Who is Nikita Dragun? A Controversial Figure in the World of Beauty and Social Media

Nikita Dragun, born Nikita Nguyen on January 31, 1996, in Belgium, is an American internet personality, YouTuber, make-up artist, and model. She was raised in Springfield, Virginia, and is of Vietnamese and Mexican descent. Dragun began her transition to a woman while in college, choosing the name Nikita based on the television series of the same name.

This decision marked a significant turning point in her life, allowing her to embrace her true identity and pursue a career that aligned with her passions. Throughout her early years, Dragun developed a strong interest in makeup and beauty, which eventually led her to create content on YouTube.

Rise to Fame

Dragun joined YouTube in February 2013, initially posting makeup tutorials. Her success grew around 2015 after she came out as transgender. This revelation not only helped her gain a larger following but also allowed her to connect with others who shared similar experiences. Her authenticity and vulnerability resonated with her audience, leading to a significant increase in her popularity.

She has since grown her platform to 3.5 million subscribers on YouTube, 9 million followers on Instagram, and 14.5 million followers on TikTok. Her influence extends beyond social media, as she has collaborated with major beauty brands and appeared in various media outlets.

Controversies and Criticisms

Dragun has been involved in several controversies throughout her career. In March 2017, she faced accusations of “blackfishing” in promotional images for a Jeffree Star Cosmetics campaign. The term “blackfishing” refers to the practice of non-Black individuals, often white, using makeup and styling to appear Black. Dragun responded by stating that the campaign aimed to promote inclusivity and that the creative design was meant to evoke a mood. While some found her response satisfactory, others felt it skirted around the issue of cultural appropriation. This incident highlighted the ongoing debate about cultural appropriation and the need for greater sensitivity in the beauty industry.

In September 2019, Dragun wore box braids at New York Fashion Week, sparking criticism for cultural appropriation. She posted a statement on Instagram, saying she wore the hairstyle to show her love and appreciation for Black women. While some found her response satisfactory, others felt it skirted around the issue of cultural appropriation. This incident further emphasized the importance of cultural sensitivity and the need for greater understanding within the beauty and fashion industries.

Business Ventures

In March 2019, Dragun announced her own makeup line, Dragun Beauty, which is targeted towards the transgender community and is vegan and cruelty-free. The brand has been successful, with all products selling out within a single night.

Dragun Beauty has been praised for its commitment to inclusivity and its focus on the transgender community, which is often overlooked in the beauty industry. The brand’s success has also led to increased visibility and representation for transgender individuals in the beauty and fashion industries.

Impact and Legacy

Dragun has become a prominent figure in the beauty and social media industries. Her authenticity and advocacy for the transgender community have resonated with millions of followers. Her makeup line, Dragun Beauty, has been praised for its inclusivity and commitment to the transgender community.

Despite the controversies, Dragun remains a significant influencer in the beauty and social media spheres. Her influence extends beyond her own brand, as she has helped to create a more inclusive and accepting environment within the beauty and fashion industries.