Unlike most young girls, I was never really into makeup. Up until about my junior year of college, I rarely used makeup of any kind, with the exception of the few occasions a year where my mom would force me to wear it for the sake of a picture. I think this is what turned me off from makeup for the majority of my life, the fact that it is seen as "expected" for women to wear it. To look "professional" or "put together" or even "pretty" it seems, we as women are expected to put on makeup and are judged or questioned if we don't. This, however, is a two way street, because women are also judged for wearing makeup, whether it be too much or just a bit on the wild side, in this internet-age that we live in people always find something to fixate on.

I first started watching beauty and makeup tutorials on YouTube about 3 years ago. Although I rarely tried to imitate the looks, I was fascinated by the skill the women had and the amazing things they could do with makeup. Eventually, I was inspired to start playing around with makeup and, flash forward a couple years, I have now become some what of a makeup addict. The Youtube beauty community is an amazing place whether you are a die hard makeup enthusiast or a beginner looking to learn, there is a Youtube channel out there for everyone. The following is a list of some of my favorite beauty gurus on YouTube.

1) ThatGirlShaeXo

This is one of the more recent beauty accounts that I have followed on YouTube but it has quickly become one of my favorites. Her swatch videos are the best because she actually swatches products such as eyeshadow on her eyes rather than on her arm or hand so you can get a better idea of what the products look like.

2) emilynoel83 

This is one of the channels I go to when I'm looking for a review of a product that I'm considering purchasing. She gives detailed, 100% honest reviews of products and her videos just have a personal touch that make you feel like your hanging out with a close friend.

3) Tati

Another trusted makeup reviewer, Tati is known for being a "makeup investigator" and has most definitely saved me from wasting money on some not so great products. She has also inspired me to purchase a lot of quality products that have now become some of my favorites.

4) KathleenLights

This is a great channel to visit for on trend makeup tutorials that are easy to recreate. She has a great personality and her videos are fun to watch.

5) Kandee Johnson 

One of the most talented YouTubers out there, Kandee is known for her bubbly personality, great advice, and her costume and transformation tutorials.

These are just a handful of the amazing channels that exist on Youtube. There is so much to discover and so many people to connect with. The Youtube community can be an amazing place to explore your makeup interests and when it comes down to it, you have to do what makes you feel good and what makes you happy. If you have no interest in makeup then that's just you and you shouldn't feel the need to wear any just to fulfill the desires of other people. On the other hand, if you love to "cake it on", then thats okay too. Makeup is a form of expression. Some would even call it art, so don't let the expectations of others define how you express yourself.