The beauty influencer ecosystem in 2025 is characterized by rapid change, increased scrutiny, and evolving audience expectations. While mega-influencers continue to dominate reach, micro-influencers are driving higher engagement rates and more authentic connections with audiences. This comprehensive analysis covers the current landscape, verified top performers, and emerging trends shaping the industry.

MEGA-TIER INFLUENCERS (10M+ Followers)

1. Huda Kattan - @huda- 4.9M followers

‍Iraqi-American beauty mogul and founder of Huda Beauty, recognized by Forbes as one of the top three beauty influencers globally. Named one of Time magazine's 25 Most Influential People on the Internet and ranked #1 on the 2017 Influencer Instagram Rich List. Built a billion-dollar beauty empire encompassing cosmetics, Kayali fragrances, and Wishful skincare, with annual revenue reaching $75 million by 2024.

2. James Charles - @jamescharles - 20M followers

‍First male ambassador for CoverGirl and pioneering male beauty influencer with combined reach of 84.5 million across all platforms. Founded Painted cosmetics brand and hosted YouTube's Instant Influencer series, winning Show of the Year at the Streamy Awards. Despite controversies, remains one of the most influential voices in beauty, known for bold artistic makeup looks and inclusive beauty advocacy.

3. NikkieTutorials - @nikkietutorials - 19M followers

‍Dutch makeup artist whose "Power of Makeup" video garnered 40 million views and inspired a global movement. First transgender person to host Eurovision Song Contest and Global Beauty Adviser for Marc Jacobs Beauty. Founded Nimya beauty brand and continues to break barriers for LGBTQ+ representation in beauty, with technical expertise spanning over 15 years of content creation.

4. Makeup By Mario - @makeupbymario - 14M followers

‍Celebrity makeup artist and founder of Makeup by Mario brand, recognized by Vogue as "the most influential makeup artist in the world." Works with A-list celebrities and has developed innovative products like Master Mattes Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow. Based in New York City, known for professional-level tutorials and red-carpet makeup techniques.

5. Jeffree Star - @jeffreestar - 13.3M followers

‍Controversial beauty mogul and founder of Jeffree Star Cosmetics with total reach of 36.6 million across platforms. Built luxury makeup empire known for bold, themed collections and dramatic product launches. Despite controversies, maintains significant influence through high-quality products and dedicated fanbase, with estimated net worth in millions.

🎯 MACRO-TIER INFLUENCERS (1M-10M Followers)

6. Pat McGrath - @patmcgrathrreal - 6M followers

‍Dame Pat McGrath, legendary makeup artist described by Vogue as "the most influential makeup artist in the world." Founded Pat McGrath Labs luxury cosmetics line and has worked with top fashion houses and celebrities for decades. Recognized with Dame Commander of the British Empire for services to fashion and beauty, representing the pinnacle of professional artistry.

7. Sadaf Beauty - @sadaf_beauty - 4.1M followers

‍San Francisco-based beauty influencer known for comprehensive beauty education and honest product reviews. Runs successful lifestyle channel and maintains strong engagement through authentic content creation. Represents accessible beauty expertise with focus on practical tutorials and relatable beauty advice for everyday consumers.

8. Patrick Starrr - @patrickstarrr - 4.3M followers

‍Filipino-American beauty influencer and founder of ONE/SIZE beauty brand, licensed esthetician pioneering male beauty content. Among the first male beauty YouTubers to achieve mainstream success and recognition. Known for glamorous makeup techniques, contouring expertise, and inclusive beauty messaging that celebrates diversity in the beauty community.

9. Manny MUA - @mannymua733 - 3.9M followers

‍Pioneering male beauty influencer and founder of Lunar Beauty cosmetics, first male brand ambassador for Maybelline. Known for breaking gender barriers in beauty and promoting makeup as self-expression for all. Continues producing content while successfully running makeup line, demonstrating the evolution from influencer to entrepreneur.

10. Mikayla Nogueira - @mikaylajmakeup - 3.3M followers

‍Massachusetts-based makeup artist and founder of POV Beauty, known for honest product reviews and relatable content. Represents authentic beauty influence with focus on real-world application and genuine product testing. Appeals to everyday consumers seeking trustworthy beauty advice without excessive glamour or unattainable standards.

💎 ESTABLISHED VOICES (500K-3M Followers)

11. Jackie Aina - @jackieaina - 1.9M followers

‍Nigerian-American beauty influencer and co-founder of FORVR Mood, NAACP's first-ever YouTuber of the Year. Pioneered conversations about inclusive shade ranges and forced industry-wide changes in product development. Known for calling out brands lacking diversity and celebrating Black beauty with authentic, unapologetic advocacy that has influenced major beauty companies.

12. Thuy Le - @xthuyle - 1.9M followers

‍Vietnamese-American beauty creator specializing in skin prep and clean beauty techniques. Known for flawless base application methods and skincare-focused makeup tutorials. Creates weekly YouTube content and maintains strong engagement through technical expertise and authentic approach to beauty education.

13. Itsmyrayeraye - @itsmyrayeraye - 1.5M followers

‍Los Angeles-based lifestyle beauty creator combining beauty expertise with authentic family content. Known for beauty hacks, mom life balance, and travel content that resonates with modern parents. Represents real-life beauty application with focus on practical solutions for busy lifestyles.

14. Hindash - @hindash - 1.5M followers

‍Founder of Hindash Cosmetics known for artistic and editorial makeup techniques. Creates professional-quality content with focus on advanced application methods and creative color theory. Represents high-level artistry in beauty content creation with technical expertise appealing to serious makeup enthusiasts.

15. Jake Warden - @jakewarden - 1.3M followers

‍Global Makeup Expert for Dolce & Gabbana Beauty based in LA/NYC with 2.4 million TikTok followers. Young influencer showcasing creativity and professional brand partnerships. Known for innovative techniques and collaborations with major beauty brands, representing the next generation of professional beauty creators.

✨ RISING STARS & SPECIALISTS (100K-1M Followers)

16. Gabriel Zamora - @gabrielzamora - 651K followers

‍Houston-based, LA-located Mexican-American creator focused on honest beauty reviews and LGBTQ+ representation. Known for candid product testing and inclusive beauty advocacy. Represents authentic voice in beauty community with focus on brows, beauty, and lifestyle content that resonates with diverse audiences.

17. Frederic Chen - @frederic.chen - 674K followers

‍Clean beauty advocate focused on minimalist aesthetics and sustainable beauty practices. Creates artistic makeup content while promoting ethical beauty choices. Represents growing clean beauty movement with emphasis on ingredient transparency and responsible consumption in beauty industry.

18. Nyma Tang - @nymatang - 430K followers

‍South Sudanese-American beauty creator famous for "The Darkest Shade" series highlighting lack of inclusive makeup options. Collaborated with MAC Cosmetics and Fenty Beauty, featured as Sports Illustrated Swimsuit rookie model. Pioneered conversations about deep skin tone representation in beauty industry.

19. Alessandro - @mualesandro - 443K followers

‍Miami-based makeup artist with strong TikTok presence known for glamorous editorial looks. Creates vibrant, high-impact content showcasing technical expertise and artistic vision. Represents Latin American influence in beauty with focus on bold, confident makeup styles.

20. Alexandra Anele - @alexandra_anele - 368K followers

‍Los Angeles-based beauty creator with over 1 million YouTube subscribers, known for technical makeup education. Specializes in complexion perfection and contouring techniques with focus on practical application. Appeals to beauty enthusiasts seeking professional-level instruction and technique refinement.

🌱 EMERGING VOICES & MICRO-INFLUENCERS (10K-500K Followers)

21. Cassandra Bankson - @cassandrabankson - 221K followers

‍Medical esthetician and former model with acne, 2.3 million YouTube subscribers focusing on evidence-based skincare education. Promotes body positivity and challenges beauty standards through educational content about acne and skin health. Represents authentic voice in skincare with professional medical background.

22. The Beauty Radar - @thebeautyradar - 340K followers

‍Ulta Beauty Collective 2024 member and NY/NJ-based beauty content creator with strong TikTok presence. Known for comprehensive product testing and honest reviews across beauty categories. Represents reliable source for beauty recommendations with focus on accessible products and techniques.

23. Makeup By China - @makeupbychina - 366K followers

‍San Diego-based makeup artist creating trend-focused content with California-inspired beauty aesthetic. Known for fresh, West Coast approach to beauty trends and seasonal looks. Represents regional beauty influence with focus on effortless, beach-inspired makeup styles.

24. The Beauty Debut - @thebeautydebut - 289K followers

‍Sephora Squad 2025 member promoting age-positive beauty with motto "Your age is your Superpower." Focuses on age-honoring makeup, skincare, and style for mature beauty market. Represents growing movement toward inclusive beauty standards across all age groups.

25. Naezrahl Looks - @naezrahlooks - 370K followers

‍NYC-based Haitian multidisciplinary artist known for elaborate, transformative makeup looks. Gained viral attention for eye-catching editorial work and collaborated with Grammy winner SZA. Represents artistic boundary-pushing in beauty with focus on creative expression and cultural celebration.

🎨 SPECIALIZED CREATORS & NICHE EXPERTS

26. Wing It Beauty - @wing.it.beauty - 149K followers

‍Toronto-based creator with Caribbean heritage and 10+ years professional makeup experience. Represents cultural diversity in beauty techniques with focus on multicultural beauty application. Known for authentic approach to beauty education with emphasis on technique and cultural representation.

27. Las Cosas De Nino - @lascosasdenino - 172K followers

‍Houston-based Latina beauty content creator focused on bilingual beauty education. Creates cultural bridge in beauty content with emphasis on product recommendations and tutorials. Represents growing Latino influence in beauty community with authentic cultural perspective.

28. Glazadia Makeup - @glazadia.makeup- 65K followers

‍Puerto Rican creator in Texas, co-founder of Comunidad Latina Creator with 220K+ TikTok followers. Describes makeup as therapy and promotes beauty as healing and self-expression. Represents therapeutic approach to beauty with focus on mental health and cultural community building.

29. Unicorn Nesh - @unicornensh - 12.6K followers

‍Miami-based creator focusing on makeup tutorials, GRWM content, and product reviews with Unicorn Squad community. Known for community-focused beauty education and accessible approach to beauty trends. Represents micro-influencer power with highly engaged, loyal audience.

30. Cheeky Beauty LA - @cheekybeautyla - 43.5K followers

Los Angeles-based celebrity makeup artist , Lisa Harris, and licensed aesthetician known for professional beauty education and anti-aging expertise. Focuses on telling stories through makeup while rewriting rules on aging with emphasis on wellness and travel content. Represents luxury beauty expertise with focus on mature clientele and red-carpet techniques.

🌍 GLOBAL & DIVERSE VOICES

31. Desi Perkins - @desiperkins - 4.2M followers

‍Mexican-American beauty influencer and entrepreneur, founder of Dezi Skin skincare line and co-founder of Katy cosmetics brand. Former longtime beauty guru known for warm-toned makeup looks and accessible tutorials. Represents Latina beauty influence with focus on entrepreneurship, having successfully transitioned from content creation to building multiple beauty businesses.

32. Ariana Weldon - @ariana__weldon - 11.8K followers

‍Peruvian boy mom in Florida creating lifestyle, skincare, and beauty content. Represents authentic Latina motherhood and beauty balance with focus on family-friendly content. Appeals to working mothers seeking realistic beauty advice and cultural representation.

33. Ana Cecilia- @makeupbycecii- 3.4K followers

Professional makeup artist and beauty content creator known for detailed tutorials and technique-focused education. Specializes in creating polished, wearable looks with emphasis on skill development and application mastery. Represents growing micro-influencer movement where expertise and engagement matter more than follower count, building loyal community through consistent, high-quality beauty education.

34. Matias4Makeup - @mathias4makeup - 11.6K followers

‍CEO/VIP beauty empowerment tutor, YouTube mentor, and social media strategist focusing on beauty entrepreneurship education. Provides business education within beauty industry with focus on creator economy development. Represents business acumen side of beauty influence.

35. Ruchika Das Sharma - @ruchikadasofficial - 392K followers

Indian beauty and lifestyle content creator known for versatile makeup looks and cultural beauty representation. Focuses on accessible beauty techniques with emphasis on South Asian beauty standards and traditional-meets-modern styling approaches. Represents growing Indian influence in global beauty community with authentic cultural perspective and relatable content creation.

🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+ & INCLUSIVE VOICES

36. Eli Levi - @elileviofficialv- 10.3K followers

‍Nonbinary ginger esthetician and MUA focused on cruelty-free beauty and vegan lifestyle with 38K+ TikTok followers. Represents ethical beauty and gender-inclusive content with professional background. Known for clean beauty advocacy and inclusive approach to beauty standards.

37. Dylan Davii - @dylandavii - 54K followers

DC/NYC-based beauty creator and "shapeshifter" known for transformative makeup artistry and hair content. Openly LGBTQ+ creator focusing on creative beauty expression and artistic transformation techniques. Represents authentic queer voice in beauty community with emphasis on self-expression and creative boundary-pushing in makeup artistry.

38. Ivan - @ivanbaaaaah - 357K followers

‍NYC-based creator with message "Beauty inside and out, you belong" focusing on inclusive beauty and community building. Promotes acceptance and diversity in beauty community with emphasis on belonging. Represents community-building aspect of beauty influence with focus on inclusion.

39. Madison Werner - @madisonwerner - 130K followers

‍Trans beauty influencer and first trans face of a CoverGirl beauty campaign, focused on queer and Jewish advocacy. Represents groundbreaking transgender representation in mainstream beauty campaigns. Known for advocacy work and breaking barriers in beauty industry representation.

40. Joseph Harwood - @josephharwood - 100K followers

‍Licensed artist and beauty expert, founder and winner of "You Generation" award focusing on LGBTQ+ advocacy. Represents intersection of artistry and activism in beauty community. Known for creative content and community leadership in LGBTQ+ beauty spaces.

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