Tiktok
From dance trends to beauty guru: How one Jakarta creator turned skincare struggles into a 259k-strong community that feels like home
If you've scrolled through TikTok's beauty sphere lately, you've probably stumbled upon those warm, unfiltered moments where skincare routines feel less like tutorials and more like chatting with your most beauty-obsessed friend. That's exactly the vibe Bernadette Cyan Gainara has mastered. Based in Jakarta and rocking a loyal following of over 259k, this 22-year-old creator turns everyday beauty struggles into relatable content that feels like swapping secrets over coffee. Born in 1999, Bernadette started her TikTok journey back in early 2020, originally dancing her way through trends before finding her true groove in the beauty world. There's something refreshingly real about how she talks about breakouts or frizzy hair days—it's never overly polished, just genuine advice from someone who's been there.
What makes Bernadette's feed stand out isn't just her flawless makeup transitions (though those are impressive), but how she breaks down complex routines into bite-sized, actionable tips. One day she's demonstrating a five-minute hair mask using kitchen staples, the next she's reviewing budget-friendly Indonesian skincare finds most international creators overlook. Remember that viral video where she humorously mimed longing for a partner while applying lip gloss to the tune of "Bad Things"? Classic Bernadette—mixing pop culture with beauty in a way that feels effortless. She doesn't just tell you *what* to use; she shows you *why* it matters for Southeast Asian skin and hair types, filling a niche many global influencers miss.
Her content evolution tells a story of self-discovery. Starting with casual dance clips during TikTok's explosive 2020 rise, she gradually noticed her followers lighting up when she shared personal beauty hacks. Now, her comments section bursts with girls thanking her for recommending affordable dupes or validating their skincare doubts. You can tell she reads them too—she'll often address common questions in follow-up videos, like how to adapt routines for Jakarta's humid climate or which products actually work under traditional hijabs. It's this responsiveness that transformed her from a casual creator into a trusted voice.
Digging deeper into her style, Bernadette avoids the "perfect influencer" trap. Her videos often feature unplanned moments—like accidentally knocking over a serum bottle mid-tutorial or laughing at her cat photobombing a makeup session. These tiny imperfections make her feel accessible, especially for young Indonesian women navigating beauty standards in a culture that's both traditional and rapidly modernizing. She's not selling unattainable perfection; she's documenting the messy, joyful process of self-care.
Bernadette's impact goes beyond filters and followers. She's part of a new wave of creators normalizing beauty conversations in regional languages while staying globally relevant. Whether she's debunking viral trends with science-backed takes or spotlighting local indie brands, she reminds us that great content isn't about fancy gear—it's about showing up authentically. In an algorithm-driven world, her channel feels like a cozy corner where you leave feeling understood, not sold to. No wonder her audience keeps coming back for more.
