Key Takeaways
- Mikayla Nogueira quickly rose to TikTok fame with her makeup tutorials and Boston accent, amassing millions of followers.
- She faced several controversies including “MascaraGate” and criticism over appearing inauthentic with sponsored content.
- After opening up about her mental health struggles and taking breaks from social media, she’s gradually rebuilding trust with her audience.
Mikayla Nogueira, a common name in TikTok’s beauty sphere, took the internet by storm with her makeup tutorials, Boston accent, and raw authenticity.
Once dubbed “the realest influencer on TikTok,” her online persona has slowly been revealed as fake through controversy and criticism, but has she redeemed herself?
The Rise Of Mikayla Nogueira
Mikayla’s passion for makeup began in her teenage years as a way to cope with insecurities and bullying.
Raised in a conservative environment in Boston, she didn’t feel encouraged to pursue a beauty career.
However, her love for bold eyeshadow and glitter became an integral part of her identity during her college years at Bryant University.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, Mikayla decided to share her passion on TikTok.
Her knack for engaging storytelling, makeup tips, and product reviews earned her a massive following in record time.
Within six months, she had 1.7 million followers, and by early 2023, she surpassed 14 million.
Her viral techniques, such as “the sticky method” for acne coverage, cemented her status as a trendsetter in the beauty community.
From Collaboration To Controversy
As her career soared, Mikayla gained recognition from A-list celebrities and top beauty brands.
She collaborated with Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty and even met Rihanna at a Fenty Beauty event.
Her reviews often turned products into bestsellers, solidifying her influence in the industry.
However, fame came with its pitfalls.
In September 2022, a resurfaced TikTok of Mikayla venting about the pressures of being an influencer sparked backlash.
Critics labeled her comments as out of touch, igniting a broader discussion about the relatability of influencers.
Adding to the controversy were allegations that she left jealous comments on fellow beauty influencer Jaclyn Hill’s Instagram posts in 2018 — a claim Mikayla admitted and apologized for.
She also told viewers she didn’t feel like she fit the influencer mold.
She said,
“I don’t feel like I fit in as an influencer in general because I am not like the fucking beauty standard in any way.”
Via Business Insider
While creating a bridal makeup look, Mikayla revealed she hadn’t even looked at wedding dresses online.
Her appointment was at the first wedding dress shop that came up on a Google search.
“Hopefully it’s a good place,” she told viewers.
Commenters expressed support, sharing their own experiences with body dysmorphia during wedding dress shopping.
In follow-up videos, she shared her wedding dress journey, gaining praise for her honesty.
MascaraGate And Other Backlashes
Shortly after, Mikayla faced accusations of wearing false eyelashes in a sponsored L’Oréal mascara post.
In the video, she claimed the mascara created an effect that “looks like false lashes,” but many speculated she had used falsies.
The video amassed over 48 million views, sparking backlash with accusations of “lashlighting.”
Influencers like James Charles and Jeffree Star weighed in, intensifying the drama.
Despite the controversy, some defended Mikayla, noting that false lashes are commonly used in mascara ads.
On February 1, Mikayla returned to TikTok after a week-long hiatus, avoiding direct commentary on the incident and focusing on regular content.
“It’s the month of love, bitches,” she declared in a Valentine’s Day-themed makeup tutorial. While some demanded closure, many fans continued to support her.
Wedding-Related Drama
As her wedding approached, Mikayla launched a collaboration with e.l.f. Cosmetics, unveiling the “Marriage Material Lip Duo.”
While some fans celebrated the product, others criticized her for using her wedding as a promotional opportunity.
On July 1, she married Cody Hawken in Newport, Rhode Island, with a star-studded guest list including James Charles and Dylan Mulvaney.
Critics questioned the authenticity of her influencer-packed wedding, speculating about uninvited long-term friends.
Despite the rumors, supporters defended her right to invite whomever she wanted.
Mental Health Struggles And Redemption
Amid controversies, Mikayla opened up about her struggles with depression, self-hatred, and burnout.
Taking a break from social media allowed her to refocus and prioritize her mental health. Her vulnerability resonated with fans who appreciated her honesty.
Lately, Mikayla’s content has been loved by fans, and she seems to be on a path to redemption.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Mikayla started her beauty journey with Avon products she bought from her mother’s friend, long before her TikTok fame.
- Before becoming a social media star, she graduated from Bryant University with a Communications degree in 2020, right when the pandemic began.
- Her family has Portuguese roots, and her mother Patrice works as both an artist and an elementary school counselor.
