Beauty Blogger Of The Moment: RachhLoves
Not only is this Toronto-based beauty vlogger a total pro at makeup tutorials and style hauls, but she's also full of "big sister" advice about body image and self-confidence—her video on perfect imperfections has garnered thousands and thousands of comments.
A social media consultant by trade, Rachel has mastered the art of Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and pretty much every other social medium out there and whether she's filming beauty videos, writing impassioned fashion posts, or just tweeting about her frequent shopping exploits, her infectious personality always shines through.
1/9Get to know beauty guru Rachel in this Q&A.
2/9**Why did you initially decide to start a vlog? **
I had just started working at a new job in a new city; I didn't really know anyone at the time. I thought that creating a YouTube channel would be a great opportunity to meet some people who shared the same interests in makeup and fashion, while also allowing me to be creative and have some fun after work!
What is the story behind your vlog's title?
My initial thought was to craft each video around the theme "Rachel Loves ___." The theme didn't stick, but the name fits, since it represents my love of life and my determination to have a positive outlook.
3/9**If your vlog had a mission statement, what would it be? **
My mission with my channel is to be a good role model and a sort of "big sister" to my viewers. I try to be open about my life, my faith, my struggles and my joys. There can be a lot of negative influences on young girls in society and I try to include positive, healthy advice wherever I can, while keeping a fun and happy feel to my videos. If I can help someone gain self-confidence or achieve a healthy body image, I feel honored to be part of their journey.
**What type of camera do you use? **
Canon Vixia HF M300
What do you do when you're not vlogging?
When I'm not filming, editing or writing, I'm working as a social media consultant for small businesses. I also enjoy shopping (what girl doesn't?), baking, and cooking (The Food Network is on constantly), skiing during the winter and playing video games (my Opa plays a mean Wii bowling game).
4/9**What are your personal favorite blogs and vlogs? **
Cupcakes and Cashmere—I admire Emily’s sense of style so much, I would love the opportunity to meet her... and steal her wardrobe. Also, BeautySavvy, because Shannon has the most infectious laugh and a ton of super creative videos and Evelinicutza, because I can always count on her to come up with some cute DIY project ideas and fun fashion videos!
**Any advice for anyone who wants to start her own vlog? **
Create unique content, love what you do and speak clearly!
**What are the best aspects of running your own blog? What are the hardest aspects? **
Hands down my favorite part is being able to interact with the community of makeup and fashion lovers. Everyone has been so supportive on my videos, offering makeup tips and product suggestions not only to me but to each other. I really feel like I’m sitting in my bedroom chatting with my girlfriends, swatching makeup and talking about the latest brands and trends. The hardest part for me is definitely the editing, I love it but it can be tedious! It’s also very difficult to see how much hatred there is within the community; with the internet being such an anonymous entity, it’s so easy to sit there and judge others, and it’s really infuriating.
5/9**What beauty product can you not live without? **
Shiseido Nourishing Mascara Base is phenomenal, I tried living without it and I can't —it makes my lashes super thick and keeps them curled all day! Bonnie Bell Naturals Lip balm, because chapped lips are so not appealing. Also, 100% Pure Vanilla Bean Scrub, because it's unbelievable; it's completely natural with a rich vanilla scent which makes me seriously consider eating it (don't do it). It leaves my skin super soft all day! Last but not least, water! It's so important to flush toxins out of your system, I can really tell a difference when I haven't been drinking enough.
**How long have you been into makeup? **
There's a video clip of me when I was 5 staring in the mirror, singing to myself as I brush my hair: "Look at my hair, isn't it pretty?!" I got my first makeup kit for Christmas when I was 12. I still remember plopping it down on the bathroom floor and swatching every single color until my hands were a lovely mud-brown all over.
6/9**Do you prefer drugstore or high end makeup brands? **
I pride myself on having a pretty diverse collection of makeup that spans both budget-friendly and high end brands. One trick I've learned is to judge a product based on the ingredients, not the brand. With some higher end products you're really just paying for fancy packaging; the product itself is no different than what you'd find at the drugstore.
**Where are your favorite places to shop? **
I love Walmart and Sephora for makeup, and I'm addicted to Hautelook and Forever 21 for clothing and accessories.
7/9**Are there any trends you're particularly inspired by this season? **
For me, winter will always be about embracing my pale skin and playing up a bold red lip. There's something so festive about a crisp red lip.
**If you had a thousand dollars to spend on makeup, what would you buy? **
I'd probably spend a good portion of it updating my sister and sister-in-laws' makeup kits. I'd buy some fun eyeshadow palettes from Sephora for myself and spend the rest on fun presents to give away on my YouTube channel!
8/9What is your makeup inspiration?
I get a lot of inspiration from magazines, especially their ads. I'm a business school graduate so I am such an ad nerd. I rip out makeup looks I like or even outfits I admire and formulate ideas from there. I also love watching award shows, they're a great source of super glam makeup!
Most memorable makeup faux pas?
Probably my heavy makeup phase in early high school. Lesson learned: black rimmed eyes and maroon lips are not a good look for school.
9/9What's your daily makeup routine?
Most days I like to keep things pretty neutral and effortless: a flush of pink blush, a vanilla highlight in the corners of the eyes and a few coats of mascara are my staple pieces to looking polished. There are some days where I love playing with colors; I'll wake up extra early and do a glamorous jewel-toned smoky eye or a tomato-red lip. Makeup is about having fun with your look, and giving you that extra spring in your step to let your natural beauty and confidence shine through.
What's in your travel beauty bag?
It's funny you mention it, because I'm constantly traveling between my family and friends (they call me a nomad), so I've gotten pretty good at packing what I need! First of all, multi-use products are an absolute must! Look for foundations with built-in primers, and bronzers that can be used as eyeshadow. Small multi-purpose palettes are a great investment too, like the Laura Mercier Lu Color Portfolio or the Too Faced Sweet Dreams Collection which include a range of versatile eyeshadow colors, eyeliners, blush and lip gloss all in one place.
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