James Charles
Born 1999 · Age 26
American beauty YouTuber, makeup artist, and influencer known for popularizing male beauty content on social media; first male CoverGirl ambassador; creator of Sisters Collection with Morphe; host/producer of YouTube Originals 'Instant Influencer'.
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Life & Career Timeline
Born in Bethlehem, New York
James Charles Dickinson was born in Bethlehem, New York, to Skip and Christine Dickinson.
Started JaysCoding YouTube channel
Launched a YouTube channel (JaysCoding) posting song covers and Mario Kart Wii modding content.
Began doing hair and pro makeup locally (approx.)
While in high school he started as an amateur hairstylist and began applying makeup professionally for friends and local clients after teaching himself techniques.
Launched James Charles makeup YouTube channel
Started a new YouTube channel focused on makeup tutorials (the channel that became his main influencer platform).
First major advertising appearance (CoverGirl So Lashy)
Appearance in CoverGirl campaign for So Lashy mascara as part of being the brand's first male ambassador.
100,000 YouTube subscribers milestone
Reached 100K subscribers (YouTube Creator Award milestone).
Senior portrait tweet goes viral
A tweet of James retaking his senior portrait with a ring light and makeup went viral, boosting his visibility.
Named first male CoverGirl ambassador
CoverGirl appointed James Charles as its first-ever male brand ambassador; his first campaign featured So Lashy mascara.
Graduated Bethlehem Central High School
Completed high school (class of 2017); stated he had experienced bullying but pursued his career.
1,000,000 YouTube subscribers milestone
Reached 1 million subscribers (YouTube Creator Award).
Shorty Award – Breakout YouTuber
Won the Shorty Award for Breakout YouTuber.
Public apology for insensitive Ebola tweet
After tweeting an insensitive joke about Ebola on a school trip, he deleted the tweet and issued a public apology in 2017.
Won People's Choice Award (2018)
Won Beauty Influencer at the People's Choice Awards (2018).
10,000,000 YouTube subscribers milestone (creator award shown in 2018 infobox)
Creator Award milestone listed as 10M in 2018 (infobox); by early 2019 sources also report 10M.
Streamy Award – Beauty (2018)
Won the Streamy Award in the Beauty category in 2018.
Teen Choice Award – Choice Fashion/Beauty Web Star
Won at the Teen Choice Awards in a fashion/beauty web star category.
Appeared on TV/web ('Alone Together')
Had a role/appearance as Jasper on the series 'Alone Together' (episode: 'Pop-Up').
Released Sisters Collection (Morphe) & launched Sisters Apparel
Launched Sisters Apparel clothing line and the Sister Collection makeup line (collaboration with Morphe Cosmetics), including an eyeshadow palette.
High-profile collaborations (2018–2020)
Collaborated with multiple celebrities across years, including Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner (Halloween 2020), Lil Nas X, Kesha, Doja Cat, JoJo Siwa, Bretman Rock, Charli D'Amelio and others.
Birmingham Morphe store visit causes gridlock
His January 2019 visit for the opening of Morphe's UK store caused massive crowds and gridlock in Birmingham city centre.
Reported subscriber net loss (approx. 2.6M)
Reporting noted he lost multiple millions of subscribers in the immediate fallout (reports vary; some cite ~2–2.6M lost overall in the period).
Did Iggy Azalea's makeup for 'Sally Walker' (music video)
Did makeup for Iggy Azalea's promotional art and appeared in the 'Sally Walker' music video.
Announced Sisters Tour (US)
Announced the 'Sisters Tour' across the United States (tickets and dates planned).
Cancelled Sisters Tour
Cancelled the planned Sisters Tour the month following the feud and ensuing controversy.
Lost 1,000,000+ YouTube subscribers in 24 hours
Following the Tati Westbrook video, Charles became the first YouTuber reported to lose one million subscribers in 24 hours.
Tati Westbrook posts 'Bye Sister' video — major feud
Tati Westbrook released a long video accusing Charles of disloyalty and predatory behavior; Jeffree Star and others corroborated some claims; this triggered major backlash.
Uploaded 'No More Lies' (41-minute rebuttal)
Posted a lengthy video addressing and refuting Tati Westbrook's claims; later regained some supporter backing.
People's Choice Award (2020) — Won
Won at the People's Choice Awards in 2020 (listed among awards).
Purchased Los Angeles mansion (~$7M)
Variety reported a $7 million Los Angeles home purchase (described as a starter home) in 2020.
Premiere of 'Instant Influencer' (YouTube Originals)
Hosted, directed, and co-produced the first season of YouTube Originals reality competition 'Instant Influencer', which premiered on his channel.
Cameo in Larray's 'Canceled' music video
Made a cameo appearance in the music video for social media personality Larray's single 'Canceled'.
Streamy Awards – Show of the Year for 'Instant Influencer'
Won Show of the Year at the 10th Streamy Awards for his work on 'Instant Influencer'.
Covered 'Drivers License' on YouTube
Posted a cover of Olivia Rodrigo's 'Drivers License' on his channel, demonstrating his singing interest.
Kids' Choice Award – Favorite Male Social Star (2021)
Won the Kids' Choice Award in the Favorite Male Social Star category.
Initial TikTok accusation of grooming (Isaiyah)
A 16-year-old TikToker alleged that James groomed him and sent nude photos; James denied knowing the age at the time.
Additional underage sexting accusations surface
More accusations emerged from underage boys alleging unsolicited sexual messages; media scrutiny intensified.
Morphe cuts ties and YouTube demonetizes channel (temporary)
Morphe announced it was ending business ties with James; YouTube temporarily demonetized his channel amid the controversy.
Posted 'Holding Myself Accountable' video
Published a 14-minute video admitting to sending sexually explicit messages to two people who misrepresented their ages and apologizing.
Sued by a former employee for wrongful termination
A former employee filed a lawsuit claiming wrongful termination; James publicly accused the plaintiff of attempted blackmail.
Returned to YouTube with 'An Open Conversation'
Uploaded a comeback video titled 'An Open Conversation' after several months away from regular uploads.
Cosmopolitan interview denying grooming allegations
In a July 2023 interview he denied some allegations, said his brother had cut ties, and described contemplating suicide amid the accusations.
Directed/co-directed music video 'Can We Just Be Friends' (2024)
Credited as director on his own 2024 music video work.
Released debut single 'Call Me Back'
Surprise-released his debut single 'Call Me Back' and expanded into music as a lead artist.
Released 'He Loves Me Not' (single, 2025)
Released another single (listed in discography for 2025).
YouTube subscribers milestone: 24,000,000
Profile/infobox updated listing 24 million YouTube subscribers and billions of views (updated July 31, 2025).
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