Trixie Mattel goes behind the scenes of The Hollywood Reporter's creator issue
Oct 15, 2025 [[read-time]] minute read
Oct 15, 2025 [[read-time]] minute read
Well, look at you, reading a blog. And not just any blog, but my blog... for the day.
You know, people see the finished product - the perfect lighting, the flawless makeup, the dress that costs more than my first car. But what they don’t see is the chaos, the caffeine, and the sheer amount of hairspray it takes to make it all happen. For their annual creator issue, The Hollywood Reporter wanted to capture the magic of how YouTube creators, like myself, are driving the future of entertainment. This year's cover story featuring yours truly - on newsstands today, and digital here - dives into how we're taking over the genres that once belonged to traditional TV, proving on YouTube that we are the new go-to sources of entertainment. And well, they got a front-row seat to the circus. So, buckle up, because we're going behind the scenes.
This was the first deep breath I took all day after accidentally setting my alarm for 10 p.m. instead of a.m. The first look was all about quiet power. A contemplative moment. The artist, alone with her reflection, pondering the ephemeral nature of beauty. Just kidding, I was checking to see if I had lipstick on my teeth.
You know it's a serious event when they let two of the internet's most sensible and understated personalities into the same room. It was such a treat to see the one and only Brittany Broski on set! The day was extra special because it also happened to be the launch day for our new ‘Brittany Broski x Trixie Cosmetics’ collection. We mostly talked about important things, like the structural integrity of my wig and our plans for a hostile takeover of the glitter industry.
This is the very natural and candid process of 'taking a photo.' There are about eight people, six lights, and three extension cords just out of frame. The secret to a good photo is 10% lighting, 10% makeup, and 80% successfully dissociating from the sheer number of people staring at you.
After half an hour of communicating only through my eyes, Tyra-style, they finally let me speak. Here I am, probably explaining the complex lore of the Barbie universe or telling a deeply embarrassing story from my childhood. You know, the hard-hitting journalism The Hollywood Reporter is known for.
You know, when they said 'group shot,' I assumed I'd be at least in the same zip code as everyone else. But honey, I'm a star, and stars belong in the sky. Or on a very tall ladder. What an incredible group of YouTube creators to share the spotlight with.
You always want to make a good impression on the boss. Here I am with the incredible crew and the CEO of YouTube himself, Neal Mohan. I told him I'd be happy to take over his job for a week. He seemed... hesitant. What an honor to be part of this group.
And that's a wrap! The wig is off, the makeup has been scrubbed away with an industrial solvent, and I'm back in my sensible sweatpants. It was a wild day of playing dress-up with some of the coolest people around. Thanks to The Hollywood Reporter and YouTube for the snacks and the memories. Now, back to my regularly scheduled nonsense on my YouTube channel.