Top 10 Beauty Creators Who Built Multi-Million Dollar Brands Before 30

The beauty industry has long been dominated by legacy brands and established corporations, but a new wave of entrepreneurs has rewritten the rules.

These aren't industry veterans or heirs to a cosmetics empire; they are digital natives who have leveraged their platforms, personality, and passion to build their own multi-million dollar brands before their 30th birthday.

By forging a direct connection with their audiences through authentic vlogs, tutorials, and honest reviews, they have cultivated a loyal community that feels invested in their success. This level of trust has allowed them to bypass traditional marketing channels and create brands that are not just selling products, but a lifestyle and a sense of belonging. They are a testament to the fact that in the age of social media, innovation and a clear vision can be just as powerful as a large budget.

Kylie Jenner

A true pioneer of the influencer-to-mogul pipeline, Kylie Jenner launched her cosmetics brand, Kylie Cosmetics, at just 18 years old. What began with a simple line of lip kits quickly exploded into a global beauty empire, making her a billionaire by the age of 21. Her success was a masterclass in leveraging a massive social media following, using her platforms to create a sense of scarcity and hype around every product launch.

Her brand wasn't just about makeup; it was an extension of her personal brand, giving followers a direct connection to her glamorous life. The limited-edition drops, combined with her relatable (and often-viral) content, created a level of demand that traditional brands couldn’t replicate. She proved that a celebrity's direct-to-consumer approach could be more powerful than any a long-standing company could ever build.

Platforms: Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat
Focus Area: Cosmetics, skincare, brand marketing, lifestyle.

Jeffree Star

Before he became one of the most polarizing figures in beauty, Jeffree Star was an early digital sensation who launched his cosmetics brand at the age of 29. After gaining notoriety as a musician and MySpace personality, he transitioned his entrepreneurial spirit into cosmetics with the launch of Jeffree Star Cosmetics. He built his brand on his over-the-top, unapologetic personality and a commitment to creating highly pigmented, vibrant, and cruelty-free products that stood out in a crowded market. 

His legendary unboxing videos and honest-to-a-fault reviews of competitors' products earned him a dedicated and massive audience. He used his platform to engage in drama and controversy, which, while divisive, only further fueled his brand's visibility and sales, cementing his position as a rebellious force in the industry.

Platforms: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok Focus Area: Makeup tutorials, product reviews, brand commentary, brand building.

Huda Kattan

A true visionary in the beauty space, Huda Kattan built her empire with the help of a blog and an early mastery of Instagram. After beginning her career as a makeup artist, she launched a beauty blog in 2010.

She quickly gained a loyal following, and at the age of 29, she launched her first product for Huda Beauty: a line of false eyelashes. Her brand quickly became a global phenomenon, with her innovative product development, from liquid lipsticks to full-coverage foundations, resonating with a global audience. 

Her authenticity and dedication to sharing her knowledge with her followers helped her build a brand that was not just about profit but about empowering her audience to feel beautiful. She is a testament to the power of combining business savvy with a genuine, community-first approach.

Platforms: Instagram, YouTube, TikTok
Focus Area: Makeup tutorials, product development, beauty trends.

James Charles

James Charles became a household name when he was named the first male CoverGirl ambassador at just 17. He would quickly leverage his explosive popularity to launch a groundbreaking collaboration with Morphe, releasing his highly anticipated "James Charles Palette" at the age of 19.

The palette broke records, selling out instantly and generating millions in revenue. His content is characterized by his incredible makeup artistry skills, creative challenges, and engaging tutorials that appeal to a wide demographic. 

His rapid rise and entrepreneurial success are a clear example of how a creator can turn their unique talent and a dedicated fanbase into a commercial juggernaut. While his career has seen its share of controversy, his ability to build a brand at such a young age remains a remarkable feat in the beauty industry.

Platforms: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok
Focus Area: Makeup tutorials, challenges, creative artistry, collaborations.

Michelle Phan

A true pioneer of the beauty creator space, Michelle Phan began her YouTube career in 2007, long before the industry was commercialized. She built her following with imaginative and artistic tutorials, but it was her entrepreneurial vision that set her apart.

At the age of 26, she co-founded Ipsy, a monthly subscription service that revolutionized how consumers discover beauty products. The company was an immediate success, tapping into the desire for personalized beauty experiences.

She later launched her own cosmetics line, EM Cosmetics, a brand that, while initially struggling, has since found its footing. Michelle's journey from a humble YouTuber to the co-founder of a multi-million dollar subscription service is a testament to her forward-thinking approach to business and her understanding of consumer behavior.

Platforms: YouTube, Instagram, Website
Focus Area: Makeup tutorials, creative beauty, entrepreneurship.

Patrick Starrr

A true pioneer for male beauty creators, Patrick Starrr built a global brand on his undeniable talent and powerful message of inclusivity. Launching his YouTube channel in 2013, he quickly became known for his masterful transformations, humorous personality, and signature phrase: "Makeup is a ONE/SIZE fits all."

At 30 years old, he launched his own beauty line, ONE/SIZE Beauty, in a partnership with Luxury Brand Partners. His brand is a direct reflection of his personal ethos, with a mission to elevate the voices of the unheard and prove that beauty has no limits.

The brand is known for its high-performance products, such as its viral setting spray, and its commitment to radical self-expression. Patrick's success is a powerful testament to how authenticity and a mission-driven vision can resonate with a diverse community, turning a digital creator into a major force in the beauty industry.

Platforms: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok
Focus Area: Makeup artistry, inclusivity, brand building, empowerment.

Jaclyn Hill

Jaclyn Hill built a loyal and massive following with her bubbly personality and masterful makeup tutorials on YouTube. Her journey to building a brand began with highly successful collaborations with brands like Becca Cosmetics and Morphe.

The astronomical success of these collaborations, including the viral "Champagne Pop" highlighter, proved her influence and market power. At the age of 28, she launched her own cosmetics line, Jaclyn Cosmetics. While the brand faced early setbacks, her ability to command sales and create viral launches cemented her status as a true beauty mogul. Her career demonstrates the power of a long-standing, dedicated community and the value of a creator’s brand recognition in a saturated market.

Platforms: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok
Focus Area: Makeup tutorials, product reviews, collaborations.

Nikita Dragun

Nikita Dragun leveraged her bold personality and her journey as a trans woman to build a powerful and inclusive beauty brand. She launched Dragun Beauty at the age of 23 with a mission to create products for all people, with a specific focus on the transgender community.

Her brand is known for its striking packaging and products that are designed to help with common concerns within the trans community, such as color correction. Nikita’s content is a mix of high-glam tutorials, reality-style vlogs, and honest discussions about her life, which has built a loyal community that feels seen and represented by her brand.

Her success is a powerful example of how a creator can build a brand around a specific mission and an underserved audience.

Platforms: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok
Focus Area: Makeup artistry, transgender beauty, inclusivity, lifestyle.

Bretman Rock

Bretman Rock has a truly unique and hilarious approach to beauty, which has made him a fan favorite and a major player in the industry. He began posting makeup tutorials and vlogs with his signature witty and unfiltered commentary.

At the age of 23, he launched his brand, Bretman Rock x ColourPop, a highly successful collaboration with the beloved cosmetics company. While not a standalone brand, his collaborations consistently sell out and generate massive revenue, proving his market power.

His brand is built on his larger-than-life personality, his quick humor, and his complete authenticity. He has shown that a successful beauty brand can be built on joy, laughter, and a refusal to take the industry too seriously.

Platforms: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok
Focus Area: Makeup tutorials, humor, lifestyle vlogs, collaborations.

Desi Perkins

Desi Perkins is a beauty and lifestyle creator who built a loyal following with her warm personality and glamorous makeup looks. She leveraged her popularity and collaborations with brands like MAC and Dose of Colors to launch her own cosmetics line.

At the age of 29, she co-founded Dezi Skin, a skincare brand focused on clean ingredients and effective formulations. Her brand is a reflection of her personal journey and her passion for skincare, which she has openly shared with her audience for years.

Desi’s success is a testament to the power of a creator’s evolving brand, transitioning from makeup artistry to a more holistic approach to beauty and wellness. She has proven that trust and a well-curated brand message can lead to long-term success.

Platforms: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok
Focus Area: Makeup, skincare, lifestyle, product development.

The Digital Empire Builders

The stories of these ten creators are a powerful indicator of the beauty industry’s new direction. They demonstrate that a personal brand built on a platform can be just as, if not more, valuable than a large-scale advertising budget. These entrepreneurs leveraged authenticity, community, and a deep understanding of the audience to create brands that feel genuine and accessible.

They didn't just sell products; they sold a vision, a community, and a sense of empowerment. By building their multi-million dollar brands before the age of 30, they have not only secured their own financial success but have also paved the way for a new generation of creators to turn their passion into a thriving business, proving that the digital-first approach to commerce is the future.