By: Elle dela Cruz
Waepril “April” Chua did not set out to be the face of a beauty revolution, but a scroll through her feed suggests that she’s become just that. Known to her followers as April, the Vancouver-based creator has quietly redefined what influence looks like in a space obsessed with perfection. Her signature blend of skincare science, stripped-back honesty, and subtle charm has captured the attention of beauty lovers and global brands, without compromising her voice.
While names like YSL, Armani, Prada, and La Mer have come calling, April’s rise was not powered by polish or performance. Instead, she built her platform on real conversations, unfiltered tutorials, and a deep respect for her audience’s intelligence. In a sea of sameness, she offers something rare: beauty content that feels as smart as it is sincere.
The Unfiltered Truth in a Filtered World
April’s reels skip the dramatic transitions and airbrushed lighting, opting for close-ups of her testing serums at her bathroom sink or debating the merits of hyaluronic acid versus squalane oil. “I let my creativity shine by staying true to myself,” she says, brushing a hand through her signature tousled waves. “If a product doesn’t work for my skin type, I will say so. If a foundation oxidizes, I will show it.”
This refusal to perform has become her superpower. While other influencers chase viral trends, she dissects ingredient lists like a cosmetic chemist, explaining how ceramides strengthen the skin barrier or how vitamin C fights hyperpigmentation. Her followers do not just watch, they trust. When Prada Beauty needed authentic voices for their Canadian launch, they bypassed influencers twice her following and sent their coveted PR packages to her doorstep.
From Kitchen Counters to Front Row
April’s journey began not in a studio, but at her kitchen island, filming tutorials between sips of matcha. Her early videos were raw, unscripted, and heavy on skincare science, which caught fire among viewers tired of #sponsoredcontent that felt more ad than advice. Brands took note. First came Kiehl’s, then Farmacy Beauty, then the holy grail: an invitation to Vichy’s product launch event, where she charmed executives by asking more questions about formulation than photo ops.
“Great brands recognize when you care about their craft,” she reflects, recalling the moment La Mer reps slid into her DMs after she critiqued, then praised, their updated moisturizer formula. Her secret? Treating collaborations like conversations. When Ellis Brooklyn sent her their new fragrance, she spent a week testing its longevity against Vancouver’s rainy climate, then posted a day-by-day breakdown.
Glowing Beyond Borders
Though firmly rooted in Canada, April’s influence now ripples across oceans. Her “retinol vs. retinal” explainer racked up shares from Dublin to Dubai. At the same time, her sunscreen advocacy, a crusade she calls “SPF evangelism”, has inspired French pharmacists to tag her in their product recommendation posts. “Glowing skin is not about geography,” she shares.
This global resonance comes at a pivotal moment. As luxury beauty conglomerates pivot from celebrity faces to relatable voices, April’s hybrid of expertise and approachability has made her a linchpin for brands targeting Gen Z and millennials. Yet she still answers every DM about cystic acne remedies and once postponed a sponsored post to troubleshoot a follower’s foundation shade match.
The Price of Staying Real
Maintaining this balance is not always glamorous. April recently turned down a five-figure deal because the product conflicted with her vegan ethos. “You can’t buy trust,” she shrugs, adjusting a ring light in her home studio.
As the conversation concludes, she glances at a shelf crowded with unopened PR packages. A Prada lipstick in “Cancan Red,” a limited-edition La Mer jar, and a handwritten note from YSL’s global creative director sit prominently displayed. “These are not trophies,” she says, tracing the embossed logos. “They are rather reminders that being yourself is enough.”
In an industry racing toward AI influencers and virtual try-ons, April’s most significant collaboration remains the one she’s built with her audience, and no filter is required.
Published by Jeremy S.
