Beauty Blogger Of The Moment: Sarahbelle93x
If you're at all familiar with the beauty community on YouTube, you likely know this glitter-loving guru as Sarahbelle93x. Interestingly enough, she's has gone by the moniker long before YouTube even existed; her friends and family have been calling her the Beauty and the Beast-inspired nickname since she was a little girl. Sarah's sweet Disney-inspired pseudonym suits her bubbly personality, which shines through in her videos that range from beauty tips to nail tutorials, hair how-tos to shopping hauls.
Sarah's charisma makes her vlogs all the more fun to watch. It's no surprise that this eighteen-year-old has racked up almost 100,000 subscribers and a million and a half channel views. Plus, this college-bound blogger has already been tapped by Olsenboye, the budget brand designed by Mary-Kate and Ashley, to appear in a "Haul-ywood" video with all her fave products from the line.
With a beauty philosophy that differs from that of many of her fellow gurus, Sarah stresses that makeup should be used to enhance one's beauty, rather than cover it. She lives her mantra by wearing natural makeup most of the time, rather than going all out with outrageous beauty looks every day. But Sarah shows her individuality in subtle (and school-friendly!) ways, like crazy glittered nails or romantic, voluminous waves. One thing's for sure: we'll be using her everyday tips to prep for back to school this season!
1/11Get to know beauty guru Sarah in this Q&A.
2/11Age: 18
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Date Started Vlogging: Late 2008
Why did you initially decide to start a vlog?:
Pure boredom! I found the beauty community when I was obsessed with purses, so the first video I found was Strawbezzi’s "What’s in my Purse" video. Then through her channel I found other gurus and decided I wanted to make my own videos too.
3/11** What is the story behind your vlog's title?**
Ever since I was little my family has called me Sarah Belle and I was obsessed with Belle from Beauty and the Beast, so I absolutely loved my nickname. Then when it came time to finally make my first email account, my dad had the idea to make my email SarahBelle93 because I was born in 1993. After that, I used SarahBelle93 whenever I would register for a website and after my old channel was hacked, I added the X so I could still be Sarah Belle!
** If your vlog had a mission statement, what would it be?**
I would prefer to have a mission song as weird as it sounds! I would take "Who Says" by Selena Gomez and "Mean" by Taylor Swift and mash them together because I feel like both songs have a great message that every girl needs to abide by. Haters please, we are fabulous!
4/11What are your personal favorite blogs and vlogs? Why?
I subscribe to so many channels on YouTube and I love them all, but some of my favorites to watch are beautyxxgoddess, meghanrosette, makeupbytiffanyd and arose186 because they are all so unique and entertaining. Also I love watching HayleyisTCB because she is literally one of the most talented beauty gurus that I know and her personality shines through when you watch her videos.
What type of camera do you use?
I use a Panasonic HDC-TM80, it’s so easy to use and the quality is fantastic!
5/11Where are your favorite places to shop?
I cannot go into H&M and not buy something! The prices are reasonable and the clothing is trendy but professional. Other than H&M, I love Free People, Ralph Lauren, Urban Outfitters and TJ Maxx!
Are there any trends you're particularly inspired by this season?
I'm sure many people already know the answer to this, but I have been completely obsessed with the nautical trend this summer. Navy blue is my weakness.
6/11** How would you describe your style?**
My style is definitely feminine and preppy. I love Blair Waldorf's conservative style on Gossip Girl, if I could have her closet that would be ideal. But occasionally I like to take a step out of my comfort zone and wear something trendy.
What do you do when you're not vlogging?
I'm just starting my freshman year of college, and I want to get involved by rushing so I can pledge to a sorority. Other than that I love running, shopping and hanging out with my friends. Also, every Tuesday I visit my grandma and grandpa. It's a tradition!
7/11** Any advice for anyone who wants to start her/his own vlog?**
Do a "what's in my purse" video! Everyone and their mother watch those videos and they give your channel exposure, which is always a good thing when you are first starting out. In addition to that, don't be afraid to tell people about your YouTube channel. I kept my channel a secret from everyone except my family and once my school found out about my videos, I was absolutely amazed by the support I received from my classmates and friends.
What are the best aspects of running your own blog? What are the hardest aspects?
There are so many great things that come with making YouTube videos. One of my favorite things is just interacting with my subscribers because I can't fathom people from all around the world watching my videos, that's crazy! Also because of YouTube I've made the greatest "cyber" friends and I have met many of them in real life and it's so surreal, I love it!
Just like most people, I have to say the hardest part is dealing with the negativity. I know I should never take the negativity to heart but I am only human, I have emotions and occasionally the negativity gets to me. It's made me realize that not everyone is going to like you and you just have to accept that.
8/11What trend from the past would like to make a comeback?
I love the silhouette of the late 1940s after World War II. The fashion from that era is so classy, especially Dior's New Look. To me, that is the epitome of femininity.
What beauty products can you not live without?
If I don't have my Maybelline Define-a-Lash Volume Waterproof Mascara, I would freak out because the mascara adds length and volume to my naturally stubby eyelashes. Also, my Givenchy Photo'Perfexion foundation because it tricks people into thinking I have flawless skin, when in reality, I don't have perfect skin! Life without those two holy grail products would be tragic.
9/11If you had a thousand dollars to spend on makeup, what would you buy?
My first stop would be at Chanel because I do not own any Chanel cosmetics! The packaging is to die for and I've heard nothing but good reviews about their products. I also would try their nail polishes because I have a crazy addiction to nail polishes. I've always eyed a few colors of Nars and Tarte blushes, so I would definitely pick up a few new blushes as well. A girl can never have too many blushes!
What's in your travel beauty bag?
Believe it or not, I honestly don't carry a makeup bag! However, I always have a lip balm in my wristlet or purse because I hate the feeling of chapped, dry lips. Then at the bottom of my purse I usually have at least one lip gloss for whenever I go out and want to wear gloss!
10/11How long have you been into makeup?
I've worn makeup since my freshman year of high school but I didn't get into makeup until my sophomore year, which is when I found the beauty community on YouTube. I blame YouTube for my addiction! I need an intervention! (Just kidding.)
Do you prefer drugstore or high end makeup brands?
For liquid eyeliner and mascara, I experiment with drugstore brands. Other than that, I like to splurge on higher end products.
11/11Most memorable makeup faux pas?
When I was sophomore, I looked really young for my age and that year for homecoming I decided I wanted to do a smoky eye. Since I didn't use a primer, it ended up looking chalky and too harsh for such a young face! I shake my head every time I see a close-up of that makeup...
What/who is your makeup inspiration?
Definitely Leighton Meester because she never wears too much on her eyes and you can tell she uses makeup to enhance her natural beauty, not cover it up! And as for makeup artists, I admire Sarah Uslan. I just recently met her this summer and she is so successful for her age.
What's your daily makeup routine?
On a typical school day I take my Beauty Blender sponge and apply my Givenchy Photo'Perfexion foundation then conceal. After that I apply a primer to my eyes and Stila's "Kitten" eyeshadow, then follow that up with liquid liner and waterproof mascara. Usually my blush changes everyday, but recently I'm obsessed with bright blushes. Finally I apply lip balm and head out the door for school!
