YouTube star wows Barry M

A young YouTube star has been recognised by one of the UK’s leading cosmetics brands. Lauren Luke from South Shields near Newcastle, better known to millions of YouTube viewers as on-line make up guru, Panacea81, has been given a contract with cosmetics company, Barry M.

Lauren, who only started her panacea81 web make up tutorials in June 2007, has nearly 38,000 YouTube subscribers, making her YouTube’s worldwide No. 1 make up guru, and her videos have received over 8,000,000 views (her ‘Leona Lewis inspired look’ video has received over 1,200,000 views alone).

Currently studying ‘Make Up and Cosmetics’ at night school, 26 year old Lauren creates her videos at home in her bedroom with a basic web cam and a microphone on her PC.

Lauren first came to the attention of, Barry M, last year after she regularly recommended the company’s products.

Barry M’s, Managing Director, Dean Mero, explains:

“At first we were just chuffed that an independent reviewer like Lauren loved Barry M so much! As a brand we’re known for our range of colours which Lauren uses beautifully. But then, after we watched more of Lauren’s videos and spoke to her, we realised just what a fantastic talent she had and what a remarkable and empowering story she has to tell.”

Barry M then arranged a meeting with Lauren in London and offered her a contract that will help develop her skills and to realise her ambition of becoming a professional make up artist.

Lauren Luke explains;

“I’ve always wanted to be a make up artist and to make a living from working in the beauty industry. Barry M simply asked me what I needed in terms of support whist allowing me to remain at college to gain my qualifications and to work independently.

“My sole intention when I started my YouTube tutorials was to help other women like me to feel confident and to look good – whoever they are. I’m not a glamorous make up model and, because of that, women seem to appreciate me more. And it’s lovely to share my videos with them and to give them ideas.

“Now that I’m working with Barry M there’s lots more scope for me – creating tutorials, a blog and Q & A’s section on the Barry M website, in store tutorials, work on photo shoots as a make up artist and even work as a model for Barry M’s eye make up range and help setting up my own website.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity.”

Dean Mero of Barry M continues:

“Having met Lauren, understood her needs and her aims, we wanted to help her to take her talent to the next level whilst maintaining her independence. The last thing we wanted to do was to change her winning formula! We love the way Lauren works, mixing and matching different brands, her independence is crucial.

“We simply wanted Lauren’s YouTube success to take her where she wanted to go and to bring her talents to the whole Barry M audience. Lauren is a real inspiration to her fans and to young women everywhere. Listen to her videos and you’ll understand.

“We’re simply delighted to be working with her and helping her to further those aims.”

You can see Lauren’s pages on the Barry M website now and watch out for more Lauren inspired events over the coming months.

Find out more at Barrym.com.