Yes, Jake Warden Is Truly A Doll
Beauty star Jake Warden recalls early days with Dolce & Gabbana Beauty, overcoming backlash, and inspiring others to follow their dreams boldly.
By Syed Zulfadhli,
Jake Warden has been redefining beauty norms since he was in his early teens. In the early 2010s, when boys wearing makeup was far from mainstream, the Colorado native emerged as a vlogger before finding his niche as a beauty YouTuber. Now 22, Jake has amassed over 1.3 million Instagram followers, 2.4 million on TikTok, and 1.21 million on YouTube, captivating fans with bold makeup trends, glam shoots, and relatable updates. Most exciting of all? Jake has recently been appointed Dolce & Gabbana Beauty's global makeup expert, marking a milestone that coincides with the brand's debut in Singapore. Ahead he delves into this milestone in an exclusive interview with FEMALE.
Hello Jake. Congratulations on being appointed the new global makeup expert for Dolce & Gabbana Beauty. How did your relationship with the brand begin, and how did it lead to this moment?
"I’ve always been passionate about luxury beauty brands, but I prioritise performance over names, and Dolce & Gabbana Beauty truly embodies that perfect union. Dolce & Gabbana has long been one of my favourite brands. When it reached out to me in 2022, I was on cloud nine. We connected, discussing my artistry and career goals. My team and I explored ways to collaborate with them as a creative talent and luxury brand. After months of working closely together, they offered me the role of global makeup expert."
You’ve amassed millions of followers across social media at just 22 and now hold a prestigious role as a global ambassador for one of the world’s biggest beauty brands. What makes this appointment so meaningful to you?
“It’s so meaningful to be able to represent a successful career as a boy in makeup – a young one at that. I’m aware of my age, and while I may not always give myself as much credit as I should, I believe my age is one of the most special elements of my journey because I’ve always known I was meant for this.
When I first started doing makeup, most people had never seen men wear makeup, and I faced a lot of backlash at a young age. I persevered and overcame those challenges, and I hope to proudly represent my community so that others can see they too can succeed in following their dreams, no matter the odds."
What are you most excited about this appointment?
"I’m so excited to travel the world and explore different cultures and their unique beauty. I was fortunate to visit Milan last year, and now I’m preparing to travel to Dubai and Korea to host masterclasses. I’m curious to see how the experience compares to when I hosted a class in New York City for the U.S. market. These experiences will help shape my ever-changing and growing definition of beauty."
Can you share with us your first memories using Dolce & Gabbana Beauty products?
"My first time using Dolce & Gabbana Beauty products was actually with a lab sample, believe it or not. It was a special moment because I got to try the products before anyone else. I was blown away by the formula and colour payoff. The performance of the products was unlike anything I’d ever tried before. That’s when I realised that Dolce & Gabbana Beauty was more than just a luxury brand—it was setting new standards for the industry by making pro artistry results accessible to all."
What are three products from Dolce & Gabbana Beauty that you would recommend to someone who’s never used products from the brand?
Eye Dare You! Eyeshadow Palette
"Eye Dare You! Eyeshadow Palette ($118): This eyeshadow palette is stunning! The finishes are beautiful, and all the colours are super user-friendly. The formula is a dream to work with because it blends so easily. I’m confident that everyone, from makeup enthusiasts to pro makeup artists, will be blown away by it.
That’s My Line! Marker Eyeliners
That’s My Line! Marker Eyeliners ($48): These eyeliners offer a wide variety of bold and vibrant colours. I also love how the precise tip makes them easy to use, with intense payoff.
Everfull XL Mascara
Everfull XL Mascara ($60): I dare say this is the best mascara on the market. The wand applicator allows for super precision, even reaching the smallest lashes without making a mess."
Since November is FEMALE’s party issue, can you also share with us who your top beauty inspirations are for party looks?
“One of my top beauty inspirations lately is Chappell Roan. I love her unique makeup style – it’s very different, and she’s always wearing bold and colourful looks that have now become her trademark.”
What are five Dolce & Gabbana Beauty must-haves that you won’t leave home without when you’re going for a night out?
“Blueberry Nutri-Tint skin tint ($75), Mint Lip Oil Plumper ($48), Eye Dare You! eyeshadow palette, That’s My Line! marker eyeliner, and Everfull XL Mascara.”
Blueberry Nutri-Tint skin tint
Any advice on how to make our glam last all night, especially in hot and humid climates like Singapore?
“Skin prep is everything when it comes to making your makeup last. I highly recommend Dolce & Gabbana Beauty’s Bergamot Glow Primer, as the formula helps makeup last all day. For me, it keeps my skin hydrated and helps my makeup go on smoother.”
Finally, what’s your top beauty tip that everyone should follow?
“One of my biggest beauty secrets is to apply a thick layer of powder underneath my eyes before doing eyeshadow. This allows you to effortlessly wipe off any fallout without ruining your makeup. Don’t skip it if you want to stay smear-free.”
Singapore’s first Dolce & Gabbana Beauty retail counter is located at Level 1 Tangs at Tang Plaza