With over a billion users and even more videos viewed each day, YouTube has become a platform able to reach more people than other network in the United States. It is used for comedy, politics, advertising, sports, millennial movements and everything in between. Recently, however, there has been a large increase in the number of makeup channels, offering tutorials on different looks and reviews of various products.

Many of the stars who run these blogs have made it much more than a hobby – it has expanded into something bigger, and has become a means of life for them. For many, this means endorsements and reviews of certain products, sponsored by various companies. For others, it means expanding their platform to other social media outlets, including Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and even creating lifestyle and fashion blogs.

“My favorite YouTube makeup star is Rachel Talbott because she does a lot more than makeup, and she is really genuine,” said Samreen Hussain, senior.

Any avid YouTube viewer knows the names of most YouTube celebrities — the same is true for YouTube makeup gurus. There are a few names that always seem to pop up, due to the popularity and fan bases that these channels have. Some of the most popular and most viewed are Michelle Phan, Bethany Mota (Mac 07 Barbie) and Sona Gasparian.

Michelle Phan is perhaps one of the most renowned and successful self-made YouTube entrepreneurs in the business. Since starting her channel in 2007, she has grown to reach a community of over seven and a half million, with over one billion views, according to her website. She has partnered with L’Oreal to make her own makeup line, and is a co-founder of ipsy, a personalized beauty product sampling on a monthly basis.

Bethany Mota began her YouTube career in 2009 when she began posting “haul” videos, where she showed and reviewed her most recent fashion and beauty purchases. She now uploads a wide range of beauty, fashion, haul, and do-it-yourself tutorials. Since her increase in popularity, she has partnered with Aeropostale to create her own clothing line, and has gone on several tours around the country to talk to her fans.

Sona Gasparian began by working at a MAC Cosmetic counter, as a professional makeup artist. She began posting tutorial videos and on YouTube as a hobby, and it has since become her career. She has had the opportunity to partner with both Elle and Glamour magazines, and has had over thirteen million views worldwide.

“My favorite YouTube makeup star would have to be KathleenLights. I just love how her makeup looks are super wearable and applicable to so many different types of people. She’s also very fun, honest and humble, which I love,” said Aya Sellami, senior.

Because these stars have such widespread popularity, many have had the opportunity to partner with large and extremely well known companies such as MAC, L’Oreal, Clinique and Lancôme to produce their own lines, and promote not only the company but also their YouTube channel.

The popularity of these stars on YouTube has also translated to popularity and a large following on other social media sites such as Twitter and Instagram. Michelle Phan has over two million followers on Instagram and over 670,000 on Twitter. Bethany Mota has over five million Instagram followers, and Sona Gasparian has over 133,000 followers.

All three have taken their success on social media and translated it into their blogs. All three stars, as well as hundreds of other well known YouTube stars have blogs that feature tips and tricks relating to hair and makeup, as well as fashion advice and ideas. They have pictures of their own life, and some have even taken to offering “lifestyle” advice about do-it-yourself projects. Some of these blogs have even been started by Plainfield North students, such as senior Aya Sellami.

“My blog is a lifestyle blog, which is basically a blog about anything and everything you like! I made my blog because I wanted a place where I could express myself and showcase all of the things that are important to me. On my blog you’ll find my fashion style, travel adventures, recipes, DIY projects, photography, and more,” said Sellami.