Explore YouTube’s most remarkable beauty influencers in 2023
In the virtual age, the beauty industry has undergone a transformative shift. Gone are the days when we relied solely on glossy magazines and traditional media to get beauty tips and inspiration. Now, a new breed of beauty influencers has taken center stage on YouTube, reshaping the beauty landscape and complementing beauty journalists in ways we could have never imagined.
These YouTube beauty gurus have become household names, amassing millions of subscribers. Beyond that, they wield significant influence over beauty trends, product launches, and consumer behavior. In this article, we’ll explore who the most influential YouTube beauty gurus are and the impact they’ve had on the beauty industry.
The rise of the YouTube beauty guru
Before we dive into the world of YouTube’s most influential beauty gurus, it’s essential to understand how this phenomenon came about. YouTube, the video-sharing platform, was launched in 2005 and quickly gained popularity as a place where individuals could upload and share videos on various topics. As the platform evolved, so did the content, and beauty enthusiasts seized the opportunity to create makeup tutorials, skincare routines, and product reviews.
One of the earliest beauty gurus to gain traction on YouTube was Michelle Phan. Her channel, “MichellePhan,” debuted in 2007 and became a sensation, with her makeup tutorials racking up millions of views. Michelle Phan’s success opened the door for countless others who aspired to share their passion for beauty with the world. Over time, YouTube’s beauty community grew, leading to the emergence of numerous influential beauty gurus.
What makes a beauty guru influential?
Before we dive into our list of influential beauty gurus, let’s examine the criteria that define their influence. The influence of a YouTube beauty guru can be measured by several key factors:
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Subscriber count
A substantial following on YouTube indicates a guru’s reach and ability to impact a broad audience.
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Engagement
High levels of viewer engagement, such as likes, comments, and shares, demonstrate that a beauty guru’s content resonates with their audience.
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Brand collaborations
Collaborations with beauty brands and product endorsements signify a guru’s credibility and industry recognition.
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Trendsetting
Influential beauty gurus often set trends and influence consumer purchasing decisions.
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Educational content
Providing informative and educational content, such as tutorials and product reviews, can solidify a guru’s position as an industry authority.
The most influential beauty gurus on YouTube
Now that we understand the criteria for measuring influence let’s explore some of the most influential beauty gurus on YouTube.
1. James Charles
With over 27 million subscribers, James Charles is one of the most prominent and influential beauty gurus on YouTube. He gained widespread recognition as CoverGirl’s first male spokesperson and has since built a massive following through his creative makeup tutorials and captivating personality. James Charles has the power to make or break makeup trends and products with a single video, showcasing his significant influence over the beauty industry.
2. NikkieTutorials (Nikkie de Jager)
Nikkie de Jager, known as NikkieTutorials, boasts over 13 million subscribers on YouTube. She’s celebrated for her stunning makeup transformations and is a go-to source for honest product reviews. Nikkie’s collaboration with beauty giant Too Faced on the “Power of Makeup” palette catapulted her into the mainstream beauty world, further solidifying her influence.
3. Jeffree Star
Jeffree Star is not only a beauty guru but also a successful makeup entrepreneur. His cosmetics brand, Jeffree Star Cosmetics, has taken the industry by storm. With over 16 million subscribers, Jeffree Star’s brutally honest product reviews and bold makeup looks have a profound impact on beauty enthusiasts. His brand collaborations and business ventures have made him a significant player in the beauty industry.
4. Tati Westbrook (GlamLifeGuru)
Tati Westbrook, known as GlamLifeGuru, has built a loyal following of over 9 million subscribers. Her comprehensive product reviews, drugstore vs. high-end comparisons, and “PR Unboxing” videos provide valuable insights for beauty consumers. Tati’s reputation for honesty and her calming on-screen presence make her a trusted source in the 2023 beauty market.
5. Jaclyn Hill
Jaclyn Hill, with over 5 million subscribers, rose to fame with her flawless makeup tutorials and product recommendations. Her collaboration with Morphe on the Jaclyn Hill Eyeshadow Palette became a massive success. Despite facing controversies, Jaclyn’s influence on makeup trends remains significant, and her fans eagerly await her beauty releases.
6. Manny MUA (Manny Gutierrez)
Manny MUA boasts over 4 million subscribers and is known for his charismatic and relatable personality. As a male beauty guru, he has broken barriers in the industry. Manny’s reviews and makeup tutorials cater to a diverse audience, making him a powerful influencer in the beauty world.
7. Huda Kattan
Huda Kattan, although primarily an Instagram influencer and entrepreneur, has a strong presence on YouTube with over 4 million subscribers. She founded Huda Beauty, a cosmetics brand that gained worldwide recognition. Huda’s makeup tutorials, skincare routines, and beauty tips resonate with her audience and contribute to her influence.
8. Patrick Starrr
Patrick Starrr, with over 4 million subscribers, is known for his glamorous makeup transformations and entertaining personality. He has collaborated with major beauty brands, such as MAC Cosmetics, and continues to inspire and empower beauty enthusiasts worldwide.
9. Desi Perkins
Desi Perkins, with over 3 million subscribers, is celebrated for her versatile makeup looks and creative tutorials. Her authenticity and approachability have endeared her to her audience, making her a trusted voice in the beauty community.
10. Kathleen Lights (Kathleen Fuentes)
Kathleen Lights, with over 4 million subscribers, is known for her down-to-earth demeanor and accessible makeup tutorials. Her collaboration with ColourPop on the “KathleenLights” collection was a huge success, demonstrating her ability to influence product sales.
The impact of beauty gurus on the industry
These influential beauty gurus have undeniably transformed the beauty industry in several ways:
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Product collaborations
Many beauty gurus have launched their own makeup lines or collaborated with established brands. These partnerships often result in limited-edition collections that sell out within minutes, emphasizing the gurus’ ability to drive sales and create buzz.
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Trendsetting
Beauty gurus are trendsetters who introduce new makeup techniques, styles, and product innovations. Their influence can be seen in the adoption of trends like contouring, strobing, and bold eyeshadow looks.
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Consumer education
Beauty gurus provide valuable education to consumers. Their tutorials and reviews help viewers make informed choices about products and techniques, which is especially important in the crowded beauty market.
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Diversity and inclusivity
Influential beauty gurus have pushed for greater diversity and inclusivity in the beauty industry. They challenge beauty standards and advocate for products that cater to all skin tones and types.
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Honesty and transparency
Many beauty gurus are known for their honesty and transparency. They hold brands accountable for their products and promote authenticity in an industry that often relies on airbrushed images and filters.
The challenges of being an influential beauty guru
While being an influential beauty guru comes with numerous perks, it also comes with its own set of challenges:
Intense scrutiny: Influencers are under constant scrutiny, with their every move and word dissected by their followers and the media. This can be emotionally taxing and lead to burnout.
Maintaining credibility: Influencers must strike a balance between sponsored content and genuine recommendations to maintain their credibility and trustworthiness.
Navigating controversies: The beauty community is not without its share of controversies and drama. Influencers must navigate these situations carefully to protect their brand and reputation.
Competitive market: There is a lot of competition among today’s YouTubers, with new gurus emerging regularly. Influencers must continually innovate to stay relevant.
How to become a YouTube guru
Becoming a YouTube beauty guru requires dedication, passion, creativity, and a deep understanding of the beauty industry. While success isn’t guaranteed, following these steps can help you get started on your journey to becoming a YouTube beauty guru:
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Identify your niche
Decide on your specific niche within the beauty industry. Are you interested in makeup tutorials, skincare routines, product reviews, or a combination of these? Choosing a niche helps you target a specific audience.
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Create a unique brand
Develop your unique brand identity. This includes your channel name, logo, and overall style. Make sure your brand reflects your personality and the type of content you plan to create.
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Educate yourself
Invest time in learning about makeup techniques, skincare, and beauty trends. Stay updated on the latest products, ingredients, and industry news. Attend makeup workshops, courses, and seminars to enhance your skills.
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Invest in equipment
High-quality video and audio equipment are essential for producing professional-looking content. Invest in a good camera, microphone, lighting equipment, and video editing software.
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Plan your content
Create a content calendar to plan your video releases. Consistency is key on YouTube, so aim to upload regularly, whether it’s weekly or on a different schedule that suits you.
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Master video editing
Learn how to edit your videos to create engaging and polished content. Video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro can help you enhance the quality of your videos.
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Create engaging thumbnails
Thumbnails are the first thing viewers see, so design eye-catching thumbnails that accurately represent your video’s content. Use high-resolution images and clear, concise text.
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SEO optimization
Learn about search engine optimization (SEO) for YouTube. Use relevant keywords in your video titles, descriptions, and tags to improve discoverability. Research popular search terms in your niche.
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Engage with your audience
Respond to comments on your videos and engage with your viewers on social media. Building a community and connecting with your audience is crucial for growth.
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Collaborate and network
Collaborate with other beauty influencers, both within and outside your niche. Collaborations can help you reach new audiences and expand your network within the beauty community.
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Be authentic
Be yourself in front of the camera. Authenticity builds trust with your viewers. Share your personal experiences, tips, and opinions honestly.
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Stay informed
Stay updated on industry news and trends. Attend beauty events, read beauty magazines, and follow industry experts on social media to gain insights and inspiration.
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Promote your content
Share your videos on various social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, to increase your reach and attract more subscribers.
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Monetize your channel
Once you’ve built a substantial following, explore monetization options, such as ad revenue, sponsored content, affiliate marketing, and launching your own beauty products or merchandise.
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Stay consistent and patient
Building a successful YouTube channel takes time and persistence. Don’t get discouraged by slow growth in the beginning. Keep producing quality content and adapting to changes in the beauty industry.
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Legal and ethical considerations
Familiarize yourself with legal and ethical guidelines for sponsored content, affiliate marketing, and product endorsements. Comply with FTC regulations and disclose any paid partnerships or affiliate links to maintain transparency with your audience.
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Continuous improvement
Always seek ways to improve your content and skills. Listen to feedback from your audience and adapt accordingly. Be open to evolving your content strategy as your channel grows.
Becoming a YouTube beauty guru is a rewarding journey, but it requires dedication, hard work, and a genuine passion for beauty. Keep in mind that success may not come overnight, so stay persistent, authentic, and committed to creating content that resonates with your audience. Over time, your channel can become a valuable resource for beauty enthusiasts and a platform to share your passion and expertise.
What we can learn from today’s beauty gurus
The most influential YouTube beauty gurus have not only mastered the art of makeup and skincare but have also built successful careers and brands around this passion. There are several valuable lessons we can learn from them:
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Authenticity is key
Authenticity is at the heart of what makes these beauty gurus stand out. They are genuine and transparent with their audience, sharing both their successes and struggles. Being authentic allows them to connect on a deeper level with their viewers, fostering trust and loyalty.
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Consistency matters
Consistency is a hallmark of successful YouTubers. Beauty gurus regularly upload content, whether it’s makeup tutorials, reviews, or vlogs. Consistency keeps their audience engaged and coming back for more.
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Stay current and adapt
The beauty industry is constantly evolving, with new products and techniques emerging regularly. Influential beauty gurus stay informed and adapt to these changes. They embrace innovation and are quick to incorporate new trends into their content.
Final take
YouTube’s beauty gurus have risen to prominence and transformed the beauty industry, becoming powerful influencers with millions of devoted followers. Their impact is felt not only in terms of product sales and trends but also in the broader conversations about beauty standards, diversity, and authenticity.
As the beauty landscape continues to evolve, these influential beauty gurus will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping its future. Whether you’re a makeup enthusiast or simply curious about the world of beauty, these gurus are worth keeping an eye on. After all, they will continue to inspire and influence the way we approach beauty and self-expression for a long time.
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