Portland-based influencers are becoming increasingly valued for their niche expertise and trusted recommendations. In fact, consumers are as much as 10 times more likely to be influenced by a non-celebrity blogger than a celebrity. So, if you’re looking to stay up-to-date with the very best Portland has to offer, be sure to give some of the city’s biggest influencers a follow.
The rise of beauty influencers
Consumers are no longer being won over by traditional forms of marketing like magazine adverts and TV commercials — even ads with popular celebrities are generally viewed as less credible and less trustworthy. “People used to watch celebrities on the red carpet talking about what they were wearing, or they would flip through magazines and look at celebrities in makeup ads, but that has lost its traction, especially among younger consumers,” recent Harvard Business School MBA graduate Alessia Vettese tells Forbes. “Now, people want to go online and get an at-your-fingertips experience. They want to ask an influencer questions and get personal responses.” Of course, influencers can only be as effective as the products they’re advertising — meaning quality products are key. In fact, science-driven skincare is now a major trend. Consumers want products with scientifically-backed ingredients and results proven in clinical trials, and the right influencer can delve into the science supporting high-tech beauty products.
When it comes to Portland’s beauty influencers, Kendallyn Jenson (IG @shopwithkendallyn) is one of the best. Kendallyn uses her platform to share her musings on everyday life and motherhood, as well as share her favorite beauty and style recommendations. Fleur and Bee’s clean beauty range, in particular, are some of her favorite recent picks. Alternatively, Taylor Aube (IG @tayloraube) has been a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle blogger for ten years. She’s inspired by Portland’s beautiful natural landscapes, collaborates often with high-profile brands, and regularly shares her favorite beauty, health, and wellness picks; a massage and acupuncture session at Golden Hour in Central Eastside is particularly recommended.
Portland’s coolest foodie influencers
Portland’s foodie influencers are letting us know about the best restaurants and eateries in and around the city. For example, Kara Stokes (IG @ perfectfooddays) launched Perfect Food Days to hone her food photography skills. Originally from New England, Kara has lived in Portland for eight years now (in fact, she moved here after being impressed by a previous food-heavy weekend vacation) and she’s also integrated with the bustling local community of foodies and chefs. Normandie, a coastal-inspired restaurant in Portland’s Buckman neighborhood, is the city’s most underrated restaurant, according to Kara, while Argentinian-inspired Ox serves her all-time favorite meal: the clam chowder with smoked marrow bone. Alternatively, Pechluck (IG @pechluck) shares all her food-related adventures and best eats in Portland. She particularly likes to shout-out small local business and imaginative, unique dishes. Yomie’s Rice X Yogurt in Southwest Portland is one of her more recent recommendations; their probiotic-packed purple rice yogurt is a great alternative to bubble tea.
Portland’s influencer scene is ever-growing. Be sure to give the best local influencers a follow to stay up-to-date with the best the city has to offer.
