Matt Bernstein (artist)

Matthew Bernstein (born October 16, 1998) is an American makeup artist and activist. Bernstein became an internet celebrity because of his social media posts, which largely consist of infographics and photographs of makeup looks that comment on social and political issues, mainly those that affect the LGBTQ+ community. He hosts the podcast A Bit Fruity with Matt Bernstein.

Biography
Bernstein was born on October 16, 1998, in New Jersey. He grew up in a suburb of New Jersey. He was raised Jewish. He attended Westfield High School and New York University Tisch School of the Arts. Bernstein identifies as gay, something he realized at the age of ten. He did not come out until he was fifteen, due to fears relating to his family’s opinions and religion. However, Bernstein’s parents were ultimately accepting, and he has expressed that he has a good relationship with them.

Bernstein began experimenting with makeup soon after coming out, first only using Wite-Out to paint his nails before eventually exploring eye shadow and eyeliner. Prompted by the 2016 United States presidential election of Donald Trump, Bernstein began to photograph himself wearing makeup that highlighted issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. He posted these photos on Instagram under the handle @mattxiv, a platform he had used since 2012 to promote freelance photography. Bernstein has since amassed over a million followers on the platform, where he continues to post makeup looks and political infographics relating to LGBTQ+ issues.

Career
Bernstein is most widely known for his pictures of his body art and makeup looks that he posts on Instagram. Featured on his face, arms, or chest, Bernstein’s art often includes bright and rainbow colors combined with bold-lettered text that highlights LGBTQ+ issues. Bernstein has also become known for his collage-style infographics discussing current events and issues relating to the LGBTQ+ community that he posts on his Instagram account.

In August 2020, Bernstein began a YouTube channel. On his channel, Bernstein discussed his coming out journey and also posted several reaction videos.

In 2022, Bernstein won PinkNews’ Influencer of the Year award. Jessica Alves presented the award, and his acceptance speech addressed issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community.