Content warning: This article includes mention of sexual assault, racism, and violence.
By now, I’m sure you’ve heard about the recent drama regarding Mikayla Nogueria and her recent mascara review. But if you haven’t, here’s the 4-1-1: On Jan. 24, Nogueria posted a video on TikTok reviewing the L’Oreal Telescopic Lift mascara. Nogueria, who is a L’Oreal Partner, praised the mascara on the app. However, fans have been speculating that Nogueria used false lashes to exaggerate the results of the product. Her Campus reached out to Nogueria’s team for comment on these claims, but did not hear back at the time of publication.
Since the review, TikTok users have been — for lack of a better term — spiraling. On TikTok, Nogueria made a name for herself as an honest reviewer. But now, in light of the recent controversy, fans are taking a step back to reevaluate their trust in the creator, as well as calling upon a familiar face to get back on the makeup game.
Before Nogueria, and the TikTok beauty community as a whole, YouTube reigned supreme as the go-to destination for all things beauty review. The ruler of the beauty YouTube kingdom? None other than the (extremely controversial) Jeffree Star. Consider the call answered, besties. TikTok has released the kraken. Poked the bear. Awoke the beast. Safe to say, “the b*tch is back.”
On Jan. 25, Star posted a TikTok revealing that he would be returning to YouTube soon to review some of TikTok’s most hyped-up products that may have been “fraudulent”. In the comments, users have been speculating Star’s video to be a response to the recent drama regarding Nogueria. Her Campus reached out to Star’s team for comment, but did not hear back at the time of publication.
Prior to 2020, Star was one of the biggest creators on the platform. His honest makeup reviews garnered millions of views, and Star earned himself a reputation as a brutally honest product reviewer. Additionally, audiences praised his reviews due to the fact that he (allegedly) has never done a paid brand deal to review makeup. However, Star’s fanbase greatly dwindled after past videos and tweets resurfaced of Star using abusive and racist language. Additionally, Star was called out for using inappropriate language regarding sensitive topics such as SA and domestic violence, as well as accusations of assault. Her Campus reached out to Star’s team for comment on these claims, but did not hear back by the time of publication.
While many TikTok users are ready for Star’s return, some internet users aren’t happy about the problematic creator’s renaissance. On Twitter, a user wrote, “Everyone forgiving jeffree star because one white influencer f*cked up and apparently we can only rely on another racist white person for honest makeup reviews. Not the black and brown creators who have had to be honest from day one to initiate a change in the industry …” while another posted, “nooooo i don’t WANT jeffree star doing makeup reviews againnnn cant he just stay canceled and irrelevant get OFF my fyp i’m blocking u”.
Safe to say, the verdict on Star’s return is up in the air. While many beauty fanatics are willing to put aside his problematic history, others are willing to take another chance on the creator. Only time will tell if he can make his way back into the mainstream beauty space. Until then, you can find me watching creators like @makeupbytammi and Jackie Aina. Unproblematic legends, IMO.