Nowadays, everyone knows what an “influencer” is. Chances are, you’re even pretty familiar with how people become these massive internet celebrities. But who actually created that formula for success? Who built the blueprint before anyone realized this could be a career?
That would be ORIGINAL social media stars—the ones who found global fame online before we even realized it was possible. And Jeffree Star? He’s one of those OGs. He didn’t rise on TikTok, YouTube, or even Vine. He found stardom on MySpace.
Jeffree Star first went viral around 2006. But his fame didn’t fade as the early wild west of social media evolved into the polished, platform-driven world we know today. He adapted. Constantly. And now, almost two decades later, he’s still a household name with a massive online following and multiple thriving businesses.
If you’re like us, you probably had no idea he’d been in the spotlight for that long. Lauryn and Michael didn’t either! So they brought him onto the Him & Her Show to get the full story.
You can listen to the full Jeffree Star podcast with TSC below. But in this post, we’re sharing some of the major highlights from the interview.
Who Is Jeffree Star? Career, Cosmetics and Pop-Culture Impact
Jeffree Star is a famous makeup artist, entrepreneur, and beauty influencer. His real name is Jeffrey Lynn Steininger Jr., and he grew up in Orange County, California. After high school, he moved to Los Angeles, where he built connections in the fashion and music world. But even with those industry connections, he carved his own path on MySpace.
Now, he’s one of the most recognizable names on the internet. After launching Jeffree Star Cosmetics in 2014, his high-pigment products and viral launches made him a major force in makeup. Additionally, his bold, often polarizing point of view keeps him constantly in the spotlight. Today, he continues expanding his businesses and evolving his content, remaining one of the most influential—and talked about—figures in beauty culture.
How Did Jeffree Star Become Famous?
Posted Photos, Music, and Opinions on MySpace
Jeffree Star originally went viral on MySpace in the early 2000s by posting pictures and blog posts constantly. The images were usually selfies or professional photos that showed Star at the height of his scene phase. Think neon wigs, alternative fashion, club-inspired looks, and Star’s signature bold makeup.
And the blog posts? Those were polarizing on purpose. Star would write long, unapologetic, and confrontational texts that got everyone on the platform talking. Even back then, social media algorithms rewarded engagement. So naturally, Star grew and grew with his genius early content strategy.
To hear more about the evolution of social channels, listen to Jeffree’s Star’s episode of the Him & Her Show.
Released Original Music and Merchandise
In 2005, MySpace added a feature that allowed users to upload full songs to their profiles. This may not sound like a big deal in the modern era, but back then? There were no other music streaming platforms. Because of this, a lot of musicians found fame on MySpace Music, including Panic! At The Disco, Arctic Monkeys, and, of course, Jeffree Star.
He started out uploading one-off electro-pop tracks with heavy synth and provocative lyrics. Eventually, he released his one and only studio album, “Beauty Killer,” along with the music video by the same name. It became hugely popular and even earned him a Warped Tour appearance. The album also allowed him to sell all kinds of merch to his growing fan base. Despite his success, Jeffree Star eventually left the music industry in 2013.
Uploaded Makeup Reviews, Tutorials, and Drama Updates on YouTube
Jeffree Star joined YouTube in its infancy, but he didn’t take it seriously until after he left his music career. Around 2014, he started uploading makeup tutorials, beauty reviews, behind-the-scenes content, and vlogs. His YouTube strategy quickly drew millions of views, and he became one of the highest-paid YouTubers on the platform. Today, he has nearly 16 million subscribers.
Throughout his YouTube career, Star has had many high-profile friendships and feuds. As always, his unfiltered personality has drawn a lot of drama and, therefore, a lot of attention to his personal brand. He’s had public collaborations and conflicts with other big internet celebrities like Kat Von D, James Charles, and Shane Dawson. It’s this combination of talent, transparency, and turbulence that has kept Jeffree Star one of the internet’s most talked-about beauty figures.
To learn more about this transition, listen to Star himself discuss moving from music to makeup in his TSC episode.
Launched Jeffree Star Cosmetics
Around the same time Jeffree officially started his YouTube channel, he also launched his company, Jeffree Star Cosmetics. The brand started with three Velour Liquid Lipsticks that he produced in small batches, marketed on YouTube, and sold directly from his website. His audience responded immediately, and he sold out in minutes. From there, he expanded into eyeshadow palettes, highlighters, lip liners, and other must-have makeup products—all designed with his signature aesthetic.
Today, Jeffree Star Cosmetics is still known for its bold color stories, high-pigment formulas, and dramatic packaging. The brand releases several themed collections each year and continues to sell out limited-edition items thanks to a loyal fan base. It remains one of the most distinctive and recognizable indie brands in the beauty space.
What Does Jeffree Star Do for a Living?
Runs Jeffree Star Cosmetics and Jeffree Star Skin
Star’s main income still comes from his wildly successful cosmetics company. He remains the creative director, overseeing every vibrant formula and striking packaging choice. And of course, he’s also the primary marketer.
In 2022, Jeffree launched a sister company called Jeffree Star Skin. It’s a skincare-focused brand that sells nourishing (and colorful) cleansers, serums, moisturizers, eye creams, toners, and more.
BTW, his stuff aesthetically pairs perfectly with all The Skinny Confidential products already on your vanity. Anyway, he designed everything to layer seamlessly under his signature makeup. And just like his cosmetics line, all his skincare products are luxury, vegan, and cruelty-free.
Operates Star Yak Ranch and Its Product Line
Believe it or not, Jeffree Star has a yak farm in Casper, Wyoming. On Star Yak Ranch, Jeffree has hundreds of yaks that he uses for both ethical breeding and meat production. From the ranch, he sells yak meat, merch, and more. He loves yak meat because it’s naturally lean, high in protein, and lower in cholesterol than beef. Yet it’s hard to find commercially, and Jeffree wants to change that. Today, he sells yak meat online and at his unconventional “Makeup and Meat” stores.
It may seem like a strange addition to his portfolio. However, Jeffree isn’t an influencer who sticks to trends just to stay safe. He goes where his passion leads, whether it’s popular or not. It’s unexpected, sure, but reinvention has always been one of his strongest skills. And with his track record of turning ideas into gold, it’s easy to see why he’s betting big on this new venture.
To hear more about this whole process, listen to Star talk to Lauryn and Michael about starting the ranch and raising his Yaks.
Manages a Cannabis Lifestyle Brand Called Star Lounge
Star Lounge is another business Jeffree owns and runs. It’s primarily a cannabis brand that sells marijuana accessories like rolling trays, ashtrays, grinders, and storage containers. It’s also a physical storefront where he sells his cannabis accessories, makeup, skincare products, yak meat, and even pet merchandise. And of course, the entire space is decked out in his trademark bold aesthetic.
Star also uses the storefront, which is close to his personal residence, as his business headquarters. This is where he films content, manages his companies, hosts meet-and-greets, and connects with the local community.
Interested in creating an empire like Star did? All he had in the beginning was social media, and you have that too! Read our post on how to build a personal brand and go for it!
Uploads Monetized YouTube and Social Media Content
Star still uploads to YouTube, but not as often. Instead of constant content, he releases sporadic long-form videos built around major launches, life updates, or controversies. And, no matter what, he still gets millions of views.
He’s also very active on other social media platforms—but of course, MySpace is long dead. Instead, he posts regular short-form content on TikTok and Instagram. His fans have followed him wherever he goes, and he’s still making headlines with his authentic, polarizing stances. Most recently, he’s been in the news for his views on the transgender community and modern parenting trends.
Invest in Real Estate, Crypto, and NFT Projects
Jeffree Star also invests in real estate, crypto, and digital assets. He has bought and sold several luxury properties over the years, including estates in California and Wyoming. He uses real estate as a financial strategy and to support his next big business ventures.
Additionally, Star holds cryptocurrency and has participated in a few NFT projects. These aren’t his main income sources by any means, but they help diversify his portfolio and give him extra stability outside of his beauty brands.
Where to Buy Jeffree Star Cosmetics in the U.S.
- Jeffree Star Cosmetics Website
- Jeffree Star Makeup & Meat: Wyoming
- Jeffree Star Makeup & Meat: California
- Beautylish
- BEAUTY BAY
Jeffree Star is an internet personality and entrepreneur known for his bold aesthetic and larger-than-life personality.
Some know him from MySpace, some from his YouTube videos, and some from his iconic makeup line. In any case, Jeffree Star’s career is a reminder that the internet rewards people who are willing to take risks and reinvent themselves. He’s never followed a blueprint or tried to blend in, and that’s exactly why he’s still relevant today. No matter the platform, he finds a way to evolve, stand out, and build something entirely his own.
Want to hear more from your favorite 2000s celebrities? Get nostalgic with these episodes of the Him & Her Show next:
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- Kristin Cavallari on How to Build a Career, Life After Reality TV, Entrepreneurship, & Life Advice