Meet Michelle Phan, also known as Phan Tuyết Băng, one of the original beauty creators who paved the way for today's influencers.
With over 8.5 million subscribers on YouTube and more than 434,000 followers on TikTok, she shares everything from makeup tutorials to life advice; you can also find her on Instagram.
Let's dive into her background, rise to fame, and what truly makes her stand out as a digital creator.
How old is Michelle Phan?
Michelle Phan turns 38 in 2025. Born on April 11, she's a textbook Aries, full of creative fire.
Where is Michelle Phan from?
Michelle was born in Boston, Massachusetts, but she grew up and spent most of her time in Tampa, Florida.
She is Vietnamese-American, and her family's heritage is a big part of her story and identity.
Michelle Phan's family and personal life
Growing up wasn't always easy, but Michelle found her escape in art and creativity, often spending time in her mom's nail salon. She has an older brother, Steve, and a younger half-sister.
While she once shared her relationship with model Dominique Capraro online, she now prefers to keep her love life private. When she's not creating, she's all about finding her inner peace, whether through meditation or just being her authentic self.
Michelle Phan's journey as a creator
Michelle Phan is a true OG creator who turned her passion for makeup into a massive beauty empire by being authentic, creative, and business-savvy.
- She started by posting makeup tutorials on a blog and YouTube, with her first video in 2007 getting 40,000 views in just one week.
- Her celebrity-inspired looks, like the Lady Gaga and Barbie tutorials, went viral and launched her into stardom.
- She co-founded the beauty subscription box Ipsy and later launched her own makeup line, EM Cosmetics.
- Today, she's focused on EM Cosmetics and hosts a podcast where she interviews other top creators.
- Fun fact: She was once rejected for a job at a Lancôme counter, only to later become their official video makeup artist.
What kinds of followers does Michelle Phan have?
Michelle's followers are mostly Gen Z and millennials who are all about beauty, makeup, and the creator world. They're the type to watch a tutorial for a new look and get inspired by her journey from YouTuber to boss.
Beyond the makeup, her fans are also here for the life lessons and business smarts. They're curious about building their own brands and appreciate her real talk on everything from self-care to success.
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