Gigi Gorgeous on the future of vlogging and why she was embarrassed of her first videos
Vogue spoke with beauty vlogger Gigi Gorgeous ahead of VidCon 2017.
What started you on your YouTube career?
“Honestly, I would have to say what started my YouTube career was pure boredom. I was in ninth grade, in a catholic school where I felt I couldn’t completely express myself and when my best friend Marc Lamentac mentioned that he watched a YouTube video of Michelle Phan doing her makeup start to finish, I was intrigued and instantly hooked after that.”
Was it hard to get it ‘out there’ straight away – was it ever frustrating to the point you thought ‘Who is actually going to watch my channel?’
“At the beginning, I actually hid a lot of my videos from my entire family and some of my friends because I was embarrassed. I didn’t know anyone doing this; filming themselves and posting it online, so I felt weird about it. But my younger cousin saw one of my tutorials online, told my Mom and she confronted me about it and the rest is history.”
YouTube is the place so many people use as their point of news/entertainment/information contact – do you take a look at ‘traditional’ media at all?
“I love waking up every day and checking my social media platforms to see what I’ve missed. I also do turn to traditional media and read a variety of online outlets for additional news.”
What are three or four tips you would give to someone starting a YouTube channel?
“Be authentic, stay consistent, and be confident. Since I essentially started making videos when YouTube was still new, I have had time to build my confidence. I now feel more confident than ever, as I have a strong support system. It’s very important to know yourself before entering the YouTube community and having an idea of what you want to create. Viewers will see what is really you and what is not. Be true to yourself.”
Is it important to stick with what you know – as opposed to trying to be all things to everyone?
“I think it’s a little bit of both. Sticking with what you know is key, because you can speak to it and feel confident about what you put out. However, I also think it is important in listening to what your audience is saying, taking it and applying it to your ideas.”
What will the next 5–10 years bring: where can you see your channel going?
“I have always said and will continue to say that it is SO important to have fun and enjoy what you do, especially in this industry. It is so easy to get caught up in it all and possibly lose yourself when people are telling you what to say and potentially who to be. I see my career as a kaleidoscope of endless possibilities. I have a very strong work ethic and I basically want to take over the world (hehe).”
What is your favourite thing about creating content – the reaction you get from people and that fantastic sense of having built a real, interactive community?
“By far my favourite part about creating content is just that; it’s my content. I’ve had a variety of different work experiences, but nothing compares to the freedom YouTube and what new media gives you.”
How important is an event like VidCon for you to all get together, as I’m sure it probably doesn’t happen very much?!
“It’s surreal whenever an event like VidCon goes down. Whether it’s LA, Amsterdam or most recently Australia, the feeling is none other than electric. I’m a very visual person and whenever I get to meet, hug, laugh, or even cry with people; it is absolutely magical. They are the ones who keep me strong, keep me going, and keep me – me.”
Who do you look up to in the creator space and admire?
“This might sound cheesy, but I see all of us YouTubers as one big family. We all literally started from the bottom and whenever ANY person reaches a big moment, I have nothing but love and support. I love creators like Tyler Oakley, Lilly Singh, Eva (MyLifeAsEva), Lauren (LaurDIY), EpicMealTime, Grace Helbig, Hannah Hart, Mamrie Hart. They all share the same message that being unique is amazing and that you should embrace it and hope that it empowers others in doing so.”
What do you see as the next new frontier when it comes to online creation/creators?
“Social media is everchanging with the constant tweaks and updates to its platforms, but I think what’s next is finding more ways to push boundaries. Sharing the most intimate and raw look into someone’s life to hopefully educate others on whatever it is they are going through is such a powerful tool. I released a documentary with YouTube Red entitled “This Is Everything: Gigi Gorgeous” and it has been the most transparent and intimate piece of work I have ever released.
But having said that, it’s been the most rewarding. Letting kids, teens and adults all over the world know that they are NOT alone is so important, especially in times like now. There is so much anger, hate and pressure in the world to be perfect, but at the end of the day I want to let them know that you’re beautiful because you’re different.”
Is there one creator space that viewers can never get enough of?
“I think beauty and fashion is BOOMING more than ever right now in the YouTube space, but having said that I think the personal stories are what keep the viewers tuned in. I’ve noticed that when I started sharing more about my personal life with my supporters, it made us closer.
I think it’s human nature to be fascinated by other peoples’ lives and YouTube is a perfect outlet for that. You can watch a video about someone who’s just come out to their parents, someone venting about their break up, etc. YouTube is a beautiful space for people to share their personal stories and I have confidence in saying that this platform has saved many lives by allowing people to share these stories.”
Find her on YouTube here.
This article originally appeared on vogue.com.au
Shannon Harris on how to make it on YouTube and surviving the next ten years
Vogue spoke with beauty vlogger Shannon Harris ahead of VidCon 2017.
What started you on your YouTube career?
“I loved makeup as a teenager but none of my friends were that interested. I began searching online for other people I could relate to, and came across YouTube channels. I watched them for a year or so and decided to try and find a New Zealand or Australian person to watch but found it hard, so decided to make my own channel!”
Was it hard to get it ‘out there’ straight away – was it ever frustrating to the point you thought ‘Who is actually going to watch my channel?’
“It was, but I never created a channel to become ‘well known’ or ‘famous’. I remember 100 people subscribing to me and I lost it. It was so awesome (and still is). It took a long time to grow my following, but I think people came across my channel because I was one of the only people from New Zealand doing it, and they valued my help. In New Zealand a few years ago, good brands were difficult to find, and we couldn’t get the same things that the American beauty gurus were raving about. I think I was easier to relate to, and that’s why my channel grew.”
YouTube is the place so many people use as their point of news/entertainment/information contact – do you take a look at ‘traditional’ media at all?
“I never watch TV, read newspapers etc. Personally, I rely on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook to hear about news, trends, entertainment etc. YouTube is such a huge network of different people and I think you can find almost any and all information you need right there. And you are in control of what you want to watch, unlike TV where you just have to pick from the limited channels and watch what is on at that exact time.”
What are three or four tips you would give to someone starting a YouTube channel?
“1. Be yourself. It sounds cliché but people will subscribe and watch because of YOU and YOUR personality. If you are serious, goofy, weird etc, it doesn’t matter because as long as you are you, people will relate.
2. Make videos about what YOU love. Don’t just do beauty because its popular. If you LOVE gaming, or baking, or ANYTHING else, make videos about that. Your passion will show through your videos and the more passionate you are, the more interesting you will be. There is a demand for almost everything on YouTube so you will find your own niche.
3. Start off strong with good quality videos. Speak up nice and clear, have good lighting (even setting up in front of a window will give you perfect lighting) and use a good quality camera. Even your iPhone will do a good job if its paired up with a good lighting set-up!”
Is it important to stick with what you know – as opposed to trying to be all things to everyone?
“I think it’s good to stick to what you know, but also try new things. You can never please everyone, but it’s always good to push yourself out of your comfort zone. I do it a lot on my channel, and sometimes it’s a disaster but I’ll upload it anyway and have a laugh, because it’s important that my viewers know I’m not perfect.”
What will the next 5–10 years bring: where can you see your channel going?
“I really want to continue uploading my videos because making them makes me super happy. I love filming makeup tutorials and trying new beauty products. I also want to work on expanding my brand xoBeauty and adding more beauty products on there, because it’s a huge goal of mine to one day have a full beauty range under my own name.”
What is your favourite thing about creating content – the reaction you get from people and that fantastic sense of having built a real, interactive community?
“There are two parts – actually creating the content, especially the filming stages. I have so much fun playing with makeup. And then definitely reading the comments after I upload. It’s very rewarding seeing people’s reactions, reading requests, seeing pictures of my viewers recreations etc.”
How important is an event like VidCon for you to all get together, as I’m sure it probably doesn’t happen very much?
“It’s so much fun to be able to get together with other influencers that you don’t get to see much. And I also love doing meet ups with my viewers too!”
Who do you look up to in the creator space and admire?
“Basically everyone. I don’t watch much YouTube because I spend more time creating my own videos and interacting with my viewers, but I have so much admiration for anyone and everyone putting themselves out there. It is a lot of work, but it’s fun work.”
The article first appeared on vogue.com.au
TOM FORD INTRODUCES BOYS & GIRLS
50 boys meet 50 girls. TOM FORD BEAUTY presents BOYS & GIRLS, a wardrobe of 100 clutchsized lip colours with names inspired by the individuals in Tom Ford’s life.
In a twist on the original Lips & Boys collection, Tom Ford reintroduces 50 Boys—and for the first time unveils the Girls—50 sensuous lipsticks named after women. The full lineup ranges in texture from cream, matte, and metallic to sheer and ultra rich finishes, and can be layered or worn alone to suit every personality and every mood.
Rare and exotic ingredients including soja seed extract, Brazilian murumuru butter, and chamomilla flower oil help create an ultra creamy texture with an incredibly smooth application. Specially treated pigments are blended to deliver pure color with just the right balance of opacity and luminosity.
Presented in a clutch sized version of the original lip color case, the Boys remain in the iconic mahogany, while the Girls show their lighter side in ivory. True to the Tom Ford philosophy, each transforming lip shade amplifies individuality, while creating an insatiable desire to try more than one.
The TOM FORD BOYS AND GIRLS COLLECTION will be available at selected David Jones, MYER, Harrolds Luxury Department stores and www.davidjones.com.au from September 15, 2017.
Source: Tom Ford
How charcoal can help detox polluted, distressed skin and fight acne
You may have noticed a lot of charcoal-based products in stores over the last year or so. If you’re looking for the ultimate pore-cleansing, acne fighting natural treatment that can be used both in-clinic and at home, you can’t beat a good charcoal mask. Jodie King explains.
“Charcoal masks are the perfect at home treatment to calm agitated, oily, congested skin suffering from environmental pollution”, says Jodie King. Your skin will be calmer, less congested and have a beautiful glow and it’s great for fighting acne”.
Activated charcoal draws bacteria, poisons, chemicals, dirt and other micro-particles to the surface of skin, helping you achieve a flawless complexion. It’s not metabolised or absorbed by the body and is a natural healer that is often used to disinfect some wounds and even treat some poisonous bites.
It’s also very effective for treating and managing acne. Charcoal is proven to draw out 100 to 200 times its weight in impurities, making it one of the best natural ingredients for deep cleansing and purification.
COSMEDIX Activated Charcoal Mask, available from the clinic, is an activated charcoal and kaolin clay-based mask helps draw out impurities from the pores, while diatomaceous earth effectively cleanses away pollutants for a visibly brighter, less agitated looking complexion.
Detox is the perfect mask for those with sensitive skin and large congested pores. NB. Not recommended for use during the day. Best used at night before bed.
Source: Skin Clinic Blyss
FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA LAUNCH SEPTEMBER 8
This Friday, September 8 2017 SEPHORA globally will launch the biggest beauty brand of the year, FENTY BEAUTY by RIHANNA.
In a world-first launch, the SEPHORA Australia stores will open their doors and reveal the range at 9.00am AEST. One lucky SEPHORA Australia customer will be the first person (other than Rihanna herself) to get their eyes and hands on the top-secret FENTY BEAUTY range.
With all nine SEPHORA stores launching at 9.00am, SEPHORA Chadstone and SEPHORA Pitt Street, Sydney is the location beauty-lovers and Rihanna fans need to be for the big Australian launch party.
As it will be launching at the same time worldwide, Australia will be the FIRST market globally to make a sale of FENTY Beauty worldwide.
We anticipate huge crowds in Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast with hundreds of beauty addicts and Rihanna fans queuing throughout the day to be the first person to purchase Fenty Beauty.
Source: Fenty Beauty