Introduction on Michelle Phan
Michelle Phan is an American beauty entrepreneur, YouTuber, and makeup artist who became one of the most influential pioneers in the digital beauty community. Born on April 11, 1987, in Boston, Massachusetts, she is of Vietnamese descent and was raised by her single mother alongside her siblings. Growing up in a financially struggling household, Michelle turned to creative outlets like makeup and art as a form of self-expression.
Michelle started her YouTube channel in 2007, where she uploaded makeup tutorials that quickly gained viral attention for their originality and clarity. Her tutorial on “Lady Gaga Poker Face” was one of her breakout videos, which significantly expanded her audience. Over time, Michelle Phan became one of the most recognized faces in the beauty influencer space.
Who is Michelle Phan
Michelle Phan is a highly influential American entrepreneur, YouTuber, and makeup artist who revolutionized the beauty industry through digital content. Widely regarded as one of the first beauty influencers, she built a powerful online presence that later expanded into successful business ventures like Ipsy and EM Cosmetics. Michelle’s story is often seen as the blueprint for turning social media influence into a global brand.
Michelle Phan on wiki

Attribute | Details |
Full Name | Michelle Phan |
Date of Birth | April 11, 1987 |
Age | 38 years (as of 2025) |
Birthplace | Boston, Massachusetts, USA |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | Vietnamese-American |
Religion | Formerly Catholic |
Height | 5 ft 0 in (152 cm) |
Weight | 49 kg (108 lbs) |
Full Body Measurements | 34-23-34 inches |
Profession | Entrepreneur, YouTuber, Makeup Artist |
Net Worth | Approx. $50 million |
Education | Ringling College of Art and Design |
Educational Achievement | Honorary Doctorate of Arts |
Father | Not publicly disclosed |
Mother | Jennifer Phan |
Siblings | Older brother, younger half-sister |
Relationship | Previously with Dominique Capraro (status private) |
Career Start | 2007 (YouTube channel launch) |
Major Breakthrough | Lady Gaga Makeup Tutorial went viral |
Major Ventures | Ipsy, EM Cosmetics |
Partnership | Former collaboration with Lancôme, L’Oréal |
Company Ownership | Co-founder of Ipsy, Owner of EM Cosmetics |
Career Break | Took hiatus in 2015 for mental health |
Return | Returned to YouTube and EM Cosmetics in 2017 |
Languages | English, Vietnamese |
Known For | Beauty tutorials, beauty entrepreneurship |
Michelle Phan Parents and Siblings
Mother: Michelle Phan’s mother is Jennifer Phan, a Vietnamese immigrant who worked tirelessly to support the family, often taking jobs as a manicurist. Michelle has frequently spoken about her mother’s struggles and sacrifices to raise her and her siblings after her father left the family.
Father: Michelle’s biological father’s name has not been publicly disclosed. He reportedly struggled with gambling addiction and eventually left the family when Michelle was young. His absence had a significant emotional and financial impact on Michelle’s upbringing.
Stepfather: After her father left, Michelle’s mother remarried. Michelle’s stepfather was reportedly controlling, which led the family to eventually leave him as well.
Siblings:
- Older Brother: Michelle has an older brother whose name is not widely publicized. She has mentioned him briefly in interviews but has largely kept details about him private.
- Younger Half-Sister: Michelle also has a younger half-sister, who is from her mother’s later marriage. Like her brother, her sister’s personal life has remained outside the public spotlight.
Michelle Phan Nationality, Ethnicity ,Religion
Nationality:
Michelle Phan is American. She was born on April 11, 1987, in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, which makes her a citizen of the United States.
Ethnicity:
Michelle Phan is of Vietnamese descent. Both of her parents are Vietnamese immigrants who moved to the United States in search of a better life. Her cultural background and heritage are deeply rooted in Vietnamese traditions, which she has occasionally referenced in her videos and interviews.
Religion:
Michelle Phan was raised Catholic. Her mother practiced Catholicism, and Michelle followed the religion during her early years. However, in later interviews and personal statements, Michelle has expressed a more spiritual outlook rather than strict religious practice. She has shown interest in topics like astrology, meditation, and personal spirituality, indicating a shift from traditional religious structures to a more open, self-guided belief system.
Michelle Phan Relationship

Michelle Phan was known to be in a long-term relationship with Dominique Capraro, a Swiss model and dancer. Their relationship gained public attention when Dominique appeared in several of Michelle’s YouTube videos and vlogs, where the couple shared a warm and supportive dynamic.
Michelle Phan Age
Michelle Phan was born on April 11, 1987 in Boston, Massachusetts. As of July 1, 2025, she is 38 years old, having recently turned 38 in April 2025.
Michelle Phan Height & Weight
Attribute | Details |
Height | 5 ft 0 in (152 cm) |
Weight | Approximately 49 kg (108 lbs) |
Michelle Phan Full Body Measurements
Attribute | Measurement |
Build | Slim |
Height | 5 ft 0½ in (≈154 cm) |
Weight | ~108 lb (49–50 kg) |
Bust / Chest | 33–34 in (≈86 cm) |
Waist | 23 in (≈59 cm) |
Hips | 33–34 in (≈86 cm) |
Bra Size | 32B–38B (some sources vary) |
Dress Size (US) | 0–2 |
Shoe Size (US) | 7 |
Michelle Phan Educational Details

School Education
Michelle Phan attended Tampa Bay Technical High School in Florida. This is where she completed her high school education.
College Education
She enrolled at the Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida. Michelle majored in Illustration but was unable to complete her degree due to financial difficulties. She left during her second semester.
Honorary Degree
In 2014, Ringling College awarded Michelle Phan an Honorary Doctorate of Arts in recognition of her groundbreaking contributions to digital beauty content and her success as a beauty entrepreneur.
Michelle Phan Daily Routine
Morning Routine
Michelle Phan typically begins her day early, around 6:30 AM to 7:00 AM, starting with morning mindfulness or meditation. She believes that beginning the day with calmness and intentionality helps set a positive tone. Following this, she focuses on her morning skincare routine and light stretching to gently wake up her body and refresh her mind. Her breakfast usually consists of light and healthy options, such as tea, fresh fruits, or smoothies, promoting a clean and nourishing start to the day.
Mid-Morning Activities
After breakfast, Michelle often spends time journaling, planning her day, or reading quietly. She values this period of self-reflection and mental clarity before diving into work. By 9:00 AM, she transitions into focused work sessions which can include business meetings, content planning, product development for EM Cosmetics, or creative brainstorming. She enjoys working in peaceful, organized environments that inspire creativity.
Afternoon Schedule
Michelle usually takes her lunch break around noon, where she prefers clean, plant-based meals. In the early afternoon, she dedicates time to content creation, video filming, testing new products, or developing marketing ideas. Michelle keeps her afternoons productive but also ensures space for flexibility and inspiration. By mid-afternoon, she includes a short walk or light exercise, like yoga or Pilates, to keep herself physically active and mentally refreshed.
Evening Routine
In the evening, Michelle wraps up her remaining business tasks, such as answering emails, managing social media, or quiet solo work. Dinner is typically simple and home-cooked, enjoyed alone or with close friends. Michelle often spends her post-dinner hours engaging in personal hobbies like drawing, reading, watching anime, or experimenting with skincare products. This is her time for relaxation and creative recharge.
Michelle Phan Career

Michelle Phan started her career in 2007 by uploading makeup tutorials to YouTube. Her videos stood out for their creativity, clarity, and soothing presentation. She quickly gained attention when her “Lady Gaga Poker Face” makeup tutorial went viral, bringing her global recognition. Michelle was one of the earliest beauty creators on YouTube, helping to establish the platform as a space for beauty education and inspiration.
Major Beauty Partnership
In 2010, Michelle achieved a significant milestone by becoming the official video makeup artist for Lancôme. This partnership made her the first YouTuber to work with a major luxury beauty brand in such a capacity. The collaboration elevated her status in the beauty industry and opened doors for digital creators to work with established brands.
Founding Ipsy
In 2011, Michelle co-founded Ipsy, a beauty subscription box company that revolutionized the way consumers discovered beauty products. Through personalized “Glam Bags” and a focus on community, Ipsy quickly grew into a billion-dollar brand. The success of Ipsy positioned Michelle as a leading beauty entrepreneur, proving her ability to build a business beyond content creation.
Launch of EM Cosmetics
In 2013, Michelle launched her own makeup line, EM Cosmetics, in partnership with L’Oréal. Although the initial launch faced challenges, Michelle later bought back the brand in 2017 and relaunched it independently. Under her leadership, EM Cosmetics was rebranded to focus on clean, modern, and high-quality makeup that aligned with her personal vision and brand values.
Career Break
In 2015, Michelle decided to step away from YouTube and most social media platforms to focus on her mental health and personal growth. Her departure highlighted the pressure of constant content creation and the importance of taking breaks to preserve well-being. During this time, she remained active behind the scenes in business and product development.
Michelle Phan NetWorth
As of 2025, Michelle Phan’s estimated net worth is around $50 million. Her wealth is the result of her success as a pioneering beauty influencer, entrepreneur, and digital content creator. She is one of the first YouTubers who successfully turned her online popularity into a long-term, profitable career.
YouTube Earnings
Michelle built a substantial part of her fortune through her YouTube channel, which has over 8 million subscribers and more than 1 billion total views. Her makeup tutorials, brand-sponsored content, and high audience engagement provided her with consistent ad revenue and significant brand partnerships during her most active years.
Ipsy Success
In 2011, Michelle co-founded Ipsy, a monthly beauty subscription company that grew into one of the most successful beauty startups. Ipsy was later valued at approximately $500 million to over $1 billion. Although Michelle eventually stepped back from her day-to-day role, her involvement in building Ipsy contributed significantly to her net worth.
EM Cosmetics
Michelle launched her own beauty brand, EM Cosmetics, in 2013. Initially partnered with L’Oréal, she later bought back the company and rebranded it under her full creative control. EM Cosmetics has become a key part of her current wealth, with a focus on high-quality, minimalist beauty products that continue to perform well in the independent cosmetics market.
Michelle Phan Biography

Michelle Phan is an American beauty entrepreneur, YouTuber, and one of the most influential pioneers in the world of digital beauty content. Born on April 11, 1987, in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, Michelle is of Vietnamese-American descent. She was raised by her mother, Jennifer Phan, alongside her older brother and younger half-sister, after her father left the family during her childhood.
Growing up in a financially struggling household, Michelle found comfort and expression in art and makeup from an early age. After completing her education at Tampa Bay Technical High School, she briefly attended the Ringling College of Art and Design in Florida, where she majored in illustration. Due to financial difficulties, she left before graduating but was later honored with an Honorary Doctorate of Arts for her impact in the creative and digital industries.
Michelle began her YouTube journey in 2007, creating simple, artistic makeup tutorials. Her creative editing, soothing voice, and unique approaches to makeup quickly set her apart. Her breakthrough came when her “Lady Gaga Poker Face” makeup tutorial went viral, attracting millions of views and establishing her as a global beauty influencer.
In 2010, she became the official video makeup artist for Lancôme, the first YouTuber to secure such a prestigious position with a luxury beauty brand. Michelle’s career continued to skyrocket when she co-founded Ipsy in 2011, a beauty subscription service that became a billion-dollar company and redefined the beauty shopping experience for millions of users worldwide.
In 2013, Michelle launched EM Cosmetics in collaboration with L’Oréal. Although the brand’s initial launch faced challenges, she later bought back EM Cosmetics in 2017 and successfully rebranded it as an independent beauty company with a focus on quality and authenticity.
Michelle Phan Viral Vedio
Michelle Phan Social Media Accounts
Platform | Username/Handle | Followers (Approx.) | Direct Link |
YouTube | Michelle Phan | 8.8 Million | YouTube |
@michellephan | 1.9 Million | ||
@MichellePhan | 873K | ||
TikTok | @michellephan | 320K | TikTok |
Conclusion
Michelle Phan’s journey is a true example of creativity, resilience, and visionary entrepreneurship. Starting as a self-taught makeup artist uploading simple tutorials on YouTube, she quickly became a global beauty icon and one of the earliest influencers to turn digital content into a successful career. Her ability to transition from content creation to building multi-million-dollar businesses like Ipsy and EM Cosmetics proves her exceptional business acumen and creative leadership. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, Michelle’s focus on mental health, authenticity, and purpose-driven work has solidified her reputation as a respected figure in the beauty and creator industries. Today, she continues to inspire millions around the world, proving that passion, when combined with dedication, can build empires.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.Who is Michelle Phan?
Michelle Phan is an American beauty entrepreneur, YouTuber, and one of the original digital beauty influencers.
2.When was Michelle Phan born?
She was born on April 11, 1987.
3.How old is Michelle Phan?
As of 2025, Michelle Phan is 38 years old.
4.What is Michelle Phan’s nationality?
Michelle Phan is American.
5.What is Michelle Phan’s ethnicity?
She is of Vietnamese-American descent.
6.What is Michelle Phan’s net worth?
Michelle Phan has an estimated net worth of around $50 million.
7.Is Michelle Phan married?
Michelle Phan has kept her current relationship status private. She was previously known to be in a long-term relationship with model Dominique Capraro.
8.What is Michelle Phan’s height and weight?
She is 5 feet 0.5 inches (around 154 cm) tall and weighs approximately 49-50 kg (108 lbs).
9.What is Michelle Phan best known for?
She is best known for her YouTube makeup tutorials, founding Ipsy, and her beauty brand EM Cosmetics.
10.Why did Michelle Phan leave YouTube?
Michelle Phan took a break from YouTube in 2015 to focus on her mental health and personal well-being.
11.Did Michelle Phan return to YouTube?
Yes, Michelle Phan returned to YouTube in 2017 with selective content but now focuses more on her business ventures.
12.What is Ipsy?
Ipsy is a beauty subscription company co-founded by Michelle Phan in 2011, known for its personalized Glam Bags.
13.What is EM Cosmetics?
EM Cosmetics is Michelle Phan’s independent beauty brand, offering minimalist and high-quality makeup products.
14.Where did Michelle Phan study?
She studied at Tampa Bay Technical High School and later attended Ringling College of Art and Design, where she was later awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Arts.
15.What is Michelle Phan’s official YouTube channel?
Her YouTube channel is Michelle Phan.
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