Leilani Green On The Beauty Industry, Make-up Trends And The Art To Be Yourself

One of the most prominent faces of TikTok, Leilani Green aka @leilanigreen expresses herself through the art of beauty. The influencer has amassed 8.4M followers on the platform and has been seen everywhere from make-up tutorials to lip-synch videos. 

Also huge on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, Green knows what it's like to be in the spotlight. From fashion vlogs to collaborations with giants like Real Techniques, and Sephora — check her Cream Lip Stain 10HR Lipstick here, MAC Cosmetics, and Urban Decay, she proves herself to be a multifaceted figure in the digital world. Below, Fizzy Magazine talks with the multifaceted beauty star about everything from make-up trends to what’s on her vanity.  

Leilani, how did you first get into beauty content creation, and what inspired you to start sharing your knowledge with a broader audience?

I first got into beauty content creation 11 years ago. As someone who loved to teach and was constantly busy myself, I picked up my camera and would find myself filming eyeshadow looks at the age of 13. Although many of them never made it online, quite a few did which started my future without me knowing. I had no idea that this could turn into a job, so I did this truly from passion and excitement! Just 3 years ago I revisited the beauty community and have never left. I genuinely believe that whatever you are meant to do, you will make it back. I separated from it during my content creation journey because my beauty videos weren’t performing well. After realizing I shouldn’t have given up, everything fell into place…

Do you consider yourself an artist? 

I consider myself an artist because I use my creativity to DRIVE my looks. It is a passion, I let myself feel inspired, and I go in. I constantly find myself making something out of nothing. Makeup is my form of art.

What was your first viral beauty moment, and how did it change your approach to content creation?

My very first viral beauty moment was my very first transition video. It was not filmed well at all, the lighting was bad. By no means was it perfect, not even the makeup. In fact, it was probably one of my worst transition videos ever filmed. But somehow people saw the vision and I never stopped. Hitting over the tens of millions of views, I would say that it was a moment to remember.

Who are some of your role models in the beauty industry, and what have you learned from them?

When I hear role models, beauty-wise, I instantly think of Nikki tutorials. This woman is so inspiring because she started, struggled, never gave up and came out of the other end all in one piece. Still her. Still loving what she does. That is all I want. I want to be me at the end of the day, and don’t want to change myself for others' standards or to prove something. To me, that is something to look up to.

As a beauty expert, what are some of the most common misconceptions about beauty that you’d like to debunk?

You can hate something that is a trend or trending!!!! I genuinely believe that people trick themselves into thinking something should be GREAT on them if it is a trend or viral product. It is okay to not like something “popular”! Everyone has different skin and everyone has different tastes. And that is amazing!!!

How do you stay updated with the latest trends and beauty innovations in a constantly evolving industry?

I am making sure I follow people that I adore. I want to look at inspiration and continuously learn. Letting myself be inspired will help me create, and creating inspires other people. It’s a constant cycle. I surround myself with everything I want to see! The trends will find themselves.

What beauty tips or tricks do you swear by that most people might not know about?

Under eye concealer before foundation every time! Less creasing, less cake, more flawless. More is not always better.

What trends in beauty do you think are here to stay, and what do you think might be on their way out?

Pink under eyes. Pink concealers, pink powders, all of that. It is well-loved in the beauty community and I have yet to see someone it doesn’t look beautiful on. A trend that I don’t see sticking around will definitely have to be the “donut blush” trend. I think it’s just a way to sell a specific makeup product! Trends should be able to be done with any makeup product! From any brand at any price point.

What is your favorite beauty trend right now? 

Pink/ purple under eyes with a pink/ purple blush.

What's essential in your vanity bag? 

A lipstick is my only essential. You can do everything with it. A rose nude. Lips, blush, contour, eyes, it’s everything. Less is more in this case!

Do you have a specific item that might be unexpected or unique that you always keep in your vanity?

A rag/washcloth!!! This is essential after wetting my beauty blender. If I don’t have this, my base won’t lay right! Let me explain. After wetting my beauty blender, I MUST wrap it in a cloth or rag and squeeze it. It absorbs the excess water and gives me the PERFECT textured sponge. Trust me.

What’s your daily go-to makeup routine like? 

Brows first. I’ve gone back and forth but finally decided. Primer, then a glow serum. Under eye concealer, foundation, contour, cream blush, pressed powder under the eyes with powder puff, then bake on top, set rest of face with pressed powder, then powder toppings (blush bronzer) cream highlight, then powder highlight. First setting spray, eye primer, eyes, lashes, final spray, LIPS!

Do you have a skincare routine too? If yes, can you walk us through it? 

Cleansing balm, face wash, toner, eye cream, anti-aging serum, second serum, cream, lip balm.

Do you have any tips for beginners who may be intimidated by makeup, but want to start experimenting?

PRE SHOWER MAKEUP!!! Do your makeup before your nightly shower. Then wash it off! This was a must for me to get to where I am, and I still happen to create my most iconic videos with my pre-shower makeup!

Is there a particular beauty product or brand that you think everyone should try at least once?

The Dior Forever skin perfect foundation. It’s just amazing, and you can feel the luxury.

How do you handle creative blocks when it comes to make-up content? 

I go through creative blocks frequently. I will sit in the bathroom researching my favorite beauty influencers to see if I am missing something or if there is a trend I can try out to get back into the groove. If that doesn’t work, I will sit in my beauty room and without a thought, start my eyeshadow. It will take me somewhere. And it will make me feel some type of way. It will spark creativity one way or another.

What has been your favorite collaboration yet? 

I am currently working on my favorite collaboration yet. I actually helped CREATE A PERFECT SHADE OF LIPSTICK! Coming out this month. January of 2025 in collaboration with Sephora collections best-selling cream lip stains. ICONIC.

How does it feel to have *THE* Pat McGrathreal following you and your content?

It is a reminder that we are all in this together, and another representation that no matter how big or how small, we can all take something from one another. I enjoy her and she enjoys me. We are all just creative beings being inspired by one another and it’s beautiful.

How do you decide on your makeup concept? Is it something that just pops up or is it planned?

I always paint my face the way I am feeling. Some days I film using slow songs with a blueish black or grey-eye look. Some days I want an electric pink eye with a rap song in the back. Every day is different, and every look is guided by how I feel.

How do you balance your personal life and being a content creator, especially when it comes to your mental health and well-being?

Being a creator is weird! The mental load is pretty harsh, but the job itself is an insane blessing. In order to cope with this, I will take mental health days. I will do what I enjoy whether that is eating, shopping, watching movies nonstop, or NOTHING! A complete rest. At least once a week.

Have there been any challenges along your beauty journey that you’ve had to overcome to get to where you are today?

I had lots of challenges to face to get to where I am. My very first one was judgment. I would be judged in school, others online, and possibly even family. I felt stupid not knowing what I was doing, but I enjoyed the act of filming and uploading. I never stopped. My next biggest was realizing that I didn't want to go the classic safe route and I needed to leave the school which I was in as a safety net attempting to become a math teacher. I knew what my purpose was so I followed.

What are some of your career goals for the next few years, both in the beauty space and content creation?

I want to physically create. I want other people to be able to use my creativity in whatever way that may be possible. I want to create a product. I am currently in brainstorm mode.

Where do you see the beauty industry heading in the next 5 years, and how do you plan to adapt to those changes?

Soon, I can feel that reality will show. It isn’t always easy to see the real from the fake, but I feel like people’s eyes are more open now! I believe the beauty industry will become more authentic and trustworthy.

Lastly, for aspiring beauty content creators who look up to you, what advice would you give them about building a successful and sustainable career in this field?

You cannot make it without beginning. You cannot make it without having hurdles. You can’t make it without trial and error. You must go through the work in order to know what you must do. Follow what your inner self wants and you will be that much closer each time you listen to yourself.