James Charles, born on May 23, 1999, in Bethlehem, New York, is a prominent American YouTuber and makeup artist known for his vibrant personality and innovative makeup techniques. He began his journey as a local makeup artist, which led him to create a YouTube channel dedicated to makeup tutorials, quickly gaining a substantial following.
In 2016, Charles made history by becoming the first male brand ambassador for CoverGirl, a milestone that showcased his talent and broke gender norms in the beauty industry. His rise to fame was further propelled by a viral tweet featuring his makeup artistry, which captured the attention of beauty enthusiasts worldwide.
In 2020, he expanded his influence by hosting, directing, and co-producing the YouTube Originals reality competition series, Instant Influencer. His entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his collaboration with Morphe Cosmetics, where he released a successful eyeshadow palette and launched his own makeup line.
Throughout his career, Charles has received numerous accolades, including two People's Choice Awards, three Streamy Awards, a Shorty Award, and a Teen Choice Award, highlighting his impact on social media. However, his journey has not been without controversy, including a notable feud with fellow beauty YouTuber Tati Westbrook in 2019 and allegations of inappropriate interactions in 2021, which he addressed by stating he was unaware of the individuals' ages.