In the world of beauty influencers, few names shine as brightly—or as controversially—as Mikayla Nogueira. Known for her thick Boston accent, full-glam makeup looks, and raw honesty, Mikayla has become a standout voice in the ever-growing beauty space on TikTok. With over 14 million followers and a presence that spans Instagram and YouTube, she’s more than just an influencer—she’s a relatable icon for millions navigating makeup, mental health, and self-confidence.
But who exactly is Mikayla Nogueira, and what makes her journey so compelling? Let’s take a deep dive into her life, career, and the scandals that have put her in the spotlight.
Early Life and Background
Born and raised in Massachusetts, Mikayla Nogueira always had a passion for beauty. Long before becoming a viral sensation, she was experimenting with makeup, running her own mini beauty business at just 15 years old. By high school, she was already offering hair, nail, and makeup services in her community.
Her early passion led her to work at Ulta Beauty, where she got a deeper look into the professional beauty world. She famously wore a bold purple and gold makeup look to her interview, determined to showcase her skills. In a 2022 interview with Allure, she recalled breaking into tears during the meeting:
“I cried in the interview to my new manager. She’s like, ‘Why are you crying?’ I was like, ‘You’re the first person to give me a freaking chance!’”
This mix of humility, grit, and raw talent would eventually become the foundation of her success.
Rise to Fame on TikTok
Like many digital creators, Mikayla’s career skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. In October 2020, she began posting makeup tutorials and reviews on TikTok after leaving her job at Ulta and stepping away from college. What started as a hobby quickly turned into a full-time career.
Her approach was different from the overly polished influencer content people were used to. She was loud, expressive, funny, and most importantly—real. She spoke candidly about products, gave honest reviews, and used her own face as a canvas for experimentation.
By mid-2022, she had already become one of the most recognizable names in beauty on the app.
“You guys made me believe I could do it,” she told her followers on Instagram.
Signature Style and Makeup Philosophy
Mikayla is known for her full-glam makeup—think bold lashes, dramatic eyeshadow, shimmering highlights, and sharp contouring. But her charm isn’t just in the looks she creates—it’s in the way she explains them. She has a talent for breaking down complex beauty routines into easy-to-follow steps, making her videos a favorite among both makeup pros and beginners.
Her tutorials range from intense transformations to soft everyday glam, and she regularly answers follower questions about techniques and product recommendations.
Whether she’s talking about the perfect concealer for acne-prone skin or the right brushes to use for blending, Mikayla keeps it educational, fun, and approachable.
Personal Life and Vulnerability
What makes Mikayla so beloved isn’t just her makeup skills—it’s her honesty. She’s spoken openly about her struggles with body dysmorphia and eating disorders, and how those issues have impacted major life moments, including her search for a wedding dress.
In a deeply personal video posted in January 2023, she said:
“I’m not looking forward to this day… It’s different when you have body dysmorphia and an eating disorder, and you’re really insecure.”
Despite the challenges, Mikayla shared her dress shopping journey with her followers, turning a difficult experience into one of community and vulnerability. Her fiancé, Cody, has appeared in several of her videos, and in 2022, the couple bought a home together in Massachusetts—a milestone Mikayla celebrated with emotional gratitude.
The ‘Lashlighting’ Controversy
No beauty career comes without its fair share of controversy, and for Mikayla, the biggest one to date is what fans dubbed the “lashlighting” scandal.
In early 2023, Mikayla posted a sponsored review of L’Oréal’s Telescopic Lift Mascara, claiming it gave her lashes an unbelievable lift. But eagle-eyed viewers noticed something suspicious: the lashes looked a little too long—almost like falsies.
Followers accused her of using Ardell Demi Wispies, a popular brand of subtle false lashes. Comments flooded the video:
“Are you lashlighting us rn?”
“This looks like a false lash.”
“I love my Ardell Wispies too!!”
Worse, many criticized her for not clearly disclosing the ad. The only mention of her partnership with L’Oréal was a small “L’Oréal partner” label at the beginning of the video—something many viewers missed.
Mikayla went silent for several days. When she returned, she didn’t directly address the backlash, instead jumping back into makeup content with her usual enthusiasm.
“It’s the month of love, bitches, and anyone who knows me knows I’m not f—king around on Valentine’s Day,” she said in her return video.
While many fans accepted her comeback, others were left wanting more transparency.
Business Ventures and Collaborations
Beyond tutorials and reviews, Mikayla has ventured into product development. In June 2021, she collaborated with Glamlite Cosmetics to launch a collection that included:
An eyeshadow palette
Lip gloss
Highlighter
Faux lashes
The launch was a success and showcased her creative vision. She’s also worked closely with major industry names, spending time with icons like:
Charlotte Tilbury
Selena Gomez
Alicia Keys
Rihanna
These experiences solidified her role not just as an influencer, but as a respected figure in the professional beauty space.
Public Image and Legacy
Mikayla Nogueira is more than a makeup artist—she’s a voice for authenticity in a world that can feel overly filtered. Her fans appreciate her no-BS attitude, her ability to own her flaws, and her unapologetic confidence.
She’s also a reminder that vulnerability can be powerful. Whether she’s battling online backlash or personal insecurities, Mikayla continues to show up—and her audience shows up for her in return.
Conclusion
Mikayla Nogueira’s journey from a small-town beauty enthusiast to one of TikTok’s most beloved (and debated) creators is nothing short of inspiring. Her blend of talent, transparency, and tenacity sets her apart in a sea of influencers. While scandals may come and go, her ability to connect with fans on a human level remains her greatest asset.
As she continues to evolve and grow, one thing’s for sure—Mikayla Nogueira is here to stay.
FAQs
How old is Mikayla Nogueira?
Mikayla was born in 1998, making her 26 years old in 2024.
Where is Mikayla Nogueira from?
She was born and raised in Massachusetts and currently lives there with her fiancé.
Did Mikayla Nogueira wear fake lashes in her L’Oréal video?
Many fans believe she used false lashes in the video, specifically Ardell Demi Wispies, though she never confirmed it directly.
Does Mikayla Nogueira have her own makeup line?
She launched a successful collaboration with Glamlite in 2021, which included eyeshadow, highlighter, and more.
Is Mikayla Nogueira still engaged?
Yes, Mikayla is engaged to her longtime partner, Cody, and they recently bought a home together.