This topic wasn’t on my content calendar, I actually hadn’t thought much of it until this morning. I was in the middle of my morning shower routine and noticed one common denominator with the products I was using. They were ALL by brands that I had at one point or another been sponsored by.

How funny I thought and my mind began to wander as it usually does during shower time. I realized I had discovered most of my favorite products through sponsorships over the years! And what do you know MY OWN sponsored content had influenced me in ways I wasn’t aware of in my day-to-day life.

Now, there are a couple of ways sponsored deals come about.

1. An influencer likes a product and reaches out to the brand for a paid partnership.

2. A brand reaches out to an influencer, the influencer uses the product and posts the content.

I was surprised that my favorite products came through sponsored content and through the brands that had reached out to me requesting to try out their toothpaste or moisturizer. If, for example Colgate had not sent their new Optic White Toothpaste would I have bought it off the shelf? Maybe, maybe not. I agreed to posting the content on the grounds that I first try it and that I like it…and I did. Actually, I LOVE it and have restocked a million times since!

I’m 100% authentic in the sponsored content I post and will never promote anything I don’t love and use. I was just caught off guard with HOW MUCH I loved the products and how ironic it was that these sponsored deals had influenced the influencer posting them!

Below are my favorite daily use products that I discovered through my sponsored content.

Colgate Optic White Toothpaste I think I’ve told every single person I know about this toothpaste. And if I haven’t, people ask because my teeth are extremely white from using it!

Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer in Medium-Tan This is my favorite body moisturizer because it doesn’t leave me feeling greasy like most lotions do and it maintains my tan!

Love, Beauty and Planet MuruMuru Butter and Rose Shampoo + Conditioner I was in the market for a shampoo that was sulfate free to help my extensions maintain moisture and last longer…this was the perfect shampoo. Love the smell, love how it makes my hair feel, love that it’s vegan.

Crop Natural I really would have never discovered this brand had it not been for our collaboration. They are a small vegan beauty brand from Australia and I LOVE their stuff. Especially their face masks which I use 1-2 times a week.

Turbo I did a sponsored post with them last January and I became ADDICTED to their Intuit Turbo website. I love how it keeps my finances in order and clear. It was SO helpful during the loan process plus I could check my credit score at any time (i’m slightly obsessed with keeping my credit score high).

DSW x New Balance I’m not a sneaker kind of girl but these New Balance kicks haven’t left my feet since August. I have them in pink and purchased the blue too. They’re super comfy, cute and I love going on long walks with them.

Zenni  I had been wanting a pair of clear glasses for so long and when Zenni approached me for a partnership I jumped at the chance and found the clear style I was looking for. They are lightweight, super comfy and I get a ton of compliments. I wear these over the ones I paid for.

Lucky Brand is the only one from this list that I did wear before a sponsorship but my collaboration with them during Coachella capitulated my love for their brand and their clothing. Everything fits so well and I have a huge problem with denim fits. Lucky Brand just gets me.

Farmers Dog This one is a plug in for Oliver because let me tell you. Oliver is not a foodie type of dog. He likes food but he’s not driven by it. Farmers Dog food is the only food he goes absolutely nuts for. I also love how fresh the ingredients are and how nutritional it is for my pup.

American Express I signed up for an American Express card 2+ years ago in order to became an AMEX Ambassador. And guess what? I have since opened another card AND received a personal loan for our home renovation. They are my favorite credit card company by far!

I guess I just wanted to post this in the hopes that it inspires a change on the outlook of sponsored content! Sponsored content is a way to discover new brands and new product launches from people you trust (aka your favorite bloggers/influencers). Next time your favorite internet girl posts a sponsored photo…engage…swipe up…buy it…post your own opinions and influence some people yourself!