17 iconic beauty YouTuber throwback pictures
Before the money and more importantly, the ring lights...
It's hard to imagine a time when our favourite beauty YouTubers weren't filling our subscription boxes with their perfectly blended makeup looks, but if you thought Jeffree Star, James Charles, Nikkie Tutorials, Jackie Aina and co were born with a snatched cut crease, think again.
After some serious (and I'm talking RSI inducing serious) Instagram stalking, I can confirm that there was in fact a period before ring lights and their million pound lifestyles, a time where just like us, they too used a border on every photo they posted.
But look past the bokeh filters and Diptic collages and you'll see just how far they've come when it comes to their makeup application skills. From Manny MUA's "experimental" looks, to Desi Perkins "editorial" photoshoots, if Jeffree Star can learn to blend his lip liner in 17 years, you can do anything.
Before we take you down a 2014 rabbit hole, a moment if you will for those YouTubers who somehow have defied the laws of life. The fact that 2020 Tati Westbrook still looks identical to 2012 Tati Westbrook is surely (to quote Catatonia) a case for Mulder and Scully, albeit with a little less plaid. Not to mention Carli Bybel, who, in my opinion, should be charged for the crime of never needing a glow up.
If your favourite beauty YouTuber is missing, it might be because they've done an Alissa Ashley and fine-tuned their Instagram feeds first, leaving nothing but 71 beautifully crafted photos behind. I can only thank the lord Jesus that Jeffree Star hasn't tasked his personal assistant with the same task... yet.
Jeffree Star
Hi guys and welcome back to 2003, a time where blending your makeup was considered as bizarre as wearing trousers as low as they go.
Desi Perkins
Feeling uninspired? How about recreating this "fun, editorial" look lovingly created by Desi in 2012. Just don't ask Val Garland to critique it...
Jaclyn Hill
It appears that back in 2012 Jaclyn Hill and Zoella were the exact same person, along with everyone else who also appreciated an oversized, embellished collar.
Zoe Sugg
See, same person! Just like everyone else in 2012, Zoe had a thing for the Instagram border... Is it time for a 2020 revival?
Manny MUA
Makeup is all about creative expression, as Manny MUA proved back in 2014 when he felt like "being a little weird today". Thankfully a full product breakdown was also included, in case you felt like recreating this soft glam look at home.
Jackie Aina
Annoyingly for the rest of us, it would appear that Jackie Aina has always been flawless. Her only downfall? Over use of the Insta collage app.
Jamie Genevieve
Your eyes don't deceive you, this is a throwback picture of Jamie Genevieve from 2014. It just so happens that circa 2019 Jamie has reverted back to this frankly iconic hair colour.
Tati Westbrook
Back in 2012 Tati Westbrook was out there breaking down walls and proving that yes, #PlaidIsSexy.
Patrick Starrr
Can we all just take a moment for Patrick Starrr? Who wore an actual bowler hat to his then day job on the MAC counter. Never not iconic.
The Anna Edit
Ahh 2012 when it was unthinkable to post an Instagram without a border and impossible to leave the house without a statement necklace. Fun fact, I had this exact same Topshop number... influenced by Anna of course.
James Charles
POV: You walk into the Lush store and James Charles circa 2016 asks if you've found everything you're looking for, whilst forcing you to sniff a mound of Snow Fairy Bath Bombs.
Nikkie Tutorials
Like Van Gogh, Picasso and Monet, it appears that Nikkie was born with the ability to paint and blend like no other. Thank god she ditched the bokeh filter though.
Carli Bybel
After scrolling through 2,000 of Carli Bybel's Instagram posts I've come to the conclusion that some people in life never go through an awkward phase and I'm quite frankly furious about it.
Patricia Bright
At least Patricia made up for the slightly grainy pic by adding a thick, sharp border. Side note, can we bring bathroom selfies back, please?
Pony Makeup
Look guys I tried to find an old picture of Pony and I failed. Even in 2013 she was cool, let's just hope that pre-Instagram she went through an awkward phase like the rest of us.
Allana Davison
Ahh only Allana could pull off a full-frontal angle straight down the camera lens.
Jeffree Star
Yes, I've already included him but consider this absolute corker of a photo your bonus content for making it through all 17 slides. Never change Jeffree, never change.
Laura is a former writer for Cosmopolitan UK, covering everything beauty and fashion related and specialises in makeup, plus-size fashion and the world of YouTube. Her favourite pastime is reminding everyone of that one time she met Charlie Hunnam and Jason Momoa. Please don't ask to see the pictures...
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