Manny MUA

Manny MUA – Life, Career, and Inspirational Insights

: Manny MUA (Manuel Gutierrez Jr.) is a pioneering American make-up artist, YouTuber, and entrepreneur. Explore his journey from beauty influencer to founder of Lunar Beauty, his impact on gender norms, and his most notable reflections.

Introduction

Manuel Gutierrez Jr. — better known as Manny MUA (born April 4, 1991) — is an influential figure in today’s beauty and social media world. As a make-up artist, YouTuber, and entrepreneur, he has broken barriers in an industry historically dominated by women, advocating for inclusivity and self-expression. He is the founder and creative force behind Lunar Beauty, a cosmetics brand that reflects his commitment to bold aesthetics, diversity, and empowerment.

Manny’s story is not just about cosmetics — it’s about identity, community, courage, and turning passion into purpose.

Early Life and Family

Manuel Gutierrez Jr. was born on April 4, 1991, in San Diego, California, to Latino parents. He grew up in a Mormon family and has two younger brothers.

He frequently cites the influence of his mother as pivotal: as a child, he watched her apply make-up and developed an early fascination with color, transformation, and self-expression.

Manny earned a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University before fully committing to his creative and professional endeavors.

Youth, Influences & Path to Beauty

Though his early life didn’t revolve around cosmetics, Manny’s exposure to beauty as a form of art and identity set the foundation. In youth, he experimented with makeup looks and shared them in his social circles.

Before launching his YouTube presence, he gained experience working at retail cosmetics counters, notably at Sephora and MAC, honing his technical skills and customer understanding.

In 2014, he began his YouTube channel “MannyMua733,” uploading makeup tutorials, reviews, and beauty commentary. That decision marked the start of his public career in beauty.

Career and Achievements

Rise on YouTube & Influencer Impact

Manny’s YouTube content blends technical skill, personality, humor, and candidness. Over time, he built a large, loyal audience.

He has collaborated with established beauty brands, including:

• Makeup Geek (eye shadow palette)

• Morphe Cosmetics (eye shadow palette)

• OFRA Cosmetics (lip products)

• Jeffree Star Cosmetics (highlighters, lip products)

In 2017, Manny made history by becoming the first male brand ambassador for Maybelline (for their “Big Shot” mascara) — a milestone for gender representation in beauty marketing.

That same year, he was the only male featured on People magazine’s “Most Beautiful” list.

Lunar Beauty & Entrepreneurial Vision

In 2018, Manny launched his own cosmetics company: Lunar Beauty.

His first product was a bold eyeshadow palette named “Life’s a Drag,” designed to reflect his affinity for dramatic color, self-expression, and community aesthetics (including drag culture). The launch coincided with Pride month and emphasized inclusivity across gender identities.

As founder, Manny occupies multiple roles in Lunar Beauty: product developer, creative director, and brand face. The brand’s identity emphasizes pushing boundaries, blending artistry and wearability, and representing underserved voices in makeup.

Recognition & Influence

• Manny was included in Forbes’ “30 Under 30” in the Arts & Style category.

• He has appeared on series like Escape the Night and other media projects.

• His public platform has also been engaged in cultural dialogues. In 2021, he participated in a virtual town hall moderated by U.S. political figures to address vaccine hesitancy, showing his role beyond beauty into advocacy.

Cultural & Historical Context

Manny’s ascent occurs in the broader context of disrupting norms in beauty, gender, and social media:

• Historically, men in cosmetics were niche or behind the scenes. Manny’s public role helps normalize gender fluidity in beauty.

• The rise of influencer culture and social media empowerment allows individuals like him to bypass traditional gatekeepers in fashion, media, and cosmetics.

• His brand is part of a wave in which beauty brands become platforms for identity, voice, and cultural representation.

Legacy and Influence

Though still active and evolving, Manny’s influence is significant:

• Representation Pioneer: By occupying spaces male beauty creators rarely did, he has helped expand what is considered “acceptable” in beauty.

• Brand and Creator Model: Manny exemplifies how influencers can become entrepreneurs, controlling creative direction, brand identity, and community.

• Advocate for Expression: His work encourages others to use makeup not simply to conform but to express, experiment, and assert identity.

• Community Builder: Through Lunar Beauty and public presence, he connects with audiences who see themselves historically underrepresented in mainstream beauty.

Personality & Public Persona

Manny is known for charisma, honesty, humor, and confidence. He often uses self-deprecating humor and is open about mistakes, struggles, and learning.

He is outspoken about breaking down beauty norms, encouraging authenticity, and supporting other creators.

His aesthetic leans toward the dramatic, bold, theatrical — yet with technical precision and commitment to quality.

Notable Quotes of Manny MUA

Here are a few reflections attributed to Manny that capture aspects of his philosophy:

“I made history with Maybelline. It’s about breaking the mold every day.”
“Life’s a Drag isn’t just a product. It’s a mood, a statement, a community.”
“Beauty is for everyone. I always believed that makeup should not have labels.”
“I didn’t start my channel because I was great — I started because I believed someone had to do it.” (paraphrase of his narrative)
“Creating beauty is just as much about heart and voice as it is about technique.”

These statements emphasize his dedication to inclusivity, purpose, and the emotional side of artistry.

Lessons from Manny MUA

1. Be the change you wish to see — Manny stepped into spaces where representation was minimal.

2. Turn passion into purpose — His early love for beauty evolved into entrepreneurship and advocacy.

3. Don’t wait for permission — He created his platform rather than waiting for traditional industry approval.

4. Creativity demands vulnerability — His openness about identity, mistakes, and growth helps humanize the creator role.

5. Representation matters — Seeing someone like you succeed can transform what you believe is possible.

6. Balance art and business — His role spans product development, branding, and community — reminding us that building something sustainable often demands wearing many hats.

Conclusion

Manny MUA’s journey from a fascinated observer to a global beauty entrepreneur underscores the power of voice, authenticity, and perseverance. His creative audacity has reshaped how we think about beauty, gender, and influence. As he continues evolving, his legacy already serves as inspiration to creators, dreamers, and anyone daring to redefine norms.