Beauty Blogger Of The Moment: Glamourista16
It took one rainy day on vacation for Caitlin to decide to start a beauty channel on YouTube, and her life hasn't been the same since. The seventeen-year-old girl is behind Glamourista16, an addictive vlog that covers makeup, skincare, and inspiring nail tutorials that will have you repainting your nails pronto.
Although she started blogging only last year, Caitlin has racked up over 50,000 YouTube subscribers, who look to her for her DIY skincare videos and informative makeup tutorials inspired by everything from music videos to movies. This Midwestern makeup maven has industry knowledge and entrepreneurial skills well beyond her years; weekly giveaways and frequent interview videos with big-time makeup experts go to show just how influential this high school student is.
Caitlin's approachable personality and low-maintenance makeup routine makes viewers feel like they're hanging out with their best friend... who happens to be a magician with a blush brush. It's not all about makeup, though, as her videos about inner beauty and imperfections are among the most watched. Caitlin's videos teach us not only about cosmetics, but of self-confidence, kindness, and acceptance—and for that, we're loyal subscribers.
1/11Age: 17
Hometown: Midwest
Date Started Blogging: March 26, 2010
Why did you initially decide to start a blog?
After unintentionally stumbling across a beauty video on YouTube, I became fascinated with the whole idea of making videos. I consumed so much of my time watching them until I realized that is what I want to be doing too! I wasn't even a makeup junkie at the time, so I purchased an 88 palette online and was ready to start my beauty journey!
2/11Get to know beauty guru Caitlin in this Q&A.
3/11What is the story behind your vlog's title?
One rainy evening during vacation I was bored, and decided to create a channel. I sat there for hours trying to think of something to name it, until the word "glamourista" popped into my head. Since that username was already taken I threw on the number "16" because that was my age at the time.
If your vlog had a mission statement, what would it be?
"Be strong, Be true, Be you." In the beauty community, you can easily forget to stay true to who you are. But being different is beautiful and it makes you a stronger person. You have to remember that makeup is great, but at the end of the day it's inner beauty that shines through.
4/11How would you describe your style?
I'm really all over the place when it comes to fashion! My style is mainly edgy with a feminine twist. I love pairing dark acid wash skinny jeans with a frilly top. I enjoy mixing patterns and fabrics that normally you wouldn't put together. No matter what look I'm going for, you can always expect statement jewelry to complete it!
What do you do when you're not vlogging?
When I'm not filming or editing videos I love playing my guitar, going to the movies, shopping and spending time with friends. I'm also very passionate about art so I love sketching, painting, and photography as well!
5/11Are there any trends you're particularly inspired by this season?
My favorite has been crop tops, hands down! They're absolutely perfect to wear to the beach with distressed denim shorts, or even over casual dresses to mix things up a little bit.
** What trend from the past would you like you like to make a comeback?**
As ridiculous as it may sound, it would be so fun if overalls came back in style. I could go without the to-the-floor denim overalls, but a shorter version similar to a romper would be cool. Overalls are just so easy to throw on, you know?
6/11What are your personal favorite blogs and vlogs? Why?
Next to makeup, I’m a huge nail art fanatic so The Daily Nail blog is one of my favorites! She is so creative and challenged herself to do a different nail design every day for a year, how amazing is that? I get a lot of inspiration from her to create my own designs. As for my favorite vloggers, there are WAY too many to list! Of course, Michelle Phan will always continue to amaze me!
What type of camera do you use?
Sony HDR-C10
7/11What beauty products can you not live without?
If I didn't have a lip balm with me at all times, I don't know what I'd do! The Gap lip balm in melon is one of my favorites, especially since it has SPF 18. Urban Decay Primer Potion is a necessity for me as well. It makes my eyeshadow much more vibrant and last all day long without creasing! Lastly, the CoverGirl Lash Blast Waterproof Mascara is a holy grail product for me! It creates bold, voluminous lashes without budging during the day.
What is in your travel beauty bag?
My shadows and blushes change all the time, but some items that stay consistent are my Sigma brushes, eyeshadow primer, Cut a Caper lipstick by MAC, and EOS lip balm.
8/11What are the best aspects of running your own vlog? What are the hardest aspects?
I've made some of my best friends through YouTube. They share the same passions as I do, so it's like a never ending support system. And it's so great to just wake up and plan out what videos you want to do, when you want to film them, and edit the way you desire with no one telling you it'd be better this way or that way. Conversing with girls all over the globe and reading their positive feedback is the best feeling in the world!
I think the hardest thing for aspiring beauty vloggers is learning to deal with the negativity. There will always be someone who doesn't agree with you and wants you to change. You have to accept that you can't please everyone or you will lose your sense of who you truly are. It's not easy at first, but you will discover that it's much easier to hold your own and be yourself!
9/11How long have you been into makeup?
I've been wearing makeup since middle school, but it was very minimal. I only really got into makeup after watching beauty videos, which has been for about two years now. My personal stash started out as very practical and has grown into a serious collection. I love doing makeup for my friends on prom day and other special events such as weddings and banquets.
Do you prefer drugstore or high end makeup brands?
Personally I find that it comes down to the quality! My coveted mascara is drugstore and I can't justify splurging for a high end one. I recently replaced my favorite eyeliner for a drugstore one and I'm obsessed with it. I do believe that it's worth investing in high end eyeshadows and face products though. The difference you'll see is amazing!
10/11What's your daily makeup routine?
First I apply a tinted moisturizer, blush, and concealer. Then I'll prime my eyes and apply any shadows that fit my mood for that day. I'll wing out my eyeliner, curl my lashes, apply mascara and a lipgloss. To seal the makeup in, I finish it off with a setting spray and I'm good to go!
If you had a thousand dollars to spend on makeup, what would you buy?
I would definitely purchase items from Chanel, YSL, and Dior that I normally couldn't justify buying. First up? Yves Saint Laurent TOUCHE ÉCLAT Radiant Touch Luminizer, and Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base.
11/11Any advice for someone who wants to start her/his own vlog?
My number one piece of advice is to be yourself, and make videos the way YOU want to do them. Even though someone may be successful making videos one way doesn't mean you won't be if you do them a completely new way. Also, being consistent will draw people to your videos. Stay true to yourself, be honest, and patient. Subscribers and success won't come over night; you must work for it and it will all pay off!
What/who is your makeup inspiration?
Bobbi Brown is a huge inspiration for me. She is so innovative and a creative genius. It's definitely a dream of mine to have the opportunity to meet her one day.
Most memorable makeup faux pas?
I used to think the purpose of foundation was to make you look tanner. I remember going to school with my face much darker than my neck....yikes! I looked like a mess, and it was obvious everyone else thought so too!
