As a young girl I had no idea how to apply makeup. I trusted makeup artists behind cosmetics counters to tell me exactly what products I needed and how to use them. For years I walked through life wearing caked on foundation that was two shades darker than my skin tone, and heavy concealer that did anything but conceal, simply because a person behind a makeup counter told me to. Needless to say, I was in dire need of some education in cosmetology. This was the moment I turned to YouTube for help.
YouTube is an ideal platform for makeup gurus and novices alike. As a novice, I found it amazing that I could search topics such as “get ready with me: everyday makeup routine” or “bold lip colors for dark women” from unique and talented beauty gurus that looked like me. I survey a variety of videos on one topic and take advice from an extensive range of beauty influencers. I love to mix and match tips from dark-skinned women all over the world to create a makeup routine fits my personal needs and desires.
Some of my favorite YouTubers include Aaliyah Jay, Jackie Aina, Jayla Koriyan and Raven Elyse. With the help of these virtual influencers, I fell in love with products like the Maybelline Fit-Me foundation. This foundation is medium to full coverage, and comes in both matte and dewy textures depending on personal preferences. In addition to expanding my cosmetic palette in terms of foundations, Aaliyah Jay taught me the wonders of a brand called NYX cosmetics. NYX is a makeup lover’s heaven. They carry every product imaginable, from liquid lipsticks in a wide range of shades to illuminating highlighters. My favorite products from NYX include their Matte Liquid liner in black and the NYX Butter Gloss in the shade Praline.
YouTube continues to assist me in expanding my knowledge of the treasures of makeup. Below are a few of my favorite tutorials! Hopefully, these tutorials help you establish a makeup routine that makes you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin.
