needed them <3
Take your time. Your life and health is the priority always. We love you and will be here when you’re ready 🙂
The beginnings of Temptalia coincided with me becoming more interested in wearing makeup. I found makeup counters so intimidating and I had no idea what I was doing, and your website helped me learn more about makeup products and become more confident in approaching makeup counters. You taught me a lot about makeup products and application and in doing so, you also helped me with my overall confidence. Thank you. I haven’t contributed a lot through comments, but I’ve been “lurking” and referring to your website frequently over the years. Thank you for all the time and passion you put forward into your work on Temptalia! I’m so sorry to hear about your struggles over the years. I know how it feels to experience the loss of a very special furry family member, and I also know how it feels to lose passion for your work and have it replaced with soul crushing anxiety and pain. Please think of yourself and your health and don’t worry about us. I’m happy you’ve seen some light at the end of the tunnel and sought help, and have found something else that makes you happy and gives you purpose. I wish you all the best with your next chapter, and sincerely hope you continue to experience the weights lifting off your shoulders, and a sense of peace and joy as you move forward.
Thank you for all your effort, Christine! I owe you so much; believe me. The beauty community owes you so much. I wish all the best for you and your big, cute family… 🙂 I’ll continue to follow Temptalia 🙂
Oh Christine! I’ve been reading since the beginning and I am so honestly proud of you for writing this, being honest (mostly to yourself) and for embracing change. Temptalia is one of the only sites I’ve come to almost daily without fail and know that we all love and support whatever changes you need to do for the sake of your own happiness and joy.
Excited to see what this new chapter brings for you – and all the doors it will open for you creatively, emotionally and spiritually.
Best wishes to you Christine and THANK YOU for all your hard work over the years!
I love Temptalia and check in daily. I am so grateful for what you do and if you need to cut back, by all means do so. It’s important to follow your passion even if it means less posts. You could always go to posting twice a week to free up time for yourself. Thank you for your hard work.
Dear sweet Christine, thank you so much for sharing this so openly with us! I think a lot of us will listen and learn from what you now wrote. After returning from a burnout two years ago I myself have become better at seeing what is reasonable and say NO with conviction when demands get ridiculous.
Even with you “only” working part time, Temptalia will be the most worthwhile beauty blog, filled with your honest and well-done reviews. I am always amazed at how professional and prolific you are! And I know that you will help me find gems or even just brighten my day when I get my dose of beauty news from you.
One million hugs from a happy reader who supports your wise decision!
Happy to hear you’ve recovered from burnout and are better with your boundaries. Setting those can be SO hard!
I went to see the Barbie movie today and it made me nostalgic for my younger self, who had a beauty blog back in the very early 2010s. I looked up my old blog on the Wayback Machine and smiled and teared up at my old writing and pictures. One post mentioned you, which made me think of your blog for the first time in a long time. I looked you up to see if you were still active, and saw this post. Funny timing! So, thank you from a reader and admirer from much earlier in your journey, and good luck 🙂
Awww! What a fun trip down memory lane.
Thank you, Stacey!
Christine, thank you for everything you have created! You have built such an incredible resource. I visit your blog ever day and use the “create a color story”, “wishlist”, and “vanity” options religiously. I am sorry makeup is not bringing you the joy it once did, but I am so happy to see you experiencing that joy elsewhere in your life, like fostering puppies. I love your puppy posts on instagram and will continue to enjoy seeing wriggling worms grow into puppies with real personalities who will soon find their forever homes. I love how much attention you give the mamas. I will continue to enjoy anything and everything you put out, whether it be makeup or other things, and I wish you the absolute best!
Color Story is here to stay! We might make a couple of tweaks to the Vanity to make it more sustainable over time, but pretty sure that will be kept because I know readers have logged hours adding things to theirs!
I followed your blog for years! You had the most comprehensive resources available over a variety of product categories. I completely understand that you can burnout and you should find a way to work that keeps your physical and mental health as the top priority. Please take care of yourself and we will always be around to read your blog.
I’m so happy you’re in a place now where you have found some joy. That’s what life is about. I, and I’m sure the rest of the readers of this blog, appreciate what you have done for nearly two decades of your life. You’ve created and fostered a wonderful community. Thank you for that, Christine. I will be here, continuing to read this blog, no matter what form it takes.
As a daily reader and Insta follower, I was expecting something like this “on the horizon” (haha). I’m happy you are doing what you need to do to take care of yourself! I love the doggie photos too!
The volume of quality makeup content you have created here is incredible, and I’m grateful. The site has been a real mental health resource for me over the years. And I’ve discovered new brands, discerned what to buy and skip, and learned more about eyeshadow application. Thank you, Christine, and I’ll look forward to seeing what happens next!
love the use of On the Horizon 😉
Thank you, Adrienne!
Good for you and thank you for what you have done for the beauty community. What I love more than anything is how pigmented something is and the dupes! I do think that is something that could be done without face swatches or longevity tests. Also overtime if you do find you still love makeup but not the work , there is nothing wrong with hiring assistants to either take your notes and post them/edit photos, etc. That’s been something personally that has been hard to accept for me.
Delegating work is so hard, especially when you have controlling tendencies like me, lol!
Definitely will be interesting to see how part time plays out – it’s such a massive shift in mindset for me!
Thank you for being so open and honest – this must be a difficult decision. I’ve been reading your website since 2009 when Guerlain used to release fabulous seasonal collections and I always enjoyed your thoughtful and thorough reviews. Wishing you all the best in this new chapter.
Oh, the old days of Guerlain releases!!
You have been my go to source for 17 years. I recall once I submitted a look to you – it was with a teal light pink and black MAC eyeshadow trio compact, and I guess it got so many bad comments (probably about my blending, it wasn’t the best as I was new to wearing more than one color of eyeshadow at a time) you ended up deleting the negative ones and I think turning comments off. God’s saving grace was that I was at work and didn’t see any of the negative comments just your supportive note and other supportive or truly constructive comments by encouraging viewers. It would have crushed me had I seen the negative comments, as it really was the beginning of my makeup journey and newfound makeup love. Thank you so much for that protection, support and encouragement!!!! I have always loved your site and will continue to follow it no matter what happens. Thank you for everything and your hard work these last 17 years. Beverly
I am so glad I was able to be there for you and support you in the beginning of your journey, Beverly! 🙂
I’ve been a reader of Temptalia for at least 10 years and the information has been valuable. Burnout is certainly possible even with enjoyable professions. I do see how much you love you have for your pets and for the fosters, so I can understand if you want to pull back from so much work on the blog. You definitely have the luxury of being able to do what you enjoy, so please enjoy it to the fullest!
LOVE you!! I check your website every day!! It brings me so much joy. Take care of yourself!!!!!
As someone who’s been following and consistently reading your blog (can we still call it that?) for the past 12-13 years or so, I can safely say this has been the best makeup content anyone has ever put out there. You’ve made an astounding work and I don’t think there’s anything similar. I’ve always wondered how were you able to do it all by yourself, the level of work and dedication that it required to keep it at such a high standard – so it’s not exactly a surprise that it eventually wore you down. I couldn’t be more grateful for everything you showed us, there were many difficult moments in my life as well, and in a way coming here and reading about products, and seeing the always pristine pictures gave me some sort of calmness. So thank you so so much for everything! You’re a star to me <3
At least it took a really long time for it to happen, haha! My husband’s burnout timer is about three years.
Thank you, Bianca!
It’s obvious you are loved and adored. Many rely on your swatches and comments. You’re the tops in the beauty I business. Stay well. Get to where you are not burned out. Go slow. And here’s to the future.
That sounds like so much! Take care of yourself, and many happy dog pettings 🙂
Christine, you have been my go to authority on all things makeup for 17 years and I will miss you bigly! The first thing I do when I am interested in a product is google it with Temptalia on the end of it to see swatches and grades. I will miss your insight and I’m profoundly sad that things will change but I’m so here for you taking care of yourself and doing what you need to do to live your best life however that may look. We’ll be ok but just know you will be a part of makeup history forever and we are so grateful to have had your for as long as we did! I do hope Temptalia can live on in some way by passing the torch to someone, someday. Best of luck to you always!
Like so many others, I have been a reader of your blogs for years and it’s been a huge resource for me in many different ways even if I didn’t comment much at all. But I’m going to pass on to you the the advice that a previous boss of mine shared with me: You are not working on national security. This is makeup. In the big scheme of things it’s just not that important. (Gasp! Don’t tell my hubby I said that!) While I LOVE makeup and reading your reviews it in NO WAY is more important than your physical, mental, and emotional health!! It is hugely important to put yourself first. No one can keep going at the pace that you’ve set for yourself. Especially not year after year after year. So I would much rather see you fill your cup with things that excite you and bring you joy. Life goes by so damn fast, hun. You can’t waste a minute of it on things that are killing your creative passion. Give yourself permission to completely reimagine yourself if you want! That can be done with or without Temptalia. I would love to see a few posts a week but if that’s not where your heart is then don’t force yourself to do it. Heck, I would love to see posts about your fostering experiences too! My husband and I have thought of doing that at some point also. If that is bringing you joy then share that experience with others. We would love to read about it. And anytime you post pictures of puppies I am going to be the over the moon. 😉 Puppies and dogs in general are the biggest form of click bait for this old grandma. Seriously, though…please don’t feel like you owe any of us anything. You’ve provided a great service and a wonderful community but that is not worth the price you are paying. So slow down as much as you need, or even make a full fledged change if you feel the need. Your health and well being is worth far more than any blog posts about anything.
Thank you, Becky!
I am trying to figure out if I want to share puppy-stuff here at all or start a fresh site (as a hobby with no schedule or demand to post). For so long, I tried to separate Temptalia as a business from me as a person, which is why it has been adamantly beauty for 99% of the time.
Dear Christine, thank you for sharing. you do you! I am sorry that you had to experience such pain. and i love your word about vulnerabillity. i used to work a lot in the non profit sector and then in the last 3 years my surroundings changed and i could not quit. i tried to push through. but in the end every cell of my body said no. I needed some time. I also had the feeling that i lost something that meant so much to me and i had no way to stop or change it. and that hurt as i really always tried to do everything right. also as a mother of two my power is limited. there i can never quit. so i have to arrange my strength and take good care of myself. which means to make smaller steps and slow down. this is something i am learning. and i know the feeling of being vulnerable. but before when i had it all together i guess i just ignored my body and his signs. It was not healthy. I wish you lots of joy with the puppies! you gave so much on temptalia. when it comes to me i would say take a break and see where it takes you. we are all grown up.
I just turned 43. I have a closet about 1.20m high and 40cm width with makeup and started reading your blog early on. it was so helpful. And fun.
make up was creative for me and just a way to get to now me. your blog and Karen were among the most read by me. now I am a mother of two boys 7 and 5 and i am more in the 10 minute make up category or none at all. But i moved up my skincare game.
life is a journey! thank your for your work and your passion. Big hug! Silvia
I can so relate, and I hope you’re able to find moments of joy and ways to offset the things you can’t change and must endure to support your boys! It is amazing that you’ve been able to go through that in the last three years and find smaller steps to improve your life and take care of yourself.
I’m proud of you! You’ve got this…let the universe do the rest. We have a lot more in common than makeup and dogs and I understand how difficult this is because it’s been your identity. You’re stronger than you know.
Sweet, lovely Christine.
I feel so bad that you’ve been feeling worse than any of us understood, I’m happy for you that you are going to address the issues and I hope you’ll find your way back to being you.
I’ve had, and have mental issues myself due to burnouts, work related, it’s kept me from being able to function as I used to, and from working for 20 years. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.
I hope you can keep a scaled down Temptalia going, I feel very selfish, sorry for that, but your honesty is awesome and is to be admired.
I came to Temptalia for nail polish swatches years, and years ago and stayed just for that honesty. I’ve had so much fun, reading your reviews over the years. I’ve saved money, I’ve met others with the same interest in makeup and also other shared interests.
As for features to keep going, I love the Friday check-ins and the surveys as it’s so much fun seeing what all the others are up to.
The dupe list, wish list and vanity lists are all awesome. I don’t know how much work it is to keep those up.
Your swatches are the best, and they would be missed.
All that said, you are the only one who can decide how much of Temptalia you can keep going. I’ll be happy with whatever you feel you can do, but your health is what’s most important.
All the very best!
Helene
of all the things, nail polish swatches! one of the first things to fall by the wayside, lol!
Thank you, Helene!
But the polish was beautiful, and your nails to die for.
Thank you, Christine.
PS I’ve now bin on Instagram for the first time in months. The puppies are truly adorable.
I guess I can stand the algorithm on Insta if it means following what you share.
Christine, you are amazing. Give yourself permission to evolve, and transition to your next passion. I think for most of us OG beauty bloggers, letting go was difficult because we were passionate about what we did and the sisterhood and community were such a big part of our lives.
As you transition to the next season of your life, you will feel a weight lift and joy return, but you will absolutely cherish the memories, opportunities and lessons that these last 17 years gave you.
Beauty blogging for as long as we all did was such a gift that we will always share. I’m happy to have met you in person so long ago. You are amazing and kind.
I wish you all of the joy and success in your next step.
Dear Christine,
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to reach out and express my heartfelt gratitude for your incredible blog. It’s been a remarkable journey for me since I stumbled upon it 12 years ago when I was on bed rest during my pregnancy with twins. Those were challenging times, and your content became a source of comfort and joy for me. I religiously read your blog every day, and your reviews have always been spot-on!
When you recently mentioned the hand pain you’ve been going through, I could empathize completely. Having been a cosmetician for 27 years, I experienced severe pain in my hands too. It’s crucial to protect both our mental and physical health, and I’m glad to hear that you’ll be continuing the blog part-time. Your dedication to providing us with amazing content for so many years has not gone unnoticed, and I want to thank you for the inspiration and positivity you’ve brought into my life.
As you move forward, I wish you boundless success in your endeavors. May your blog continue to shine brightly, uplifting and inspiring countless readers just like me. Stay strong, stay grateful, and remember to take care of yourself.
best wishes,
Victoria
I hope you’re able to manage the pain in your hands, Victoria! I am not as worried now since I have been able to manage the pain + reduce some of the tasks that made it worse, but I started to get anxious over how much use of my hands I might have in 20, 30, 40+ years!
thank you for opening up. as being a reader for many many years, I look forward to your emails daily. thank you for your work in the beauty community. preserving your mental and physical health is always number one. sending love and strength always.
Lots of love, Christine. 🙂
If Temptalia could ever move into a wiki-style, more open-to-contributors for swatches and dupe identification (maybe even a volunteer main-page review team?), I think that would allow the makeup loving community to keep the site moving with less day-to-day effort on your part.
You really set the standard for swatching and reviewing makeup, and I’m so thankful!
My fabulous Christine, I have always appreciated your honesty in makeup reviews but your honesty in your personal struggle shows us how strong you are. It is never easy to conquer any adversity in our lives so your candor may help some of your readers. Thanks for showing up for us despite your inner pain. I’m so glad that you have found something else that sparks joy for you. So, I wish you well. (((hugs)))
We owe you a Thank You for all the time and dedication you poured into the website and other social media streams all those years. Day in and day out and you became a daily routine in our lives and a source of information we trust and relay on.
Life and people change and we respect your decision as your mental health and family comes first.
I am sending you LOVE! <3
I started to follow Temptalia 15 years ago when I was in grad school. Until these days when I’m a full-time working mother of 2 young kids, your blog is still the first source of opinion I want to hear about beauty products/trends. Your dedication and passion are admirable. It comes through the quality and quantity of your posts. It is obvious how much you respect your readers and how we readers respect your opinions and hard work. Whichever direction you take, I wholeheartedly support you!! Adjustments and changes are part of life. Good luck and take care!! Love you and thank you so much!
Take care of yourself first, nurture yourself, love yourself. Oh Christine, you could NEVER let us down. Ive been on this site near daily since 2009. I bet most people here(okay all of the readers here) would be happy with weekly self care posts and just general things you’re loving. Maybe throw in some crappy products to avoid too. I am thrilled you’re taking these steps for YOU. As an avid animal lover and former shelter volunteer, I appreciate your work in fostering as well. This will be a beautiful new chapter for you. I am excited for whats to come.
It is truly overwhelming (in the best possible way) to have so much support for putting mental health first after feeling guilt over it for sooo long. Thank you, Leah!
Thank you so much for all the help you have given over the years, particularly when shopping online! I haven’t been active on Temptalia for ages (I can remember posting a bit even before we became Temptettes (that was it, wasn’t it?)), but I have been reading reviews regularly through all these years.
I can relate to burnouts, anxiety and mental struggles, and I would like to express my gratitude for all hard work you have put down that we all benefited from, as well as wish you all the luck in the world with your work and life changes and adjustments. Your health is the most important thing you have, better prioritize that!
If there is one thing I would like to keep reading about, it is unique and high quality brands that are mostly available online, since testing them before purchase is hard or impossible.
Lots of love, and wishes of joy.
You really have been here for awhile, Tora!!
Thank you so much!
Dearest Christine,
Thank you for your honesty and heart and for this amazing Temptalia. I came to you after a particularly difficult time in my life to find joy here, fabulous information and an escape from it all. You dear, were my medicine and helped towards finding normal.
Please take You first, your mental and emotional health are key to your overall health, so keep up this good work in yourself!
Temptalia is an incredible endeavor, a great business and wealth of knowledge. I simply will not buy anything new without checking here first! That said, you’ve equipped us with the ability to check an item well before purchase. Thank you so much for sharing and giving, and saving us all from spending foolishly!
Change is inevitable.
You’ve done such a great job!
We will embrace this future.
Sending you a virtual hug for it all!
Keep finding your joy!
Thank you, Nell! I am humbled to have helped you find joy in your own life when you were going through a tough time!
Thank you so much, Christine, for all these years of Temptalia! You have always been the source of honesty and integrity, and have made the beauty world—and so many of our days—better for it. And I will always admire your willingness to use your platform to advocate for social justice when it would be easy to stay silent.
I am so sorry to hear about your recent challenges, though I am elated that you’ve found a source of joy in fostering! Temptalia has been there for me through the years in my own triumphs, struggles, and growth. I hope it’s clear how much you and what you’ve created have meant to all of us, and our support for whatever YOU decide your future holds ☺️
Thank you so much for all the hard work you’ve done over the years. All time you spent working on this blog is amazing and very much appreciated! And thank you for sharing this letter. I wish you all the best. And I’m looking forward to seeing the new format.
I love the reviews, of course, but what makes this blog extra special is the Temptalia community. I hope you keep the questions, surveys, and Friday Finds & Check-Ins.
Oh gee – I was so emotional reading your message that I didn’t realize you want to know what readers would like to see retained here. As much as I LOVE the Dupe list, if you are doing fewer or even no reviews, I could manage without it (I buy too much as it is and maybe if you do fewer reviews, I would have fewer temptations) although I really do love the Dupe List and rely on it a great deal. I hope that our Vanities and Wish Lists could remain and I too really, REALLY value the Friday Check Ins and also the Surveys and that “What was the last ______ you used/mini review” feature. That is a lot of fun and, I hope, minimal stress for you.
Thank you, Mariella! I am definitely planning to keep vanities and wish lists around – probably close off submissions for new products entirely (it has never been a process I’ve kept up with) but hopefully I can figure out a way to at least add some of the mainstream products as they get released going forward (on a more consistent basis).
You owe us absolutely nothing. Thank you for being you. You have been a trusted resource and friend to many for years. You were one of the first to speak out on issues in the beauty community before it became popular to. You are class personified. Continued and infinite blessings to you and your loved ones as you navigate this next phase of your journey.
I am a dog lover also; they bring me so much joy and are very healing. Thank you for your hard work and we offer you support in your journey!
I think I’ve been coming to your blogs for 10-12 years now. You have always been my go to for new product, reviews and especially the swatches! I know it takes a lot of time and dedication to do that and I appreciate it. No one is as thorough as you.
I understand you need a break as you been doing this for almost 20 years! That’s a long time and a big accomplishment! I am glad that you’re not going away fully but know you need to take time for yourself. Everyone deserves to take a break and be selfish. Take care of you and your family! ❤️❤️❤️
Congratulations on recognizing what you need to do, and for getting to it. All the best wishes to you in all that is next. Thank you for your generosity and standards over all these years.
Do what you need to do, and feel free to change plans as you need to. Thank you for letting us know in such detail what’s happening. We support your choices.
💛, JoiaJ
I have been following your page since almost the beginning, though I might have commented maybe 3 or 4 times most 😅 regardless of whats going on behind the scenes, you deserve a break. Hell, you deserve as many breaks as you see fit! Understand that we are grateful and aporeciate of what you do, period. You never *had* to start this blog, stay on top of it and be as thorough as you have been, nevertheless, you did just that, and its awesome! Its just make-up after all, right? Your mental health and personal life should totally come first! Don’t worry about us, we’ll be right here, a click away!
P.s. Ironically the only other blog I really followed was D-listed, which just shut down a little while ago. I guess this is a sign I should probably go out and “touch some grass”, like the young’uns like to say 🤣
Thank you for being part of this journey for so long, Megan! I am excited for the next chapter of it 🙂
Christine , you’ve been an amazing blogger! I even bought the eyeshadow you made with mac. I’ve been through a bit since but always found joy and solace reading through your reviews and looking at delicious swatches. Sorry you went through what you did . You deserve to do whatever keeps you content.
Thank you for all the hard work you’ve done for so many years! Temptalia’s a true gift, providing such honest, clear-eyed reviews, within an industry where they’re a rarity. I can’t imagine how much work that is. I’m happy the site’s not completely shutting down, but understand needing a break. Puppies sound like the best cure to burnout imaginable.
Christine, no wonder you would lose the joy of doing Temptalia with those working hours and constant pain. It’s hard to remember who we are and what makes us happy, if there is no time to rest, reflect and take care of our mental and physical health and wellbeing. I have been lucky to reduce my workload over the past 7-8 months and as I have gotten distance to the stressfull times, I have slowly started to gain my sense of humor back, and just enjoy life more, plain and simple. I am happy for you that you have turned a corner for the better! You have very loyal readers and we won’t go anywhere while you make adjustments. I wish you all the best, Christine!
That’s a fair point, LK! It is a long time to do something without much change and with chronic pain, which is easy to “live with” in a sense of just enduring after awhile.
Happy to hear you’ve been able to regain more balance in your life, and it’s something I have learned is a lot more important!
Thank you for everything you’ve put into this blog. I’ve been a reader since 2007 and the quality has always been exceptional. As an IG follower, the amount of puppy content is FREAKING AWESOME and I’m so glad it’s bringing you joy!
I haven’t read this blog as long as others have but am a regular visitor these days. I greatly appreciate all the work you have put in for all the swatches and dupes, especially for Sydney Grace and Colourpop. I always check your review before buying, this blog is such a fountain of information. Thank you for all your hard work over the years and am glad to see you will still be around, just scaled back. Enjoy this next chapter and whatever it may bring!
You are a rock star and you deserve all good things – including rest and joy and good health in all ways! Like many I am selfishly glad that you aren’t ending Temptalia yet, but no matter what you are not wrong to prioritize yourself and your mental health! Do continue to take care of yourself (and, hopefully, keep sharing puppies with us, too)!
Wow! I am glad that you have a path back to the light. I never sensed a lack of engagement so you did a great job of hiding it and that must have been so hard for you. Thank you for being so open with us and thank you for the knowledge over the years and for making a lovely community for us all.
Thank you for your hard work over the years. I especially like the foundation matrix and dupes feature. I hope you find your peace.
I basically never comment, but I’ve read just about every post since I got into makeup in 2008. I was in middle school then, and now I’m 26. It really feels like I’ve grown up alongside this blog! I am so grateful for all you have done for the makeup community (and all the money you’ve helped people save!). This was beautifully written, and I wish you the absolute best as you transition to a more balanced life <3
Thank you so much, Mary!
As someone who suffera with mental health issues (one of which being anxiety) and has limited use of hands after a lifetime of working with my hands o fully empathize with what you’ve been experiencing.
While i did notice the change to your content i have enjoyed the way you’ve been sharing the foster puppies, it was apparent that this was a new passion you’d embarked on (accidental but appreciate pun).
Whatever changes are to come, i will support them. As always i will value your reviews of products and i will support ALL dog content. 🙂
Take care of your health
Christine,
First let me say how sorry I am that you’ve been going through this. As someone who suffered a very debilitating depression a couple years back when I lost my mom, I’m just so sorry. As much as I love Temptalia, I would hate you to suffer because of it. Take time to find your joy. I’ll support your changes whether its less products, less reviews, less weekly posts or maybe more puppy posts 🐶. I tune in as much to support you as for your content. I wish you the best.
~~Shari
Thank you for sharing Christine! It is brave of you to be so open with yourself and your readers! We support you in whatever you do moving forward. I have been reading Temptalia since I was in high school (almost 15 years!) and your blog helped bolster my love of makeup and beauty before anyone else did. I don’t always comment on posts, but I read your email newsletters daily. I’m happy you are putting yourself first, and appreciate your thoughtful and genuine work!
I think of you as the Willy Wonka of color theory and textures and simply cannot fathom how you can be a real, living, breathing person considering the magic you’ve made for us over the years and day-to-day. I think you should consider hiding golden tickets around to find your Charlie! I was new to makeup in 2019 and was living alone in a small town working a corporate job. I was the loneliest I’ve ever been and your site, your community, and your engagement kept me company as I pursued my new hobby in beauty and i felt less alone. I also felt confident ordering makeup to my rural home because of your dupe list (it’s still robust, btw, and I use it ALL the time) and even now that I live in a city with Nordstrom, Macy’s, MAC, Chanel, etc, I still start all retail journeys with you and use your links whenever I can. I’ve learned so much from you — how to discern cool/neutral/warm colors, how to decipher textures, how to apply eye makeup, how to choose makeup brushes, and how to avoid buying dupes of products I already own! Thank you for all that you’ve done for us. Thank you also for opening up and normalizing mental health in open dialogue — I relate to the feelings you shared and can empathize with what you have struggled with. I think cutting back to part-time is so so great — I think you may find that the site gets better because a curated experience often surpasses an onslaught of newness. Besides, you’ve built the Coliseum of Beauty and it will stand for ages whenever you decide it’s time to leave Rome. Much love and gratitude, Stefanie
Thank you so much, Stefanie! I really appreciate the support you’ve given the site/me, and it is always lovely to hear when Temptalia helps someone else find some joy in their life 🙂
I know that for the first year or so of the pandemic, that was something I kept in mind – that maintaining Temptalia was often about maintaining a sense of normalcy for others who had so much of their lives upended!
I don’t know what I would have done without you over the pandemic. Truly. I would have been so so lost. Thank you for dedicating so much time to Temptalia these past years – I’ve leaned on you more than you know!
I don’t know you but I get a sense that you like challenges that speak to both sides of the brain, half scientific, half artistic. I hope you keep us posted on things you find more time to enjoy because I have sense that everything you touch turns to gold. 🙂
Thank you for sharing this Christine! God bless you in all that you do!
I found Temptalia in ~2011, and haven’t missed a post (although I do miss Mellan)!
What we care most about is your health, and happiness! We will support whatever, and however, you choose to go forward <3
Christine, I have been reading/ following your site for 10+ years. Although I don’t post (I’m shy…lol)You have felt like my best friend, my sister, and my own personal makeup bible to take with me on makeup buying jaunts! When I’ve bought some makeup item on a whim and don’t like it, I’ve thought “I wonder what Christine thought of this” or “I should have checked Temptalia first!” My husband, who is so far away from being knowledgible about makeup, skincare and all that, has even said “You should have checked on Temptalia first” in response to my sad comments abput a product fail. ?He cracks me up! LOL
But seriously, thank you from the bottom of my heart for Temptalia and your countless hours of work.
I enjoy the dupe list –is it bad that I call the dupe lists my wish list? lol I may have a LOT of rosy brown lippies!
I also admire your strength in being able to dedicate your love and life to fostering the doggies. If I fostered, I’d become *THAT* lady who people whispered “HOW many dogs???”
I cried like a baby when I read about Mellan’s passing. ): I recently lost my soulmate, my 17 year oldboston terrier, Sophie. I sill tear up at dog commercials. I’m not sure I will ever get over that incredible loss. I may learn to live with it, and the pain of her death will become a dull ache. So I too understand that pain.
Take care of yourself, Christine. Gentle hugs.
Haha! My mom is like that. She gets so invested in the puppies even though she only seems them once a week, lol!
I’m so sorry for the loss of your love, Sophie! They are with us forever <3 I hope it gets better over time for you, Jennifer!
Hi, Christine–
Well, good for you. I think we all knew you were struggling, but only you can decide what makes you unhappy and therefore what would make you happier–that’s not something other people can give you, except by accident. ‘By accident’ is how I found you: at age 40, after a lifetime of never wearing makeup, I was in need of a new hobby *and* striving to celebrate aging rather than being depressed by it, and I discovered makeup as a hobby (replacing fanfiction, another arena where I found strong, supportive feminist friends).
Then the pandemic struck, and my entire focus became trying to keep my family and loved ones alive. I might have sounded over-the-top at first, but over the course of the tragedy, people in my life *all* started to realize, if you want the scientists’ story and suggestions, you can ask (me). One by one, they began to adopt the things we’d been doing from the start, and I felt some kind of quiet satisfaction that I hadn’t been careless with the people I care most about. Makeup, both while I wasn’t going anywhere and within the context of the world’s suffering, began to fade for me. But I still checked in with you! (I have to admit I find it odd you don’t attribute even the tiniest bit of your struggle to a time when almost every human being felt fear and worry about the future.)
At the end of March, I lost my best friend of 20 years other than my husband and family members. She was only 54. The major thing that has brought me joy since then is our three new kittens: their antics, their needs, their sweetness and cuddling, and their companionship. You (of course) have gone about it in a more charitable way, by fostering needy puppies, but I’m just saying, I get it. Sometimes having a little somebody who needs you again is exactly what we need to feel better about life and our place in it.
It’s nice to read about someone whose husband equals mine. So often I have to mute myself when it turns out the person I’m talking to does *not* consider themselves as lucky or grateful every day. But we all need more than one other human in our lives… and most of us also need animals.
Anyway, there will be no recriminations from me, even if you stop entirely. I was going to ‘unfollow’/delete the bookmarks I had to you because I no longer want to throw away thousands of dollars or hours on putting makeup on–it no longer makes me very happy–but your new content is heart-warming enough that I won’t be making any changes to my computer’s geography pattern just yet!
Good luck with whatever you choose to do next, whether or not it includes this website. You gave a lot of (again) strong, supportive feminists and allies a fun playground for a lot of years. You have my gratitude for that, *much* more than from the effort you took to always explain how you achieved an especially pretty eye look… although that, too, was representative of why this site was so special: you really gave your readers the best experience that could be found amidst the growing sea of competition.
Happy fostering, and have a good life from here on!
For me, the pandemic definitely had an effect on our lives, but since I have worked from home for 20 years, didn’t have a lot of friends, got almost everything delivered already, etc. it just wasn’t the major shift for me as it was for a lot of other people. We moved away from our families, so we were only seeing them 1-2x a year. My MIL and BIL ended up moving out here a few months into the pandemic (my MIL lost her home in a wildfire, so she had to move), and then my parents moved here about two years into the pandemic.
The video gaming website we had at the time really took off (all gaming sites boomed during the first two years of the pandemic), while Temptalia was fairly stable initially, then about a month or two where it was a little concerning, but in general, things just seemed offset by more people having to shop online, be online, etc. so we were super fortunate to have that part of our lives not feel upended by the pandemic.
I actually feel like the 3rd year of the pandemic has been more impactful as I feel like some of the way Temptalia is used / who uses the site has changed a lot as attitudes and buying styles have changed as a result of people’s experiences throughout the pandemic – like a lot of people wearing less makeup, being less into it, skincare having its moment (and that is partially due to the 7-year cycle where beauty goes from all-in on makeup to all-in on skincare).
Thank you, Emily!
Thank you for all that you have done to help the makeup community throughout your Temptalia career and beyond. Best wishes with the new challenges you have set for yourself.
Temptalia was a treasured companion during lonely times at university 2009-13 and I’m grateful for your hard work and dedication. My interest in makeup has cooled but I still check in and trust your reviews above all others. I also admire the way you’ve put your head above the parapet and spoken out so thoughtfully about important issues over the years. You deserve to live happily and I’m beyond glad you’ve found joy again. Wishing you the very best for the future, Christine.
Another longtime fan, here. Began when I was a frantically busy professional who wore makeup every day. Now I’m a retired person who rarely wears makeup but still loves it, and still honors your reviews/dupes.
So that would be my vote if your new life allows: a review now and then and the oh-so-valuable dupes. Happy adventures!
What are some of your favorite things to do now that you’re retired?
Christine! I am excited for your new chapter. Thank you for years of service to us all. ❤️
I am experiencing burnout myself right now and have realized I have quietly quit and am just going to make the most of my last years before I can retire. I don’t comment much anymore because I’ve been at low capacity for awhile but I sure am grateful for the community you’ve created here. I also love the vanity feature and the dupe list, since you’ve asked about input.
Thank you for sharing about your mental health journey. Until recently, there wasn’t much of a spotlight on or space for putting our health first. The toll that hustle and grind culture took on us was a silent burden we shouldered and typically to our own detriment. It doesn’t have to be that way anymore and I feel like we’re all learning how to consider that in our day to day lives, professional lives, family, social etc. New chapters are exciting, and I’m especially encouraged that you are following your passion and prioritizing your health and well-being. Much love and blessings to you and cheers to a new chapter! 🥂 💞
I hear you on being at low or lower capacity – I’m finally getting away from that, I think, but that was also a major element to my struggle for the first couple of years.
I’m so glad that mental health is being spoken of more but even more importantly, it seems to be prioritized more!
I am so glad you are putting yourself first. I certainly appreciate how difficult and shameful it can feel to admit to yourself (mostly) and others that you aren’t in a good space mentally which absolutely impacts your physical health. Pushing through and burning yourself out more in an effort to “prove” that it’s a temporary place is the last thing anyone should do. I had my furry heart pass in 2015 and then his companion in 2016 which is what finally broke me. It’s taken years of work to find a place where I can advocate for my well being as well as speak openly (in a safe space) about my struggles and steps I’ve taken. I still grieve for my double fur angels, in addition to further losses over the years, but I have also found joy and love in adoption too. I hope your brave and healthily selfish choice to put yourself first brings you healing, happiness, health and light.
So glad you’ve been able to find a way to move forward and advocate for yourself, Shannon! <3
Wow. So sorry to learn this, but at the same time very glad you came to this resolution. Working — or doing anything, really, for 80+ h/week is detrimental deluxe, not to mention doing it year after year as you have. That’s just insane; I’m actually surprised you didn’t burn out completely much earlier. Pls take care of yourself first and foremost.
As for archiving parts of the site, I’d respectfully ask that you don’t, though. I mean, it’s work already done, and I bet whatever you chose to archive would be sorely missed.
Thanks for sharing, and for all your incredibly hard work.
Thank you so much! I admit that it does seem like a pretty good length of time to NOT suffer from burnout, lol! My husband goes about three years before he gets burnt out.
Some of the archiving is about making the site easier to maintain as traffic will naturally decline and having a full-time developer will not be in the cards, so it’s not necessarily reviews or swatches that would be getting archived, but certain features or aspects that do require ongoing maintenance/updating so they don’t break!
Well-deserved! Thank *you* for taking the time to respond.
And yes, you will be lucky to recuperate fully — pls take your system’s warning signs seriously. Not everybody gets back to 100 % after a burnout. Far from it. And we only get one life.
Hmm, ok. I hear you. Well then, personally I would appreciate reviews, swatches and the dupe section to remain, if possible. That’s basically what I use, and find essential.
I’ve known about you and your amazing work since the makeupalley.com swapping days btw, back when basically nothing of this existed. In my book, you kinda were one of the “pioneers” of the above, which we now are so blessed to have (almost) to excess.
Yes, reviews, swatches, and dupes all to remain 🙂 Those are core features, so definitely staying. An example of something that might get closed – “Makeup Recommendations!”
Thank you so much, again, for the support 🙂
Cool, very glad to hear that. And thanks for the hint. Can’t even recall having seen that feature, tbh.
VW!
Good for you for realizing there was a problem and then doing something about it. I have loved your blog for a long time (even though I rarely post comments). Wishing you good health as you start your new chapter!
Christine, this site has been my go to site when I started wearing make up till now. Thank you so much for all you have done. Change is the only constant in our lives. And I support your decision in putting your mental health first.
Your mental health is extremely important so please do what you need to feel better. Thank you, Christine, for all your hard work and for letting us in to your life 💜 ❤️
Christine, you have my deepest sympathies. For what it’s worth, I think you are doing the right thing. I’ve mentioned before that I have severe GAD and episodes of depression. I get what you’re experiencing. You deserve to be happy.
I remember this being one of the first blogs I came across when I was getting back into makeup when my kids got into high school age. You and your readers were so welcoming and did so much to help me overcome my fear of expressing my opinion in public, which was a huge confidence booster. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
I’ll be here for the doggy pictures and the new Temptalia, and the wonderful person that is you. Wishing you the best of luck and happiness. ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you, Rachel! I agree – everyone deserves to be happy, and if there are threads of it one can we find, we should pursue them as much as possible! (Obviously, there are real world constraints on everything!)
I remeber foundly the pictures of the Old Days ! Believe it or not, your dupe list and vanity/wishlist helps me so SO MUCH for every purchase I make. My makeup world would crumble if they went to disappear. And your fosters are so cute, I love seeing them on your feed, they bring so much joy !
I really understand your need for a change, and you shared with us a few times that it became increasingly difficult for you to continue that way. I will undoubtedly continue to read the blog as I have done for the past 10+ years, so please do what’s best for you 🙂
❤️❤️❤️❤️ For YEARS I read every post you made. In my opinion, you have been the ultimate authority in makeup reviews, swatches, and comparisons for a long, long time. After my second baby, my time for all aspects of makeup (wearing, buying, and even reading about it) was greatly reduced, but I still checked Temptalia regularly for specific reviews, swatches, or comparisons. When I read the title of this article, I was initially a little sad thinking you were going to end Temptalia (although I would totally understand if that was what was best for you), but I’m happy to hear you are slowing down. I think the workload you were carrying would be too much for just about anyone, especially when it is no longer bringing you joy. I’m absolutely a proponent of taking care of yourself and your family’s well-being. I wish you joy and wellness, and I’m grateful for all the years of service you’ve provided and continue to provide to the makeup community.
Thank you for all you do and for your transparency in sharing what you’ve been going through on the other side of the screen!!
That said, love editorial like this. Though it was hard to find on the website. I Googled after seeing your Insta post
Once again, thank you for all you do!
You were the first beauty blogger I followed and I was thrilled to purchase one of your palettes from your collab with Sydney Grace. Best of luck moving forward!
Aw, I’m so late to the party!
I have been a huge fan of Temptalia almost since Day One… I think I found you around 2008 or 2009. For many years, you were the only place I got my reviews, and you really helped to foster a love of makeup that still exists today.
You’ve been working so hard for so long – take your time to live your life and be happy! This website is a time capsule of makeup history (and the way the online beauty community consumed it) and I hope you are able to archive it when/if you decide to step back even further.
It’s normal that your interests and loves change over time. I hope you are able to foster more in the future or are able to continue volunteering – everyone needs something makes them light up inside.
Thank you so much for all of your time over the years, Christine. It has been an invaluable part of my life, and I’m grateful to have had it. <3
Thank you so much, Aly!! 🙂
I want to thank you for all your hard work through the years. You are the first, and usually the only, source I go to for reviews, simply because you are the best.
As much of your time and effort that you will share with us in the future is a bonus for us all.
I am happy for you and grateful that I will still be able to read your excellent reviews.
thank you
Thank you for this post! I am certain that almost all of us can identify and sympathize. We gotchu, girl! I have been a reader and follower for many years. I think if there is one certain thing that I just couldn’t live without on your beautiful blog is the Dupe Lists. The reviews come in at a very close second place. The Dupe List has saved me a fortune, to say the least. Thank you! And finally, congrats on your doggies! Hope your hands heal quickly! And remember… put the oxygen mask on yourself first. That way you can help others with confidence and style! Love you! ❤️
I’ve never commented before, but have been a regular reader for the past 10 years. I am so glad that you took time to recognize how overwork and burnout were harming you and make adjustments that support your well-being. I feel so grateful for your vulnerability and openness in sharing this with your readers and I am so happy that you’re taking a step back to regain your sense of joy, wherever you may find it. This site is incredible, but it is never more valuable than you are. Sending you so much love.
Girl! Let me say from my heart, as someone who has been watching from the start of Temptalia, you are AMAZING! You could never have convinced me that you’re doing less, this site is a huge source of information! So, whatever you’re doing, keep it up! Hire editors, hire whomever, and spend more time enriching your life! You are a good person, and have such a huge heart! You changed the face of holding makeup companies accountable, of showing us nerdy/scientific types the color/texture/how it works with SO MANY things! AND now you’re saving puppies? You’re AMAZING, Christine! I’d say, “never change” but please, change, grow, be free, you can only grow from here! I’ll always be a reader, and supporter! *HUGS*
Thank you so much, Mariah!
I’m reading this on October 30th, 2023 – I had missed this totally! Just thank you, for all of your dedication, time spent, sacrifices, sharing your life with us. It has given me, and i’m sure so many others, a place to gather, to feel accepted and find connection through our passions when there was no where else for us. To this day, I am one a maybe 3 people I know in my life that share the love of makeup that I do. I’ve mentioned before how long I’ve been with you and I cannot say how much I have appreciated you. (and Shaun!).
I know I love seeing your other interests and directions with the puppies and life. It reminds us of the depth and humanity of those we connect with and REALLY adds to the sense of community we all need as humans.
I say congratulations! on the taking time for other things and looking after yourself!! I have quite a life story myself and learning to care for ourselves is HUGE. Embrace it, find yourself again and the loves you never knew you had. I think it’s wonderful to hear.
Best to you both, well all (puppies & Winnie included)