5 brands Ive had collabs with & how 🫶

Hey everyone! Building a UGC portfolio, especially around skincare and beauty brands, has been an incredible journey, but let's be real, it's also been a massive learning curve. While getting gifted products is amazing, the real goal for many of us is to land those paid collaborations that truly value our creative input. From my own experience, getting those first few collaborations under your belt with brands like Anua or Hey Bud is crucial. Platforms like Incense can be a good starting point for discovery, but don't stop there. I've found success through a mix of strategies. For instance, some of my earliest opportunities came through TikTok Shop, like the ones with Anua and STRIP. It’s often an inbound request, which feels fantastic, but you still need to be ready to deliver high-quality content that truly showcases the product, whether it's a makeup remover or a hydrating lip oil from JUICY GLASS. But what about actively seeking out those partnerships? This is where pitching comes in. For a brand like SACHEU BEAUTY, I've had the exciting experience of an inbound email for a paid collab. This usually happens when your online presence and portfolio are strong enough to catch their eye. However, you can also take the initiative. Don't be afraid to send outbound DMs on Instagram or craft personalized emails to brands you genuinely love. My advice? Always start high with your rates and be prepared to negotiate. You know your worth, and your unique perspective as a UGC creator is incredibly valuable to brands looking for authentic reviews and relatable content. When it comes to skincare, brands are particularly interested in genuine testimonials. They want to see how their products, like a Clear As Clay Hemp Clay Mask from Hey Bud, integrate into your actual routine. This means being honest and transparent in your reviews while still highlighting the product's benefits. Building trust with your audience and the brand is key. Before pitching, I always research the brand thoroughly to understand their values, target audience, and even key ingredients they highlight. This helps me tailor my content to be both authentic to my style and effective for the brand's marketing goals. It’s all about creating content that resonates and helps potential customers make informed decisions, just like you would want when looking at a new product yourself. So, whether you're just starting out or looking to scale up, remember that persistence and a belief in your unique content creation abilities are your biggest assets. Keep refining your portfolio, keep pitching, and always embrace the journey!