If you’ve never heard of the androgynous king of cosmetics, Jeffree Star, then buckle up.
Jeffree is a force to be reckoned with — not only in the beauty world, thanks to his cosmetics line Jeffree Star Cosmetics — but also in the YouTube bubble.
The makeup artist is famous for his “cut to the chase” and honest makeup reviews, designer hauls, and the tribe of Pomeranians roaming his new 25,000 square-foot mansion worth $14.6 million, according to E! Online.
Tyler “Ninja” Blevins, Jeffree Star, and Jessica Goch attend Sports Illustrated The Party Brought To You By The Undisputed Group And ABG Entertainment With DaBaby, Black Eyed Peas, And Marshmello at Fontainebleau Hotel on February 01, 2020, in Miami Beach, Florida
As accomplished as Jeffree is, he’s probably more well-known for his drama and controversy than his business feats and talent. Most recently, the mogul’s controversial comments have cost him his working relationship with Morphe cosmetics.
Let’s dive into the world of Jeffree Star and uncover what other assets keep his wild, free-spirited, and bold lifestyle afloat; and finally answer the question—is Jeffree Star a billionaire?
The Secret World of Jeffree Star
While some may know Jeffree as a makeup mogul and YouTube personality, others were surprised to learn about his underground music career and other various ventures thanks to Shane Dawson’s documentary mini-series “The Secret World of Jeffree Star.”
Cosmetic CEO and beauty influencer Jeffree Star and boyfriend Nathan Schwandt arrive at his x Morphe launch event on Sunset Boulevard. Los Angeles, California, on August 12, 2019
The five-part series on YouTube highlights the makeup enthusiast’s life before he started his Jeffree Star Cosmetics empire.
According to iTunes, Jeffree released his first album “Beauty Killer” in 2009, which included featured artist Nicki Minaj. Jeffree was picked up by music icon Akon, who described Jeffree as “the next Lady Gaga,” according to OC Weekly.
Jeffree’s love for makeup was documented via MySpace before the birth of Jeffree Star’s YouTube channel, where he currently has 17.2 million subscribers.
Investing in more than makeup
A Forbes article published in December 2019 listed Jeffree as one of the highest-paid YouTube stars of 2019. The article estimated that Jeffree earns an estimated $17 million from his YouTube channel, which features tutorials and reviews.
Jeffree Star had 16.8 million subscribers at the time the article was written, and has since increased his audience by roughly 400,000 subscribers.
Social Blade estimates Jeffree’s yearly earnings to be anywhere from $38K to $608.3K from views alone. This estimate doesn’t begin to include the amount earned from paid sponsorships and brand deals featured on Jeffree’s channel and social media pages.
Jeffree has touched on his earnings publicly in the past.
“This video idea is important and I find it funny how brands are afraid to expose the $$$ they pay influencers but it’s advertising,” he tweeted. “Just like Pepsi paying to be in a movie. But makeup companies want it to be a secret. WHY? This brand offered me $165,000 to use their new product.”
Jeffree Star claims he was offered $165,000 to use a makeup product
Shane’s docuseries also touched on some of Jeffree’s other investments and business ventures.
“I own investment properties around the world, I invest in the marijuana business,” Jeffree explained. “I own an entire shipment and fulfillment center, I own a merchandise company, I print and manufacture everything myself. So I have about ten businesses that I’m currently running besides my brand which is my cosmetics company.”
Jeffree Star’s tattooed feet in pink pumps
Jeffree confirmed in April 2020, on the Mom’s Basement podcast that “in this moment, net worth of Jeffree Star Cosmetics is like $1.5 [billion].”
The ‘ugly’ side of the beauty community
But, like we mentioned, Jeffree’s success and fame hasn’t come free of drama.
Most recently, Mophe severed ties with Jeffree due to his work with Shane Dawson and controversial videos that the two have posted in the past.
“Today we’ve made the decision to cease all commercial activity related to Jeffree Star and affiliated products,” the cosmetics giant said in a statement.
Jeffree Star attends the 2017 iHeartRadio Music Awards at The Forum on March 5, 2017, in Inglewood, California
“We are shocked and extremely saddened by the decision of our former retail partner Morphe Brushes on parting ways with our brand and Jeffree,” Jeffree Star Cosmetics responded. “Over the past 5 years, we’ve accomplished amazing things together and released iconic products. We are proud of everything we’ve accomplished with them.”
Since Morphe cut ties with Jeffree, the company reduced the price of the Jeffree Star Cosmetics collection on its website and is in the process of selling off all remaining affiliated merchandise and cosmetics.
Model/Actress Ivory May, Clint Catalyst, singer Jeffree Star and actress Nicole Johnson attend an Anna Nicole Smith Tribute Event at HERE Lounge on April 24, 2007, in West Hollywood, California
So, exactly what was the drama that Jeffree got tangled up in? Both Jeffree and fellow makeup YouTuber Tati Westbrook took to the internet to harass rival YouTuber James Charles.
Jeffree eventually released an apology video, but for many fans, it wasn’t enough.
Jeffree lost roughly 300,000 YouTube subscribers after he posted his apology video on July 18, 2020, according to Social Blade.
The main reason why many fans opted to say goodbye for the last time was because of Jeffree’s alleged lack of change and alleged indifference to the Black Lives Matter movement.
Viewers felt Jeffree was using BLM as a distraction, because Jeffree didn’t include any BLM donation links in the video’s description. Fans were quick to call out Jeffree in the comment section… which he swiftly disabled.
The future of Jeffree Star
It is unclear or verifiable whether Jeffree is worth a billion dollars. However, most analysts believe his net worth is in the range of $75 million to $200 million.
Not yet a billionaire, Jeffree Star is believed to have a net worth of around $75 million to $200 million
If his cosmetics company continues its impressive growth, it seems likely that he could become a billionaire in a few years.
Credit: WENN / Instar / Avalon / FayesVision / Rachel Worth