When you hear the name Tashjané Collins, you might immediately think of her audacious eyeshadow palettes or the impactful strides she’s made in elevating diversity within the beauty industry. However, spend a few minutes with her, and you realize that this LA-based beauty content creator and licensed cosmetologist is not just about contouring and cat-eyes; she’s reshaping the very foundation of the industry.
Raised in an era when YouTube influencers were redefining beauty norms, Tashjané was inspired to transition from a passionate hobbyist to a full-time creative powerhouse. The shift was natural for her—she always knew that her artistic inclinations would find the perfect canvas in the expansive LA beauty circuit.
Tashjané has been on a fast track, showcasing her talents not just through her transformative eyeshadow and eyeliner tutorials but also by challenging the status quo regarding diversity. She’s candid about the discrepancies in pay between Black content creators and their white counterparts, reminding us that the beauty world still has strides to make in leveling the field. From her perspective, the time for brands to fully value Black and POC creators is not in some distant future—it’s now.
Beyond the weighty subjects, Collins finds joy in the details of her work, from experimenting with new products to collaborating with brands that once seemed out of reach. Even under tight schedules, her go-to 10-minute look—focused on brows, lashes, and skin—shows that efficiency can indeed coexist with elegance. For her, makeup isn’t just a layer you put on; it’s a vehicle for confidence, a tool for expression, and above all, a form of art.
Before we jump into the details, can you share a bit about yourself? When did you first recognize the power of beauty and makeup?
A little about myself… I am a licensed cosmetologist living here in LA pursuing my dreams of being a full time beauty content creator. I have loved anything creative and artsy since I was really little and I knew LA would be the perfect place to flourish in the beauty industry. I recognized the power of beauty and makeup when I was really young watching my grandma put on makeup. I saw how getting dressed up can really elevate your confidence and make your overall day flow better. I knew that was what I wanted to do too when I got old enough.
What pushed you to take your love for makeup from a personal hobby to a full-time career?
I grew up in the height of YouTube influencers and I always looked up to them. From Jackie Aina to Alissa Ashley I knew that I wanted to do the same thing. It was inspiring seeing them build a community all for the love of makeup and I couldn’t wait to connect with people that shared that same love and creativity.
I think most people are most familiar with your eyeshadow and eyeliner looks — where do you typically get inspiration for them and how long did it take to perfect?
I am mainly inspired by my peers and any trends that I see around social media. At this point in my career, I usually can get something down on the first few tries, but when I was first learning it took a few years of trial and error, and also learning what worked for me and what didn’t.
On your YouTube channel, we get sneak peeks on the work that goes into creating your looks, but do you have a “skin prep” routine before applying makeup?
Yes I do! I think skin care is so important to having a flawless application. My go to cleanser is the Dr. Dennis Gross AHA + BHA Daily Cleansing Gel. I’m currently using the YTTP Peptides + C Energy Eye Concentrate with Vitamin C & Caffeine. I’m obsessed with the Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Mark Fading Gel with Salicylic Acid.
I love the Kate Somerville DeliKate Recovery Cream, and for sunscreen I love both the Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 in the color ‘Bronze’ & the InnisFree Daily UV Defense SPF 36 Sunscreen. All these products combined have helped me maintain a great skin care routine with actual results and has helped my makeup turn out flawless. I personally am not much of a primer girl, but a primer that I do really love is the Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer.
Your platform has also helped celebrate diversity in beauty. Since you first started, how have you seen the industry evolve? From a Black creator’s POV, what work still needs to be done?
I think there’s a lot more brands that care about making sure that their products can work for all skin types and shades. There’s definitely still more work that needs to be done, but it is nice to see that we are starting to see more options. I think brands need to start valuing more Black and POC content creators.
I hear so much about how our white peers are being paid triple the amount if not more than we are even if we’re on the same level. Being that Black women are the No. 1 buyers for the beauty industry is very telling that a brand chooses to devalue us when it comes to content creation. We deserve more respect, pay, and our flowers.
That being said, what’s been the most rewarding part of your career so far?
The most rewarding part of my career is that it’s never boring. There’s always something more to come of it. I have worked with brands that I never thought I would get to work for, I go to brand events and meet so many of my mutuals, I got to model for brands for their upcoming campaigns, and I even work for a cosmetics brand on their social media marketing team all because of content creation. I see the growth and blessings this industry brings me and I’m excited to see what comes next!
What’s in your makeup bag right now that you think everyone should try?
I think everyone should definitely try the Huda Beauty Easy Loose Baking & Setting Powder. It’s my favorite loose powder! It sets the eye so nicely, my pores disappear, and I never crease. Definitely a must have.
Let’s say you have ten minutes to get ready. What facial features are you focusing on and what products are using?
If I only have 10 minutes to do a quick look I focus on my brows, lashes, and skin. I start with the Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 in the color “Bronze” for a nice glow, then I use the Benefit Cosmetics 24HR Brow Setter to quickly tame my brows. Then I use Freck The Original Freckle to add faux freckles for a natural look, then add Maybelline’s Sky High Mascara, then Tower 28 Beauty BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Cream Blush “Golden Hour” to the cheeks, and lastly any gloss I’m feeling that the moment. Currently I’m loving the MAC Cosmetics Squirt Plumping Gloss Stick in the color “Hazard.”
How about other creators? Is there anyone you think should be on our radar?
A few creators who should definitely be on your radar are @iamberrybebe and @kolbijmakeup on Instagram. They are so very talented and creative. They are my go to for inspo always.
Having already accomplished so much, what are you hoping to achieve in the next couple of years?
In the next couple of years, I definitely want to work as a full time content creator and start my own brand. I would also love to model more for beauty campaigns as modeling was also something I’ve always wanted to get into more.
