Biography
Who is James Charles?
Early life and education
James Charles Dickinson was born in Bethlehem, New York. His parents are named Skip and Christine Dickinson. He has a younger brother named Ian Jeffrey, who works as a model. During his youth, he attended Bethlehem Central High School and finished his studies there in 2017.
Before focusing on beauty, he was interested in different online activities. In 2010, he launched a YouTube channel titled JaysCoding. This early project featured him performing song covers and creating content about the Mario Kart Wii competitive modding community. He also worked as an amateur hairstylist during his high school years. His path into the beauty industry began when a friend requested he apply makeup for a school dance. After teaching himself the techniques, he started providing professional makeup services to girls in his local area.
Rise to internet fame
In December 2015, James launched a new YouTube channel focused on makeup tutorials. His online presence grew significantly in September 2016. A tweet showing him retaking his senior portrait while wearing makeup and using a ring light went viral on the internet. This moment brought him substantial attention.
Shortly after, in October 2016, he became the first male brand ambassador for the cosmetics brand CoverGirl. He was seventeen years old at the time of this appointment. His initial work for the company included appearing in advertisements for So Lashy mascara. The move was met with significant praise on social media platforms. By early 2019, his channel reached 10 million subscribers.
Beauty career and collaborations
James Charles has built a career through various business ventures in the beauty industry. He launched a clothing line named Sisters Apparel. He also developed a makeup collection called the Sister Collection through a partnership with Morphe Cosmetics. He has collaborated on videos with many public figures, including Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Doja Cat, Lil Nas X, Kesha, and Madison Beer.
His influence is noted by media outlets; Vogue Australia described his following as one of the most engaged on the platform. He has cited fellow beauty influencers Jaclyn Hill and Nikkie de Jager as major influences on his style and approach to makeup.
Media projects and controversies
In April 2020, he hosted, directed, and co-produced a reality competition series titled Instant Influencer for YouTube Originals. He earned the award for Show of the Year at the 10th Streamy Awards for this production. However, he did not return for the show's second season.
Throughout his career, he has faced several public controversies. In 2019, he was involved in a widely publicized feud with beauty influencer Tati Westbrook. He also faced accusations in 2021 regarding sending sexually explicit messages to minors. He later stated that he believed the individuals were eighteen years old at the time. In January 2021, he sang a cover of the song Drivers License. He later released his own single, Call Me Back, in February 2024. He has been accused of wrongful termination by a former employee in 2021. In 2026, he faced backlash after posting a video on TikTok mocking a flight attendant from Spirit Airlines, though he later issued an apology.
Birthday and age
James Charles was born on May 23, 1999, which makes James 27 years old today. That birthday falls under the Gemini sign. James shares the date with 22 other famous people.
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