Meet Phaith Montoya - A Social Media Guru Empowering the Next Generation of Women
Photo Credit - PrettyLittleThing
Phaith Montoya isn’t just a content creator, she’s a movement. Phaith’s story is one of resilience, empowerment, and an unwavering commitment to change that inspires, uplifts, and proves that true beauty knows no size. With a massive platform of almost 4 million followers across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, the 26-year-old content creator with a passion for fashion, beauty, and mental health has quickly cultivated a supportive community that strives for a more inclusive world.
As a plus sized woman, Phaith acts as a vocal trailblazer by speaking out in the often-narrow fashion industry, advocating for brands to expand their size ranges and provide more in-store representation. She has solidified her status as a style icon by securing partnerships with Nike, Fenty, and other renowned brands, in addition to participating in 2022 Miami Swim Week.
Most recently Phaith shared an exclusive summer edit with UK based fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brand PrettyLittleThing, whom she serves as the newest brand ambassador for. Her selects include figure flattering maxi dresses, vibrant patterned two-pieces, and other stylish choices. Of course, all of Phaith’s curated picks are available in a large range of sizes to accomodate differing body types.
Photo Credit - PrettyLittleThing
Phaith believes that every voice deserves to be celebrated, and is actively striving to give plus sized women a larger platform to attain the representation they have long been lacking.
Leveraging her social media platforms, Phaith enables open discussions about mental health, including her personal experiences being diagnosed with high-functioning depression and binge eating disorder. By effortlessly bringing pressing issues to light, Phaith provides much needed candor and visibility to millions who are suffering in silence, and enforces her commitment to destigmatizing mental illness.
Throughout her experience as a content creator, Phaith has found that her following can help her as much as she helps them. After making the bold and liberating decision to shave her head in 2019, Phaith took to social media to share her hair growth journey. Documenting her life also meant documenting her personal hardships, including a heart-wrenching breakup and the devastating loss of her cousin to COVID-19.
Phaith’s vulnerability resonated with individuals across the globe, leading her to gain over 1 million followers in a year. Phaith realized that she had found her calling - she could truly make a difference on these platforms, all while spreading positivity, promoting inclusivity, and personally healing with the help of encouragement from her supporters.
Photo Credit - PrettyLittleThing
Beauty is truly holistic - we must focus on our overall wellness, including mental health, in order to achieve our most beautiful selves. Something that I personally believe is when you look good, you feel good! Investing in ourselves can mean investing in our appearance, an aspect that plays a huge role in self confidence for many. Acts of self care can include developing an effective skincare routine or nailing down must-have makeup products that make you feel your best.
To help our BELLAs discover the practices and products that make them feel most radiant, Phaith shared her exclusive beauty secrets that’ll ensure you and your skin glow all summer long.
Photo Credit - PrettyLittleThing
What is a skincare ritual you would never do without?
Sunscreen is my non-negotiable. I’m a huge advocate for SPF because no skincare routine is complete without proper sun protection. It's the shield that keeps all your other efforts worthwhile, preserving your skin’s health and radiance.
How do you maintain a positive mindset when you wake up feeling less than positive?
Practicing gratitude is my go-to. It’s almost impossible to stay negative when I focus on the countless blessings in my life. Of course, I have my off days, but the love and light surrounding me make them rare. Gratitude keeps me grounded and lifts my spirits.
What are some of your top summer beauty tips?
First and foremost, glowy body SPF is a game-changer! I adore using glow serums on my body, and with the addition of SPF, it’s a perfect combination of beauty and protection. Another trick I swear by is applying stick deodorant between my thighs to prevent chafing. It ensures smooth, gliding skin without any discomfort, especially on those hot summer days.
Can you share some of your favorite facial products for the summer and fall seasons?
My summer and fall beauty arsenal include: L’Oréal Glotion for that radiant glow, Saie Bronzer for a sun-kissed touch, Fenty SPF Skin Tint for lightweight coverage, Benefit Floral Tint for a pop of color, Urban Decay Waterproof Powder, and One Size Waterproof Setting Spray. Urban Decay’s Waterproof Powder is a lifesaver because it’s sweat proof, making it ideal for hot, sunny days when you want your makeup to stay flawless. These waterproof options are perfect for any event, ensuring your makeup remains impeccable from dawn till dusk, no matter the heat.
Phaith’s Go-To Beauty Routine Products:
Dermologica Pre Cleanse Oil
Youth To The People Cleanser
Heritage Rose Water
Dr Dennis Gross Red Light Mask
Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer
Soko Glam Rice Water Toner
Lancôme ADVANCED GÉNIFIQUE FACE SERUM
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Fenty Beauty Skin Moisturizer Sunscreen
Bobbi Brown Face Base
NYX CONTROL FREAK EYEBROW GEL
Laneige Glowy Makeup Serum
L’Oréal Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer, Face and Body
Urban Decay Waterproof Foundation
Saie DEW BRONZE SOFT-FOCUS EFFORTLESS LIQUID BRONZER
Benefit Floral Tint
Hourglass Concealer
Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder
NARS Highlighter Blush in Orgasm
Makeup Forever Lipliner in Forever Cacao
NYX BUTTER GLOSS NON-STICKY LIP GLOSS
Charlotte Tilbury Setting Spray
To follow along on Phaith’s journey, follow her on Instagram and TikTok at @phaithmontoya.
