Makeup tutorials began appearing on YouTube around 2007 and have given rise to some of the biggest names in the makeup business, including our focus for today- James Charles.

The allure of a makeup-themed YouTube account is obvious – many of the bigger stars we see today have strayed from the makeup path and are now known for their lifestyle blogs, podcast endeavors, and their own makeup products.

This industry has some serious money – and James Charles is at the helm. Recent estimates put James Charles’s net worth at $22 million.

But how did he transform his YouTube account into a multimillion-dollar business? Let’s find out.

Overview Of James Charles

James Charles Dickinson, who goes by the name James Charles on social media platforms, was born in Bethlehem, New York, in 1999. He is a YouTuber, social media influencer, and professional makeup artist with legions of fans following his every move.

He started gaining traction in the beauty industry just a year after he launched his YouTube channel and now has a successful makeup line, online merchandise store, and presence in the fashion world. All of these ventures have added to his $22 million fortune.

Early Life

Born on the 23rd of May 1999 in Bethlehem, New York, and graduated from Bethlehem Central High School in 2017.

He started in the beauty industry working as a hairstylist, where he developed his interest in makeup – a hobby he found he had a natural affinity for. He began documenting his techniques and looks and shared them on a YouTube account he started in 2015. 

He was one of the first male makeup stars to gain traction on YouTube and Instagram, a unique quality that sparked his meteoric rise to fame.

Career

James Charles has come a long way since he first set up shop on YouTube in 2015 – he now has 23 million subscribers on YouTube, 22 million on Instagram, and 37 million on TikTok.

But he is more than just a well-crafted social media presence – Charles has plenty of real-life testament to his skills as a makeup artist. In 2016, just one year after his YouTube debut, he was made the first male ambassador for CoverGirl magazine –a landmark shift in the status of male makeup celebrities and mainstream media.

In 2018 he collaborated with makeup giant Morphe Cosmetics to release the ‘Morphe x James Charles’ 39-shade eyeshadow palette, which sold out in just over 5 minutes upon its release.

His skills as a makeup artist have real-life applications. In 2019, he was the makeup artist on the set of Iggy Azalea’s music video for ‘Sally Walker’ which has 85 million views on YouTube.

He has also featured many famous social media personalities, like Charli D’Amelio, Jojo Siwa, Addison Rae, Jeffree Star, Emma Chamberlain, and even Kylie Jenner.

Other Ventures

But it’s not all makeup and tutorials for Charles. He has a few other side hustles, which have helped him climb to his multimillionaire status.

He has appeared in 3 web series – ‘The Secret World of Jeffree Star’ in 2018; the Snapchat series ‘Nikita Unfiltered,’ which follows the life of influencer, beauty blogger, and transgender activist Nikita Dragun; and the YouTube original series ‘Instant Influencer.’

He also walked the runway for MarcoMarco’s collection at Los Angles Fashion Week in 2017, which paved the way for his appearance at the Met Gala in 2019. This event made him the first-ever Instagram influencer to be invited to the Met Gala – representing a shift in the celebrity status of internet influencers.

Real Estate

So far, James Charles has maintained a modest real estate profile – opting to buy a single mansion in Los Angles in 2020.

That’s not to say his new home isn’t luxurious lodgings; the $7 million property has six bedrooms and comes in at 10,000 square feet.

How Does James Charles Make Money?

It’s estimated that Charles earns around $5 million per year, before tax, through his YouTube channel alone, and, like other influencers, he makes money through sponsored posts on his Instagram account.

TikTok is an increasingly lucrative source of income for very popular accounts. Users with over 1000 followers (a drop in the ocean to Charles’ 37 million) can begin to Livestream and earn money from fan donations.

He also has his makeup line and brings in regular income from his online merchandise store, Sisters Apparel, where hoodies retail between $45 and $60 and hats sell for between $30 and $40.

Like many public figures and influencers, Charles also makes money from personal appearances, paid events, and endorsement deals.

How Much Money Does James Charles Make On YouTube?

James Charles has over 23 million subscribers on his YouTube channel and over 3.8 billion views. James Charles has made approximately $38 million from ads appearing on his videos; this does not include channel memberships, merchandise, sponsorships, and other business ventures.

Note: The above YouTube income estimates have been made using our YouTube Money Calculator. This considers the most important variables that affect how much a channel can earn, unlike other calculators that show vague and vast estimate ranges.

Personal Life

James Charles came out as gay to his parents when he was 12 years old and has since talked openly about his bullying experience at school due to his sexuality.

Over his years as an internet celebrity, he has been candid about his struggles with dating and does not appear to be in a relationship currently.

He has a younger brother, Ian Jeffrey, a professional model, and YouTube personality.

Controversies

No social media star is free from controversy. Their brand is based entirely on allowing people into their personal life and therefore invites scrutiny.

Charles’ rising star began to falter when he was accused of contacting minors with sexually explicit messages in 2021, a claim to which he still protests his innocence.

In the same year, several young men came forward, accusing Charles of trying to coerce them into a sexual relationship despite them being straight. He has also had several well-documented public disputes with other YouTube influencers, including Tati Westbrook and Jeffree Star.

Highlights

Controversies aside, Charles has been the recipient of several awards over the years, including:

• Breakout YouTuber at the 2017 Shorty Awards.
• Won Choice Fashion/Beauty Web Star category at the 2018 Teen Choice Awards.
• He won the Beauty category in 2019 and 2018 at the Streamy Awards.
• Was named Beauty Influencer of the year in 2018 and 2020 at the People’s Choice Awards.
• In 2021 James Charles was named Favorite Male Social Star at the Kid’s Choice Awards.

Final Thoughts On James Charles’s Net Worth

Despite his young age, James Charles has certainly made a name for himself in the worlds of YouTube, makeup, and fashion.

James Charles has an estimated net worth of $22 million, and it only looks to be climbing.

He is one of the most influential celebrities of our time and, in his early 20s, has a long career ahead of him.