Where Are They Now? Old YouTube Beauty Gurus
Hey guys! Remember the good old days of YouTube beauty? When makeup tutorials were filmed on grainy webcams and sponsored content was, like, one video a month? Let's take a trip down memory lane and see what some of our favorite OG beauty gurus are up to now. Get ready for a serious dose of nostalgia!
The OG Beauty Scene
Before we dive into specific gurus, let's set the stage. The early YouTube beauty scene was a wild west of experimentation, genuine passion, and a whole lot of trial and error. These weren't perfectly curated Instagram feeds; these were real people, in their bedrooms, sharing their love for makeup and skincare. There was an authenticity that's hard to find these days, and that's why so many of us fell in love with these creators. It was about learning together, sharing tips, and building a community. Remember the days when hauls were EVERYTHING? Walking into a drugstore or Sephora and filming the entire experience, sharing every single product you picked up? Those were the days! And who could forget the iconic tag videos? From the Boyfriend Does My Makeup challenge to the Get Ready With Me routines, these gurus invited us into their lives and made us feel like we were part of their friend group. The sense of community was so strong. You'd leave comments, get responses, and actually feel like you were connecting with the guru and other viewers. This level of engagement is something that's often missing in today's highly produced, highly polished online beauty world. The beauty community has evolved so much. Back then, it was more about passion than profit. Now, while passion still exists, there's a much stronger emphasis on monetization and brand partnerships. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it has changed the landscape significantly. The old YouTube beauty scene was about genuine connection, learning together, and building a community around a shared love for all things beauty. It was a simpler time, a more authentic time, and a time that many of us remember with fondness. So, as we explore what our favorite OG gurus are up to now, let's appreciate the foundation they laid for the beauty community we know and love today.
Where Are They Now?
Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Where are our OG beauty gurus now? What are they doing? Have they moved on to other ventures, or are they still slaying the makeup game? Let’s find out!
Michelle Phan
Ah, Michelle Phan, the queen of the OG beauty gurus! Michelle was one of the first to really blow up on YouTube, and for good reason. Her creative makeup tutorials, artistic flair, and calming voice made her a must-watch for anyone interested in beauty. From her iconic Lady Gaga-inspired looks to her everyday makeup routines, Michelle's videos were both inspiring and accessible. She wasn't just showing you how to apply makeup; she was teaching you about art, creativity, and self-expression. One of the things that set Michelle apart was her storytelling ability. She didn't just present the information; she wove narratives into her videos, making them engaging and memorable. Her videos were more than just tutorials; they were experiences. But where is she now? After stepping away from YouTube for a while to focus on other projects, Michelle has been busy building her makeup brand, EM Cosmetics. EM Cosmetics is all about empowering individuals to express themselves through makeup, with a focus on high-quality products and innovative formulas. The brand has gained a loyal following and is known for its sleek packaging and versatile products. Beyond EM Cosmetics, Michelle has also been involved in various entrepreneurial ventures, including investments in tech startups and other beauty-related projects. She's a true businesswoman and a force to be reckoned with. She also made a return to YouTube! While she doesn't post as frequently as she used to, she occasionally uploads videos sharing her thoughts on beauty, wellness, and entrepreneurship. Her content is more personal and reflective, offering a glimpse into her life and her evolving perspective. It's been great to see her back on the platform, sharing her wisdom and inspiring a new generation of beauty enthusiasts. Michelle Phan's journey is a testament to her talent, her vision, and her ability to adapt and evolve. She's not just a beauty guru; she's an entrepreneur, an artist, and an inspiration to millions. And while the YouTube beauty scene has changed a lot since her early days, her impact is undeniable. She paved the way for so many other creators and helped shape the beauty community into what it is today.
Bethany Mota
Bethany Mota, also known as Macbarbie07, was the queen of the haul videos. Her bubbly personality and relatable style made her a favorite among teenage viewers. Bethany's videos weren't just about makeup; they were about fashion, DIY projects, and lifestyle tips. She created a sense of community and made her viewers feel like they were part of her friend group. Her haul videos were legendary. Walking into a store with Bethany felt like you were on a shopping spree with your best friend. She'd share her honest opinions on products, offer styling advice, and always keep it real. Her DIY projects were equally popular. From decorating tips to crafting tutorials, Bethany inspired her viewers to get creative and express their individuality. She showed them that you don't need to spend a lot of money to create something beautiful and unique. So, what's Bethany up to now? After taking a break from YouTube, Bethany has focused on her fashion career. She's collaborated with major brands, walked in fashion shows, and continues to inspire her followers with her personal style. She has also used her platform to advocate for important causes, such as mental health awareness and anti-bullying campaigns. Bethany's journey is a reminder that success isn't just about fame and fortune; it's about using your platform to make a positive impact on the world. She's a role model for young people everywhere, showing them that they can achieve their dreams while staying true to themselves. While she may not be as active on YouTube as she once was, her influence is still felt in the online community. She helped shape the landscape of beauty and fashion content, and her legacy continues to inspire new creators.
Ingrid Nilsen
Ingrid Nilsen, formerly known as Missglamorazzi, was the go-to guru for all things beauty, lifestyle, and advice. Her channel was a mix of makeup tutorials, fashion tips, and heartfelt discussions about life and relationships. Ingrid's videos were known for their high quality, thoughtful content, and genuine personality. She wasn't just showing you how to apply makeup; she was sharing her thoughts, her experiences, and her vulnerabilities. Her advice videos were particularly popular. She had a knack for offering practical, relatable advice on everything from dealing with stress to navigating relationships. She created a safe space for her viewers to ask questions, share their concerns, and feel supported. But what is Ingrid doing now? Ingrid has continued to create content on YouTube, focusing on topics such as sustainability, conscious living, and social justice. She's also become an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and uses her platform to raise awareness and promote inclusivity. Ingrid's evolution as a creator is inspiring. She's used her platform to speak out on important issues, challenge the status quo, and make a positive impact on the world. She's a role model for authenticity, vulnerability, and social responsibility. While her content has evolved over the years, her commitment to creating meaningful, impactful videos remains the same. She's a true force for good in the online community.
Tanya Burr
Tanya Burr was the epitome of British beauty on YouTube. Her channel featured makeup tutorials, fashion hauls, and vlogs about her life in London. Tanya's videos were known for their polished production, sophisticated style, and charming personality. She wasn't just showing you how to apply makeup; she was inviting you into her world, sharing her experiences, and making you feel like you were part of her friend group. Her makeup tutorials were particularly popular. She had a knack for creating elegant, wearable looks that were perfect for everyday wear. Her fashion hauls were equally popular. She'd share her latest finds from high-street stores and luxury brands, offering styling advice and inspiration. So, what's Tanya doing now? Tanya has transitioned into acting, appearing in several stage productions and films. She's also a successful author, having written several books on beauty and lifestyle. Tanya's career change is a testament to her versatility and her ambition. She's not afraid to take risks, pursue her passions, and reinvent herself. She's a role model for anyone who dreams of following their heart and achieving their goals. While she may not be as active on YouTube as she once was, her impact on the beauty community is undeniable. She helped popularize British beauty trends and inspired a generation of makeup enthusiasts.
The Legacy of the OG Gurus
The OG beauty gurus left a lasting impact on the YouTube landscape and the beauty industry as a whole. They paved the way for the current generation of influencers and demonstrated the power of online communities. They showed us that beauty is about more than just makeup; it's about self-expression, creativity, and connection. They inspired us to experiment, to learn, and to embrace our individuality. Their legacy lives on in the countless beauty creators who continue to share their passion and inspire their viewers. The beauty community has evolved so much since the early days, but the values that the OG gurus instilled—authenticity, community, and creativity—remain as important as ever. So, let's raise a virtual toast to the OG beauty gurus and thank them for shaping the beauty world we know and love today! They may have moved on to other ventures, but their impact will never be forgotten.