This Beauty Influencer Calls Her Vitiligo a Blessing in Disguise

The internet can be notoriously critical, but for Jasmine Jackson, a mom and beauty influencer with vitiligo, it was an Instagram comment that gave her the confidence to stop covering her vitiligo. Now she’s taking that confidence to new heights, working with top beauty brands and using her platform to educate others. From bold colors to soft glam, her Instagram feed – and her confidence – will have you feeling inspired. Are you ready for a dose of Jass?

Name: Jasmine Jackson
Age: 26
Hometown: Killeen, Texas

LD: Hi Jass, tell us a bit about yourself.

JJ: I am the daughter of two military parents, so I have lived all across the world. I am a firm believer in never giving up and always following your dreams. I am a mother to a beautiful and vibrant three-year-old, and I have a passion for all things beauty. 

LD: When did you first get vitiligo and what was that experience like?

JJ: I was diagnosed with vitiligo in September of 2019. At first I was nervous, scared and not very confident about it. The experience itself was eye-opening because it taught me self-love, something I always struggled with as a little girl. I was diagnosed as an adult, so it definitely took some getting used to. 

LD: We can relate. How do you feel about it today?

JJ: Vitiligo has been a blessing in disguise for me. It has opened so many doors for me through social media, where I’ve been able to speak to young girls and boys that also have an appearance change. I’ve worked with brands including Benefit Cosmetics, Maybelline, The Crayon Case Cosmetics, The Mane Choice and Uncle Funky’s Daughter. It also has given me the boost of confidence I needed.

At first, I covered my face for about seven months. It was not until last January that I uncovered my vitiligo because my mentor told me to embrace who I am. The response I received back from my audience is the reason why I will never cover it again. It truly makes me unique.

LD: You’ve amassed quite a Tik Tok and Instagram following. What inspired you to start making beauty videos?

JJ: Honestly, I was already making videos when I got vitiligo. I have always wanted to be a Youtuber, show my personality and make a virtual group of friends. But having vitiligo gave me the boost of confidence I needed to make it happen. People compliment me every day because of how I show so much confidence. I know I am beautiful and I am helping others embrace themselves. I appreciate the mini viral moments, it feels great.

LD: What’s your beauty approach? We noticed you don’t cover your vitiligo – is that important to you?

JJ: In the beginning I was covering my face because I was very insecure. I was on Instagram Live when a girl asked me, “Why do you cover it? It’s so beautiful.” My mentors and fellow beauty influencers Tiffany Violet and D’Ara Denise kept telling me to embrace myself and stop covering my face. They told me that it’s a beauty mark, it defines me, and it is what makes me stand out from the rest. 

LD: You’re clearly inspiring others through your work. But what inspires you to keep creating?

JJ: I get the most positive feedback from people on social media. It is such a good feeling to know that people love me for me. I even get comments where people say, “You don’t need makeup,” but – let’s be honest – this is for entertainment purposes. I honestly do not wear makeup at work or when I am out and about running errands. My supporters are the ones who motivate me. Everyday I do this for them. 

I am a mother, so I also keep going for my daughter. When she was born I did not have vitiligo. My daughter is now three years old, so she’s seen me with and without makeup. One day she asked me, “Mama what happened to your face?” I told her and she never asked me again. Did she understand what I told her? Probably not. But she accepts me and loves me the same. Through my own actions, I am teaching her to love herself, embrace her own differences and remain confident in all that she does. 

LD: From a bright lip to colorful lashes, makeup really seems to be a form of self-expression for you. Do you have a favorite makeup look, and what would you tell women who want to step out of their comfort zone and try a bolder look but are feeling a little timid?

JJ: My favorite makeup look is a cute cut crease with a ombre lip. My advice would be just do it. There are so many looks I find myself creating that I never thought in a million years I could even achieve. I am not an artist nor do I have the best steady hand when it comes to drawing, but I keep a positive mindset and practice, practice, practice. It’s okay to step out of your comfort zone, it’s okay to challenge yourself. You never know what you’re capable of until you try. Also, there’s no rules to makeup! Explore, be free. Art is liberating.

LD: Do you have any advice for others living with vitiligo?

JJ: Be yourself. Embrace yourself and be confident. You are beautiful. You are worthy, and this is what makes you shine. Do not let anyone’s opinion deter you from thinking you are less than.