Once again we are reminded how wonderful the internet is as beauty bloggers explode across the web. They are the ultimate resource for the hottest products, which are must-buys and which ones are must-avoids. They serve as tutors for the beauty-obsessed. But can these bloggers really turn make-up addicts into budding make-up artists?

Meet Joanne Reyes, a Film and Production student. She’s a pretty average girl but with a not-so-average flair for make-up and for that she thanks non-other than YouTube. Bloggers on YouTube who specialise in beauty such as amy04, MakeupByRenRen and ItsJudyTime, have encouraged Joanne to try out many different looks herself. Judging by the show-stopping looks from her portfolio, it seems that those online experts have made quite an impact on her. “There are so many makeup gurus on YouTube who I love and just through watching them I was able to polish my make-up looks. If it weren’t for them I’d still be one of them girls that reckon black eyeliner is the only existing makeup.”

Because of these online tutorials along with good old fashion practice, she gains flawless results. “You won’t get good results if you don’t practice. When I started with makeup I thought I was good, until I saw make-up gurus showing the right way to do it. Since then I kept perfecting my skill, practice always make perfect,” she said. “The product shouldn’t matter, but there are some products out there that are just totally useless.” 

With Joanne constantly experimenting with various looks, it is no surprise that she is pretty much on the ball when it comes to make-up brands. “I think Maybelline do one of the best foundations and mascara, MAC does the best eye shadows and Lancôme do the best lip gloss (juicy tubes). If someone asked me where is the best place to buy make up, ultimately I’d say MAC,” she said, “Expensive isn’t always the key, there are many drug store brands that are just as good.” 

Although YouTube bloggers have played a big part in the development of her talent, they are not her only source of insight. Celebrities and magazines are also a big influence. “When I see something I like on someone I try duplicating that look. A massive inspiration comes from time eras and films, like 60′s pin-ups or Catwoman. Anything can trigger a look even down to fruit and animals.”

Speaking of animals, it just had to be asked. How on earth did she do the “leopard-print” look? “All you need is a good base eye shadow colour. I used a light brown/beige for that and filled in my whole lid,” Joanne explains. “Then with black eyeliner, I drew “C’s” and inverted “C’s” side by side then filled them with a darker shade of brown and polished my look how you would with your typical foundation, mascara and red lips.” This is a great look that will come in handy for next Halloween and sounds easy enough for anyone to do.

It looks like Joanne is developing into a beauty expert herself but not so much a beauty blogger. “I find it so weird and uneasy talking to yourself through a camera and quite frankly I would have no time do keep updating viewers.”