Jeffree Star (born Jeffrey Lynn Steininger Jr. in Los Angeles, California on November 15, 1985) is an American internet personality, makeup artist and former singer-songwriter.
Star's parents are Marra Shubyann Lindstrom Steininger and Jeffrey Lynn Steininger Sr. When he turned six years old, his father committed suicide, leaving his mother to raise him alone. Ever since he was a child, he had enjoyed experimenting with his mother's makeup and was known throughout his school years as having an extravagant style, something he regularly talks about on his YouTube channel.
After moving from Orange County back to Los Angeles, Star began supporting himself by taking on various makeup and modeling jobs once he'd graduated from high school. He has also stated that he would spend his weekends using fake IDs to get into clubs underage and take on paid makeup jobs for various celebrities.
Star's public career began to take off when he became popular on MySpace, and his fame escalated once he began appearing regularly in the top tier on the daily rankings listings of the site. He was encouraged to pursue a music career, and in the summer of 2007, he was advertised in the line-up of the True Colours Tour, an annual music event created by Cyndi Lauper. He released his debut studio album, Beauty Killer, in 2009, which included a feature from Nicki Minaj and led to him being tipped as the "new Lady Gaga" by Akon. However, in 2013, he abruptly left the music industry after his second album was never released. Star later appeared in the music video for Kesha's single "Take It Off".
In order to pursue his true passion of makeup artistry, Star decided to launch his own brand, Jeffree Star Cosmetics in 2014. Using what little money he had left after leaving the music business, Star promoted the brand via his YouTube channel, which had already amassed a large number of followers. His first cosmetics release featured Velour Liquid Lipsticks, which proved incredibly popular thanks to the unusual colours and style that Star was famous for. He then began releasing more makeup products before branching out further to include clothing, accessories and handheld mirrors. The brand was initially online only; however, it was eventually released into Morphe Cosmetics stores to buy, with the first opening being held in August 2018. Star's makeup line has continued to grow since its inception, receiving support from a range of personalities including RuPaul's Drag Race alums Trixie Mattel and Adore Delano. Star also collaborated with fellow YouTuber Shane Dawson to produce a makeup collection entitled Conspiracy. This collaboration was documented in Dawson's 2019 series The Beautiful World of Jeffree Star.
However, it is impossible to talk about Star without noting the numerous controversies he has been involved in, including high-profile feuds and allegations of racism, manipulation and sexual assault.
His earliest feud involved tattoo artist and make-up company owner Kat Von D, who accused Star of racism and bullying. He was also involved in more disagreements with YouTubers Manny MUA, Laura Lee and Gabriel Zamora; the ensuing drama was dubbed "Drama-geddon" by the YouTube beauty community and would have a large profile and following for most of the year.
Star has also had a dramatic falling out with makeup artist Tati Westbrook after it was claimed that she had told Star that fellow beauty YouTuber James Charles was involved in sexually harassing straight men and accused him of predatory behavior, resulting in significant online backlash towards Charles. A year later, she posted a video addressed to Charles in which she claimed that Star and Dawson who had masterminded the fallout and manipulated her into making her initial accusations. The fallout and online conversation surrounding this situation was dubbed "Drama-geddon 2".
- LA Ink (2007 & 2011) as Himself
- What Now (2015) as Victoria
- Shane And Friends (2017) as Himself
- The Secret World Of Jeffree Star (2018) as Himself
- The Beautiful World Of Jeffree Star (2019) as Himself
- The Dish With Trish (2020) as Himself
- Beauty Killer (2009)
Singles
- Lollipop Luxury featuring Nicki Minaj (2008)
- Prisoner (2009)
- Prom Night (2012)
- Mr. Diva (2012)
- Love to my Cobain (2013)
Extended Plays
- Plastic Surgery Slumber Party (2007)
- Cupcakes Taste Like Violence (2008)
- Virginity (2012)
- Concealer (2012)
- Mr. Diva (2012)
