Jaclyn Hill is being criticized for joking about her 'contaminated' lipsticks on TikTok. Here's how the drama has been unfolding for years.

Amanda KrauseAug 10, 2023, 01:25 IST

Jaclyn Hill is an influencer and the founder of her namesake brand, Jaclyn Cosmetics.Jaclyn Hill/YouTube

Jaclyn Hill has been dealing with the aftermath of her failed lipstick launch since 2019.
After years of apologizing to fans, the influencer joked about the controversy on TikTok last month.

Jaclyn Hill announced her namesake beauty brand via a YouTube video on May 23, 2019.

Jaclyn Hill shows her first beauty products in a YouTube video posted on May 23, 2019.Jaclyn Hill/YouTube

Hill's announcement video — particularly her definition of "nude lipstick" — didn't sit well with everyone.

Jaclyn Hill swatches her lipsticks from Jaclyn Cosmetics.Jaclyn Hill/YouTube

Beauty fans also weren't convinced by swatches of lipsticks from Jaclyn Cosmetics.

A promotional photo shared by Jaclyn Cosmetics on its website.Jaclyn Cosmetics

As people began to receive their orders, many said their lipsticks arrived broken, damaged, and melted.

Jaclyn Hill showcases her new lipsticks in a YouTube video.Jaclyn Hill/YouTube

Others claimed their Jaclyn Cosmetics lipsticks appeared to be covered in white fuzz and black dots.

A Twitter user's lipstick appears to have been coated with white fuzz.GinaBeautyMakeup

As the controversy grew, some fans questioned why influencers hadn't posted reviews of the lipsticks before they went on sale.

Shane Dawson shares a video of his Jaclyn Cosmetics lipsticks on Instagram.Shane Dawson/Instagram

Hill initially defended herself and her lipsticks as various claims were made by customers.

Hill deleted her initial response to customer complaints about her lipstick.Jaclyn Hill/Twitter

But then some people said they experienced irritation on their lips — including swelling, bumps, and cold sores — after using the lipsticks.

Jaclyn Hill shows swatches of her lipsticks in a YouTube video.Jaclyn Hill/YouTube

A petition was created by beauty fans to urge Jaclyn Cosmetics to recall its lipsticks, garnering thousands of signatures.

A petition against Jaclyn Cosmetics now has more than 20,000 signatures.Change.org

Days later, Hill apologized to her fans and customers in a YouTube video called "My Lipsticks."

Hill apologizes to fans in a new video released Wednesday.Jaclyn Hill/YouTube

Customers were immediately skeptical of the YouTuber's promise to replace the lipsticks.

It was then unclear how Jaclyn Cosmetics would replace damaged products.Jaclyn Cosmetics

By the end of June 2019, Hill had deleted her Twitter and Instagram pages.

Jaclyn Hill at the Build Studio in New York City on July 17, 2018.Photo by Desiree Navarro/WireImage

Jaclyn Cosmetics then released a 15-page document to purportedly show the results of safety tests it said were conducted on its lipsticks.

The sheet from Jaclyn Cosmetics' 15-page document that seemingly says "Morphe."Jaclyn Cosmetics

Hill returned to YouTube on July 23, 2019, to announce that she was "working on new products."

Jaclyn Hill in her July 2019 YouTube video where she addressed her lipstick scandal.Jaclyn Hill/YouTube

A few months later, the influencer posed in fake blood and a dress printed with the phrase "Jaclyn Hill is Canceled" for Halloween.

Jaclyn Hill wears a Halloween costume poking fun at her being "canceled" online.Jaclyn Hill/Instagram

In 2022, Hill told Insider during an interview that she had "moved on" from the scandal.

Jaclyn Hill for her brand Jaclyn Roxanne.Jaclyn Roxanne

At the start of July, Hill created a TikTok video that poked fun at her lipstick launch.

Jaclyn Hill uses her controversial lipstick from 2019 in a 2023 TikTok video.Jaclyn Hill/TikTok

This month, Hill announced that she's closing her jewelry lifestyle brands. She cited her failed lipstick launch as a major factor.

Jaclyn Hill announces the closure of two brands in an August 2023 YouTube video.Jaclyn Hill/YouTube

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