I'm Blog Loving: Rachel Martino

 

Rachel Martino is a beauty maven. She is my go-to-girl for everything make-up related! You have a mascara problem ? Or a lipstick issue? Rachel has you covered. Rachel runs a blog and youtube channel that gives advice to woman everywhere on all things beauty realted. And...as if all that wasn't enough! Rachel is also fluent in French and has a youtube channel entirely in french as well! C'est très magnifique! Are you dying to learn more about Rachel? Check out my interview below to gain a closer look.

1. How did your interest in beauty get started? 

I can’t remember exactly when it all started but I distinctly remember that when I was around 12 years old I used to sleep with a Benefit catalog in my bed! My mom doesn’t wear a lot of makeup but I used to love stealing her NARS Orgasm blush (still my favorite blush) and wondering about the name- but let’s not get off track! In high school I cultivated my love of beauty when I was in theatre productions. I took a Stage makeup course and my life was never the same!

2. When/why did you get started with using YouTube as a medium? 

When I was working as an Online Intern for mark, my boss and mentor Annemarie asked me to research beauty trends on YouTube. I was stunned by the wealth of wonderful content from girls just like me creating beauty, hair and fashion looks. I decided to give a video a try when a friend at work asked me how to create my signature side braid chignon so I created this video. Now that was almost 3 years ago! A few months after I got my American YouTube channel started I launched my French YouTube channel to help me practice my French before studying abroad. I had no idea it would take off so quickly.

3. What drives you to highlight a certain trend or how-to in your videos?

I like to source my content from my users. When I get a lot of comments asking for similar styles or upcoming trends, I brainstorm how to make them into a video. I want to create videos that my users are interested in seeing. Apart from that I try to always stay cued in on what’s going on and stay true to my personal beauty and fashion esthetics. If I’m loving a look or I think it’s something I’m pretty good at- I’ll make content around that.

4. Describe who you think your typical viewer is ?

I have such an exciting and diverse audience! Most of my viewers are younger (still in high school) and want to know the basics about fashion and beauty. I like to keep my tutorials simple and easy to recreate. They are saavy shoppers like me and respond well to staying chic while on a budget.

5. What are some of your must-haves for the upcoming summer months?

I’m having a serious bright lipstick obsession. It just won’t stop. I love a bright coral-red like NARS Heat Wave or Estee Lauder Pure Color in Wild Fire. I also love a bright fuschia like NARS in Schiap or MAC in Show Orchid. Nothing brightens up a face quicker than a bolt of bright lips. I also love Origins VitaZing because it gives a hint of radiant sun-kissed color without the damaging effects the sun. I try to be extra cautious of this and use La Roche Posay SPF 60 on my face everyday!

6. Favorite beauty product and why?

Hardest question of all time! I think for me it is blush. I could never leave the house without blush. Well, it’s extraordinarily rare if I leave the house without makeup in general but my love affair with blush transcends all! My favorite are NARS in Orgasm (of course!) and Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Pale Pink.

7. Share three new products you are currently obsessing over?

2. Origins Brighter by Nature Serum- a must-have for dark spots!

3. Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color in Old Hollywood- the best red I’ve EVER found. Obsessed.

4. My new BonLook Glasses in La Marquise- the perfect fun cat-eye glasses

8. What is the best advice you have ever been given?

My dad always encouraged my to pay attention and take notes wherever you are. You can learn so much if you truly listen. And always, always, be nice. That’s something I really believe in.

9. What are you looking forward too – professionally or personally?

I’m very excited to see where my career takes me. Right now I work in Social Media for a beauty brand, which I love! Having graduated less than a year ago I feel I’m well on my way to a successful career. I’m also excited to see where my YouTube channel and blog will take me in the next few years.

10. Advice for aspiring beauty youtubers? 

I think it’s important to think about your goals before you get started. Creating video content can be challenging and time consuming so you have to be in it for the right reasons. It took my over a year to see a lot of success on my channel. It’s also important to keep your priorities straight and keep a work-life balance.