The Power of the Internet

It seems as though everyone is trying to get their 15 minutes of online fame by posting videos on YouTube or by participating on Facebook and Twitter. Kids, teenagers, business professionals, mothers, celebrities and athletes are all using these social platforms. The power of the internet allows anyone with a half-baked idea, a product and a webcam to start their journey to online fame. In the latest example of a social-media world, Lauren Luke, an unknown young single mother from England began selling makeup on eBay and posting pictures of herself wearing the makeup she was trying to sell. She also posted online tutorials on how to make the most of your makeup on YouTube. She has won the hearts of fans all over the world with her use of vibrant color and by recreating celebrities’ coveted makeup looks. Ultimately, her presence on the Web and popularity has made her a global sensation.

While Lauren has never had any formal training as a makeup artist, she has gained a global following as user Panacea81, which is a branded YouTube channel. The videos are short, casual, unedited and entertaining. As her popularity grew and her fan base became more addicted, Anomaly partner Duncan Bird also became interested in the friendly unknown sensation. According to an article in Ad Age, Duncan was impressed that she had 100,000 views on some videos and every time he went back to visit she seemed to have attracted 100,000 more. "There was something about Lauren that struck me as so authentic, so unusual and so interesting," Mr. Bird said.

Since then Mr. Bird has become Lauren’s manager and they’ve created a new cosmetics line, By Lauren Luke which will debut in stores on April 27. The line will launch in North America and Europe with five eye-color kits and will eventually expand. Because Lauren is such a YouTube sensation, Mr. Bird said, By Lauren Luke won’t need a traditional media campaign. "What we're trying to do is make sure that everything we do is true to what Lauren is about," he said. "I'm very passionate that Lauren stays true to her own self-image."

While there are umpteen beauty products in stores and a plethora of beauty consultants, it is still feasible for an unknown person to become a global sensation in the cut throat world of beauty treatments. Getting your message out on social networks and showcasing your talent on YouTube can make you famous and open doors that might not have been opened a few years ago. Who needs Hollywood, the so-called land of where dreams come true when you have a computer and Internet access?

Check out this video to see Lauren Luke in action: