Beauty Blogger Of The Moment: Strawberryelectric48
"Hey girl hey!"—Kristee's signature greeting for her beauty vlog, strawberryelectric48—couldn't be more appropriate for this guru's funny and, well, electric videos. From makeup tutorials to shopping hauls, Kristee seamlessly weaves humor into her frequent updates, immediately making you want to be her BFF.
Aside from the standard how-tos and beauty faves, she films expert vids about everything from her bedroom decor to her cute wardrobe. With a lighthearted take on beauty and a super-positive self-image, this girl—and her deservedly-popular channel—is an insta-bookmark.
1/10Age: 16
Hometown: Oregon
Date Started Vlogging: May 2010
Why did you initially decide to start a vlog?
I fell in love with the Youtube Beauty Community from the first video I saw. After I really got a sense of just how extensive it was and how many different girls made videos, I immediately knew it was something that I wanted to be involved in. I'm the kind of person that would much rather be onstage than in the audience.
What is the story behind your vlog's title?
Strawberryelectric is a Revlon nail polish in my collection. At the time I created my channel, I thought it was the most random and unique name of a beauty product, and it just stood out to me. 487 was my favorite number from an old inside joke, but luckily (or at least that's how I see it now) Strawberryelectric487 was one character too long.
2/10If your vlog had a mission statement, what would it be?
Narrowing down everything my channel is about into one statement might be near impossible. Maybe something along the lines of "Embrace who you are and play up your strengths." Part of being beautiful is not only accepting yourself, but embracing who you are from the inside out.
How would you describe your style?
My style is pretty hard to pinpoint. Definitely super girly—I love my lace and dusty rose pieces. At the same time I don't know what I would do without my edgy leather jackets and lace-up boots. Of course I can't forget tribal tanks and bold prints. In essence, my style is little bits and pieces of everything wrapped into one. The best label for it would just be me.
3/10What do you do when you’re not vlogging?
When I am not absorbed in YouTube, I’m just doing normal teenage girl things and enjoying being young. I love spending time with my friends, shopping, and going to the beach. School also takes up a lot more time than I’d like it to. Something most of my viewers probably don’t know is that I love art and drawing too.
What are your personal favorite blogs and vlogs? Why?
My #1 favorite YouTuber has to be Jlovesmac1. I really admire her ability to make her videos informative and so entertaining at the same time. It’s like half comedy and half beauty and she’s got me hooked! I also love to watch amari. There’s something about her that makes me not want to exit out of the video and I’m always wanting more when it’s over. I have SO many other favorites, but a few are sweetbeautyx, hellokatyxo, beauty4everxo, lolufullyloaded, arose186, and breelovesbeauty. All these girls are so genuine and relatable making them fun to watch and talk to!
4/10What type of camera do you use?
I use a Sony HDR CX-110 and I love it! Such good quality and easy to use.
What beauty products can you not live without?
Mascara, mascara, mascara! Anyone who watches my videos will agree with the fact that I have an obsession. I also don't know what I would do without my MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner in Petting Pink or my Urban Decay Naked Palette. Plus, I have a nail polish addiction, but that's a whole other story.
5/10How long have you been into makeup?
I remember being exposed to makeup at a pretty young age in elementary school because I was a dancer. We would always have to wear it for recitals and competitions because of the bright stage lights and it fascinated me. I didn't really get into it and start collecting it until my freshman year of high school once I discovered beauty videos though.
Do you prefer drugstore or high-end makeup brands?
I'm not going to lie, I love my high-end makeup. I feel comfortable splurging in places like Ulta because I can rely on good quality. I like being able to see the product and swatch the colors. I always tell myself, "you get what you pay for." (Even if it isn't always true, it makes me feel better about my shopping problem). There are definitely some great finds in the drugstore, though, and they can be comparable and even better than high end products sometimes.
6/10Any advice for anyone who wants to start her/his own vlog?
I would say the most important thing is to remember to be yourself and not lose track of your personality. That is what is going to set you apart in the beauty community. Just give your all and stay dedicated and you'll get far.
What are the best aspects of running your own blog? What are the hardest aspects?
My beauty channel is kind of like my own little oasis. I love having an outlet where I know I can always be myself, help people out, and just do what I love. It can be whatever I want to make it, and I love meeting and talking to so many different girls from all over the map. I've honestly met some of my best friends through YouTube and feedback from my viewers is life-changing. I don't care how cheesy that may sound because its 100% true.
Something that has been hard is dealing with the unnecessary negativity. It is so easy for people to say horrible things over the internet, which is sad. Its taken some getting used to, since a teenage girl doesn't typically face critiques on virtually (no pun intended) anything people can find wrong with her. Don't get me wrong, though, the positive support and feedback definitely overrides any "hate" and is worth it all. In a way, I've learned how to REALLY not care about other people's opinions of me. I always remind myself, "Don't let the love get to your head and don't let the hate get to your heart."
7/10Where are your favorite places to shop?
I LOVE exploring and trying new places when I'm out shopping, but I can always count on finding cute things at stores like Urban Outfitters, Nordstrom, Forever 21, Maurices, and H&M.
Are there any trends you're particularly inspired by this season?
Leopard Print! I seriously cannot get enough of it and I am so glad to see more and more of it in style this season. I'm definitely on the lookout for more fun pieces and accessories incorporating the animal print trend.
8/10If you had a thousand dollars to spend on makeup, what would you buy?
I would definitely stock up on some staple products from MAC. I've always wanted to splurge and try out some Chanel and Dior makeup too. Oh and I would go crazy in Sephora... picturing it now I would feel bad for any innocent people in my path. Urban Decay Palettes galore.
What's in your travel beauty bag?
At school for touch-ups I keep a Covergirl loose powder, Stila Convertible Color in Petunia, Black eyeliner pencil, an eyelash curler, and one of my many mascaras.
9/10What's your daily makeup routine?
Amazing Cosmetics Concealer (I'm a junior in high school—I don't sleep much), sometimes a light foundation like Covergirl Naturelu, MAC Mineralized Skinfinish natural, contouring with a bronzer, whatever blush fits my mood, an eye look that I feel like trying out, Gel eyeliner on my upper lashline, and mascara. Oh, and the lip color I choose for the day (usually a lip stain for school). Of course it usually takes longer than necessary because you can always find me distracted watching beauty videos while I'm getting ready.
10/10Most memorable makeup faux pas?
I was guilty of the raccoon liner. Upper lashline, tightline, waterline, lower lashline, it was just an eyeliner party on my eyes. It always had to be black too, and thick. Gotta love middle school trial and error (emphasis on error) phases.
What/who is your makeup inspiration?
I can't really say its any one specific person or place. To be honest a lot of my inspiration is pulled from different people I watch on YouTube or magazines I read.
