Beauty Blogger Of The Moment: Brittkneegirl1
Brittany Balyn posted her first YouTube video about three years ago, and since then the twenty-year-old beauty maven known on the web as Brittkneegirl1 has created a mini beauty empire.
Although her cute tutorials routinely receive tens of thousands of views, her fame has escalated since dying her hair purple after, taking a cue from Lauren Conrad, asking her devoted fans to vote. She filmed the process along the way, inspiring scores of girls to go ombre, too.
Find out how she got her start, who inspires her, and what her favorite product is.
1/11Why did you initially decide to start a vlog?
I initially started with a response video to someone else's beauty channel. After I received a few comments I fell in love with the mutual inspiration my subscribers and I got from each other. I guess you could say I've been addicted ever since!
What is the story behind your vlog's title?
I made my channel when I was fifteen and made my YouTube name similar to my Myspace name at the time which was Brittkneegirl1. I regret it a little because I feel it is a little confusing, but what is done is done.
2/11Get to know beauty guru Brittany Balyn in this Q&A.
3/11**If your vlog had a mission statement, what would it be? **
To always make videos I love, and to at least inspire one person to be able to be unique with confidence and to feel beautiful.
What do you do when you're not vlogging?
When I have free time I love to try new things. Whether it is something as simple as trying a new restaurant or something as extreme as traveling. I enjoy going to local music venues here in LA, and, okay, I do not want to sound cliche but yes, it is no secret I love to shop (even window shop).
4/11What are your personal favorite blogs and vlogs?
I have a huge list, I like to have a broad spectrum of inspiration. I do find myself always checking the blogs of Stylorectic, FashionToast, Kenzas, and Christeric.
**Any advice for anyone who wants to start her/his own vlog? **
I would only suggest pursing something along the lines of what I do if you have honest intentions, and a strong sense of self otherwise I feel it might destroy you. In simple do only what you love, not because of the love you think it will bring you.
5/11Do you prefer drugstore or high end makeup brands?
I love high-end products because usually they have amazing return policies, and you can't test out drugstore products which can sometimes lead in disaster. I love Olay skincare and Maybelline mascara, but most other products I tend to stick with higher-end.
6/11What are the best aspects of running your own blog? What are the hardest aspects?
The best part is being able to have a community of people that can sometimes feel so close to you who have all the same interests. I would rather socially interact on YouTube than on Facebook. The hardest part is sometimes the vulnerability I feel, then again I just stop and realize rude unnecessary comments only can get to me if I choose to allow them in. All in all the benefits out weight the negatives by far!
What type of camera do you use?
I use a Sony NEX-7.
7/11What beauty product can you not live without?
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, Mac blush, liquid eyeliner, Maybelline mascara, and an eyelash curler, are my must have basics.
How long have you been into makeup?
The obsession started at age 14.
8/11**What's in your travel beauty bag? **
Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer and concealer palette, Mac Mineralize Skinfinish, Mac blushes in Blunt and Dollymix, Urban Decay Naked palette, Mac liquid liner, eyelash curler, mascara, a baby pink and a dark lipstick, as well as minimal brushes.
What's your daily makeup routine?
During the week, mascara and Benefit cheek stain. On the weekend, everything I mentioned in my travel makeup bag plus false lashes.
9/11**If you had a thousand dollars to spend on makeup, what would you buy? **
I just heard that Gareth Pugh is working on a collaboration with Mac—I would probably buy anything I remotely liked from that collection just to hold it dearly knowing I had a little something from his ingenious mind.
10/11Most memorable makeup faux pas?
When I first started wearing makeup I used to wear bronzer as all-over face powder. Please never, ever do that.
11/11**Who is your makeup inspiration? **
All the other amazing people on YouTube and the catwalk. I adore the Pixiwoo sisters on YouTube!
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