TikTok Fame The Best and Worst Thing to Happen to Me
TikTok Fame The Best and Worst Thing to Happen to Me
mikaylajmakeup
I have a confession to make: I’m addicted to beauty. Not only do I love experimenting with makeup and skincare, but I also love filming and entertaining people. It’s my passion, and my fans have come to expect nothing less from me. They’ve been following my beauty reviews and transformation videos since 2020, witnessing my encounters with Selena Gomez (!) and Rihanna (!!), and even my collaborations with beauty brands like Glow Recipe and e.l.f. However, there’s a side to this glamorous life that my fans haven’t seen.
Let me tell you, working in social media is a whole other ballgame. It’s not normal to spend hours staring at your own face. It’s not normal to have conversations with an onscreen version of yourself all week long. And it’s definitely not normal to have millions of people scrutinize your every word and action. Imagine strangers giving you unsolicited advice on weight loss or cosmetic procedures. It’s enough to make anyone question their sanity. (Just ask the internet warriors who accused me of having a sponsored wedding! Fake news, people!)
But hey, it’s not all doom and gloom. Let’s talk about the beauty goodies I swear by, shall we?
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Rael Miracle Clear Exfoliating Cleanser |
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| “I use this in the morning and before bed. It feels refreshing, calming, and cooling on my face. Plus, it keeps those pesky breakouts and blackheads at bay.” |
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Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen |
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| “This sunscreen not only protects my skin from the sun but also evens out my complexion with a hint of tint. SPF and flawless skin? Count me in!” |
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Fenty Skin Plush Puddin’ Intensive Recovery Lip Mask |
|---|---|
| “I can’t live without a lip mask, and this twist-up version from Fenty Skin is one of my favorites. I slather it on every night, ensuring my lips are always hydrated and plump.” |
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NYX Professional Makeup Fat Oil Lip Drip in Missed Call |
|---|---|
| “These lip oils come in various shades and feel incredibly comfortable on my lips. Plus, the applicator makes the whole process a breeze. I particularly adore the pretty pink shades!” |
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Juvia’s Place Blushed Liquid Blush in Blush Lily |
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| Now 40% Off | |
| “These blushes give my cheeks the most stunning look. The shade range is massive, and the satin texture blends like a dream. I’m head over heels for Blush Lily!” |
The truth is, my journey hasn’t always been smooth sailing. I’ve battled anxiety and depression for years, often feeling like I was drowning in my own thoughts. But instead of throwing in the towel, I decided to make a change. I wanted to do my job and be happy at the same time. Revolutionary, I know!
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For the past six months, I’ve shifted my mindset. I now view myself as someone who uses social media instead of being consumed by it. I post, engage with comments, and then put my phone away. I’ve minimized mindless scrolling and endless Stories-watching. No more Twitter or Snapchat for me, and YouTube is strictly business. Being present in my real life has made a world of difference for my mental well-being. After work, I cook dinner with my husband, go for walks, watch movies—basically, I live a normal life.
Of course, it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. There are still days when I cry and feel overwhelmed. But with the support of my loved ones and fellow creators who understand the struggle, I’m learning to focus on the bigger picture. My journey is about more than just makeup and beauty. I want to use my platform to be a resource for people’s well-being. We’re all in this mental health crisis together, and if sharing my ups and downs can inspire one person to keep pushing through tough times, then it’s all worth it.
I’ll leave you with a heartwarming story. Once, at a meet and greet in Boston, a girl approached me in tears. She was so overwhelmed that she couldn’t even speak. Later, her dad found me and said, “Mikayla, you saved my daughter’s life. Thank you.” Those words hit me like a ton of bricks. It reinforced my belief that speaking up about mental health is crucial—not just for me, but for all of us.
So let’s keep pushing forward, my friends. Remember, your mental well-being should always be a priority. And hey, if you ever need a fabulous lip mask recommendation or a good laugh, I’m here for you!
Kirbie Johnson is a host, producer, and reporter with over 10 years of experience in the digital beauty and entertainment realm. She co-hosts the beauty-focused podcast Gloss Angeles and her content has garnered over 500M+ views throughout her career. Kirbie has interviewed A-list celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Viola Davis, Nicole Kidman, Selena Gomez, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, and many more. She’s been featured as an expert on various platforms and loves delving into the behind-the-scenes magic of the beauty industry. Regularly engulfed in Halloween spirit, Kirbie is a devout Disney fan, can quote Vanderpump Rules extensively, has a soft spot for early-2000s culture, and adores her dog, Quinn. She currently resides in dreamy Los Angeles.
