Everything I know about makeup I learned from YouTube (Part 1)

Here’s the truth: everything you need to know about makeup you can learn from watching videos in YouTube. The thing is that the video-sharing website is bursting with all sorts of presenters that one tends to be confused as to which channels to tune into for reliable information. Uptown/Downtown gives you the skinny on some of the best YouTube make up gurus today.

Wayne Goss

Number of subscribers: 2,261,031

Number of views (to date): 263,881,255

Somerset-born Wayne Goss is the most watched male YouTube makeup artist in the world. And for a good reason: Goss is not just a professional makeup artist but a natural teacher and adept communicator. Wayne gives very clear instructions on various makeup techniques as well as honest and in-depth reviews on products. Want to know how to contour your face like Kim Kardashian? Click on Wayne’s channel (his Kim Kardashian contour and highlight episode has over nine million views!). Need to know how to make pores disappear in seconds? How to choose which foundation is right for you? How to save money on makeup and how to make the most out of nickel-and-dime-type eyeshadow? Ask Wayne. His advice is always well-researched and straight to the point (which this columnist appreciates). If you are looking for no-nonsense makeup tutorials, Wayne is your guy!

(Watch Wayne’s makeup tutorials at www.youtube.com/user/gossmakeupartist.)

Lisa Eldridge

Number of subscribers: 1,266,206

Number of views (to date): 100,597,213

Eldridge is a professional makeup artist who had her first big break when she was hired by Elle Magazine to work with supermodel Cindy Crawford. Both model and artist hit it off quite well and this resulted in a series of  collaborations. Eldridge has since cultivated an A-list celebrity clientele and has worked for various publications such as Vogue, Allure, Glamour and Harper’s Bazaar to name a few. She has worked with Shiseido and Chanel and is currently the makeup creative director of Lancome.

Eldridge is prolific in her episodes. Her tutoring style is relaxed and informative. Her lessons range from the practical “My five-minute makeup look” to her discussion on the history of makeup. Like Wayne Goss, Eldridge speaks with authority and does not dawdle in her delivery.

(View Lisa’s creations and tutorials at www.youtube.com/user/lisaeldridgedotcom.)

Pixiwoo

Number of subscribers: 1,908,318

Number of views (to date):  243,421,789

Sisters Samantha Chapman and Nicola Haste have been YouTube mainstays for seven years. Watching Sam and Nic totally transform their looks can be quite amazing. In Pixiwoo, one is taught makeup techniques that are inspired by actresses, models and media heroines. Want to channel Rachel Weisz, Angelina Jolie, Kiera Knightley, Linda Evangelista, Eva Green or Kim Kardashian (EVERY YouTube makeup guru has at least one tutorial on Kim Kardashian. Wayne Goss has an entire playlist devoted to her!)? Go to Pixiwoo’s channel and watch the sisters work their magic.

Sam and Nic have a very casual manner of dishing out advice and instructions. Sam has recently teamed up with Paris Presents for a line of cruelty-free makeup brushes called “Real Techniques.”

(Watch Pixiwoo sisters at www.youtube.com/user/pixiwoo.)

Maya Mia

Number of subscribers: 903,748

Number of views (to date): 59,734,392

Maya Janesca a.k.a. Maya Mia is arguably the most beautiful makeup guru in YouTube universe. She does not need makeup and yet her talent for the art is unquestionable. A resident of Tanzania, Maya is a self-taught makeup artist who first started her foray into cosmetics application at the age of 16 when she was a model in Macedonia. Maya has recently worked with renowned cosmetics company Anastasia Beverly Hills in coming out with her own makeup eyeshadow set called “Maya Mia Palette.”

This columnist believes that Maya Mia’s forte is in creating variations for the smoky eye look. She also has interesting tutorials on celebrity-inspired makeup such as Lana del Rey,  Demi Lovato, Lorde, Kylie Jenner and Megan Fox.

(Here’s the link to Maya Mia’s awesome tutorials: www.youtube.com/channel/UCF8wX4xAg2c9kqmZX4ucpXQ.)