Quick Facts
- Net Worth: $22 Million
- Born: May 23, 1999 (age 27)
- Birthplace: Bethlehem, New York, U.S.
- Profession: Beauty YouTuber, makeup artist, model
- Nationality: American
- Main Income Sources: YouTube ads, brand deals, merchandise
James Charles Dickinson turned makeup tutorials into a multi-million dollar career. As James Charles, he built one of the biggest beauty channels on YouTube and became the first male face of CoverGirl. Today, his net worth sits at an estimated $22 million.
This guide breaks down exactly how he built his fortune, what he earns from YouTube today, the deals that made him famous, and the real estate he owns.
Who Is James Charles?
James Charles was born on May 23, 1999, in Bethlehem, New York. He grew up doing makeup for family and friends before turning his talent into a full-time career online. He launched his YouTube channel in December 2015, focusing on beauty tutorials, product reviews, and collaborations with other creators.
His big break came fast. In October 2016, at just 17 years old, CoverGirl named him its first-ever male brand ambassador. He worked alongside Katy Perry on the campaign, and the news made headlines around the world. That single deal turned a teenage YouTuber into a global beauty figure almost overnight.
James Charles’ Career and Business Deals
Charles built his channel around bold, high-energy makeup looks and calls his audience “sisters.” His content strategy paid off. He has racked up billions of views and grown his following across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, where he now reaches an estimated 79 million followers combined, according to creator analytics platforms.
His biggest business wins include:
- CoverGirl ambassador (2016): His first major brand deal and still one of the most talked-about moments in his career.
- Morphe Cosmetics collaboration (2018): His 39-shade eyeshadow palette sold out across Europe in under six minutes on launch day. Fans in the UK were so eager to meet him that over 7,000 people showed up to a Morphe store opening in Birmingham, shutting down parts of the city center.
- So Lashy! By BlastPro: He became the face of this mascara brand, adding another steady income stream.
- Modeling work: He walked the runway for MarcoMarco during LA Fashion Week in 2017 and became the first beauty influencer invited to the Met Gala in 2019.
- Freelance makeup artistry: He has done professional makeup work for musicians, including Iggy Azalea’s 2019 “Sally Walker” music video.
These deals, combined with steady YouTube growth, are what pushed his net worth into eight figures.
Merchandise: Sisters Apparel
Charles launched his own clothing line, Sisters Apparel, to give his fans a way to support him beyond watching videos. The brand initially ran through Jeffree Star’s fulfillment company. After a public falling-out between the two (more on that below), Sisters Apparel briefly went offline in 2019 before relaunching with a new distributor a month later.
The Controversies That Shaped His Career
Like many creators who grew up online, Charles has faced his share of public backlash.
The Africa/Ebola tweet (2017): Charles posted a joke referencing Africa and the Ebola virus that many people found offensive. He apologized shortly after, saying there was “no excuse” for what he wrote.
Comments about sexuality (2019): Charles, who is openly gay, made remarks about his attraction to trans men that some viewers called transphobic. He later apologized, calling the comments “unintentionally” hurtful.
The Tati Westbrook feud (2019): This is the controversy most people remember. Tati Westbrook, Charles’ former mentor and close friend, accused him of disloyalty and inappropriate behavior in a video that has since become one of the most-viewed dramas in YouTube history. Charles lost more than two million subscribers in a matter of days as the story spread. He responded with two videos of his own, apologizing first and then pushing back on several of the claims with evidence. His subscriber count recovered over time, and his channel has continued to grow in the years since.
How Much Does James Charles Make on YouTube?
James Charles has never cracked the top 10 highest-paid YouTubers list, but he still earns a serious income from the platform. Industry estimates put his YouTube ad revenue at several million dollars a year, before accounting for expenses and taxes.
His full income picture is much bigger than just ad revenue, though. His money comes from:
- YouTube ad revenue
- Paid brand posts on Instagram and TikTok
- Merchandise sales through Sisters Apparel
- Endorsement deals with companies like CoverGirl, Morphe, and Maybelline
- Personal appearances and collaborations
Sponsored content alone reportedly earns him several million dollars a year, on top of everything else. It’s this mix of income streams, not just YouTube ads, that keeps his net worth growing.
James Charles’ Real Estate
In February 2020, Charles bought a brand-new $7 million home in Encino, California. Before that, he was paying $15,000 a month to rent a mansion in the same area. His current home sits on the same block as fellow YouTuber Logan Paul’s $6.6 million property and includes six bedrooms across 10,000 square feet.
FAQ
How did James Charles become famous?
He gained attention on Twitter for his makeup before launching a YouTube channel in December 2015. He became the first male CoverGirl ambassador less than a year later.
Does James Charles still make YouTube videos?
Yes. He continues to post beauty content and remains active across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
What is James Charles’ biggest source of income?
His income comes from several places, including YouTube ads, sponsored posts, and merchandise, rather than one single source.
Stick with faminaz for more celebrity net worth breakdowns and the stories behind the world’s biggest online stars.