Jeffree Star is a highly successful American entrepreneur, makeup artist, YouTuber, and former musician with a net worth of $200 million. His fortune stems primarily from his cosmetics empire, Jeffree Star Cosmetics, which has been a major player in the beauty industry since its launch in 2014.
As one of the highest-paid YouTubers globally, Star has built a massive following online, capitalizing on both his beauty expertise and flamboyant personality.
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Jeffree Star was born Jeffrey Lynn Steininger Jr. on November 15, 1985, in Orange County, California.
Tragically, his father committed suicide when Jeffree was just six years old, leaving him to be raised by his mother, Marra Shubyann Lindstrom Steininger, a model.
Even from a young age, Jeffree had a passion for makeup, experimenting with his mother’s beauty products and wearing makeup to school in junior high. His early interest in makeup set the foundation for his future career.
After high school, Jeffree moved to Hollywood to pursue a career in makeup and modeling, while also dabbling in music.
Initially, he worked at makeup counters and booked freelance jobs for weddings and fashion shoots, while simultaneously building his presence on MySpace.
By the mid-2000s, Jeffree had become one of the most followed and connected profiles on the platform, posting makeup tips, original songs, and cultivating a loyal fanbase.
He also gained recognition as one of the most popular unsigned artists on MySpace, with his music often topping the charts.
Music Career
Before becoming a beauty mogul, Jeffree Star ventured into the music industry.
His debut album, Beauty Killer, was released in 2009 under Popsicle Records and peaked at #2 on the Top Heatseekers chart and #122 on the Billboard 200.
The album was a blend of electronic and pop music and received positive reviews for its bold style.
Jeffree also released several EPs and music videos, with his 2008 EP Cupcakes Taste Like Violence cracking the top 10 on multiple charts.
Despite his early success in music, Jeffree’s relationship with his record label soured, and he eventually parted ways with the industry.
This shift in focus allowed him to concentrate more on his makeup career, a decision that would ultimately prove to be a game-changer for his financial future.
Jeffree Star Cosmetics: The Birth of a Beauty Empire
In 2014, Jeffree Star founded Jeffree Star Cosmetics using his life savings, which were earned through his music career and early makeup endeavors.
Initially, he was nearly bankrupt and saw his music career as coming to an end, but the launch of his cosmetic line would mark a new and incredibly successful chapter in his life.
Jeffree’s first product was a line of Velour Liquid Lipsticks, which sold out almost immediately upon release. His early success was fueled by his strategic use of social media, especially YouTube.
At the time, he was one of the first beauty influencers to leverage YouTube as a platform to promote both his products and his brand.
He gained further visibility through collaborations with other popular influencers, including Kat Von D, and his charismatic, unapologetic online persona helped him grow an even larger following.
Jeffree Star Cosmetics became known for its bold, vibrant colors and high-quality formulations, earning the brand a loyal fanbase.
His YouTube channel, which had millions of subscribers, showcased product reviews, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into his lavish lifestyle.
As of today, his YouTube channel has over 15 million subscribers, and the brand continues to thrive with a wide range of products, including eyeshadow palettes, highlighters, and accessories.
His business grossed more than $100 million in annual revenue, cementing Jeffree as one of the most influential figures in the beauty industry.
Personal Life, Feuds, and Controversies
Throughout his career, Jeffree Star has been no stranger to controversy. His outspoken and sometimes provocative personality has led to a number of high-profile feuds with other celebrities.
Notably, Jeffree has had public disagreements with fellow beauty mogul Kylie Jenner, criticizing the quality of her makeup line and calling her products derivative.
He has also feuded with Kim Kardashian, fellow YouTuber James Charles, and even former close friend Kat Von D.
Despite the negative publicity these feuds have sometimes garnered, Jeffree has often emerged more popular and continues to be a key figure in the beauty world.
In addition to his controversies, Jeffree’s past includes criticism for past racist comments, which he has addressed in various statements.
His ability to navigate these controversies while maintaining a strong brand presence is part of what has made him a standout figure in the world of beauty and entertainment.
Real Estate and Wealth
Jeffree Star’s wealth extends beyond cosmetics and YouTube earnings. He has made strategic investments in real estate, luxury vehicles, and other ventures.
His real estate portfolio includes several luxurious properties, including a mansion in Hidden Hills, California, which he purchased for $14.6 million in 2019.
The home, which spans 25,000 square feet, features eight bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, and expansive grounds.
However, Jeffree later put the property up for sale in 2021, selling it for $16.7 million after originally listing it for $19.5 million.
In addition to his California mansion, Jeffree also owns a sprawling 70-acre ranch in Wyoming, which he later expanded by purchasing an additional 500 acres. His real estate investments reflect his substantial wealth and penchant for luxury.
Car Collection and Lifestyle
Jeffree Star is known for his extravagant lifestyle, which includes a $2.4 million car collection. His fleet includes high-end cars such as Bentleys, Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and Aston Martins, with reports suggesting that he owns a total of 25 vehicles.
These vehicles are just one of the many symbols of Jeffree’s luxury lifestyle, which also includes his designer clothing, private jet, and other lavish possessions.
Business Ventures and Success
In addition to his cosmetics line, Jeffree has expanded his business portfolio into several other lucrative areas. He has invested in the marijuana industry, real estate, and even clothing.
His collaborations with other YouTubers and influencers have further propelled his brand, with notable partnerships such as the one with Shane Dawson to release a highly successful collection of eyeshadows and liquid lipsticks.
The collaboration generated tens of millions of dollars, significantly boosting both Jeffree’s and Shane’s fortunes.
From January 1 to December 1, 2018, Jeffree earned $18 million, ranking as the fifth highest-paid YouTube star. In 2019, he earned $17 million, placing him in the fourth spot among the highest-paid YouTubers.
Despite earning slightly less in 2020 ($15 million), Jeffree remained one of the top-earning influencers worldwide.
Jeffree Star’s Legacy
Jeffree Star’s journey from a MySpace musician to a beauty mogul is nothing short of remarkable. His success story is a testament to the power of leveraging social media and personal branding to create a multi-million dollar business empire.
Though his career has been marked by controversy, his business acumen and ability to adapt to changing trends have made him one of the most influential figures in the beauty world.
Today, Jeffree Star continues to build his brand, releasing new products, expanding into other industries, and maintaining a loyal following.
Despite facing numerous challenges, he remains a force to be reckoned with in the world of cosmetics, entertainment, and entrepreneurship.
