If you spend several hours (as I do) on YouTube, then you know about the Downwards Spiral, where you start on one video, and a few hours later end on a video completely unrelated to the first one. While you might feel guilty about this, YouTube actually has a lot to offer. Creating, producing and posting content on YouTube is an actual job now, and many make money off of it. YouTubers post about everything from gaming, to travel blogs, to makeup tutorials.
These 10 YouTubers provide a little bit of everything for a college student to learn from.
1. On makeup: KathleenLights
Before college, I’d mastered the “no-makeup-makeup-look.” Whether I went to the grocery store or to a party, I always wore the usual foundation, mascara and blush. Sometimes I added some color to my lips when I felt like looking fancy, but my everyday look lacked creativity and individuality. But then, my mom bought me an Urban Decay eyeshadow palette which instantly motivated me to learn how to create my own makeup looks.
There are many YouTube beauty gurus and they all have something different to offer. KathleenLights will give you her honest opinion on all kinds of makeup brands, from Kylie Jenner’s lip kits to the drugstore foundation you’re scared to put on your face. Kathleen’s reviews won’t make you feel like you have to spend all your money on makeup. In fact, she reviews drugstore makeup often and even has videos on drugstore dupes for high–end brands.
James Charles, Tati, NikkiTutorials and Jaclyn Hill all offer their makeup guru advice on YouTube. Warning, this might lead to MANY hours of watching videos.
2. On traveling: Vagabrothers
After doing some research on my upcoming trip to Ireland, I discovered the YouTube channel Vagabrothers, where two brothers blog their travels all over the world. Not only do they blog, they provide videos on the best sites to see, what not to do, how to pack light and so on. The Vagabrothers have a “college friendly” audience, providing videos on how to travel for cheap, the cheapest countries to travel to and more tips on how to save money. The Vagabrothers have a whole series on the best food and drinks you can find around the world, one on cultural discovery, another on urban exploration and one on their outdoor adventures. If you need tips on where to spend your upcoming Spring Break and still be able to afford groceries, the Vagabrothers will show you everything you need to know about everywhere you want to go.
3. On cooking: Laura in the Kitchen
Leaving your dorm room for a place with a real kitchen is a big step in adulting. Nope, you don’t have to settle for any more microwave mac n’ cheese. Instead, you’ll have a full kitchen with endless opportunities from cereal, to sandwiches, to homemade soup. Laura from Laura in the Kitchen will transform into your online Mom, providing videos on how to cook the simplest to the most creative and time-consuming meals. You’ll learn how to put together appetizers like a spinach artichoke dip, a gourmet dinner such as sweet and sour chicken and even your favorite sweets from fudgy brownies to tiramisu. Through watching cooking tutorials, I learned how to make zoodles with beef tips, and it tasted like I ordered it from a restaurant.
4. On health and wellness: Madeleine Shaw
Madeleine Shaw—otherwise known as a genie for all things health and wellness. Her videos will give you insight on how to live your best life, with content on staying fit with exercise and yoga videos, as well as other videos on nutrition. If you start to panic about the freshman 15, check out her videos on improving your diet and finding time for exercise. Madeleine not only focuses on physical wellness, but mental wellness as well. She discusses anxiety, staying confident and how to live a happy life. On top of all of that, she also discusses skin care and being a new-time Mom. While college is undoubtedly stressful, your mental and physical health don’t have to suffer. Sometimes we just need some encouragement and some tips to get us through.
5. On skincare: Desi Perkins
A YouTube celebrity not only for her makeup videos, Desi Perkins offers skincare advice as well. In fact, she shared her night-time skincare routine on Harper Bazaar’s YouTube channel as well. One tip she swears by is to tone after cleansing the skin. Desi said she noticed after toning that more makeup was still on her skin after cleansing. By toning you remove any excess makeup that can clog your pores and cause breakouts. This can also control your oils and balance the pH levels of your skin. Desi uses the Ole Henriksen Balancing Force Oil Control Toner. When you take one look at her skin, you’ll feel inspired and buy everything she recommends to get that flawless skin. WARNING: her skincare routine is not cheap. But then again, you might find that it’s worth it with skin like hers.
6. On fitness: Zanna Van Dijk
For all those that want to stay fit but fear the gym, Zanna Van Dijk has your back. Zanna is a personal trainer and fitness blogger who will give you all the inspo and tips you need to workout from the comfort of your home. She even discusses her plant-based diet and the lifestyle she sticks to, that keeps her healthy and fit. Zanna’s YouTube channel includes videos on workouts that don’t require any equipment, and also some videos that do. She has a focus on strength training, however, she has videos for both beginners or for those advanced individuals in fitness. If getting fit is one of your new year’s resolutions, Zanna can be your next workout buddy by just subscribing and following her fitness videos.
7. On how to live your best life: Tess Christine
If you want to live vicariously through someone living their best life, Tess Christine earns my vote. The beautiful YouTuber has content on fashion, travel, food and wellness. A bonus to her channel is her NYC series, where she takes you to different parts of New York and reveals the best spots for photos, food and shopping. She also has a series on planning her wedding with her fiancé, with videos on cake tasting and wedding dress shopping. Tess features her fiancé in multiple videos and gives you a peak into their long-term relationship. She will make you wish you started a YouTube channel years ago and were getting paid to travel.
8. On relationships: Jess & Gabriel Conte
Jess and Gabriel… If you aren’t part of the Conteam already, they will be your next OTP. Both YouTubers created a joint account to share videos of their life together typically involving singing, doing each other’s makeup and vlogging their daily life. They discuss getting married young, how they survived their long-distance relationship, working as individuals in the YouTube industry, fun videos that will make you laugh like Disney karaoke in the car, and even religion. After watching a few episodes you will be hooked and start to fit right into the Conteam.
9. On surviving college: Kristee Vetter
We all need a college survival guide to make surviving each semester a little bit easier. YouTuber Kristee Vetter has videos that can help you there. Vetter unpacks all the things to know before and during college, and how to get through it. She suggests taking your school ID everywhere so that you can take advantage of the student discounts many stores have to offer. Vetter also recommends setting a timer for each school assignment to maximize efficiency. She says this technique helped her to stay focused and it also reassured her that she there was a time limit, which helped her work faster and not get distracted. Vetter covers dorm life, her experience in a sorority, partying, making friends and how to live successfully with roommates. Her vlogs about fitness, eating healthy and the struggles she encounters will inspire you to live your best life.
10. On Fashion: Olivia Jade
Daughter of Lori Loughlin, or who you probably know better as Becky from Full House, Olivia Jade has conquered YouTube in the fashion department. With many try-on-hauls at hand, Olivia will give you a first look at must have pieces, and you will quickly learn how to pair mom jeans with the cute combat boots you’re too scared to wear. While she shops at expensive stores, she does clothing hauls from affordable places like Forever 21, Zaful, Bohoo and Princess Polly. She even offers discount prices at many of these stores by using her coupon. Moreover, Olivia posts videos on skincare and anything beauty related that’ll keep you updated on what’s trending in the beauty world. With the help of Olivia Jade, you can perfect your cheekbone highlight and create a trendy outfit that will have you glowing all across campus.
