A biography for James Charleshasn’t been written yet.
“Men in makeup, obviously, is a very new concept. It has not been widely accepted in the past.”
“I was very immature - who isn't at age 12? Let's be real. Once I kind of figured myself out and grew as a person, I now have a ton of different friends and learned who I was.”
“My parents started questioning me about whether or not I was transgender - whether or not I was trying to be a woman. It was a big argument.”
“I'm very thankful for the platform I've been given, and I realize that I'm a role model for many people. I want to use my platform to spread positivity.”
“When I started doing makeup, I had no intention of doing drag.”
“The first product I ever used was my mom's foundation. When I was younger, I had pimples, so I just slapped it on and hoped it would fix the situation. It never did, because it was about 18 shades too light for me.”
“Faux-freckles are definitely a James Charles touch to any makeup look. I love adding them and have seen so many other people start trying them as well! They're so cute!”
“I feel like it's hard to create a really good product. It really is.”
“I get really negative comments all the time, but the comments that really bother me are the ones that question my character.”
“I think it's so important to love who you are and be comfortable in your own skin.”
“CoverGirl putting my face on such an international scale did make a huge leap forward for men in makeup and for boys in beauty and for anybody wanting to express themselves.”
“I'm very, very open. I don't really have a specific taste that I go for, just someone who gets it and is just fun and happy to be around and is proud of me is the No. 1 thing.”
“I definitely do not think of makeup as, like, a validation type thing. For me, it's a creative outlet and an art form. It's not like, 'Oh my God, I need to feel pretty.' It's like, 'This is so cool. I just created art on my face.”
“I've always been a very artsy person, and I always preach self-confidence and knowing your worth.”
“I started my account to post pictures of client makeup I did to get more gals during prom season. I never in a million years would've expected to be where I am today, or even working with CoverGirl.”
“I always wear colored prescription contacts for my looks.”
“I only want to put out the best for myself and my subscribers.”
“Breaking gender norms just comes instantly as soon as a boy is comfortable and confident enough to put on makeup.”
“I definitely do prefer more of masculine streetwear type of clothing, but I see a lot of young girls rocking the same type of stuff that I do.”
“I really hope that, as the first male CoverGirl, that I am able to inspire others and give other people confidence to try out makeup! Hey, if a random 17-year-old guy can do it, you definitely can, too!”