**UPDATE**
Be sure to read the comments below for more really good suggestions. And a huge thank you for sharing!
What are the best ways to learn makeup effects?
The second best way to learn makeup effects is through watching YouTube. (The first best way is through practice.)
There are so many talented artists on YouTube.
They teach practically everything you need to know about makeup…for free!
I have a handful of artists that I watch regularly.
If you’re new to makeup effects and want to turn heads, then these are the channels that you must check out now.
My Favorite Makeup YouTube Channels
Kandee Johnson
Kandee is the first makeup YouTuber I ever watched. But that’s not the only reason I put her first.
I love that she has videos teaching many of the basics, and she always offers inexpensive alternatives.
Kandee also manages to put tons of information in a short amount of time, which makes watching all her videos easy.
But what I love most about Kandee Johnson is her positive attitude. She has a way of spreading love that’s contagious!
Click to see a few of my favorite KJ tutorials:
Marilyn Monroe Makeup Painting
Watch: Barbie Doll Makeup Transformation Tutorial
Petrilude
Here’s another YouTuber I watched early on.
Sadly, Petrilude hasn’t done many new tutorials recently, but the ones he has done are fantastic.
Petrilude’s makeup tutorials span tons of topics, and he uses products that most can get their hands on pretty easily.
I’ve listed some of my favorite tutorials of his. Click through to see for yourself:
Watch: DIY Latex Prosthetic/Appliances
Promise Tamang
Promise Tamang Phan is the queen of makeup transformations. I mean, this girl knows how to change the shape of her face!
Promise’s channel is full of tutorials that will help you learn how highlights and shadows work.
Just watching her transformations can teach you so much.
It’s really hard to pick a few favorites when she has so many good tutorials, but here’s a few to get you started:
Johnny Depp Make-Up Transformations
Watch: Mona Lisa Make-Up Transformation
Madeyewlook
I can’t say enough about this artist. Talented, talented, talented!
She has so many videos of looks that you recognize, but then her creative gene is unlike any other.
I had a really hard time picking just three videos to start you off with. I say…just go to her channel. Now.
Halloween Werewolf/Creature Nails | Special FX Series (CC)
Watch: Circulatory System/Heart Makeup Tutorial
Pinkstylist
Yet another amazing artist, Pinkstylist always serves up informative tutorials for regular folks.
He describes his tools in laymen’s terms, so there’s no guessing what he’s using or how he’s doing what he does.
What I like most about Pinkstylist is how he teaches us ways to make some pretty awesome looks, easily.
Check out these videos:
Billy the Dummy – Dead Silence – Makeup Tutorial!
Watch: The Mime – Makeup Tutorial!
iwanted2c1video
This is an artist you must study.
She has videos teaching you face painting and makeup effects using just makeup, which makes for an inexpensive way of getting great results.
I love that she also has some in depth beauty tutorials, which is an important skill for any makeup artist.
FX Makeup using Body Paint: Chelsea Smile
Halloween Makeup: Zombie Makeup
Watch: Halloween Makeup: Pop Art Zombie Makeup Tutorial
goldiestarling
Goldiestarling is another of my long time favorites.
She has tons of videos for horror looks and makeup effects.
She also has tutorials on making props as well as tips on the most used products in makeup effects.
Horror Fairy Collab: Vampfairy Makeup Tutorial by Goldiestarling
Watch: Ghostbuster’s SLIMER Makeup Transformation
KlairedelysArt
Klairedelys has two channels: KlairedelysArt and Klairedelysdotcom. I recommend them both.
The first is dedicated to makeup tutorials. You’ll find face painting techniques as well as special effects tips.
Her second channel is all about making props. Dragon eggs, crowns, masks, I could go on.
Check out some of her work here.
Terminator Special Effects Makeup
Watch: Lord Voldemort Makeup
anaarthur81
I was inspired by anaarthur81 on Halloween, 2014 and recreated one of her looks on my son.
I love that she shows a lot of ways to use face paint to create 3D effects.
She also has some prop tutorials that you should check out.
Watch: Guilded Death
pixiwoo
The ladies of Pixiwoo give us tons of tutorials on the basics of makeup.
I highly recommend their channel.
If I need to know how to apply false lashes or create a perfect winged eye, I turn to Pixiwoo.
Their costume tutorials include period makeups as well as Halloween favorites.
Modern Sixties Makeup – Laura Mvula Style
Halloween Bead Tears Make-Up / Hair Tutorial
Watch: Arab Style Make-Up Tutorial – Haifa Wehbe
10 Responses
Thanks for the list. I’m going to check them all out.
No! Thank you! *wink*
Mykie from Glam and Gore should absolutely be on this list!
Ooooh! Another great one! Thanks for sharing!! Click here to go to the Glam and Gore channel!
One of my Favourites is ellimacs
I’d never seen ellimacs before! Thank you for sharing! Click here to go to ellimacs’ channel.
Stuart Bray’s stuff is amazing. He has a channel and a podcast. all amazing stuff. I learned about his stuff from another great youtuber, Freakmo!
Oh how I love Stuart Bray! Really, really amazing stuff, and his makeup course is outstanding (I bought it!). And you’re also right about Freakmo! She DEFINITELY deserves to be on this list. Click here to go to Freakmo’s channel!
What About JBunzie? She has Amazing Tutorials!!!
Sarah, I’m so glad you posted your comment about JBunzie. I’d never seen her videos before. I just watched her Betty Boop tutorial and I’m hooked! Click here to go to JBunzie’s channel. She definitely deserves to be on the list.