A 50-year-old black woman named Patricia Lichtenberger has addressed online critics accusing her of practicing “witchcraft” to look decades younger.
Lichtenberger has gained more than five million views across her social media platforms and is often talked about for her dramatic makeup transformations.
Her viral videos have been shared under the TikTok username Gemluva Beauty, and it shows her makeup skills, which have earned her 148,000 followers and more than two million likes.
RELATED STORIES
However, some users have taken a jab at her and she is now facing backlash from trolls who have made it their cause to question her authenticity.
“Because of my skills, some people have called me terrifying,” Lichtenberger said. “I also get told that my makeup transformations are ‘witchcraft’ or hear comments like, ‘A man spends the night, and then she takes off all that makeup’ or ‘false advertising at its best.’”
@gemluvabeauty @SHEGLAM Harley Quinn x SHEGLAM Collection! ???? #SHEGLAM #SHEGLAMcollection #SHEGLAMxHarleyQuinn #SHEGLAMpartner #SHEGLAMcrueltyfree ♬ son original – TRINIX
Despite the criticism, Lichtenberger, from Cuba, decided not to relent and is staying true to what she loves to do. “I don’t see how what I do can bother someone so much,” she said. “[They’re] tearing me down like I’m supposed to bow to negative comments. It’s not right.”
The 50-year-old black woman first turned to makeup decades ago as a way to cope with bullying and low self-esteem.
“I don’t put makeup on for men; I put it on for myself,” she said. “Makeup makes me feel beautiful. I always thought I was ugly, and I hid my face because I didn’t see any beauty in myself.”
She revealed that she was initially hesitant to reveal her natural appearance, but later began to share videos of her makeup-free face to highlight the transformation process. “I was starting to feel like I could be myself, and some people loved watching me do my makeup,” she said. “But words do cut feelings, and people don’t realize what it does to a person.”
On social media, she has seen a ton of negative comments. Nonetheless, Lichtenberger is finding strength in the unwavering support provided by her family, friends, and loyal followers.
“It’s not just my makeup,” she said. “It’s my positivity and empowerment. People say I have a bubbly personality, and they support me because it makes me happy.”
In response to the trolls who criticize her extreme makeup looks, Lichtenberger said : “If I’m not hurting anybody or causing a ruckus, let me be me. I love to spice up my life and become who I want.”
Lichtenberger encourages others to embrace their creativity unapologetically. “To embrace being a ‘catfish,’ you need positivity and resilience.”
READ ALSO: Jennifer Lopez reacts to LA fires; shares ‘safe space’ for those affected
“Prove to the trolls that if no one likes you for being authentic, they don’t deserve you. Love yourself to the core, do what you love, and never let anyone dull your sparkle.”
