Benny Cerra, a makeup artist from Carbondale, showed off his artistry skills and his personality during the first episode of beauty guru James Charles’ “Instant Influencer.”
Cerra, 18, known for creating wild and creative looks on Instagram (@bennycerra), is competing against fellow emerging beauty artists (called “micro influencers”) in the “Project Runway”-style show.
In the first episode, the artists were asked to create a look that represents who they are. Cerra designed a look featuring Japanese cherry blossoms on the lower half of his face, in honor of his mother who lived in Japan for a time, and mountains across his forehead, inspired by his father.
“I went for this exotic scene to represent the future that is ahead of me,” Cerra said on the show.
Later, Cerra filmed a product reveal video that was reviewed by Charles along with beauty influencer and president of the cosmetics brand Anastasia Beverly Hills, Norvina, as well as original reality TV queen Paris Hilton.
“I loved your personality in the video. I love that you say ‘sis’,” Hilton said to Cerra. “(When) the viewers are watching, it makes them feel like they’re part of your family. … I think you’re a star.”
Episode two premieres on Friday, May 1, on YouTube.
How do you think Cerra did? Watch the first episode below.
Gia Mazur is an award-winning staff writer and beauty obsessive who joined The Times-Tribune’s Lifestyles department in 2015. She’s a product enthusiast who can’t live without an eyelash curler. A proud Virgo, Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk is her go-to. Contact: gmazur@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9127; @gmazurTT
