Eleanor Barnes has successfully used her wild makeup looks and contagious personality to build a staggering number of followers on TikTok— 4.1 million followers to be exact.
Better known by her social media moniker @Snitchery, the former art history student transformed her passion for creativity into a thriving career as a beauty and lifestyle content creator. Although Barnes says she has always loved makeup, she had no idea that her passion would catapult her to the top of the beauty industry.
“I did make-up for film shoots and projects in college and started posting editorial, movie-inspired makeup looks to my Instagram. It wasn’t until brands started asking to send me products that I realized, hey, maybe this is something I should pursue,” Barnes shares with BrownStyle Magazine exclusively.
If you watched “Follow Me” on The CW in the Spring, you’ve had the opportunity to see Barnes in action. We recently chatted with the artist about everything from her creative style to why she advocates for diversity and inclusion. Check out the highlights from our conversation below.
Where Eleanor Barnes Draws Her Makeup Inspiration
Barnes’ journey started in 2017 during college when she first garnered attention for her edgy makeup transformations. Her use of bold colors and meticulous attention to detail quickly set her apart in the crowded beauty space and captured the attention of top brands like MILK, ColourPop, Savage x Fenty, and ELF.
According to Barnes, she established her signature makeup style by experimenting with new trends and being “messy.”
“Honestly, I’m just the anti-clean girl at heart,” she explains about her makeup application. “I like products that are quick, easy, and all-in-one. Especially if it requires messy finger applications.”
After the “full beat era” of 2014, Barnes realized the value her audience put on time-saving hacks. “Sometimes those hacks go against the grain of conventional, so I guess that’s how I’ve carved my lane in the industry,” she adds.
As a self-proclaimed nerd and cosplayer, Barnes says she enjoys exploring new trends to help her step outside her comfort zone. “My work is inspired by everything from obscure 2000s video games to random Baroque art pieces, and it’s always changing,” she notes.
Advocating For A More Supportive And Inclusive Space Online
Born in Virginia— and now a Los Angeles resident— Barnes’ influence extends far beyond cosmetics. As an outspoken supporter of mental health, body positivity, and LGBTQIA+ rights, the creator often leverages her platform to foster a supportive and inclusive community.
“I fell into this career path by accident nearly a decade ago, before being an ‘influencer’ was a job option,” she shares. “At the end of the day, I’m human, and I feel the urge to talk about the things I’m passionate about online just as I do in real life.”
Barnes knows all too well that the internet can be cruel, and speaking on certain social topics will inevitably garner hate and vitriol from people. However, that doesn’t stop her from being adamant about sharing her life experiences with her supporters.
“I am talking to the girls who are struggling with mental health, with their bodies, their sexualities, with their messy artistic chaotic brains,” she explains. “If I can make those sh*tty transitions a little easier or more comfortable for other women, that’s so worth the comments.”
Barnes’ commitment to making a difference doesn’t stop there. Together with her brother, the creator founded @APlantProject, a social media presence dedicated to houseplant care and environmental advocacy. Through this initiative, they share tips and tricks for plant enthusiasts, promoting sustainability and a love for nature.
Expanding Her Reach
Barnes admits that reality TV is one of her absolute lifelong guilty pleasures. That’s why when the opportunity to appear on the CW competition reality series “Follow Me” was offered, she quickly signed up.
Barnes says that although the show is a competition between ten influencers to create the best content, it is full of supportive people. “It turned into a love fest with some of the best friends I’ve ever made,” she reveals. “It’s a super wholesome show in an otherwise bleak landscape.”
Diversity And Inclusion In The Beauty Industry
We would be remiss if we didn’t ask Barnes how she feels the makeup industry has changed for Women of Color. In short, the artist feels like we are on the brink of a necessary shift.
“I feel like we’re moving towards a golden age of makeup designed for Women Of Color and applied by Women Of Color,” she explains. “Pat McGrath has been running the game for decades, and I love that she’s having such a social media moment! Fenty Beauty recently launched another foundation that’s truly a gold standard in the shade range. The push to continue diversifying and improving the beauty industry will always continue, but I’ve found it pays off to find brands specifically designed for you.”
To learn more about @Snitchery, follow her on social media!
