- James Charles — full name James Charles Dickinson — is a 26-year-old American beauty YouTuber and makeup artist born 23 May 1999.
- Started his YouTube channel in December 2015 and became the first male brand ambassador for CoverGirl in October 2016 at age 17.
- Estimated net worth around $22 million in 2026 (range $7M–$23M depending on source); annual income $5.6M–$7.8M.
Who Is James Charles?
James Charles Dickinson, known online as James Charles, is one of the most-followed beauty YouTubers in the world. He started his channel in December 2015 with makeup tutorials, and by October 2016 — at just 17 years old — he had become the first male brand ambassador in CoverGirl's history. The campaign images of him in CoverGirl ads went viral and effectively launched his mainstream career.
Since then he has built a full beauty empire: a makeup line (Sisters Apparel and Morphe collabs originally; later his own brand), high-engagement YouTube tutorials, and a heavily-followed TikTok and Instagram presence.
James Charles — Quick Facts
| Full name | James Charles Dickinson |
| Date of birth | 23 May 1999 |
| Age (2026) | 26 (turns 27 in May 2026) |
| Born in | Bethlehem, New York, US |
| YouTube channel start | December 2015 |
| Notable first | First male CoverGirl brand ambassador (October 2016) |
| Estimated net worth | ~$22 million (range $7M–$23M) |
| Estimated annual income | $5.6M–$7.8M |
How Old Is James Charles in 2026?
James Charles is 26 years old in 2026, born 23 May 1999. He turns 27 on 23 May 2026.
What Is James Charles Known For?
- YouTube makeup tutorials. Sit-down full-face transformations, often featuring guest creators or celebrities.
- First male CoverGirl ambassador (2016). A landmark cultural moment in beauty industry diversification.
- Sister Stars (closed) / current brand work. His own makeup brand collaborations and branded merchandise.
- Public controversies. Has been at the centre of multiple high-profile internet feuds (most notably with Tati Westbrook in 2019), and addressed allegations head-on in subsequent video apologies and statements.
What Is James Charles' Net Worth?
Estimates vary; the most commonly cited 2026 figure is around $22 million, though sources range from $7M to $23M. Annual revenue from YouTube AdSense, brand partnerships, his makeup brand, and merchandise lines is estimated at roughly $5.6M–$7.8M.
Where to Follow James Charles
- YouTube — primary platform for long-form makeup tutorials.
- TikTok — short-form clips and behind-the-scenes.
- Instagram — campaign work, looks, brand promotion.
For a beauty creator running a brand, multi-platform content, and rolling brand collaborations, a link-in-bio tool consolidates everything behind one URL. UniLink, Linktree, and Beacons all serve this purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James Charles' full name?
James Charles Dickinson.
How old is James Charles?
26 in 2026, born 23 May 1999. He turns 27 on 23 May 2026.
When did James Charles start YouTube?
December 2015. Within 10 months he became the first male brand ambassador for CoverGirl.
What is James Charles' net worth?
Estimated around $22 million in 2026, with a range of $7M–$23M depending on source.
What controversies has James Charles been involved in?
Most notably the 2019 fallout with Tati Westbrook, plus subsequent allegations he addressed in public videos. Independent of the controversies, his channel and brand work remain active.
Key Takeaways
- James Charles is James Charles Dickinson, a 26-year-old American beauty YouTuber born 23 May 1999.
- First male brand ambassador in CoverGirl history (2016, age 17).
- Estimated net worth ~$22M, annual income $5.6M–$7.8M.
- Active on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.