Photographer: Alena Sazonova from Seen Artists
Makeup: Archangela Chelsea from Celestine Agency using Armani Beauty
Hair: Caylee Jolene from Highlight Artists
Styling: Tabitha Sanchez from The Only Agency
Production: CM Agency
Kensington is wearing Frankie Shop on the Cover
The Unfiltered Truth of Kensington Tillo | The Evolution of a Modern Beauty Icon
This is the story of a woman who defied expectations, redefined beauty standards, and carved out her own path—one that’s as inspiring as it is unforgettable. Welcome to the world of Kensington Tillo.
At just 14 years old, Kensington Tillo was already lighting up the modeling scene of Denver, a rising star in the fashion world. But behind the camera flashes and designer gowns, Kensington harbored a deeper passion, a love for beauty, art, and self-expression that went far beyond the confines of modeling. As her fame ascended in the industry, she felt an internal tug, a deep yearning for something more, a passion that went beyond the surface glamour of the fashion world. This was the beginning of a transformative journey that would see Kensington evolve from a model into a beauty influencer and entrepreneur. It was this passion that would eventually lead her to Los Angeles, where she bravely pivoted from a successful modeling career to become one of the most authentic and relatable voices in the beauty industry today.
In an era where perfection is often curated and filtered, Kensington chose a different path. She turned the spotlight on the raw, unfiltered aspects of life that many shy away from mental health struggles, body image issues, and the pressures of growing up in the public eye. Her honesty resonated with thousands, creating a community that values authenticity over aesthetics. Now, with an impressive list of collaborations, from walking the L’Oreal runway under the Eiffel Tower to building a close relationship with her idol Lady Gaga and her brand Haus Labs, Kensington has become a symbol of empowerment and resilience in an industry known for its challenges. But as she stands at the peak of her success, she’s only just begun.
For Tillo, Los Angeles, a city known for its dreams and dreamers, was where her life took a significant turn. Despite her success, the demands of the modeling world began to take a toll on her mental health. “Modeling was never my true passion,” she reflects. “It was a stepping stone, but it started to negatively affect me, so I knew I had to make a change.” This realization prompted Kensington to pivot, redirecting her energy towards a lifelong love, the makeup. In early 2021, she took a bold leap, stepping back from modeling to focus on creating content that resonated with her true self.
Authenticity has always been Tillo’s Guiding Star.
Kensington’s journey has been deeply personal, marked by an unwavering commitment to authenticity. “Staying true to myself came naturally,” she explains. Her platform became more than just a space for beauty tips; it became a sanctuary where she could share the highs and lows of her life. From the challenges of dealing with psoriasis and mental health issues to navigating personal drama and body image struggles, Kensington opened up about it all. “Nothing has been off the table for me, and it’s all real-life stuff I’m dealing with,” she shares. Her candidness struck a chord with her audience, fostering a community that values realness over perfection.
Art and music have always been Kensington’s muses. From a young age, her older brother introduced her to the world of concerts, sneaking her into shows featuring icons like Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and Britney Spears. “Pop music and art fuel my obsession with glitz and glam,” she says with a sparkle in her eye. These experiences shaped her aesthetic and fueled her creativity, helping her craft a unique voice in the beauty industry.
Yet, despite the glittering success, Kensington admits that the pressures of the industry can be overwhelming. “The fast pace and the pressure to stay on trend while being authentic is something I’ve struggled with,” she confides. However, she finds strength in the community of talented, driven women around her. “Being surrounded by such strong and independent women really puts a fire under me to work hard,” she says. Her audience, in turn, motivates her to keep it real, reinforcing her commitment to authenticity.
Kensington’s path to success hasn’t been without its challenges. Growing up, she faced criticism and judgment, especially for starting her modeling career at such a young age. Overcoming inner demons is something that everyone needs to face at a certain point in life. “Never feeling good enough is a small voice in the back of my head I still deal with to this day,” she reveals. Her journey has been one of self-discovery, where she has learned to be her own worst critic and harshest judge. However, with the unwavering support of her followers, friends, family, and team, Kensington has learned to see her worth. “I started growing my platform when I was in arguably the worst mental and physical state of my life, and knowing people saw potential in me then shows how loyal and lucky I am,” she says with gratitude.
Kensington’s career has been marked by incredible collaborations and unforgettable experiences. From walking the L’Oreal Defile show under the Eiffel Tower to working with brands like Haus Labs and Kosas, her list of achievements is as long as it is impressive. “Walking the L’Oreal Defile show was insane, and I’m so excited to walk again in a couple of weeks!” she exclaims. But perhaps the most surreal moment was meeting Lady Gaga, her childhood idol. “Gaga had us backstage in Vegas and treated us like friends. I still can’t process it!” Kensington’s accomplishments have placed her on billboards in LA and Times Square, but she remains humble and grounded, always acknowledging how fortunate she feels.
Looking ahead, Kensington’s ambitions and vision for the future are clear. “If I could give one piece of advice, it would be: don’t give up and don’t stand in your own way,” she advises. Her ultimate goal? To create her own beauty brand, a vision she is nurturing with patience and care. “I want it to be perfect and to make sense for me. Timing is everything,” she says. In the meantime, she envisions herself becoming the ambassador and face of a major brand, blending her modeling roots with her beauty career. But for her, the most rewarding aspect of her career is the deep connection she has with her supporters. “Meeting them and getting to know them is the coolest thing ever,” she says warmly. Their support has been a cornerstone of her journey, and she is committed to giving back as much as they have given her. “They seriously changed my life,” she says, her voice filled with emotion.
Despite the glamour and the accolades, Kensington is acutely aware of the challenges that come with being in the public eye and of the reality of success. “Models and influencers sometimes get a bad reputation, but I think it’s because we’re misunderstood,” she notes. While some may lose touch with reality, Kensington has stayed grounded, driven by her love for art and self-expression. “In a world with so much evil, art is an escape and a blessing,” she reflects. Although Kensington has achieved so much, she remains hungry for more. “I don’t think I will ever feel fully fulfilled or done with trying to do more,” she admits. The endless possibilities for growth and improvement fuel her drive, ensuring that she will continue to push boundaries and break new ground, even as she envisions herself old and gray.
Tillo’s journey is far from conventional, it’s a story of courage, transformation, and relentless pursuit of passion. From the bright lights of the runway to the raw, real conversations that have endeared her to millions, Kensington has redefined what it means to be a beauty icon in today’s world. She’s not just another face in the crowd; she’s a voice for authenticity, a champion of self-expression, and an inspiration for anyone who’s ever dared to dream beyond the boundaries set for them.
As she continues to rise, Kensington remains grounded, driven by her unwavering commitment to her craft and hercommunity. With a vision that extends far beyond the present, she’s set to leave an indelible mark on the beauty industry. Whether it’s launching her own beauty brand, becoming the face of a major campaign, or simply continuing to inspire her followers, one thing is certain: Kensington is a force to be reckoned with, and her journey is only just beginning.
In a world that often demands conformity, she stands out by embracing her true self and encouraging others to do the same. Her story is not just about success; it’s about the power of staying true to who you are, no matter the odds. As she continues to write her own narrative, one thing is clear: Kensington Tillo is not just living her dream, she’s creating a legacy.
Red Look: Vintage
Black Look: Shushu Tong Dress
