Lifestyle and beauty influencer JC Camarillo, better known as JC Makeup Master, has been slaying the social media scene with his intrinsic and creative looks. Trying drag makeup on friends and experimenting looks in his bedroom, quickly turned into a spree of over 300,000 followers wanting more. His realistic Halloween makeup trends caught the eyes of big brands— making his career flourish. Today, JC uses his platform to not only give his audience makeup looks & tips but to shed light on social issues such as gay rights and spreading awareness on anti-bullying.
So how did JC become a makeup master? He simply describes it as “a leap of faith.” Faced with the struggles of being an openly gay Latino, and pursuing a career in an industry dominated by women, JC didn’t let anything stop him from his venture in beauty.
Check out TUC’s exclusive interview with JC Makeup Master where he talks about his childhood, bullying, working with his dream company, and more!
Claribel: When you were younger, what did you picture your career to be?
JC: I was lost for a lot of my childhood. I was very confused because social media was not a thing back then… it also wasn’t a thing to be openly gay. Growing up as a gay boy, I felt lost for the majority of my life. I never thought about what I wanted to do for a living because I was so wrapped up in being confused with where I was at that moment in my life. One thing I know is that I’ve always loved beauty and fashion… I felt like I had to hide my interests.
Claribel: Growing up in a Latino household, did you receive any backlash when you came out as gay and into makeup?
JC: When I came out to my mother first she was confused. Coming out was not tough or a “desprecio“(contempt). My family was there for me even though they weren’t sure about what was going on. Once I started doing makeup and posting my work, they accepted me for what I wanted to do. They were more in awe and amazed at the talent than they were at why I was doing it. It’s harder for the dads… it’s a prideful thing too. Now my dad is so supportive driving me to my radio interviews! He’s supportive in his own way.
Claribel: With many beauty gurus taking over the social media scene, what makes you different from everyone else?
JC: The way I’ll answer that is through the comments and the feedback that I’ve read on my platforms. A lot of my supporters feel connected to me not only because I’m amazing at my own makeup and other people’s makeup, but I’m real. I sit here and I cry when I have to, or I talk about the bad times when I’m going through them. I bring them along for the entire ride. I think it’s important for them to know that even successful people have bad days & months.. nowadays people compare themselves to beauty influencer’s and lifestyle bloggers because they see all the luxury and they believe it. I want people to understand that Instagram is just a mask. Being so open and honest is definitely what sets me apart.
Claribel: Huge companies like L’Oréal and Estée Lauder have hired many male makeup artists for their campaigns. What is your dream company to work with?
JC: I’ve had the pleasure of having a personal relationship with so many. About 3 years ago I had just quit my full-time job and was on Instagram watching everyone post about attending the Anastasia Beverly Hills annual Halloween party. I had told my partner at the time how fun it looked to be there and that it was a milestone to be invited to such a private event. I told him you know what…next year I’m going to be at that event. And next year I was at the Anastasia Beverly Hills Halloween party for my first time! I had the opportunity to build relationships with many amazing brands like Tarte cosmetics and just companies that look at smaller Latino community influencers like myself.
Check out one of JC’s Halloween makeup looks!
Claribel: What are your honest thoughts on the beauty industry accepting and progressing gender-less beauty?
JC: I think it’s amazing that the beauty industry is embracing all sorts of beauty. Beauty comes in all forms, all shapes, all sizes.. there’s definitely no barriers or boundaries to someone wanting to feel beautiful. I believe there will be more evolving. It’s the time frame for the trans community to come forward and be part of the beauty industry!
Claribel: As time progresses, what would you like to see more of?
JC: I would love to see more evolution involving the bearded boys of makeup! There is a really big LGBT community who love makeup, but don’t want to give up their beard, because they love their beard as well. And that’s the category I fall into and I do think our time is going to come as well. You’ll be able to see us with a beautiful pair of lashes, with a beautiful eyeshadow look, and maybe on a campaign somewhere.
Claribel: Any last piece of advice for those who are influenced by you?
JC: To anyone being bullied… stay strong and know that you are enough. If you are the bully, understand that there’s something going on in your life that you need to resolve, because you’re passing on the anger and hate to someone who doesn’t deserve it. Everyone is a victim of their own environment. Our job and responsibility as human beings is to become better, better than we were the year before.
JC has mastered makeup, inspiring others, and using his platform to speak on what he believes in. Stay tuned for what JC will show the world next!
To keep up with JC Makeup Master’s latest projects, be sure to follow him @JCmakeupmaster
THANK YOU SO SO MUCH FOR THE SUPPORT CLARIBEL FOR TUC MAGAZINE I FEEL HONORED.
so happy to see my favourite MUA’s interview <3 🙂 stay blessed and keep slaying!!! <3 lots of love .