Q&A Session: Some Frequently Asked Questions

Answering some questions I frequently get asked in my emails, messages, and also in real life.

How on earth did the name “RatzillaCosme” came to be?

Starting my website and registering for a domain name was entirely spur of the moment. I literally went with the first thing that ran through my mind at the time. “Ratzilla” was my go-to screen name (I’ve been told forever that I look like Minnie Mouse), but ratzilla.com was already taken so I added “Cosme” (Japanese for “cosmetics”) to it.

What inspired you to start RatzillaCosme?

It started in 2009 as a personal archive of information or translation of Japanese products that I have provided to friends. 9 years later, it’s still primarily a guide/database since personal reviews make up less than 10% of my entire site’s content!

Do you get free products?

Yes. I’m given products as an inevitable part of being a beauty writer and running a beauty website. Japanese brands also seem to really like having an ex-fitting/hair model be their human guinea pig and test their not-yet-released products — and that has nothing to do with my site at all. (A few years ago,  I was delivered 5–6 high-tech toilet seats! The company even “helpfully” send their technician over to help with installation. The problem? I only had one toilet!) I also spend an unspeakable sum every year on beauty products and clothes. So the products featured on the site are a big mish-mash of all three.

Does your site make money?

The topic of money is one of the more personal questions that I get asked a lot, especially in real life. Back in the site’s early years, there wasn’t any monetisation. Keeping it running now is incredibly labour-intensive (all the work you see, including CSS and HTML, is my own). As such, adding affiliate links and advertising banners is a necessity, especially since I don’t partake in sponsored content. Most outbound links to stockists you see are affiliate links. (There is a constantly present disclaimer under each post to that effect.) So yes, it does.

How old are you?

I’m 33.

I want to start a site. Any advice?

Focus on doing your own thing in your own space. Social media trends come and go — algorithm often changes, your content could be removed (since you don’t own that platform), the social network may become defunct. The only thing that you will always own and control is your site. It’s my biggest priority for that reason. Don’t get me wrong, social media are an excellent “support” platform. They’re one of the most effective ways to connect people worldwide! But after all is said and done, you’re merely renting for free — that space isn’t actually yours. So if you start your own site or a blog, don’t treat it as “dumping ground” for your social media activities!

What’s your absolute favourite (product type)? 

I get asked this daily, but I’m afraid I really don’t have one. I have current favourites but ask me again in a few weeks’ time and my answer will change — I have absolutely no loyalty when it comes to beauty products. “Most used” or “most repurchased” would be a more accurate description.