"When I walk down the street I always get so many stares, it's crazy": The Plastic Boy's Gary Thompson on what it's really like being a boy beauty blogger

"My audience love my skincare videos", he says. "I’m not sure why but when I do a makeup removal video or a video featuring me doing a facial, they love it!"

I’ve been called everything under the sun, from the N-word to people wishing I have cancer

Being a black, boy beauty blogger isn't always easy though, and Gary experienced a lot of negativity starting out.

"I have experienced some hardcore bullying that left me feeling super low and very fragile but I’m so happy to be where I am today", he says.

"Recently, I chose to work with Avon on their new Stand4Her campaign, all about the freedom to express yourself, which I am a firm believer in. I think it’s so important to open up the conversation about beauty and inclusivity. Everyone has the right to feel comfortable in their own skin."

Two years ago, Gary says all the negative comments would really get to him, "but now I’ve been on social media for so long, I’ve evolved and I know who I am."

However, it doesn't stop people staring on the streets. "When I walk down the street I always get so many stares, it's crazy. I'm very shy when it comes to eye to eye contact from strangers so I always have to bring sunglasses with me if I go out in central London. I have good and bad reactions but I'm confident going about my day so nothing bothers me. I always just strut and put my music on."

Gary's advice for those being bullied online? "Take a moment and breathe. This person doesn’t know you and they are somewhere else in the world taking their issues out on someone else."

I sometimes create my own home-made turmeric masks to make my skin look brighter and more awake

Gary has one of the glowiest complexions on the 'gram and aside from his homemade tumeric masks, he says, "I love to cleanse, tone and moisturise. I live for an essence and always use one before bed, it just helps my products work better on my skin. Also, I use sheet masks three times a week."

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As for his makeup must-haves, he says nothing beats a super cute nude lip for an everyday look. "The one I’ve currently been wearing in my videos and when I’m out is French Toast from Avon’s Perfect Nudes collection. It’s a warm-brown, creamy matte nude that just glides on my lips like butter. And it's only £6 - bargain!"

And for a glowing base that won't quit, "I use the Morphe Continuous Setting Mist (£15), and Huda Beauty's Easy Bake Loose Powder (£28) in Kunfanfa really sets my under-eye makeup for 24 hours."

"Finally, I love the KKW Beauty Bronzer Powder, as it really compliments deeper skin tones."

Gary Thompson is currently part of AVON’s #NudeIsMyStyle collective featuring a diverse group spanning a range of ages, gender, ethnicity and careers. Each unapologetically celebrate exactly who they are and encourage everyone else to do the same.

Obsessed with a good nude lip colour like Gary? Scroll to see our favourites...