The web is more beautiful than ever; thanks to, amongst other things, makeup tutorial videos. One makeup pro, Brianna Thompson, hailing from Chicago, proves that professionally produced vignettes, a passion for cosmetics and smart social media marketing is the kind of web-inspired pretty women around the world can appreciate.

For makeup enthusiasts everywhere, the free online video tutorial marks a significant milestone in the history of DIY glamour. Never before have women been able to easily and affordably understand how to achieve popular looks and mimic today’s style icons like Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga and Kate Middleton (now Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge).

Online up-and-comer Thompson was just the person to bridge the makeup-related divide between Hollywood and everywhere else. She enjoyed her time as a Makeup Artist to the stars, but also yearned for something more.  So in 2010, Makeup Minutes was born.

Thompson started marketing her site via Facebook by inviting friends and family, but soon after, her fan page grew to include women from around the world.  The beauty pro realized that ever-changing makeup trends and her tutorials created a market opportunity, one that ignited a spark in women. Makeup Minutes has grown virally to over 5,000 engaged Facebook fans.

Then, Thompson found herself in need of a social media management tool to tame her comprehensive social web presence: blogs, Twitter, FaceBook, videos and so on.

“I first used a social media tool that was very expensive, and quickly learned that you can hire someone or a social media company but they’re never going have the same passion and messaging as you.”  Thompson then read an article about Roost, a free social marketing platform provider. “This product saved me. It lets me control the social marketing output. I save tons of time. On weekends I prepare for my week and lay out what I want to say in less than 30 minutes. Roost helps me create a theme and quickly get out a campaign for the week.”

Thompson also appreciates the ability to join forces with trusted businesses through Roost’s Circle feature. “I invited business friends to be in my circle on Roost so that we can cross-promote. It creates a much greater online reach and that’s clearly beneficial. It’s actually pretty fun.”

Her business is about to graduate from phase one and Thompson is excited to empower pretty for women everywhere, while making her unique mark on the burgeoning social web beauty business.