A twelve-year-old girl named Addison is capturing the attention of beauty enthusiasts online with her unique approach to makeup reviews, all performed without a mobile phone. Addison recently went viral on TikTok when a friend of her mother, Rhionna, showcased her impressive “beauty journal,” which features handcrafted elements and detailed written critiques of an array of beauty products.
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In one popular TikTok video that has amassed over 1.5 million views, Rhionna explained the premise of Addison’s creative project. “My friend’s daughter is a preteen who doesn’t have social media, so she conducts makeup reviews in her beauty journal,” she said, highlighting the originality of Addison’s approach in a digital age predominantly dominated by instant online content.
Addison’s beauty journal resembles a scrapbook that features meticulously arranged cutouts of beauty samples alongside her handwritten observations. In her journal, she has documented reviews for products such as Hard Candy’s eyeshadow marker, which she describes as “very pigmented and very long lasting”, and Sol de Janeiro’s Brazilian Kiss lip balm, which she praises for its smooth application and moisturising qualities. Each entry is further enhanced with drawings of hands showcasing the various nail polish shades she has tested, making for a visually engaging experience.
The inspiration for Addison’s journal came from her cherished summers spent with her great-grandmother, who enjoys having her nails painted. “Instead of me bringing all my nail polishes back and forth, I decided to put them in a book for her to choose from like at the nail salon,” Addison explained. This clever approach quickly evolved to include reviews of the makeup she experimented with, adding a personal touch to each entry.
Response from the online community has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising Addison’s dedication and creativity. Commenters noted a sense of nostalgia, reminiscing about the era of scrapbooking, which Addison’s project harkens back to. The engagement with her content has attracted attention from various beauty brands, including Bubble Skincare, OPI, and e.l.f. Cosmetics, who have expressed interest in sending her products for future reviews.
Addison’s mother, Melissa, expressed her emotions surrounding her daughter’s newfound popularity. “It’s been really exciting but also a little surreal,” she shared. Melissa revealed that Addison created the journal out of a genuine love for beauty and self-expression. The touching feedback from viewers—many of whom reflect on their own childhood experiences—has been heartening for both mother and daughter.
Describing her daughter, Melissa highlighted Addison’s inherent qualities: “She has always been confident in who she is; she’s funny, kind, and compassionate.” Addison embodies the spirit of a “girl’s girl”, and her positive influence is resonating with audiences as she shares a lighter side of beauty culture.
Looking ahead, Addison is eager to explore new beauty products and trends. She mentioned her desire to try various items, including Summer Fridays sunscreen and Laneige lip tint from the Katseye collaboration. Despite the allure of being a beauty creator, Addison also has her sights set firmly on a more traditional career in the medical field. “My heart is set on being a labour and delivery nurse,” she asserted, while playfully acknowledging the excitement of potentially launching her own makeup line in the future.
As her journey unfolds, Addison remains focused on her passion and aspirations, balancing her love for beauty with her ambitions in nursing. With growing interest and support from brands, as well as a fervent online community rallying behind her, the future looks bright for this young beauty innovator who is carving out her own niche in a rapidly evolving landscape.