History of Michelle Phan in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 5, 2024

Michelle Phan is a renowned American beauty influencer known for her pioneering work on YouTube. She is also the founder and CEO of EM Cosmetics, a cosmetics company.

April 11, 1987: Birth of Michelle Phan

Michelle Phan was born on April 11, 1987.

2005: Michelle Phan Starts Beauty Blog

In 2005, Michelle Phan started a personal blog where she posted makeup tutorials.

May 2007: Michelle Phan Starts YouTube Channel

In May 2007, Michelle Phan began posting makeup tutorial videos on YouTube, after initially sharing them on her personal blog and Xanga.

2009: Michelle Phan's Tutorials Featured on BuzzFeed

In 2009, BuzzFeed featured two of Michelle Phan's "How To Get Lady Gaga's Eyes" makeup tutorials, leading to increased visibility and subscribers for Phan.

2010: Michelle Phan Becomes Lancôme's Official Video Makeup Artist

In 2010, Lancôme named Michelle Phan as their official video makeup artist, making her the company's first Vietnamese-American spokesperson. This came after she featured their products in her videos.

2011: Michelle Phan Co-founds MyGlam

In 2011, Michelle Phan co-founded MyGlam, a subscription service that would later become Ipsy.

September 2012: MyGlam Launches, Later Renamed Ipsy

Michelle Phan co-founded MyGlam, a monthly beauty product subscription service, in 2011. It officially launched in September 2012 and was later renamed Ipsy.

August 15, 2013: L'Oreal Launches EM Cosmetics with Michelle Phan

On August 15, 2013, L'Oreal launched EM Cosmetics, a cosmetic line created in collaboration with and dedicated to Michelle Phan's mother.

March 2014: Michelle Phan Receives Honorary Doctorate

In March 2014, Michelle Phan received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts degree from Ringling College of Art and Design, where she had previously been a student.

May 2014: Michelle Phan Partners with Endemol Beyond USA

In May 2014, Michelle Phan partnered with Endemol Beyond USA to create ICON, a talent network focused on beauty, lifestyle, and entertainment content for millennials.

July 2014: Ultra Records Sues Michelle Phan for Copyright Infringement

Ultra Records filed a lawsuit against Michelle Phan in July 2014, alleging copyright infringement related to music used in her YouTube videos.

September 2014: Michelle Phan Launches Shift Music Group

Michelle Phan partnered with Cutting Edge Group to launch Shift Music Group in September 2014.

September 18, 2014: Michelle Phan Files Countersuit Against Ultra Records

Michelle Phan filed a countersuit against Ultra Records on September 18, 2014, in response to their copyright infringement lawsuit.

October 2014: Michelle Phan Publishes "Make Up: Your Life Guide to Beauty, Style, and Success -- Online and Off"

Michelle Phan published her book, "Make Up: Your Life Guide to Beauty, Style, and Success -- Online and Off," with Random House in October 2014.

March 2015: ICON Network Launches

The ICON network, created through Michelle Phan's partnership with Endemol Beyond USA, launched online and on television via Roku in March 2015.

April 2015: Michelle Phan Buys L'Oreal's Share of EM Cosmetics

In April 2015, Michelle Phan bought L'Oreal's share of EM Cosmetics through Ipsy.

August 2015: Michelle Phan and Ultra Records Settle Out of Court

In August 2015, Michelle Phan and Ultra Records agreed to settle their legal dispute out of court, with the terms of the agreement remaining confidential.

2015: Michelle Phan's Success with Ipsy and Recognition

In 2015, Michelle Phan was named to both the Inc. 30 under 30 and Forbes 30 under 30 lists. Additionally, she raised $100 million for Ipsy, bringing the company's value to over $500 million.

2015: Michelle Phan Begins Hiatus From YouTube

Michelle Phan abruptly took a hiatus from YouTube in 2015.

December 2016: Michelle Phan Confirms Acquisition of EM Cosmetics

Michelle Phan confirmed on her Instagram in December 2016 that she had acquired EM Cosmetics from Ipsy after previously buying L'Oreal's share.

April 2017: Michelle Phan Relaunches EM Cosmetics and Resigns from Ipsy

Michelle Phan relaunched EM Cosmetics in April 2017 after acquiring full ownership. She also resigned from Ipsy during this time to focus on her own brand.

June 1, 2017: Michelle Phan Returns From Hiatus, Explains Reasons

On June 1, 2017, Michelle Phan posted her first YouTube video after a hiatus that began in 2015. In the video, she explained that legal troubles, the initial failure of EM Cosmetics, and struggles with her self-image led her to take a break.