DIARY directory recently caught up with beauty YouTuber Nina Vee. With over 100k Instagram followers and 131k YouTube subscribers, the London-based influencer started her channels just a few years ago and creates make-up tutorials and reviews beauty products for her followers, working with brands including Smashbox, L’Oréal and Glamglow.

"Consistency is key. People will forget about you if you disappear."

Did you expect the success you’ve had? 

Although I’m grateful for where I am, I don’t see myself as successful, yet. I want to achieve so much more and I have a lot of goals for the near future. I started my Instagram a couple years ago, but I have only been doing Instagram and YouTube properly (uploading daily) in the past year. I do it full time now, along with designing and selling my hand-embroidered T-shirts which have thankfully been doing really well and are currently on sale on my site.

Your biggest platforms are YouTube and Instagram, and your core subject is your face - do you struggle with new concepts and ideas ever and what inspires you? 

For sure, I do get stuck at times, and don’t feel inspired, but I feel that's very common with anything art-related. I just try to go with my gut and what I feel to do because I realised that when I force artistry, it never comes out great, so if I feel stuck, I go with it. I get most of my inspiration from Instagram, there are incredible artists out there. 

Biggest lessons learnt while building a career for yourself in the social media world?

Consistency is key. People will forget about you if you disappear. 

What the most difficult thing about what you do?

Being on top of every social media platform at all times. 

Favourite beauty brands/products at the moment?

Anastasia Beverly Hills, Huda Beauty, L’Oréal and NYX are my go-to's right now. 

How do you think brands and influencers can work together in a better way?

I think it’s great at the moment. There are events which help us interact, brands are organising trips and in general, I find there’s a great bond between us. 

Do you use product placement and what are your thoughts on disclosure for ads?

I do yes, and always disclose for ads. I think you have to be honest, otherwise people won’t trust your judgement.  

Do you have a rate card? Can you tell us an example of a cost?

I do, but it changes when your following changes. I think it also depends on the work at hand.

"I get most of my inspiration from Instagram, there are incredible artists out there."

How long does it take to plan a video or Instagram post?

I don’t usually plan anything, I just do what I feel for that day. But in terms of execution to the final product, it can take me about 2-3 hours overall for one look. 

What is one piece of advice you would give to budding YouTubers?

Consistency, again, is everything.

What are your top social media tips for growing a following?

Hashtags and posting as much as possible.

What have been your favourite sponsored collaborations to date?

I loved working with Smashbox, L’Oréal and Glamglow, also my recent Tweezerman x Huda Beauty collab was fun.  

What other bloggers/influencers do you follow and why?

There are just so many! I follow them all on my Instagram.