There’s nothing like the holidays and the impending new year to get you thinking about your goals. And in a world where influencers and media personalities are living large while they create content for the masses, you may find yourself wanting to cash in on that hobby of yours. The estimated 532.43 billion-dollar cosmetics industry, which is also expected to surpass 805.61 billion by 2023, is a great niche to jump on if beauty really is your thing. All it takes is a little creativity and an assiduous personality to get started in this affluent field. YouTube is usually the medium of choice for enthusiastic beauty content creators—one, because it’s free, and two, because it has a vast network that’s also an excellent way to get your business and face out there for like-minded communities.
Here at B&H, there are countless options you can look at to build your video-production kit. However, for some shoppers, having more choices can result in indecision and fear of missing out (FOMO). That’s where we come in to help! Check out our top picks for beauty YouTubers in training.
Cameras
When it comes to film equipment, the hardest decision you’ll have to make will revolve around which camera to buy. A mirrorless camera is a great camera with which to begin YouTube beauty channel because it is compact and capable of capturing high-resolution video the same way many DSLRs can. The Sony Alpha a5100 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-50mm Lens is beloved by a number of established beauty YouTubers, like Tati Westbrook and Arshia Moorjani, for example, because it has a 24.3MP APS-C Exmor HD CMOS sensor, BIONZ X image processor, and gapless on-chip lens design—meaning your viewers will be treated to sharper, cleaner footage. Add in this camera’s 1080p video recording capabilities and its selfie-friendly 180-degree tilting LCD, and the Sony is nearly perfect. We only wish this camera had a longer-lasting battery. However, this is the tradeoff you can expect from its small form factor. Just snag yourself an extra battery if easy portability is something you’re not willing to sacrifice.
If you see yourself needing a camera that can do a good job capturing a wide range of still shots, in addition to video, you can’t go wrong with the beauty-guru-approved Canon EOS 80D Camera with 18-135mm Lens. From Tina Yong and Patricia Bright to Allie Glines and Kennie JD, this DSLR has proven it can handle an influencer lifestyle and workload. Why is it a favorite for so many beauty-content creators? Well, the Canon EOS 80D is loaded with a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, DIGIC 6 image processor, and a pair of robust focusing systems that capture crisp, detailed imagery, so you can rest assured knowing viewers will be able to see how you apply your cat eye. Better yet, this multifunctional camera can film in Full HD 1080p at 60 frames per second and has a touchscreen LCD that can be flipped around, to see yourself on camera. While not absolutely necessary these days, you can consider some higher-resolution 4K cameras, such as the Canon EOS M50, which has a vari-angle screen for selfies and a lighter mirrorless build, much like the previously mentioned Sony a5100.
Storage
Storage might not be the first thing you think about when you start your YouTube journey, but it’s the one thing you’d better not forget. We aren't talking about where you'll keep all your awesome tech, though, that’s important too—we’re talking about how you’ll store your videos. Let’s start with SD cards. We suggest a fast class 10 or faster card like the Delkin Devices 64GB Prime UHS-II SDXC Memory Card because it’s designed for capturing high-resolution video. It’s also great for taking lots of photos in quick succession, because a fast card means the photos will be saved quicker.
Aside from SD cards, you might benefit from having an external drive on hand to back up and transport your content, regardless of where you choose to work. The Seagate 1TB Expansion Portable USB 3.0 External Hard Drive is a fast option that’s spacious enough to house about 900 hours of HD video, give or take. However, for even faster transfer speeds and a more secure build, try upgrading to a solid-state drive. We recommend the LaCie 1TB Portable USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C External SSD because it’s designed to be up to five times faster than traditional hard drives, while also being resistant to drops, since it doesn’t have moving parts.
Tripods
When it comes to equipment, newbies often don’t give tripods enough love. We’re here to let you know that shouldn’t be the case. This is especially true when it comes to beauty tutorials, which require closeups and stability, so viewers can follow along with your application methods. With all this considered, we suggest the Manfrotto MT290XTA3US 290 Xtra Aluminum Tripod with its adjustable and lightweight build, at 4.4 lb. Not only is it easy to carry or move the 290 Xtra whenever you realize the lighting is better somewhere else, but it’s also a workhorse with an 11-pound load capacity.
If you foresee vlogging as big part of your YouTube channel, you may want to consider adding a few travel options to your kit. The Joby GorillaPod 3K Video PRO and Sirui Aluminum-Alloy Photo/Video Monopod are substantial additions for vloggers who like to do impromptu sit-down videos or interview subjects while on-the-move—in other words, you’ll be an unstoppable content mill by the time Beautycon rolls around at the Javits Center.
Lighting
Lighting really is the key to a beauty channel. And since you can’t rely on the sun to stay out all day while you work on your projects, you’ll need a reliable source of continuous lighting. The FotodioX Flapjack Bi-Color LED Ring Light Kit is a portable and dimmable 9.9-inch system that emulates natural lighting conditions, with variable color temperature, between 3200 and 5600K. However, if you’d like a studio-grade, three-point lighting setup in the comfort of your own home, you should take a look at the Interfit F5 Three-Head Fluorescent Lighting Kit with Boom Arm.
Microphones
Believe it or not, the success of your YouTube channel lies more with the audio quality than video. Yes, beauty is a highly visual field, but viewers will immediately click away from your video if the sound is grating to their ears. Since you obviously don’t want that to happen, you’ll need to invest in an audio kit that covers all your bases. The RØDE RØDELink Wireless Filmmaker Kit is a spectacular introductory bundle that offers professional results with an included transmitter, receiver, and lavalier microphone. Aside from tether-free recording from up to 100 meters, this system allows for a Series II 2.4 Hz 128-bit encrypted digital transmission signal that monitors and hops between frequencies to find your strongest signal. Other useful features include three levels of gain control, eight discrete channels, and an OLED digital display.
Backdrops
Since you want your audience to focus on your content and not the state of your walls, it’s important to make sure you get a backdrop as beautiful as the looks you’re showing off. The Savage Widestone Seamless Background is available in varied shades and lengths, and is even non-reflective, so it can work well with most lighting setups.
Alternatively, if you are feeling especially glam, the Rosco Glame Roll collection can add a special kind of razzle-dazzle to your filming session. Whichever you choose, just remember to have a way to hold up your backdrop, whether it be taped to a wall or secured on a support system.
Editing Software
There is a plethora of great editing software out there, but if you’re new to the video-editing game, you should stick to programs that are tried and true. Adobe Premiere Pro CC is a reliable and beginner-friendly program that offers 8K compatibility, Lumetri Color Enhancement tools, and introductory guide. Additionally, Premiere Pro can easily integrate with other Adobe application like After Effects, Photoshop, and more.
Alternatively, if you’re a more sophisticated video editor, you may want to consider programs like Avid Media Composer or Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Studio.
Computers
It would be amazing if every shot were perfect, but more often, it takes a little work to get a video to be ready for prime time, and that's when the machine on which you are editing begins to matter a lot. The Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro with Touch Bar can be a game-changer in this area, since it provides access to some unique programs that are only available on macOS systems like iMovie and Final Cut Pro X.
Furthermore, the MacBook Pro is available in several powerful configurations that can handle any beauty video you throw at it. We recommend the model that offers a 2.9 GHz Intel® Core™ i9 six-core processor, 32GB of RAM, a 512 GB solid-state drive, and an AMD Radeon Pro 560X graphics chipset—all of which provide super-fast loading for swift editing and a great display for seeing fine details. However, feel free to choose the MacBook Pro version that fits your budget and workload.
Now that you have an idea of the tools you’ll need to get started on your beauty-focused YouTube channel, all that’s left is you. A successful channel requires a commitment to quality, consistent uploading, and a unique personality. We admit it can be daunting to put yourself out there, especially when it comes to a topic that’s close to your heart—but, you need to produce to see results. If you hear from any naysayers, just remember: there are more than 7.5 billion people on this planet, and there is an audience out there for you. All you must do is try.
Which items do you plan to get for your beauty YouTube channel? Update us in the Comments section, below!
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