Katy of HelloKatyxo: Beauty Blogger of the Moment
Katy, of HelloKatyxo, isn't afraid to let her goofy personality shine through in her videos—but she didn't always feel that way. As a self-conscious eighth grader, she was just looking for an outlet to express herself and find a community of friends to share with—and we're lucky that she did! Katy isn't afraid to be open and honest with her viewers about tough topics, like dealing with acne. When you visit her channel, you're met with well-planned tutorials that range from simple, summery makeup looks to her full foundation routine.
Find out how Katy's gained friendship and confidence through her channel and what products you'll always find in her purse.
1/6The vlogger shares her journey to YouTube success and which celebs inspire her tutorials.
Photo: courtesy of Katy2/6When and why did you first decide to start your channel?
My channel was born on December 27th, 2009! At the time, I was a timid eighth grader with a knack for makeup and cameras. At this point in my life, I was feeling helpless, lonely, and lost. I was quiet and not feeling as athletic, pretty, or spontaneous as the other girls in my class. YouTube sparked a new spirit in me that I'll never be able to explain.
What is your beauty philosophy?
Some girls get so caught up in this generation's tough perception of beauty. Take it from me, it's not worth all the hours spent trying to get the perfect hair and makeup. Sure it's fun to play around with sometimes, but you shouldn't feel as though it's a necessity in order for you to look beautiful.
Katy with her Audrey Hepburn poster.
Photo: courtesy of Katy3/6Where do you get ideas or inspiration for your tutorials?
Mostly it comes from my favorite TV shows or celebrities, like Lucy Hale, Lauren Conrad, and Emma Stone.
Besides vlogging, what's a typical day like for you?
In the summer, I'll wake up and go for a run around the neighborhood and do what feels like a million squats. After I get ready, I'll get lost in watching tons of YouTube videos and try to cook something great or treat myself to some divine takeout. I'll finish the day by watching a chick-flick with my twelve-year-old sister!
Katy with family.
Photo: courtesy of Katy4/6** What's in your makeup bag right now?**
Here's what's currently in the bottom of my purse: EOS Lip Balm in Summer Fruit, an eyelash curler, a tube of Maybelline New York Colossal Mascara, NARS Blush, Revlon Lipstick in Pink Pout, and my all-time favorite holy-grail makeup product since I was in kindergarten—Bonne Bell Dr. Pepper Lip Smacker.
What beauty products do you find yourself buying over and over again?
I repurchase my favorite foundation, Laura Mercier Silk Creme in Rose Ivory, and my Stila One Step Foundation Primer. They're a bit pricey, but worth it!
A profile shot.
Photo: courtesy of Katy5/6What is your favorite hairstyle to create?
Definitely a top knot or bun of some sort. Besides the fact that it's incredibly easy, it also looks so fun and different on me since I have ombre ends.
What was the hardest tutorial you've ever filmed and why?
I really have a knack for DIY projects and I recently filmed a tutorial on how to create a '70s-inspired necklace out of ribbon and washers from the hardware store. However, I'd lost my voice at the time and couldn't film a voice-over! It was very difficult to explain the process using text slides. Not fun!
Katy at the International Makeup Artists Trade Show with friends.
Photo: courtesy of Katy6/6How do you balance school, a social life, and your channel?
It's all about maintaining a healthy balance. The great part about being involved with YouTube is that you can easily incorporate your social life into your channel via vlogging and other sorts of videos. School is very time-consuming though, so fitting in time for videos can be tricky. I usually set aside a certain windows of time for filming when the lighting is best, and I'll do my homework while the video is uploading.
Do you have advice for a reader that wants to start a channel?
Just do it! Think about your favorite YouTubers. At one point in time, they were at the same exact point as you. For me, YouTube was a way to discover another side of myself. You'll never know until you try!
Katy with friends.
