Michelle Phan
 · 2 min read
 · Ben Afflicker
Table of contents

The Unique Approach of Michelle Phan in Beauty Content Creation

Introduction

Michelle Phan is regarded as a trailblazer in the world of beauty YouTube. Her content approach during the time when beauty influencers were beginning to gain prominence differed significantly from her contemporaries, helping her to carve out a unique space within the digital beauty landscape. This article will explore how her methods impacted her audience and set her apart from other beauty YouTubers of her time.

Details

  • Authenticity and Relatability

    • Michelle often shared personal stories and anecdotes, making her relatable to viewers.
    • She cultivated a sense of intimacy by responding to comments and engaging with her audience, which established a loyal community.

  • Storytelling Style

    • Rather than simply performing makeup tutorials, Michelle incorporated storytelling into her videos, creating a narrative that resonated with viewers.
    • Her "makeup as self-expression" theory was presented through themes that expanded beyond beauty routines, connecting emotionally with her audience.

  • Production Quality

    • Michelle prioritized high production values, employing cinematic techniques, which set her apart from many other beauty YouTubers who were posting simpler, less polished content.
    • Her use of aesthetics, color grading, and editing enhanced the viewer experience, mimicking professional beauty advertisements.

  • Educational Content

    • Phan infused her tutorials with educational elements, teaching viewers about product ingredients, application techniques, and skin types.
    • This provided her channel with a credible, informative angle that empowered viewers, unlike some creators focused on trend-driven content alone.

  • Brand Building and Marketing

    • While many beauty YouTubers remained independent, Michelle ventured into personal branding, launching her own makeup line and collaborating with established brands like L'Oreal.
    • She utilized her platform to create a business model that integrated product endorsements and personal merchandise, paving the way for future beauty influencers to monetize their content effectively.

  • Community Engagement

    • Michelle actively included her audience in her creative process, often seeking their opinions on new ideas and concepts.
    • This engagement fostered a sense of collaboration, as fans felt directly involved in her journey and creative output.

  • Diverse Representation

    • In her content, Michelle consciously embraced diversity, reflecting different skin tones and cultures in her tutorials.
    • This inclusivity attracted a broader audience and emphasized beauty as a universal celebration, distancing her from other YouTube creators who focused primarily on Western beauty norms.

Conclusion

Michelle Phan's content approach in the beauty YouTube space was distinctive and multifaceted, characterized by authenticity, storytelling, high production values, and community engagement. Her ability to merge personal narratives with educational and aesthetic content helped her establish a deep connection with her audience. As a pioneer, she set benchmarks for future creators in the beauty industry, transforming how beauty content could be produced and perceived on digital platforms.