I waited in line 12 hours for the Jeffree Star store's grand opening. It was unlike anything I've ever seen.

Cristina MontemayorJul 17, 2023, 00:26 IST

The Jeffree Star store was surrounded by crowds on opening day.Cristina Montemayor

On Friday, I visited the grand opening of the Jeffree Star store in Casper, Wyoming.
I waited in line for 12 hours to enter the controversial star's store, which sells makeup and meat.

Controversial beauty YouTuber and cosmetics-brand founder Jeffree Star opened his first retail store in Casper, Wyoming, on Friday.

The Jeffree Star store is the first of its kind to combine two of the influencer's ventures, selling both meat from his Star Yak Ranch and beauty products from his eponymous brand, Jeffree Star Cosmetics.

As a beauty fan who's followed Star's online journey, I was curious about the unique venture and wanted to see for myself what the opening of his first-ever retail store in Casper would be like.

Star moved to Wyoming in 2021 following a string of controversies and backlash.

Jeffree Star is a controversial figure in the beauty space.Rosdiana Ciaravolo/Getty Images

The Jeffree Star store is located in the middle of downtown Casper and is painted bright pink, so you can't miss it.

With its bright color, the Jeffree Star store stands out.Cristina Montemayor

The next morning, I returned to downtown Casper to find a completely different scene.

Crowds were in front of the store on the day of the Jeffree Star store's grand opening.Cristina Montemayor

Some fans had camped out overnight in sleeping bags in the parking lot and on the sidewalk.

Many people in line were excited to check out Jeffree Star's latest venture.Cristina Montemayor

People entered the store in small groups and some early attendees received special wristbands.

People who got special wristbands also received gift bags.Cristina Montemayor

Eventually, I made my way to the back of the line and missed the ribbon-cutting ceremony so I wouldn't lose my spot.

The line was looped around the block by the time I arrived.Cristina Montemayor

About an hour into waiting, someone who seemed to be from Star's team passed out ice pops.

The free ice pops were a nice gesture.Cristina Montemayor

Around noon, I had people hold my spot while I left to get food.

The people I met in line saved my spot for me.Cristina Montemayor

I met tons of Star fans and eager attendees while waiting in line for half of my day.

One person waiting in line brought an umbrella so we could have shade.Cristina Montemayor

Around 3 p.m., I ordered yak dishes from a "Jeffree Star approved" food stand set up in front of the store.

I had some yak dishes but the brat didn't blow me away.Cristina Montemayor

The sun was brutal, but there were people walking around with sunscreen dispensers throughout the day.

I appreciated the individuals handing out SPF.Cristina Montemayor

Around 4:30 p.m., it began to rain. Not long after, Star announced he'd be leaving the store.

The rain was a bummer, but Star leaving the store seemed to truly kill morale for many.Cristina Montemayor

By 6 p.m., I was on my own again. But at least at this point I was fairly close to the entrance.

I began wishing I'd worn more comfortable shoes.Cristina Montemayor

Some people around me grabbed chairs from tables that had been set up in front of the nearby food stand to sit on while they waited in line.

By this point, my feet were pretty tired.Cristina Montemayor

Just before I went into the store, Star briefly appeared again before heading to the concert nearby.

This was the closest I got to Jeffree Star all day.Cristina Montemayor

At 8:30 p.m., after nearly 12 hours, it was finally my turn to be let into the store.

I was excited to finally be able to shop at the Jeffree Star store.Cristina Montemayor

A 10-foot-tall poster of Star greeted me as I first walked into the store.

The store was quite spacious inside.Cristina Montemayor

Also on display are some of Star's personal cars, all painted in various shades of pink.

Jeffree Star has a car collection he's showcased online.Cristina Montemayor

The Star Yak Ranch products were in a completely separate area from the Jeffree Star Cosmetics products.

The vibe in the Star Yak Ranch section was definitely different from other parts of the store.Cristina Montemayor

The mascara I originally wanted was sold out by the time I got into the store, but I picked up other beauty products and yak jerky.

I eventually settled on a few beauty products and some yak jerky.Cristina Montemayor

Even though I went into the store with a clear shopping list, it still took a long time for me to check out.

The store looked nice but I wish shopping experience had been more efficient.Cristina Montemayor

The store concept was certainly one of a kind and I can see it drawing visitors from around the country, for better or for worse.

I could see firsthand how many people the store has already brought to Casper.Cristina Montemayor

I spent over $4,800 taking my retired parents on an 8-day river cruise through France, and it was the ideal multigenerational trip

Cookies on the Business Insider India website