Who Is Desi Perkins? 15 Fun Facts About Instagram's Favorite MUA
The vlogger and beauty guru has taken Instagram by storm.
Instagram Whether you're a dedicated fangirl of the beauty vlogosphere, a makeup lover in need of the occasional YouTube tutorial, or even just a casual Keeping Up With The Kardashians fan, chances are you've heard of Desi Perkins.
The talented makeup artist, vlogger and beauty guru shot to fame after launching her online beauty empire. Since posting her first YouTube tutorial back in 2013, Perkins has amassed over 3 million subscribers and 3.7 million Instagram followers.
The beauty and lifestyle sensation has since partnered with some of the biggest names in the industry, launched various makeup and fashion lines, and even caught the attention of the one and only Kim Kardashian.
So who is Desi Perkins? Here's everything you need to know (plus some extra fun facts you'll definitely want to know) about the internet's reigning queen of the beauty vlogosphere.
1. She's a California native
Destined for stardom, the famous beauty influencer was born and raised in LA.
2. She's only 31
Perkins turned 31 in March, posting this sweet snap to thank friends and fans alike for helping her celebrate.
3. Her big break started with a last-minute Halloween costume
Back in 2012, a then-unknown Perkins used her makeup talents to help her husband out with a last-minute Halloween costume. “I was always into sketching and painting, so one year when Steven had a Halloween party but no costume I discovered a special effects video on YouTube,” she told People. "I thought to myself ‘maybe I can recreate that.’" One pre-party selfie later, and Perkins suddenly found herself inundated with booking requests.
4. Her first ever video
Following the unexpected Halloween success, Perkins launched her YouTube channel in August 2013. Her first ever video was a makeup tutorial for a warm, sultry eye look.
5. She launched a makeup line with Katy DeGroot
Perkins partnered with best friend and fellow beauty vlogger Katy DeGroot, AKA LustreLux, to launch the first DESI X KATY line for Dose of Colors in 2017. Following the instant sell-out success of the first release, the beauty gurus followed up with a second collection in September.
6. She also has a line of sunglasses
In summer 2016, Perkins partnered with Quay Australia to launch the popular Quay Australia x Desi Perkins line, sported by the likes of Kylie Jenner and Jennifer Lopez.
7. She's a proud Latina
Perkins has been vocal about her Latina heritage and the importance of diversity in the beauty industry. "I think [brands] could be better about showing different nationalities and skin tones in their campaigns, but we’re definitely heading in that direction, and hopefully it continues to get better," she told Bustle. She also cites her heritage as a major influence in the development of the Dose of Colors collection, reflected in product names like Fuego and Mírame. As a Latina in the industry, Perkins has also felt called to defend her background against challenges to her Latin identity. “I’ve always related to that line from the Selena movie. ‘We have to be more Mexican than the Mexicans and more American than the Americans, both at the same time! It’s exhausting!’" she told People.
8. She's married
Perkins is married to videographer Stephen Perkins, who is also his wife's manager. The couple celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary in July.
9. Kim K is a fan
The beauty queens have shared some fangirl moments over social media, and Perkins even teamed up with the reality star turned beauty mogul for a tutorial.
10. She even got a shout out on KUWTK
Kim gave the beauty blogger a shout out on a season 14 episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians after Khloe complimented her eyeshadow, which Kim identified as a DESI X KATY original.
11. She's a Pisces
Perkins was born on March 3, meaning she's a sensitive, intuitive, and creative Pisces. This water sign has a penchant for art and creativity, so it's no surprise this artist was born under the sign of the fish.
12. She has two adorable dogs
Meet the precious pups, Cannoli and Harper, who each have Instagram accounts of their own (and probably more followers than you.)
13. She thought about pursuing a career in entertainment
Before she got her big break as a beauty influencer, Perkins thought she might become an actress or singer. "I had big dreams, and I loved art," she told Yahoo. She also considered a career as a designer.
14. It's a family biz
Along with her manager-videographer husband, Perkins also works with her photographer brother and personal assistant sister-in-law. Her lovable great-aunt, "La Tía," is also known to make appearances on the beauty vlogger's posts.
15. She's got big plans for Halloween
This year marks the sixth anniversary of the last-minute Halloween costume that started it all. She seems to be keeping the tradition alive, tweeting a snap of her husband rocking her latest Halloween-inspired creation.
You can check out her latest Halloween-themed video below, and keep an eye out for the beauty sensation's next big project!
Kayla Kibbe is a writer wrapping up her final semester at Connecticut College where she is an English major with a concentration in creative writing. She covers trending celebrity and entertainment news, love and relationships, and astrology.