Meet the Next Generation of Genius YouTube Beauty Vloggers
It's that time again: the NYX Face Awards! For the past three years, the cosmetics brand has selected six contestants to duke it out for the title of "Beauty Vlogger of the Year on YouTube," awarding the winner $25,000 and a year's supply of makeup. (And, not to mention, priceless exposure and countless potential followers!)
This spring, nearly 2,000 vloggers entered for the chance to be considered. And now, at long last, the final six have been revealed. The girls (and boy!) you see here will be flown to Los Angeles to compete in front of a live audience and a panel of judges, including Teen Vogue's very own beauty and health director Elaine Welteroth.
We got the exclusive chance to chat with each of the finalists about their go-to products, tips for success, and most popular videos. Click through the slides and don't forget to subscribe to their channels!
Photos courtesy of NYX Cosmetics1/7Subscribe immediately.
Photo courtesy of NYX Cosmetics2/7<strong>Kennedy Cymone Knight, AKA <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/fabulousinmaking" target="_blank">Fabulousinmaking</a></strong>
How’d you get your start? "After spending time going on YouTube and watching other beauty gurus’ videos on makeup and fashion, I decided to start blogging. Bethany Mota was and still is my inspiration!"
What’s your signature? "My look is very neutral! I usually go for a winged eye and a soft pink lip."
What’s your most popular video so far? "My Morning Routine for School is my most successful. I think it appeals to an audience of preteens and teens, just like myself, who can relate in so many ways to my tips. Most viewers like reality and the ability to join you in your day-to-day life."
Any advice for girls just starting a channel? "Be yourself! It’s much easier than attempting to be someone else."
What are your favorite on-camera products? "I love the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion because it helps keep my shadows from creasing!"
Photo courtesy of NYX Cosmetics3/7Adelaide Morin, AKA <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/c0ok1emonster" target="_blank">C0ok1emonster</a>
How’d you get your start? "It was the summer before eighth grade, and basically I just started blogging because I was bored. It helped me find out who I was, and then it grew from there."
What’s your signature? "Mixing beauty blogging with comedy. If I make just one person smile with my videos, I feel like all the hours of filming, editing, and uploading are worth it."
What’s your most popular video so far? "50 Beautiful Things You Can Do with Vaseline. It has almost 2 million views!"
Any advice for girls just starting a channel? "Enter contests just like this one—they help you grow your audience very quickly! Also, be unique and true to yourself. Know your morals and values and don’t let YouTube or numbers take over your life."
What are your favorite on-camera products? "The NYX Curve Eyeliner is what I use daily—it’s such great quality. I also love the Rosebud Salve Lip Balms because they’re light and smell like heaven."
Photo courtesy of NYX Cosmetics4/7Alexander Rivera, AKA <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/aleaction" target="_blank">Aleaction</a>
How’d you get your start? "I was doing freelance hair and makeup for weddings when I fell in love with the power of transformation and beauty. I call myself a ’YouTube Academy graduate,’ and I wanted to take what I’d learned online and give back to aspiring artists who were looking to grow."
What’s your signature? "Anything with a bit of a dark side."
What’s your most popular video so far? "I posted a tutorial for skull makeup last Halloween. My fans loved how I pushed the envelope!"
Any advice for girls just starting a channel? "Always be yourself. If you can do what you love and have fun with it, the rest will fall into place."
What are your favorite on-camera products? "I love NYX Primal Color in Black because it’s the darkest, purest black eyeshadow I’ve ever worked with in my career."
Photo courtesy of NYX Cosmetics5/7<strong>Ashley Mitchell, AKA <a href="http://www.youtube.com/makeupbyamarie" target="_blank">MakeupbyAmarie</strong></a>
How’d you get your start? "As a viewer! I watched videos day in and day out until I worked up the courage to start my own channel. It’s honestly the best decision I’ve ever made."
What’s your signature? "Winged liner, full lashes, and a classic red lip. It’s typical, but it’s one of those looks that will never go out of style!"
What’s your most popular video so far? "My Full Face Foundation Routine has over 800,000 views. Creating a flawless look using affordable beauty products is really appealing, I guess!"
Any advice for girls starting a makeup channel? "Be consistent! That’s the best advice I can give."
What are your favorite on-camera products? "This is a tough one! I honestly can’t answer, but my favorite brands are Benefit, Urban Decay, and, of course, NYX!"
Photo courtesy of NYX Cosmetics6/7<strong>Bailey Van Der Even, AKA <a href="http://www.youtube.com/baileybeautyxo" target="_blank">BaileyBeautyXo</a>
How’d you get your start? "I created my channel as a hobby and a learning tool, encouraging myself to be bold, confident, and outgoing. It’s since grown into a platform and has led to the most fantastic opportunities and life-changing experiences that have pushed my artistry career into fast forward!"
What’s your signature? "When in doubt, I always rock a half lash and a red lip—you can’t go wrong with that!"
What’s your most popular video so far? "My M.A.C. Lipstick Collection is my most-viewed because it includes the most popular lipsticks in comparison to one another, and I do live swatches on my lips. Viewers love being able to see the product before they purchase."
Any advice for girls just starting a makeup channel? "If you want to build self-confidence and even work on your communication skills, this will seriously help! Just talk into a camera for eight minutes four times a week. Seriously!"
What are your favorite on-camera products? "I love the NYX Doll Eyes Mascara! I also love Make Up For Ever Sculpting Kits because they carve out my cheeks beautifully for a natural look."
Photo courtesy of NYX Cosmetics7/7<strong>Erin Timony, AKA <a href="http://www.youtube.com/freshblush" target="_blank">FreshBlush</a></strong>
How’d you get your start? "I’ve been inspired by makeup artists like Bobbi Brown and Michelle Phan since I was young. They blew me away with how effortlessly they could completely transform a person! That really amazed me. So one day in 2010—I was just 12—I thought, ’I could totally do that!’ Then I created my channel."
What’s your most popular video so far? "That would be my super easy everyday high school makeup tutorial."
Any advice for girls starting a makeup channel? "Have enthusiasm! The art of makeup gives me so much joy and my passion for beauty has only grown since starting my channel."
What are your favorite on-camera products? "I like the NYX Doll Eyes Mascara and the Jumbo Eye Pencil in Gold!"
