SAMANTHA RAVNDAHL: SHOW YOUR TRUEST YOU
SAMANTHA RAVNDAHL: SHOW YOUR TRUEST YOU
Samantha Ravndahl, fearless, outspoken and unabashedly honest, has established herself as Canada’s supreme arbiter of cool. Over 2.4 million people obsessively follow her trendsetting takes on beauty on Instagram, but it’s through her YouTube makeup tutorials and Periscope banter that her personality – at once loveably laid-back and ready to conquer the world – really shines. Here, Samantha shares her thoughts on the power of beauty and takes us on her journey from boutique makeup artist to social media superstar.
What’s behind your passion for beauty?
Innovation and people. I love that makeup and the idea of beauty are constantly changing. It keeps it exciting and inspiring! The people in this industry – as well as makeup enthusiasts ¬– have so much to teach and are always pushing the boundaries, trying new things, which reminds me to do the same.
“Be comfortable showcasing what you believe to be beautiful. You will never please everyone, so the best thing you can do is please yourself. Others will be liberated by your ability to do things your own way.”
Do you have a personal beauty philosophy?
Wear what you like and never be afraid to try new things. Push yourself to utilize products and tools in new ways. Drink water, of course!
How did you decide on your M·A·C Lipstick shade?
I wanted something simple and easy that you can quickly apply to feel a little bit more put-together. I didn't want anything that would be drying or uncomfortable on the lips, or something that would fade throughout the day. I designed my Lipstick to have a more sheer and creamy texture, so you can wear alone for a subtle look, build up the colour or pair it with a lip liner for intense payoff.
Fill in the blank: My Lipstick goes best with _________.
Confidence and a plate of fries.
What’s your advice for anyone dreaming of rocking the beauty world as an influencer?
Be yourself. As cliché as it sounds, there is only one you and everyone is looking for someone to relate to. Be comfortable showcasing what YOU like and what you believe to be beautiful. You will never please everyone, so the best thing you can do is please yourself. Others will be liberated by your ability to do things your own way.
I got started when I worked in retail makeup at a small boutique store and got fired from the job. I had about 2,000 followers at the time. It ended up being the best thing for me, and it was what I needed to push me to make a leap of faith. By the end of that year, I had around one million followers and a passion for success.
What was the most impactful experience you had with a fan?
It would be too hard to pick just one experience, in particular, because I feel so grateful to get the opportunity to meet people I can relate to. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of this job!
I'm able to connect with likeminded people from all over that I otherwise would have never known. I've been able to learn more about their lives, cultures and current events. That's the most impactful thing to me.
