James Charles

James Charles Dickinson is an American beauty YouTuber, makeup artist, and social media personality.

Charles began a YouTube channel while working as a local makeup artist in Bethlehem, New York, where he uploads makeup instructions. After a post displaying his makeup went viral, he was named the first male brand ambassador for CoverGirl in 2016.

Charles was born on May 23, 1999, in Bethlehem, New York, United States. The YouTube Originals reality competition series Instant Influencer was hosted, directed, and co-produced by Charles in 2020. He collaborated with Morphe Cosmetics on an eyeshadow palette and a beauty line and has won multiple honors for his social media work.

That includes two People's Choice Awards for Beauty Influencer in 2018 and 2020, three Streamy Awards for Beauty in 2018 and Show of the Year in 2020, one Shorty Award for Favorite Male Social Star in 2021, and one Teen Choice Award for Choice Fashion/Beauty Web Star in 2018.

Throughout his career, he has been involved in several online controversies, including a highly publicized spat with fellow beauty YouTuber Tati Westbrook in 2019. Charles acknowledged sexting with two juvenile males after being accused of online grooming by other teenage boys.

Charles launched a YouTube channel in December 2015, where he began posting beauty tips. In September 2016, a tweet that showed him retaking his senior portrait with a ring light and cosmetics went viral. He became the first male brand ambassador for the cosmetics brand CoverGirl in October 2016, when he was 17 years old.

The appointment received a lot of positive feedback on social media and he soon made his first appearance in ads for CoverGirl's So Lashy mascara. His visit to Birmingham in January 2019 for the inauguration of Morphe Cosmetics' second UK store caused traffic congestion in the city center. Charles handled the make-up for Australian artist Iggy Azalea's promotional graphics for her single "Sally Walker" in March 2019 and also participated in the music video for the song.

By 2020, Charles took on a new role as host, director, and co-producer of the YouTube Originals reality competition series "Instant Influencer," which debuted on his YouTube channel. The show, designed to discover the next big beauty influencer, solidified Charles' position as a leading figure in the online beauty scene. His efforts earned him the Show of the Year award at the 10th Streamy Awards.

As of 2024, Charles' YouTube channel has amassed over 23 million subscribers, where his content—ranging from makeup tutorials to collaborations with celebrities—continues to captivate his audience. His ability to adapt to new platforms and trends, particularly on Instagram and TikTok, has kept him at the forefront.

Despite some challenges, Charles used this time to focus on personal growth and brand development. He remained a beacon for young makeup artists, championing diversity and inclusivity within the beauty community. His efforts to challenge gender norms in makeup and promote a more inclusive industry have been a defining aspect of his career.

Furthermore, Charles has also since expanded his brand partnerships and product lines, continuing his successful collaboration with Morphe Cosmetics. These ventures further cemented his status as a key player in the beauty industry. His influence also extended into the fashion world, with a notable appearance at the 2019 Met Gala—a significant achievement for any beauty influencer.

Charles has amassed a net worth of $22 million as of August 2024 according to Celebrity Net Worth. His wealth comes from a variety of sources including his work as a make-up artist, various celebrities, brand deals and endorsements as well as his content on social media platforms. Get detailed information about James Charles's net worth.

James Charles was born in Bethlehem, New York, to Skip, a contractor, and Christine Dickinson. Charles came out as gay to his parents at age 12. Ian Jeffrey, his younger brother, works as a model. He graduated from Bethlehem Central High School in 2017 with honors. Describing his high school experience, he stated, "I did get bullied a lot in high school, and personally, I just ignored it.".

After being asked by a friend to do her makeup for a school dance, Charles began working as an amateur hairstylist and makeup artist. He started doing makeup professionally for girls in his region after educating himself on how to do it.

Tati Westbrook, a fellow makeup artist and longtime collaborator with Charles, accused him of disloyalty and seeking to seduce a heterosexual guy in a 43-minute film titled Bye Sister in 2019. Westbrook's claims were corroborated by YouTuber Jeffree Star and singer Zara Larsson, and Charles became the first YouTuber to lose one million subscribers in 24 hours.

He made an 8-minute apology video for Westbrook, which quickly became one of YouTube's most disliked videos before being removed. He responded with a second 41-minute video titled No More Lies, in which he addressed and refuted Westbrook's comments, resulting in renewed internet support for Charles and criticism of Westbrook.

Charles groomed a 16-year-old boy named Isaiyah by sending him nude images and forcing him into sexting with him despite knowing his age, according to a video released to TikTok in February 2021. Charles responded to the video with a tweet disputing the grooming allegations and claiming that the youngster claimed to be 18 years old initially. Other young boys accused Charles of sending them unwanted nude photographs and forcing them into sexting with him in March 2021.

In April 2021, Charles released a video titled Holding Myself Accountable, in which he admitted to sending sexually explicit texts to "two different people, both under the age of 18," but he denied knowing they were underage at the time. Morphe issued a statement later that month announcing the termination of their business relationship with Charles, and YouTube temporarily demonetized his channel.

In this clip, Charles reacts to a TikTok of a fan who called Charles her mother.

Charles in this TikTok reviews a make-up product by Jones Road Beauty.

In this clip, Charles invites his friends to a summer camp and shows highlights of the camp.

Charles and his friends guess who will get the drunkest during Charles’ birthday party in this clip.

Charles in this clip uses TikTok filters to figure out his make-up.