In a world overflowing with beauty influencers, Wendy Ly stands out like a dewy, glass-skinned queen. Known as social media’s big sister, the 24-year-old content creator has built a beauty empire that millions of skincare lovers swear by. With over 1.2 million followers on TikTok and 700K on Instagram, Wendy has cultivated a dedicated audience who doesn’t just trust her recommendations — they race to buy them. And if you’ve ever scrolled through her content, you know she’s not just hopping on trends; she’s setting them.
But how did this skincare-loving It-girl go from casual content posting to becoming one of the most sought-after beauty voices on the internet? Wendy sat down with Celeb Secrets to spill all the tea on her journey, her holy-grail skincare picks, and what’s next for her ever-growing empire.
Wendy’s journey into skincare content wasn’t some lifelong master plan—it was a happy accident. Back in June 2020, during the height of the pandemic, she decided to start posting for fun.
“I was 20 and realized that I should probably start doing skincare or else I’m gonna start aging,” Wendy joked. “I didn’t have a routine at all, and then 2020 happened, and skincare was everywhere. You had The Ordinary, CeraVe, and all these creators on TikTok talking about it. That’s when I was like, okay, I should probably start.”
At the time, Wendy was navigating college life, and like many students, she suddenly found herself with an unexpected amount of free time due to remote learning. With no in-person classes or social obligations, she fell deep into the world of skincare, spending hours researching ingredients, routines, and the science behind glowing skin.
“I became obsessed with learning about skincare,” she admitted. “I would spend hours reading about ingredients and watching reviews. I didn’t just want to follow trends — I wanted to understand why certain products worked.”
Her first videos were simple: sharing her routine, reviewing drugstore finds, and testing out viral products. But her passion for skincare knowledge and her candid, unfiltered takes set her apart from the crowd.
“I never planned on being a creator,” she admitted. “But as I started sharing my routine and learning more, I realized I could build a community. Now, it feels like I have millions of friends.”
By consistently posting and engaging with her audience, Wendy’s following grew at an astonishing rate. People connected with her approachable, big-sister energy and her ability to break down skincare in a way that felt fun and accessible. Soon, she wasn’t just participating in the skincare conversation — she was leading it.
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If there’s one thing Wendy is known for, it’s her tried-and-true product recommendations. She doesn’t just hype up the latest releases — she puts them to the test. When asked about her all-time faves, she had some serious gems to share.
“CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream has been my ride-or-die since day one,” she revealed. “It’s super moisturizing, and my sister, who struggles with eczema, has used it forever.” Another must-have? The First Aid Beauty Moisturizing Cream. “I begged my dad to take me to Sephora to buy it for my sister, and she still uses it today.”
For serums, Wendy swears by The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide. “They’re affordable, effective, and work for all skin types,” she shared. And when it comes to new obsessions, Milk Makeup’s Gel Water Jelly Tint has her heart. “It stains your lips and cheeks, which is exactly what I need for festival season—it stays put no matter what!”
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While Wendy initially started posting as a creative outlet, she quickly realized that this could be more than just a hobby.
“I actually started posting because I didn’t get an internship,” she confessed. “All my friends had internships, and I didn’t want to waste my summer doing nothing. So I thought, why not go all in on content creation? I figured I could at least put it on my resume.”
Spoiler alert: She never needed that resume. By fall 2020, brands were sliding into her inbox with paid partnership offers.
“At first, I thought it was a scam,” she laughed. “I didn’t even know you could make money from this!” But as she began collaborating with brands, she realized the true potential of content creation. She wasn’t just receiving PR packages — she was shaping the industry, influencing what people buy, and turning her personal passion into a business.
Her ability to connect with audiences through real, unfiltered reviews became her biggest strength. “I don’t sugarcoat anything. If a product doesn’t work, I say it. And I think that honesty is what makes people trust me,” she shared. That level of authenticity paid off—her recommendations consistently go viral, often leading to products selling out overnight.
Wendy’s impact isn’t just online; it’s global. “When I went to Scotland, I asked someone to take a picture of me, and they were like, ‘Oh my God, I follow you!’ That’s when it really hit me—this is so much bigger than I ever imagined.” Her audience spans continents, proving that her influence is more than just a fleeting trend—it’s a movement.
If you think Wendy is slowing down anytime soon, think again. She has some exciting projects on the horizon, including a festival skincare series and a deep dive into what makes different beauty brands unique.
“Your skin changes in every climate, and festival season is a whole different beast,” she explained. “I want to share how to prep your skin, keep your makeup sweat-proof, and survive in the desert.”
Beyond that, she’s making self-care a priority.
“I love stress,” she admitted. “Like, my Oura Ring always says I’m stressed out, and I weirdly like it. But this year, I’m trying to be kinder to myself and actually relax.”
With her boundless energy, skincare expertise, and genuine connection with her audience, Wendy Ly is proving that she’s not just a beauty influencer—she’s a beauty icon in the making.
And if you catch her with a Costco-sized bag of Hot Cheetos post-festival season? Mind your business — she earned it.
Make sure to give Wendy a follow on TikTok and Instagram at @wendyskin.
