Mikayla Nogueira has become a household name in the TikTok beauty community, enchanting millions with her makeup tutorials, distinctive Boston accent, and what was initially seen as raw authenticity. Dubbed “the realest influencer on TikTok,” her journey has been anything but smooth, marked by both meteoric rise and significant controversies.
The Rise Of Mikayla Nogueira
Mikayla’s journey into makeup was fueled by her need to combat insecurities and bullying during her teenage years. Growing up in a conservative environment in Boston, makeup became her refuge and expression, particularly during her time at Bryant University. With the onset of the 2020 pandemic, she turned to TikTok, where her unique blend of engaging storytelling and beauty tips resonated with viewers. Her follower count skyrocketed, reaching 1.7 million in just six months, and by early 2023, her following exceeded 14 million. Mikayla’s innovative techniques like “the sticky method” for acne coverage made her a trendsetter in the beauty world.
From Collaboration To Controversy
Her ascent was accompanied by collaborations with major names like Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty and an encounter with Rihanna at a Fenty Beauty event. Her product reviews had the power to turn items into bestsellers. However, her fame wasn’t without its challenges. In 2022, a resurfaced video of her complaining about the hardships of being an influencer drew criticism for seeming out of touch, sparking discussions on influencer authenticity. Further, she faced backlash for past comments on Jaclyn Hill’s posts, which she later acknowledged and apologized for.
Mikayla also shared personal struggles, such as not feeling like she fit the “beauty standard” or influencer mold, and her candid journey of finding a wedding dress highlighted issues of body dysmorphia, earning her support from fans who shared similar experiences.
MascaraGate And Other Backlashes
One of her significant controversies was “MascaraGate,” where she was accused of wearing false eyelashes while promoting L’Oréal’s mascara. This led to accusations of “lashlighting,” and while some influencers like James Charles and Jeffree Star criticized her, others defended the practice common in mascara promotions. After a brief hiatus, she returned to TikTok, choosing to sidestep the controversy by focusing on new content.
Wedding-Related Drama
As her wedding to Cody Hawken approached, Mikayla launched a makeup collaboration with e.l.f. Cosmetics, which drew both praise and skepticism about using her personal life for promotion. Her wedding in July, attended by influencers like James Charles and Dylan Mulvaney, led to debates about authenticity and guest lists.
Mental Health Struggles And Redemption
Mikayla has been open about her battles with depression, self-hatred, and burnout, taking breaks from social media to focus on her mental health. This transparency has helped her reconnect with her audience, who have shown appreciation for her honesty. In recent times, her content has been well-received, indicating a path toward redemption.
Despite the rollercoaster of fame, Mikayla Nogueira seems to be doing well, continuing to engage with her community while learning from past controversies. She remains a significant figure in the digital beauty landscape, navigating the complexities of being a public persona with increasing grace.