Television moves fast. One minute you're the "next big thing," and the next, you’re a footnote in a Wikipedia list of defunct reality competitions. But honestly, American Beauty Star hit a little differently than your average makeover show. When it first landed on Lifetime back in 2017, it wasn’t just trying to copy the Project Runway homework. It actually tried to bridge the gap between old-school runway glamour and the chaotic, hyper-saturated world of Instagram influencers.
It’s weirdly fascinating to look back on now.
Think about the timing. We were right in the middle of the "Beauty YouTuber" gold rush. Everyone was obsessed with contouring, "baking," and cut-creases. The show took that energy and threw it into a high-pressure studio environment where professional artists had to prove they weren't just good at editing their own selfies—they had to deliver under the literal heat of professional lighting and the scrutiny of icons like Sir John or Adriana Lima.
What Actually Made American Beauty Star Work?
Most reality competitions pick a lane. They’re either about hair or they’re about makeup. American Beauty Star basically said, "Why not both?" and forced contestants to create cohesive looks that married the two disciplines. It wasn't just about a pretty face. It was about the storytelling of the entire head.
Season one felt like a test run with a high-fashion pedigree. Having Adriana Lima as the host was a massive flex for Lifetime. She brought that Victoria’s Secret "it-factor" that made the stakes feel genuinely global. But the real meat of the show was the mentorship. Sir John, the man responsible for Beyoncé’s most iconic looks, wasn't there to just be a "nice guy." He was there to demand excellence. If you’ve ever watched him critique a wing-liner, you know he sees things the average person misses by a mile.
Then came season two, and things shifted. Ashley Graham took over hosting duties.
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If Adriana brought the mystery, Ashley brought the relatability. The show leaned harder into the "social media" aspect of the industry. It reflected a reality where a makeup artist isn't just someone standing behind a chair; they are a brand, a personality, and a content creator all rolled into one. The challenges got weirder, the drama got a bit more "Lifetime-coded," and the prize packages—which included huge cash injections and features in Cosmopolitan—were life-changing for the winners.
The Problem With Modern Beauty Competitions
Let's be real for a second. Most beauty shows fail because they don't understand how the industry actually works. They focus on the drama of people living in a loft.
American Beauty Star mostly avoided that trap by focusing on the technicality. You’d see a contestant struggling with a wig application or failing to understand how a certain foundation would react to 4K cameras. That’s the "pro" side of things. It’s not just about glitter. It’s about chemistry, lighting, and the physics of hair.
The judges weren't just random celebrities either. You had people like Sarah Tanno, who is basically the architect of Lady Gaga's visual identity, and Christie Brinkley, who has seen every trend from the 70s to now. When they told a contestant that their look was dated, it wasn't an insult. It was a professional diagnosis.
Why We Don't See Shows Like This Anymore
It’s expensive. That’s the short answer.
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Producing a show that looks as polished as American Beauty Star requires a massive budget for lighting and post-production. You can't show a "beauty" competition in standard definition or with poor lighting; it defeats the entire purpose. Plus, the rise of TikTok changed everything. Why would a young artist go through the grueling process of a TV competition when they can get 5 million views on a transition video from their bedroom?
The show captured a specific moment in time—the transition from "pro-only" beauty to "everyone is a pro" beauty.
It also highlighted the massive ego clashes that happen when you put a bunch of "Lead Artists" in one room. In a salon, there is a hierarchy. On the show, everyone thinks they are the boss. That tension created some of the best moments, especially when the hair stylists and makeup artists (who often worked in pairs) couldn't agree on a vision. It was a masterclass in why communication matters more than talent sometimes.
The Legacy of the Winners
What happened to the people who actually won?
Emi Grannis, the season one winner, didn't just take the money and run. She used that platform to solidify her place as a go-to artist for high-end editorial work. Lucy Garland, a standout from season two, brought a drag-influenced, avant-garde sensibility that proved the show wasn't just looking for "bridal glam."
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The show validated the idea that beauty is an art form worthy of the same respect as fashion design or culinary arts. It wasn't "just" makeup. It was a career.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Artists
If you're watching old clips of the show or wondering how to break into the industry now, there are some pretty clear lessons to be learned from the challenges:
- Versatility is king. If you can only do "Instagram glam," you'll fail on a professional set. You need to know how to do "no-makeup" makeup and high-concept editorial.
- Lighting changes everything. A look that looks great in a mirror can look terrible under a ring light or a studio strobe.
- Speed matters. The "Star" in the show title wasn't just about talent; it was about the ability to deliver under a ticking clock. In the real world, time is money.
- Storytelling is the secret sauce. The judges always gravitated toward artists who had a "why" behind the "what." Why that blue shadow? Why that specific structural hairstyle?
Taking the Next Steps in Your Beauty Career
While we wait to see if the show ever gets a "reboot" or a spiritual successor on a streaming giant like Netflix or Hulu, the lessons from the show remain incredibly relevant. The industry has moved toward a "content-first" model, but the technical skills showcased on American Beauty Star are still the foundation of any long-term career.
If you're serious about following in the footsteps of the contestants, your next move shouldn't just be buying more product. It should be studying the masters. Look into the portfolios of the judges like Sir John or Sarah Tanno. Analyze how they use texture and light. Start practicing on different skin tones and hair types, not just your own. Reality TV might give you a platform, but only real, technical grit will give you a career that lasts longer than a season's run.
Focus on building a portfolio that shows you can handle a "challenge" every single day. That's how you actually become an American beauty star in the real world.