The beauty industry has transformed dramatically over the last decade, and beauty influencers are at the center of this evolution. From launching global makeup brands to educating audiences about skincare ingredients.
Whether you’re a beauty enthusiast looking for honest reviews or a brand searching for creators who can drive trust and conversions, this curated list of the top 25 beauty influencers highlights creators who consistently lead the industry with influence, credibility, and creativity.
What Makes a Beauty Influencer “Top-Tier” Today
Being a top beauty influencer is no longer just about having millions of followers. Today’s beauty creators succeed because of several key factors:
Authenticity and trust
Audiences value honest opinions over heavily scripted promotions. Influencers who share real experiences, pros and cons, and personal routines earn stronger loyalty.
High-quality engagement
Meaningful comments, saves, shares, and story interactions matter more than raw follower counts.
Clear niche authority
From makeup artistry and skincare science to clean beauty and inclusivity, top influencers dominate a specific niche.
Platform consistency
Leading creators maintain strong visibility across Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok while adapting content to each influencer discovery platform’s strengths.
Brand collaboration credibility
Top beauty influencers partner selectively with brands that align with their values, which protects long-term trust.
Top 25 Beauty Influencers (Curated List)
1. Huda Kattan
Huda Kattan is one of the most influential beauty entrepreneurs in the world. Starting as a beauty blogger and makeup artist, she built Huda Beauty into a global cosmetics empire. Her content blends product education, trend forecasting, and behind-the-scenes brand insights, making her a trusted voice for both consumers and professionals.
2. James Charles
Known for bold makeup looks and viral tutorials, James Charles rose to fame through YouTube and Instagram. His content focuses on creativity, transformation, and artistry, appealing to a younger audience and trend-driven brands.
3. Michelle Phan
A pioneer of beauty influencing, Michelle Phan helped define YouTube beauty content. Her calm, educational approach and entrepreneurial success make her a respected authority in makeup, skincare, and creator-led brands.
4. Nikkie de Jager
NikkieTutorials is famous for high-impact transformations and expert-level makeup tutorials. Her transparency and technical skill have earned her collaborations with major global beauty brands.
5. Kylie Jenner
Kylie Jenner blends celebrity influence with beauty entrepreneurship. Through Kylie Cosmetics, she has redefined influencer-led product launches and social-media-driven beauty marketing.
6. Jackie Aina
Jackie Aina is widely respected for advocating inclusivity and representation in beauty. Her reviews are detailed, honest, and educational, making her highly trusted among diverse audiences.
7. Jeffree Star
Jeffree Star is known for dramatic content, bold product reviews, and high-visibility launches. His influence lies in strong brand recognition and a loyal, engaged fan base.
8. Desi Perkins
Desi Perkins focuses on wearable glam, lifestyle beauty, and skincare routines. Her polished content appeals to premium and luxury beauty brands.
9. Patrick Ta
Celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta brings professional artistry into digital beauty content. His minimalist glam aesthetic resonates strongly with modern beauty audiences.
10. Manny MUA
Manny MUA built his reputation through accessible tutorials and relatable storytelling. His journey from influencer to brand founder highlights the power of creator-led beauty businesses.
11. Bretman Rock
Bretman Rock’s content blends humor, bold beauty looks, and lifestyle storytelling. His authenticity and personality-driven content make him a favorite for social-first beauty campaigns.
12. Zoë Sugg
Zoella built a loyal following through approachable beauty and lifestyle content. Her influence remains strong among audiences seeking everyday beauty inspiration.
13. Camila Coelho
Camila Coelho bridges fashion, luxury beauty, and lifestyle. Her refined aesthetic makes her ideal for premium and global beauty brands.
14. Tati Westbrook
Known for detailed, long-form product reviews, Tati Westbrook emphasizes education and performance testing, which appeals to consumers seeking informed beauty decisions.
15. Alissa Ashley
Alissa Ashley creates content focused on makeup artistry, skincare, and representation. Her authentic voice and clean visuals attract both indie and mainstream beauty brands.
16. Nyma Tang
Nyma Tang is recognized for challenging shade inclusivity in beauty. Her content highlights representation and product accessibility, influencing industry-wide change.
17. Susan Yara
Susan Yara combines skincare science with approachable education. Her ingredient-focused content helps audiences understand product formulations and routines.
18. Hindash
Hindash is known for editorial makeup artistry and refined techniques. His content appeals to professional artists and high-end beauty audiences.
19. James Welsh
James Welsh focuses on skincare education and realistic routines. His transparent approach resonates with audiences tired of overpromising beauty trends.
20. Hyram Yarbro
Hyram popularized ingredient-based skincare education on social media. His content has influenced purchasing decisions globally, especially among Gen Z consumers.
21. Chloe Morello
Chloe Morello blends glamour makeup with honest reviews. Her approachable personality and technical skills make her a long-standing figure in beauty influencing.
22. Christen Dominique
Christen Dominique shares tutorials, product reviews, and entrepreneurial insights. Her content balances artistry with everyday usability.
23. Wayne Goss
Wayne Goss is a professional makeup artist known for educational, technique-driven content. His expertise attracts mature and serious beauty enthusiasts.
24. Shalini Kutti
Shalini Kutti is a leading Indian beauty creator known for elegant makeup transformations and bridal-inspired looks. She bridges global trends with Indian beauty aesthetics.
25. Malvika Sitlani
Malvika Sitlani is one of India’s most recognizable beauty influencers. Her content focuses on makeup tutorials, skincare routines, and honest product reviews, making her highly influential in the Indian market.
Beauty Influencers by Category (Quick View)
Makeup Experts
Huda Kattan, NikkieTutorials, Patrick Ta, Jackie Aina
Skincare Specialists
Hyram Yarbro, Susan Yara, James Welsh
Luxury & Glam Beauty
Camila Coelho, Desi Perkins, Wayne Goss
Inclusive Beauty Voices
Nyma Tang, Jackie Aina, Alissa Ashley
Indian Beauty Influencers
Malvika Sitlani, Shalini Kutti
Platforms Where Top Beauty Influencers Perform Best
Instagram
Ideal for reels, short tutorials, product launches, and visual storytelling.
YouTube
Best for in-depth reviews, routines, transformations, and education-driven content.
TikTok
Drives viral trends, fast discovery, and impulse beauty purchases.
How Brands Can Choose the Right Beauty Influencer
Selecting the right beauty influencer requires strategy:
- Match influencer niche with product category
- Analyze engagement quality, not just follower count
- Review past brand collaborations
- Decide between one-time campaigns or long-term partnerships
- Set realistic budgets based on reach and content type
Micro vs Mega Beauty Influencers – Which Works Better?
Mega influencers deliver massive reach and brand awareness but often at higher costs.
Micro influencers provide stronger trust, niche relevance, and higher conversion rates.
Many successful beauty brands combine both approaches for balanced results.
Trends Shaping Beauty Influencer Marketing
- Authentic, less-filtered content
- Ingredient-focused skincare education
- Community-driven recommendations
- Long-term creator partnerships
- Technology-led beauty experiences (AR, virtual try-ons)
Conclusion
The top 25 beauty influencers listed above are not just content creators—they are trendsetters, educators, and brand builders shaping the future of the beauty industry. Whether you’re a brand planning your influencer marketing strategy or a consumer seeking trusted voices, following the right beauty influencers can make a meaningful difference.