Emma Chamberlain talks about cameras the way some people talk about cars, baseball stats, or the latest drama on Vanderpump Rules: with passion and a deep, impressive knowledge. Of course, it only makes sense given that the immensely popular content creator, host, and entrepreneur says she started her career at the age of 16 with a Canon camera. Now, some six years later, the host of the Met Gala live stream has partnered with the brand to help inspire up-and-coming creators.
It’s a collab that seems almost destined to be. “My dad is an artist, and he bought a Canon T2i to shoot still images that he could paint from,” she tells Glamour. “Fast-forward to me wanting to shoot my first YouTube video, and he was like, ‘Let’s just use my camera.’ Eventually, I graduated to the G7X, which is the perfect little handheld camera. Then I got the M50 after that and probably had four G7Xs. I just now graduated to the R50. But even now, when it comes to filming, I’m still loving the G7X. It’s just so good. Shove it in your pocket, put it on one of those little tripods, and take it with you everywhere. They’ve been just a part of my kit from literally day one.”
Munachi Osegbu
See what I mean? Passion and a deep, impressive knowledge. Chamberlain’s love of cameras is infectious that by the time I walk out of our 20-minute interview, I’m convinced I’m an expert too. I also leave with a shopping list a mile long based on Chamberlain’s enthusiastic recommendations for everything else, from luggage to body oil. As it turns out, she’s been shopping more than usual lately as she prepares for two vacations this summer that—for once—aren’t for work. “I just want everything out of my peripheral,” she says. “I’m going to Hawaii, and then Maine at some point this summer. It’s one of the best places in the world.”
So for Glamour‘s latest edition of What I’m Buying Now, the 22-year-old dishes on the perfect crossbody bag, the shoes that work for any occasion, and the chic and inexpensive travel razor she brings everywhere.
My favorite bag for daily use—and the Met Gala
I just got these two beautiful bags from Miu Miu. I have one in black and one in white and they both have a zipper. They’re the perfect camera bag. I actually wore the black one at the Met Gala with my second look. It fits a little mini tripod and the camera, and that’s the key. It’s crossbody or just a handheld. It checks all the boxes.
My carry-on luggage go-to
No checking bags. I just recently got my first RIMOWA bag, and I splurged on the dark green carry-on. This is my little birthday gift to myself [Chamberlain turned 22 on May 22]. Feels lucky, right? It’s finally the whole year where I can sing that Taylor Swift song about feeling 22. So thank God, finally made it. I also love a Carhartt backpack and Carhartt camera bag for all my big equipment. They’re the best. They’re truly utilitarian to a T, and they have everything you need. I actually like the sort of working vibe of them. They’re very straight to the point, look cool enough, and get the job done.
The most versatile pair of shoes I own
When it comes to traveling, you need a versatile pair of shoes. I like to match the shoe to the sunglasses. I have these low top Converse-looking sneakers from Acne Studios. They’re low top, lace-up. It is so simple, so versatile, good with everything. But then I also love a dark brown loafer. I have ones from Vagabond that are amazing. Those are my go-to shoes.
My favorite inexpensive (and expensive) sunglasses
Usually, I go for a really solid brown pair or a simple gold wire pair because I always wear my gold earrings. I really love vintage. I have so many pairs of vintage glasses from the ’90s, from Depop that are like $15. They’re great. High quality, dead stock that were just kind of sitting in a warehouse somewhere, and they have cool shapes. For a splurge, I love Gucci eyewear. I have two pairs that I’m obsessed with and wear all the time. And Warby Parker, too. They’re my favorite for reading glasses, especially.
The makeup and skincare products I always travel with
I try to keep the routine as simple as possible when I’m traveling since I carry on. Mini Lancôme Génifique Serum is a need, as well as their clear sunscreen, which is great. And the Génifique night cream as well as the Clarifique Serum. [Ed. note: Chamberlain is a Lancôme global ambassador.]
When it comes to my hair, I love UNITE’s hair oil, as well as Oribe’s Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil. It’s great. And I pack my little Billie razor with the cute travel case.
The fragrance that’s worth the splurge
I have a few things in life that I splurge on, one of which is the Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris Baccarat Rouge 540 eau de parfum. That scent is so good. I just love it and can’t stop loving it.
The body oil that smells amazing
The Sol De Janeiro body oil smells so delish. I love using that after the shower because it just smells so good. And that just sets me up for success, even if I don’t spray a fragrance.
The hostess gift I always give
A bag of coffee or 10. I mean, it’s obviously sort of narcissistic to be like, “Here’s a gift from my brand.” But I have so much product and can’t get through it all, and everyone who drinks coffee needs more coffee at all times. So I do love to give Chamberlain coffee to everybody. Whoops. I’ll admit it.
The pet accessory that brings me peace of mind
An Apple AirTag that you can attach to a pet’s collar. If your cats are like mine and you’re afraid of them getting out and getting eaten by a coyote, this will change your life. You can order a collar anywhere. Just look up “Apple AirTag animal collar.” [Ed. note: An air tag for your pet is not always recommended, so do your research depending on what works for you.]
Jessica Radloff is the Glamour senior West Coast editor, and author of the New York Times best-selling book, The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series, available here.
