This is quite the title for a post right? For anyone unfamiliar with Stephanie Lange she is a former makeup artist turned influencer, turned YouTuber turned influencer basher. Yup you heard that right. I first heard of her when her videos were suggested on my Youtube feed. This was around 2022-2023. The majority of the videos she was posting at that time were about unattainable beauty standards and the dangers of some popular beauty treatments like lip filler. I found these interesting so I would watch them. I do feel that there is too much pressure put on women in terms of beauty; and many beauty treatments are touted as safe with minimal side effects, until of course we find out this is not the case. So I felt these videos served a purpose.
I liked the videos she posted and I felt they could be helpful to some people, so I continued to watch them from time to time. One day a video of her’s was suggested with the title “An Influencer Is Trying to Silence Me”. Well, I had to check that one out! The video went on to talk about a video she had done previously which was briefly taken down and then reinstated a short time later. In this video she calls out influencers for lack of a better description: as being bad influences. You know how when you were a young child or a teenager you would be told by your parents to stay from people who were bad influences.
She included a news clip from a local TV station where a women speaks about how she created insurmountable debt for herself via shopping. She claimed she was “influenced” and the influencers made her want to shop. OK, lets’ focus on the words “made her”. Was she forced at gun point to shop and buy herself things? This woman was well out of her teens and looked to be in her mid thirties, so, a grown ass adult.
As an adult YOU are responsible for your own actions. I watch plenty of influencer content on multiple platforms; I cannot afford a ton of designer clothes and bins filled to the top with makeup. And guess what? I don’t have those things, because I do not run out and buy them with credit cards. I have an excellent credit score, and that is because I act responsibly and do not buy myself things I can not afford. It’s called adulting.
Stephanie posted two videos: the first one where she shames influencers for what they do, and the second one where she speaks about being “silenced” for a brief period of time. In the second video she mentions the influencer who tried to silencer her, and I was super surprised as it is someone I have been watching for years and who I still watch: Tamara Kalinic. Tamara did indeed get the most screen time. Her team reported the video, it then got a brief copy strike for the video to be investigated, it was found that it did not violate YouTube’s terms of service, and the video was then reinstated with no strikes against Stephanie’s account.
So, if it was reinstated rather quickly with no strikes, what was the need for the second video? Hmm, could it be, wait for it…clickbait? So all the influencers Stephanie calls out for making money via influencing are somehow much worse than someone like her who makes money making sensationalist videos shaming other people, and doing it for clicks. Knowing those clicks means money, and lots of it. Because, as we all know this kind of sensationalist content is very popular; kind of like, I don’t know…a tabloid? Just take a look at the thumbnails on her videos, where she goes out of her way to find the most unattractive photos of celebrities she can find. And then claims she is doing this so “regular” people don’t feel bad about themselves. Oh boy, I guess she thinks we all believe in the tooth fairy too.
And it gets better. Do a little digging and Stephanie herself was an influencer at one point, complete with a makeup brand deal with Sigma for a signature eye shadow palette. She is also a makeup artist and made plenty of money via this career as well. I have no problem with this, I love makeup artists and makeup. I love how makeup can make people feel better about themselves and the transformative aspects to it. But I do have a problem with hypocrisy and self righteous tirades. Stephanie as even tried to scrub the internet of her previous incarnation as an influencer. Stephanie even tried to scrub the internet of her previous incarnation as an influencer. There are quite a few influencer images of her, which if you click on them, take you to now deleted videos on her YouTube channel. But the question begs, what is she now exactly?
She has a new video titled “Influencers Are The Scum of Society”. Yup. And that’s because she knows how sensationalist and how click worthy this title is. She got a great response to the first video she did calling out influencers, which is why she did the second video; it got me to click, right? She knows this is money maker so she is going to milk it for all it is worth. I get it, we all need to make money. But please don’t take us for fools, and hide behind idealism and righteous anger. At least the influencers are upfront about influencing. Apparently I am not the only one calling her out. There are threads about her on Reddit and TattleLife.
So, what say you? Do you think this is hypocritical? How do you feel about calling out celebrities and influencers? And how do you feel about influencers? Though there is an easy to solution to influencers if you don’t like them. Don’t watch.
44 comments
It seems super hypocritical to me. My only concern with influencers is their influence on children and teens. As you said, grown ass adults are responsible for their own decisions. There are a few influencers I’ve watched due to interesting content, like travel and health/nutrition, but other than making meme mindful when grocery shopping, I don’t feel as though I’ve been brainwashed ????
Agree it is more of an issue with children and teens hence the whole uppity little kids in Sephora wanting to buy adult serums syndrome (its a thing) LOL. But this is the fault of the parents. For me again it is not just so much that she is calling out influencers per say, but she making big bucks by shaming people and I do not see how that is morally superior to influencers peddling product.
I believe that while influencers promote products, it’s essential to do your research and review your account before deciding to buy or use anything they recommend. After all, they are earning a living, and I don’t think it’s fair to judge them for doing their job.
As for Stephanie—who was once an influencer herself—it’s hypocritical for her to criticize another influencer in this way. Instead of tearing others down and undermining their work, she should find better ways to boost her views.
Bernice https://goalsobsessed.com/
Agree yup. You should see the thumbnails reminds of the old tabloids back in the day at the checkout stand in the super market.
I’ve been influenced to buy certain products, and for the most part I don’t like them. The influencer makes their money. I just decided if I don’t like the product after the initial purchase I won’t use it again. I’m trying to not consume as much honestly. I’m starting to value experiences.
http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com
Lot to dissect in this one. I do think influencers can be bad influences-but you are totally correct in that we are grown adults and make our own decisions. I take all opinions with a grain of salt and investigate products myself if I plan to purchase them. I do think this is all hypocritical and she just wants fame and clicks.
Yes we are capable of doing our own research and yeah for real it is all about the fame and clicks kind of like Perz Hilton but at least he owned it…
Interesting
So much drama…I don’t buy ANYTHING from any product from influencer or whatever they recommend. Young children should really stay away from them…but these days seems quite impossible.
Ohh this story is crazy! Even more crazy is what people do for clicks and views. I agree…we all have a head above our shoulders and should think for ourselves. It would be great if we were mostly influenced by beautiful and kind things.
http://www.fashionradi.com
I enjoy watching some influencers regularly, especially beauty accounts on YouTube. They always offer valuable makeup tips and, of course, showcase cosmetic products. I like that. What I don’t like are accounts that only generate clicks by badmouthing others. I don’t watch videos like that.
I wish you a very nice Sunday
I think no matter what profession you have in a public space, whether you’re an influencer, blogger, content creator of any kind, or even a celebrity – you could be a good/bad influence on others. We have an important responsibility to all those who follow us. I kind of feel that this person is like the pot calling the kettle black, especially since she was a previous influencer. She’s still very much ‘influencing’ people via her YouTube channel and trying to convince people that influencers are the bad guys. Of course there are some out there only to make money and will promote anything, but as you said, we’re all adults here and there’s not one person on the internet who can actually force us to buy stuff. We have our own minds, and we have to know what our budgets are, what we are actually buying and do the research for ourselves.
This was an interesting topic, Allie! Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!
Make Life Marvelous
Yes totally. Definitely the pot calling the kettle black. I think she makes a lot of money basically being a tabloid but does not want to own it b/c it is not PC.
Well, I couldn’t agree more with what you said. If she wanted to stay true to herself and her audience, Stephanie should have left those videos on and use them as an example. A repentant sinner inspires more trust than a liar.
As for her new videos, I have seen so many similar titles but I don’t even open them, I treat the clickbait hunters just like I treat followers of conspiracy theories, I keep them away of my habits because I can not allow myself to lose time with them.
You did good reporting this behavior because you probably saved several of your readers from having bad experiences.
Have a wonderful week dear and I really hope things get better there.
Stephanie calling out influencers while making money off drama feels kinda hypocritical. She’s using clickbait and sensationalism just like the people she criticizes. If the goal was to educate, she wouldn’t need all the drama. At the end of the day, influencers do their thing, but viewers also have a choice—no one’s forcing them to buy stuff.
You’re probably right that it’s a pathetic attempt at attention.
Really interesting post
Thanks for sharing it with us
Have a nice day ♥
thanks for your sharing! have a nice day
Schlimm, dieser Neid untereinander, es soll jeder sein Ding machen und gut. LG Romy
I think anyone can call themselves an influencer these days. I absolutely hate that term. I do think her being online and trying to get people to sway to her side with bashing influencers makes her one in the same of the people she’s bashing online. Like you said, if you like the content, watch. If not, there are plenty of other videos and content to browse online. Why knock anyone for trying to make a living online or knock the people who watch those videos/read those blogs? If it’s not for you, keep your mouth shut and move along. Just my cheap 2 cents worth.
Yes exactly. But the real truth is she really does not have her panties in a bunch over what influencers are doing, she just found that this kind of sensationalist content much like tabloids gets a lot of clicks/views and this is what is blowing up her channel so she keeps doing it and making money doing so. OK. A girlie has to earn a living (just like the influencers) but own it. Own that you are shaming celebs for clicks like the tabloids owned it. Don’t pawn it off as some kind of ethical activism.
Stephanie is definitely hypocritical! You can’t call out influencers for being paid to promote products when she used to do the exact same thing! I don’t watch or follow influencers, but I completely agree that we are responsible for our own actions, so if someone feels like they are being influenced to buy things they don’t need, stop watching them!
Yes they make money promoting products, she makes money shaming and embarrassing other people. And this is somehow better?
The world is so full of influencer news right now. I can just get my popcorn and watch. It’s like a show almost.
As much as I can recognise that some influencers are shady and can be corrupt in pedaling anything to their following, at some point an Adult has to take responsibility for themselves because no one forced her to buy a thing. And I find it very hypocritical of her if she was also an influencer, I imagine for the right pay check, probably still would be. I’ve not heard of Stephanie before but you’ve got me curious so I’m off to watch some videos.
Jordanne || https://Thelifeofaglasgowgirl.co.uk
It’s definitely hypocritical. She’s making money calling out other influencers. I agree with you, grown adults are responsible for their own spending.
I see the hypocrisy and don’t like it but I’m at the point in my life where I just say let them. Lol! We can’t control what others put out there. I would stay away from watching any more videos of hers. Thanks for the heads up!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Oooh I wasn’t caught up on this drama, so it was really interesting to read all about it through you! I definitely agree with you that it’s so hypocritical for her to think she’s so morally above influencers when she’s one of them too. I feel like social media has changed so much in the past few years, everything is either clickbait or product placement now (it’s even worse when they don’t disclose its an ad too). It’s always been like that to a certain degree of course, but it just seems like a whole new level of it now. No matter what the content is, it’s so important to be mindful when buying something an influencer recommends! Thanks for sharing this post, I loved reading it!
https://melissakacar.com
I think Stephanie actually believes in what she does. That doesn’t mean I agree with her, but I don’t think she’s only motivated by the money and clickbait stuff. I feel like she really feels like she’s doing a difference and she puts a lot of effort in her videos. I think she might be starting to be too negative, with her critic of celebs and influencers that makes it look like she’s blaming them for everything that is wrong with our society, but I don’t think she’s doing it all for money.
I think she’s projecting some of her own insecurities onto everyone, and assumes that everyone will be influenced by the influencers in a way she was, but at least she’s very upfront about her insecurities and describing her past mistakes. I also think her videos about the dangers of plastic surgery are something that deserves to be seen. The danger of plastic surgery is so downplayed today but it’s real and she makes good points about that.
I do agree with you that there’s no need to call out luxury bloggers. I also agree she didn’t need to make that second ‘drama’ video about being almost shot down when it wasn’t that dramatic. I mean when it comes to luxury fashion, it’s neither everyone’s cup of tea nor it should be. There’s obviously a market for bloggers and vloggers who will promote and try out luxury items and there’s nothing wrong with that. Just because I’m not interesting in buying designer goods doesn’t mean that I should trash people who are. There’s also no need for Stephanie to criticize Tamara or any other luxury fashion blogger. They’re doing their thing and they’re doing it professionally. They’re not making anyone buy anything. Let them be.
Yes I liked her videos about the dangers of so many beauty treatments and the unattainable beauty standards. But she herself has had plastic surgery as well as had been a beauty influencer. Her channel use to not be that bad but it really changed.If you look at all the thumbnails they literally look like tabloid magazine covers you know the ones with the super unflattering photos of celebs. I don’t agree with this, and she is doing more and more of this. I mean “Influencers Are Th scum of society?” That is a bit much. Titles like this are sensationalist. This is what I object to, and also that she thinks she is morally superior when she is not.
It’s interesting to see the debate around influencers and their impact, especially when someone like Stephanie, who once was an influencer, now criticizes the industry. It highlights the complexities of social media, where both creators and critics can benefit from the same attention.
Well, well, well! If you can let another human being influence the way you spend your money, you have a much bigger problem than shopping. Thanks for sharing doll! Beautifully written, too.
I used to watch a lot of YT makeup gurus, but haven’t done so in years. All that Jeffrey Star and James Charles and Tati drama turned me off the whole thing completely. I honestly don’t know anyone on the whole makeup sphere anymore except maybe that controversial Michaela girl on TikTok, so thanks for the info on this issue, Allie:) I agree with what you said….if you don’t like them, just don’t watch.
beautiful post thank you very much
This does seem hypocritical to me. Influencers are there to recommend brands and their products – they’re not forcing you to buy them, that ultimately is the person’s choice as to whether they want to buy the item or not. If I see something I like that a content creator has posted about, I always look at the reviews on Trustpilot of the brand and the product itself before purchasing. I loved reading your take on this Allie!
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
It does feel hypocritical to an extent- especially when she’s making these videos and making money off them. Clickbait is a great word for it! While there are certainly some influencers who need to be called on the carpet for bad behavior or shady practices, there are so many others who are just doing what they love (sharing their lives and the products/services in their lives that they enjoy) and making a living while doing it.
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
this kind of bad antidotes is “common” in social medias include YouTube nowadays….
thank you for reminding all of us.
What a crazy story! Influencers are doing their job by promoting products, and although I do think they should always hold their accountability for what they say, do and endorse, I do believe that everyone should take their recommendations with a grain of salt and do their own research before investing in something an influencer recommended.
http://www.couture-case.com/
I feel that people who do this really have two problems, on the one hand they are wrong with themselves, and on the other, they are trying to generate controversy to get an easy click on their posts or videos. If we would all just go about our lives without trying to belittle others we would be doing much better as a society. Obviously there are influencers who would try to sell their mother for money but one has to be aware of who is really advising us and who is not, and ultimately, as you say, we are all adults and we must be consistent with our actions.
I love this kind of post where we can share our opinions Allie, happy week!
Wow, what a story! As you say, we are adults and we know when and what we can buy, but there are people who have compulsive consumer behaviors, these influencers make a lot of money with these people. I don’t think any of them were honest, hypocrisy at the highest level! Hugs
http://www.marisasclosretblog.com
I loved reading this article. It seems, it´s kind of a new trend. There are uncounting new creators around, who do nothing other then shaming other influencers and making money out of it. So are they any better? It’s really sad how this industry has transformed the past years. Thx for sharing, I think it’s an important theme and it needs more attraction. Have a wonderful rest of the week, love x S.Mirli
https://www.mirlime.at
Yes sadly it has become a trend, and it is because much like the tabloids that preceded this trend people love to watch others throw shade and be haters.
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Really interesting post. This is so true. I don’t like it when Influencers hypocritical.
Oh the drama haha I don’t really follow this but I have heard of her before! xx
Danielle’s Beauty Blog