Spectacular Six: The Superstars of Beauty TikTok and What Made Them

Not everyone gets to be a beauty content creator, much less survive—and thrive!—on TikTok. Meet Belle, Kai, Marj, Nate, Pat, and Teree—the Supreme Six who've made it to the top.
Reading Time: 8 minutes

With a collective following of 2.4 million and a count of 81.3 million likes as of writing, Kai Javier, Marj Maroket, Teree Daisuke, Nate Javier, Pat Cortez, and Belle Rodolfo are TikTok’s most respected and renowned when it comes to beauty. From in-depth reviews and tutorials to recommendations and glimpses into their personal lives, the Spectacular Six consistently deliver content that not only showcases their expertise but also underscores their status at the forefront of the beauty landscape. Meet them here in Part 1 of this series.

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Creating an account on a new social media platform is easy, but getting to make a career out of it is quite the opposite. According to Statista, there are 43,835 TikTok influencers—those with 5,000 followers and more—in the Philippines as of June 2023. The aforementioned number of influencers represents only 0.11 percent of the total number of TikTok users in the Philippines—38.4 million, as presented in the Digital 2023 July Global Statshot Report

These luminaries of beauty, whom we are calling the Spectacular Six, are distinguished by their unwavering determination, distinctiveness, and ability to introduce fresh, positive perspectives that resonate beyond the confines of the screen. These trailblazers not only stand out but also possess the unique capability to leave a lasting and meaningful impact on their audience.

Best in Class: It takes more than knowing how to layer skincare or perfecting your face base to make it to the top. Pat Cortez, Nate Javier, Belle Rodolfo, Kai Javier, Marj Maroket, and Teree Daisuke inarguably have what it takes to get audiences to stop scrolling, sit up, and see what these beauty creators have to offer. Photograph by MEETKESO

Entering the TikTok landscape

For Belle, forging a career on TikTok was an organic evolution. Drawing from her experience as the beauty editor of L’Officiel Philippines, she seamlessly transitioned into creating social media content. With a wealth of resources and a good background, Belle was well-equipped to make her mark on the platform. “I’ve been into beauty since forever,” she says. “And I say it’s natural because it’s the same core. So why not do it?” 

Pat, who delved into TikTok content creation more recently and had considerable experience on a different platform, initially experienced a cultural shock upon entering this new landscape. “I started on IGTV,” she shares. “I would do ‘Get Ready With Me GWRM’ videos and my mom would always be the one commenting, and supporting me. On TikTok, people were commenting left and right. It was a completely different world. I wasn’t ready for it right away.”

Embracing the role of a content creator marks Kai’s first full-time job, and throughout this journey, she has cultivated the skill of being camera-ready at all times, even on days when motivation may be lacking. “When your hobby becomes your job, it sometimes takes the fun out of it,” she admits. “We are known for beauty, right? But there are days when you feel ugly so it’s hard to put on a pretty face and as if you’re confident,” she added. This is, after all, what makes a professional.

“For me, I became more cautious about how I am in public,” shares Teree. “I shouldn’t offend or disrespect people, especially since I love to joke around and be a clown with my friends. I had to trim down my carefree self to a certain extent.” 

Likewise, being always in the limelight, Marj shared her decision to balance, or rather, limit, what she communicates online: “I’m super public with what I do, so there are things I try to keep private.” 

Meanwhile, for Nate, amidst the online buzz within comments sections and usernames, the experience has heightened his appreciation for real-life interactions and genuine reactions that unfold offline. “You see how you get to help people when they come up to me in public and tell me how they learned makeup through my content,” he shares. 

The Gifts of TikTok 

It’s glitzy and glamorous, and these days, you hear the young ones saying they want to be TikTokers when they grow up. A question that easily and instantly comes to mind is this: How can one earn on TikTok? 

There are, of course, risks that come with the wins. “You don’t earn on TikTok itself unless you have a TikTok Shop. You earn through sponsored partnerships and projects with brands,” explains Teree. 

Kai cited experiences where long-term projects are agreed upon. “Long-term projects pay per month or per product launch, so it’s like having a day job. You get to earn a certain amount of money for a certain period that gives us a sense of security.”

Despite this, Nate shares that the hard work he does on TikTok allows him to live the life he wants. “It made my life comfortable. I travel every once in a while. I get to eat good food and buy the things I want. I would say that it’s not excess, just enough.”

But beyond it being a career that sustains, it also fulfills. It’s helped them find or re-ignite their purpose and validate the creative work they do.

For Pat, it’s all about the partnerships “that just make sense,” which add authenticity to the collaboration and content produced. “For example, I color my hair a lot, so I appreciate it when hair coloring and haircare brands reach out to me,” she says. 

Marj shares her appreciation for brands who trust their content creators. “When they trust you, they don’t question how you create your videos.” The freedom to produce content with creativity and authenticity not only fosters trust between the creators and the brands but also extends that trust seamlessly to their audience.

On the note of validation, Belle shares a very special anecdote: “I cried in a mall when one young queer girl came up to me and told me that I inspired her to come out. It’s surreal. Do you really affect a person you don’t know this much?”   

THE SPECTACULAR SIX

Kai Javier: Our fun and feisty GRWM tag team partner

Makeup by Belle Rodolfo. We love a morena-on-morena take between Belle and Kai. For Kai, Belle really emphasized her beautiful skin by balancing matte and glowing finishes on Kai. Photograph by MEETKESO

There’s something about Kai’s bubbly energy that instantly makes you feel like you are best friends. When watching her videos, it’s hard not to break into a big smile or laugh every now and then. And when you stumble upon one of her GRWM videos, don’t be surprised if end up tagging along and start doing your makeup as well. 

OG Beauty Influencer: Promise Phan

Fun fact: Did you know that Kai studied makeup professionally? 

TikTok videos we’re obsessed with: her GRWM videos, of course! We love her signature white robe!

We learned from one of her TikTok videos that… To get a natural-looking glow on your body, sheer out your favorite liquid highlighter with a gel lotion (so it doesn’t feel heavy) and apply it using a brush.   

She is one of TikTok beauty’s Supreme Six because… She effortlessly injects humor into her beauty videos, which remind us of how fun beauty is. 

Marj Maroket: The darling beauty jetsetter everyone loves

Makeup by Nate Javier. Using his pro know-how as a makeup artist, Nate focused on the basics for Marj: good skin and the juxtaposition of highlighting and contouring. 

When Marj speaks, you listen. Her laid-back and conversational approach to beauty reviews reflects her genuine love for the subject. She is a ray of sunshine, and proof you attract the same vibe you put out there. This unique blend makes Marj the perfect go-to for discovering what’s new and noteworthy in the world of beauty.

OG Beauty Influencers: Kathleen Lights and Desi Perkins

Fun fact: Did you know that Marj is Happy Skin’s latest collaborator? P.S. We love her brush collection! 

TikTok videos we’re obsessed with… Her comprehensive reviews and try-ons of the latest releases in beauty!  

We learned from one of her TikTok videos that… To sculpt and lift your face, feel your cheekbones, then apply your contour right above it.   

She is one of TikTok beauty’s Spectacular Six because… She represents the Filipino beauty community internationally—evidenced by her recent brand trip videos! 

Nate Javier: The makeup pro among cons

Makeup by Marj Maroket. Marj shared that she finds brows the hardest to do, which took us by surprise because Nate’s brows look so good! They perfectly complement Nate’s facial shape and features. 

With years of experience as a makeup artist, Nate effortlessly brings a professional eye to the table. It’s no wonder that his audience consistently values and embraces his recommendations, given the depth of insight and expertise he effortlessly shares.

OG Beauty Influencer: Lauren Luke

Fun fact: Did you know that Nate is part of the M.A.C Crew in the Philippines?

TikTok videos we’re obsessed with: His refresher course series! 

We learned from one of his TikTok videos that… When it comes to foundations, it helps to have two shades because usually our cheeks are lighter and our forehead is darker. 

He is one of TikTok beauty’s Spectacular Six because… of how he unapologetically talks about his beauty journey. 

Pat Cortez: She puts the edgy in beauty

Makeup by Teree Daisuke. We love how Teree gave Pat a glittery eye, which really suits Pat as a beauty chameleon and alluring personality.

Pat doesn’t just enter a room; she commands attention. While her distinctive pixie cut may catch the eye, what truly captivates people is her overall aesthetic. Pat reveals that her beauty looks draw inspiration from the clothes she wears, showcasing a seamless fusion of beauty and style that elevates her unique charm.

OG Beauty Influencer: Karen Yeung?

Fun fact: Did you know that she’s the founder of fashion, art, and design brand Overlay Designs?

TikTok videos we’re obsessed with: Her swatch videos!

We learned from one of her TikTok videos that… On days when she wants her skin to rest, Pat relies on merely blush and glitter on the eyes—something we’ll definitely try! 

She is one of TikTok beauty’s Spectacular Six because… she reminds us all to never be afraid of experimenting with beauty and she does so by example.  

Teree Daisuke: Where food and makeup collide

Makeup by Pat Cortez. It’s so interesting that both Pat and Teree both focused on eye makeup. For Teree, Pat went with a beautiful gunmetal eye look—such a fabulous color on him, right? 

Why limit beauty content creators to just one focus? Alongside his captivating beauty videos, Teree effortlessly extends his content repertoire to include delightful sessions showcasing the food he enjoys. Whether indulging in culinary delights or exploring the world of beauty, Teree’s vibrant personality consistently shines through in every post.

OG Beauty Influencer: Allana Davison

Fun fact: Did you know that Teree is this year’s TikTok Beauty Creator of the Year? 

TikTok videos we’re obsessed with: his beginner’s guide series! 

We learned from one of his TikTok videos that: Since using your fingers might ruin your eyeshadow, use the handle of a makeup brush to help lift your eye when tight-lining.   

He is one of TikTok beauty’s Supreme Six because… he really takes the time to help people who are new to makeup. His beginner’s guide series has 64 videos as of writing!

Belle Rodolfo: The queer beauty big sister you wish you had

Makeup by Kai Javier. We love how Kai framed Belle’s face through contouring and accentuated her eyes with clean brows and a winged liner. Photograph by MEETKESO


To say that Belle is immersed in the world of beauty is a profound understatement. Both a beauty editor and content creator, she artfully blurs the boundaries between print and digital in her content. Beyond beauty, Belle fearlessly delves into crucial modern topics, discussing matters within the queer community and embracing a child-free lifestyle.        

OG Beauty Influencer: Michelle Phan

Fun fact: Did you know that Belle’s a certified yoga teacher?

TikTok videos we’re obsessed with: Double-Income-No-Kids (DINK) videos with her partner Deng and her “day-in-the-life of a beauty editor” videos

We learned from one of her TikTok videos that… Getting glass skin is all about being strategic. Use a triangular puff or small brush to mattify certain areas of the face.   

She is one of TikTok beauty’s Spectacular Six because… of her extensive and collective beauty experience as a beauty editor and content creator. 

Photographs by MEETKESO.

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