With 44,000 YouTube subscribers and 3,333,574 views, is steadily becoming a force to be reckoned with when it comes to Australian beauty vlogging. Launching her YouTube channel named Rachael Jade in 2010, her educational mixture of beauty and make-up hauls, reviews, tips and tutorials as well as lifestyle content has seen Annear gain both a local and international audience. Here, BD talks to the vlogger about her highlights in 2014, her biggest strength, and what's trending in beauty content.
What has been your vlogging career highlight this year?
I don't know if I could pick just one highlight. This year I have had the chance to meet and become friends with some amazing bloggers and vloggers who are very inspirational and a great motivation for me to keep doing what I am doing. I also got to travel to the US earlier in the year and really enjoyed being able to share all the new make-up and beauty products I was able to try with my viewers.
What are your viewers buzzing about currently?
A change of season is always an exciting time in the beauty world because it means new colours, new collections and new beauty related "issues" to tackle. With Christmas, there’s also a lot of teasers about special-edition product launches for the holidays, which is always cause for excitement. My viewers are eager to try new stuff!
According to you, what is trending in beauty content at the moment?
I think people are really concentrating on the importance of good skincare. French skincare brands are all the rage at the moment and seem to have flooded the Australian market of late. I think as we move into summer, natural make-up with a pop of colour on the lips will be quite popular. Variations of an orange lip can be found everywhere (though I haven’t quite worked out how to rock that particular trend myself – wearable orange lip colour suggestions anyone?!)
What would you say is your biggest strength as a vlogger?
As simple as it sounds, I think one of my main strengths is that I'm just like everyone else, and when it comes to beauty, I'm starting from a point that most people can relate to. When I review a beauty product, create a make-up look or share some tips and tricks, it’s going to be applicable to a wide range of people. I like to have fun with make-up and share what I know in a way that both beginners and more well established beauty enthusiasts can enjoy. I’m self-taught and have made a lot of mistakes along the way, but I’m happy to share those mishaps experiences so others can benefit.
What’s next for your vlog?
I have recently taken some time to improve the quality of my equipment and overall filming setup which, *fingers crossed* should translate into better quality videos over all. I'm also hoping to collaborate with some fellow beauty YouTubers in the coming months which will be fun, and a great way to show multiple perspectives on my channel. I have also started a series of videos that gives my viewers the chance to see the "behind-the-scenes" aspects of having and running a YouTube channel. I’m excited for people to see a different side of life as a beauty vlogger!
If you could only give one piece of beauty advice to your readers, what would it be?
You know you better than anyone else. There will always be new make-up trends and new beauty products to try, but in the end, if you don't feel comfortable or you don't think something will work for you, then it probably won't - no matter how much hype there may be. Find what you love about yourself and work on emphasising that.
