I feel like there are a lot of looks I can do on my own, but sometimes I want a different way to approach things, like a fresh perspective on a smokey eye or a cat eye.
When I need some inspiration, new ideas, or just want to see how someone else is doing things, I go to YouTube…which I think is one of the greatest inventions on earth.
Seriously, where was YouTube when I was 13 and had that purple Lancôme pencil and no clue? That’s what I want to know… It would have saved me a lot of heartache!
Lisa Eldridge
When I want to do something, or try something new, or get a different perspective, there are a few YouTubers I really enjoy watching, and the first one is Lisa Eldridge.
First of all, she has a cat, and her cat’s name is Betty Kitten. Betty Kitten is absolutely adorable so, of course, cat lady bonus points. 🙂
Lisa’s also worked with a lot of celebrities, so her work’s all over the place, and you know she’s totally legit.
Third, she has this wonderful British accent, and she delivers information in a way that I think is very accessible and thoughtful, and it’s not like you ever feel like she’s telling you that “you absolutely have to do it this way!” or if you don’t do it this way you’re doing it wrong. She just seems like a cool girl I’d want to hang out with.
Her tutorials are… You feel like you can do them, you know? Sometimes when I watch YouTube tutorials, I’m like, “There’s no freaking way I’m going to be able to do this eye look in 30 minutes,” but she delivers information in this sort of simplified, accessible way that I really enjoy. It makes me feel like every woman can sincerely do this.
Jaclyn Hill
Another person I like is Jaclyn Hill. Her style’s very different than Lisa’s in that she tends to do things that are a bit more glam. She loves smokey looks, which I like as well, and she’s got a lot of energy, which I think you’re either going to really gravitate toward, or not, LOL! But I like her perkiness and her bubbly personality.
Her looks generally take a little bit more effort. They’re not as simplified as Lisa’s, but I find that she explains things in a way that works for me. If you want to go that extra step with your makeup, she’s easy to understand.
Batalash Beauty
Another person I enjoy is Samantha from Batalash Beauty. She’s relatively new, and young, and very spunky.
I appreciate her spunkiness, and she does these very dressed up glam looks along the same lines as Jacqueline Hill, but her style’s a bit harder, a bit edgier. She curses sometimes, so you know…but she’s just, like, a sassy young person whose attitude I appreciate, and her makeup’s very pretty. She’s got a big Instagram following too.
Pixiwoo
Ooh! — last but not least, the Pixiwoo sisters. Points for having that kick-@ss British accent. They’re two sisters who work on the same channel. They both have different styles, so you get different perspectives.
Besides seeming very cool to hang out with (and they’re kind of, like, my age), their tutorials are easy to grasp, yet they also do some out there things, too. One of the sisters, Sam, does these crazy fancy looks sometimes that I wouldn’t do on myself…but they’re neat to see! 🙂
They also do a wide range of different tutorials from glam to everyday to more artsy-fartsy, so you get a bit of everything.
How about you? What YouTube channels do you turn to when you don’t know how to do a specific makeup technique or look?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. TGIF!
Dolon says
Lisa Eldridge tops my list as well :). I also love Monika Blunder’s channel. She is a celeb MUA who works with Rosie Huntington Whitely, Jessica Alba etc. Her videos are informative and you feel that you can do them too. Plus she has a beautiful lilting voice. Another lady I like is Camila Coelho. She is gorgeous and creates more glam looks that are again totally wearable.
Tiffany says
I LOVE MakeupByTiffanyD, RissRose and Miss RoshPosh
Arianne says
OMG, I kinda fell in love with Batalash Beauty. So funny!
I love watching Karima McKimmie on YouTube. She has such amazing makeup skillz! http://www.youtube.com/user/karimamckimmie
Karen says
I haven’t seen her vids! Thank you for the rec; if you like them I’m pretty sure I’ll enjoy them too! Thanks, Arianne. 🙂
Alison M says
I second Karima!! She is fabulous and thoughtful in her tutorials. My other consistent faves are Pixiwoo and Lisa Eldridge also 🙂
Sarah says
I was just going to say Karima, definitely! I have learned so much from her.
Rachel P. says
I think it’s so cool that you did this post! I didn’t expect to see it but was really happily suprised! My favorite YouTube beauty gurus are Jaclyn Hill, Samantha/Andrea (Batalash), YOU (whenever you post videos!), Stephanie Ledda (SMLx0), Nicole Guerriero, Michelle/Laura (The MM&L Show), and Shannon Harris (ShaaanX0).
I could keep going (there are so many others I truly enjoy/subscribe to) but if I had to choose my absolute favorites and toss the rest, that would be my final cut!
Rachel P. says
**Angela, not Andrea! My bad!
Sylirael says
Yay for Shannon! 😀
Rachel P. says
Right!?? Love her! There was a time when I didn’t watch her videos because I saw part of one of her old videos and I thought, “Oh, she’s a bit standoffish, I can’t relate to this” – but I was totally wrong! She’s so down-to-earth and humble but very technical in her looks at the same time. And creative! I ended up unsubscribing to Lauren Curtis- I think she’s lovely and still like her videos, but I got a bit bored with the same old thing time and again. Shan is always doing something innovative and wearable!
Sadra says
For something a little edgier, a little more into the wild, try kittenMustache (I know that you’ll love that name, Karen) at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGVgagi7BWTJvu_7NXKxfeg
She has that great Brit accent and makes you feel like you. She has a video on colored/patterned lenses, how to wear black lipstick, etc. A little off the beaten track. Pixiwoo meets Phyrra.
Sadra says
Whoops, hit the submit button too fast! That should read “makes you feel like the cool girl invited you back to her house after school and showed you her makeup secrets.”
Divya says
Oh yes Lisa Eldridge! She is so good with her techniques and makes things look effortless! I am more into natural and subtle makeup which she does pretty well! Pixiwoo sisters are a lot of fun to watch for sure.. 🙂
Lorraine says
I love Lisa Eldridge videos! Totally agree about her manner- she is so posh yet never condescending. Martha Stewart and Gwyneth Paltrow could take a page from that book, if you know what I mean. My other all time fave for fun makeup video channel and blog is Kandee Johnson aka KandeeJ. She is all heart, and a complete master of costume makeup and video editing, as well. You would love her Disney looks, and her Ziggy Stardust is not to be missed. Check her out when you get a chance.
Karen says
Hi Lorraine,
I enjoy Kandee’s videos as well. Did I ever tell you that I met her? She’s very kind and sweet in person. Hope you’re having a nice Friday so far!
Natalye says
I’ll have to check these youtubers out! I really love watching Andreaschoice
Bee says
I just Adore Lisa Eldridge… she is so awesome and seems to know the face angles and what will suit who’s face so well.. I also see Nicole Guerriero & Pixiwoo. sometimes Tanya Burr too. and Jaclyn Hill is really so enthu 😀
MelleCannelle says
I don’t watch makeup tutorials that often, more like I have phases.
One girl, that I somehow really like is Grav3yardgirl. She is so “loud” and funny and I think, she’s a nice soul. 😉
Rachel P. says
Loooove Grav3yard Girl!! Bunny is so outrageous and has the biggest heart! I almost mentioned her in my comment, but my list was getting too long, haha. I’d almost consider her one of my favorite vloggers, even outside of the beauty realm!
NeapolitanMimi says
I heart Wayne Goss (gossmakeupartist). I love his accent and I could watch him wink all day. Teehee. Though he usually doesn’t have edgy tutorials, he does introduce new techniques every now and then that turn out to be amazing. One of which is to prime, buff on mineral foundation then put your liquid foundation over it. I. Love. It.
Chelsea says
Lisa Eldridge is my absolute favorite. Very talented, calming voice, high quality videos. And love Betty the cat! (My friend has a dog named Betty too, great pet name).
I like Wayne Goss sometimes, but not always.
I’ll have to check out Batalash beauty! I can’t remember the name of one makeup artist on YouTube I was watching, but I immediately lost all respect for her at her pronunciation of Guerlain. At least try to get it right, you’re supposed to be an expert.
Carolyn @ The Makeup Writeup says
I’m a big fan of Makeup by Tiffany D, frmheadtotoe, and Lisa Eldridge! BTW, I find Lisa’s voice so calming and relaxing :).
Kwmechelle says
Makeup Game On Point, Destiny Godley, Pixiwoo, Vintage or Tacky, & Makeup Geek. They each bring something different to the table.
Rachel P. says
Marlena of Makeup Geek is awesome! She has the best energy. She doesn’t always do looks that are really my personal style, but I like her approach.
Katherine M says
Now you’ve definitely given me food for thought whenever I get stuck or just want a new technique! I have mainly seen Michelle Phan and Cara from the blog Maskcara. Cara had some great contouring tips and Michelle Phan does some interesting different looks from time to time. I’ve watched a lot more videos on hair techniques, especially when I needed quick, but neat, military hair styles. Many of those vids were very user-friendly. I learned the self-French braiding technique from Lauren Conrad’s blog and some You Tube videos that were very user-friendly.
Belle says
I looove Jaclyn! She really takes the time to explain everything in detail so her viewers can fully understand and I appreciate that plus she’s just so fun! I like Lisa Eldridge too, I found her through the Chanel channel and again she explains things so that you can understand not just what you’re doing but why that’s the better way to do it. Great post 🙂
http://beautifulbliss12.blogspot.com
Ms. Heathen says
I love Pixiwoo! I’ll watch any makeup tutorial I get linked to even if I can’t wear the look in question or get any of the products. I’m amazed at all the beauty vloggers, everyone is so talented and beautiful!
Stephanie says
I like Wayne Goss, I agree with other posters that he isn’t exciting but he is very informative. I’ve learned some great tricks from him and I really appreciated his video on eye shape and eye shadow.
Sylirael says
I have a massive crush on Lisa Eldridge. I think I love everything about her! Her looks are also the ones that I have replicated (or tried to replicate) most often. It’s just as you say – she makes it all so doable!
Otherwise, it’s really only Shaanxo (her style is very different from mine, but she’s so sweet, and does things with eyeshadow I can only dream of. Plus, she’s a gorgeous Kiwi girl!
I need to make a special mention and special category for Klaire Delys. There aren’t many words that do her justice, so I reckon you should just go check her out. Absolutely beautiful, and a true artist.
Agata says
I don’t really watch any specific YouTube channels although I do watch Lisa Eldridge’s videos quite regularly. Recently I have also started watching bits and pieces from Goss makeup artist, he has some really great tips!
Alyssa says
Oh my goodness there’s sooo many!! It’s hard to narrow it down! I love Mila Victoria, but she hasn’t made videos in awhile. The collection of tutorials she has are amazingg! Wayne Goss from GossMakeupArtist is great as well!! *british accent points!* & Nur from Nurberxo gives a fresh perspective on makeup that I really enjoy!
Abby says
Jaclyn Hill is probably my favorite right now….I also love Makeup by Tiffany D, Nicole Guerriero, Makeup by Cheryl. I’ve watched Lisa Eldridge before and agree with the others that her voice is so soothing!
Alli says
I love so many! I agree with all the above, Jacqueline Hill rocks my socks off, Lisa Elrdige reminds me of the cool, classy, rocker chick that doesn’t even need to try and be cool. SHAANXO, or Shannon Harris is also amazing. I love her New Zealand accent and she does every kind of look; classic, glam, edgy. One more! Estee from Essie Button. She just seems to have my same exact personality and also taste. I love every product she loves. She is also extremely laid back and awesome. I have a lot of free time don’t I? Haha! Love you Karen!
Fran says
My favorite is Wayne Goss — he explains some basic techniques really, really well, has a lot of techniques that work especially well for the over-50 crowd, and there is something about seeing an eye look on a guy that just makes it really clear what the look does for the eye, I don’t get distracted by how much more beautiful the vlogger’s or model’s eyes are than my own, lol. I also enjoy watching his friend Ruth Crilly (her channel is A Model Recommends). Billy B videos on youtube are just plain fantastic to watch whether I would ever do the looks on myself or not. It’s cool, I feel like all three of these people are people I’d love to meet and talk to in real life.
Trude says
I love Jaclyn, also watch Tiffany D because her looks tend to be very approachable, and Nicole Guerriero who has great variety and has a great personality. I feel the same way about YouTube – where was it when we were growing up!?!
Nicole says
Vivianna Does Makeup is a recent discovery; she’s practical, knowledgeable and relatable. Plus there’s that whole British accent thing.
For bold eye looks I like to check out Leesha of XSparkage. Her step by step tutorials makes things seem possible 🙂
Grace says
My favorites are of course Jaclyn Hill, Nicole Guerrero, Lauren Curtis, Amanda Ensing, thatgirlshaexo, emilynoel83, and Casey Holmes 🙂
Sami says
You have to check out Tati! She posts 5 videos a week, not all make up tutorials, but she seems very genuine!
http://youtu.be/WXmelVsGKF8
Kim says
I’ve never checked out YouTube for tutorials so thanks for all the ideas! MBB is pretty much my only stop for makeup related info. 🙂
Casey says
Sharon Farrel! EmilyNoel83, EssieButton, Glam Life Guru, TiffanyD.
Shann says
Lately I’ve been gravitating towards gurus and bloggers who “look like me”. Rachael from loveblendnbeauty is a Filipina who lives in the East Bay. I LOVE her! Selena of YazMakeupArtist and Farah of FarahDhukai have the same coloring as I do and give super informative tutorials to boot. Those with the same skintone, skin issues and/or eye shape point me to product rec’s and makeup techniques that have a better chance of working on me. That’s pretty much why I’m super loyal to you and your blog, Karen! Hugs from Daly City!
Angela says
OMG Karen, I LOVE pixiwoo. They are so fantastic, and I really love the real techniques brushes. I also LOVE Sharon Farrell, she’s from Ireland but lives in Australia and her looks are super good. Nothing too OTT and she gives great advice while she’s doing her tutorials, plus I think she’s funny 🙂 Also from australia: Lauren Curtis & Chloe Morello. In fact, I have several favorites that are from Aus! Must be my Canadian alter-ego there 🙂
Rachel tv says
two great you tube channels are Maya Mia ( a very pretty girl)http://www.youtube.com/user/007MayaMia
and Camila Coelho http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTYQ6xVYOKc
They both offer great advice and provide the perfect look
Rachel
PEGG says
Sharon Farrell – she’s a makeup artist. Love the looks she does! She has the sweetest personality and love her Irish accent!
There are so many sharing their talents and ideas! It’s really cool because it must take SO much time to make these videos! I love watching beauty videos though. You have to watch http://www.YouTube.com/user/Youngwildandpolished
She is hilarious and her bloopers at the end of the videos are ridiculously funny.
Kaelyn says
I love posts like this! I really want to start blog favorites page on my blog but anyways… I really love watching Makeup by Tiffany D, Michelle Phan, Julia Graf, Maskcara, and many more! I have to agree that YouTube is literally one of the best inventions ever!!!!