In Conversation With Beauty Guru-Turned-Foodie Creator Michael Finch
Lashes off, apron on
By Bianca Licina | 24th July 2025If you grew up on YouTube, chances are Michael Finch was one of the faces you followed. Once a beauty guru, now a home-cooking hero, Michael has swapped his palettes for pans – and his four million strong fan base are eating it up. We chatted to the Goldie-based influencer to get the scoop.
Hey Michael! Tell us about how you discovered your love of food?
I’ve loved cooking since I was a kid, always cooking for my family when I was growing up. I used to put on backyard cooking shows for my family using a little gas bottle and hot plate!
You made a huge switch from a beauty content creator to now a foodie content creator. Talk us through what sparked this shift and how you’ve found the transition?
Switching from beauty to food content was definitely a big shift. People were used to seeing me in full glam, so I knew not everyone would follow the change, but I needed it. My skin was struggling, and I’d lost my passion for makeup. I took a break from social media and when I came back, it was through cooking. It took time, but the response has been amazing, and I’m so glad I made the switch.
CREAMY BEEF ONE POT PASTA – 1/2 onion, diced – Garlic, as much as you like – 500g beef mince – 2 tbsp tomato paste – 1 tbsp harissa paste (optional) – 2 1/2 cups chicken stock – 600ml tomato passata/ diced tomatoes – 1 cup heavy cream – 300g pasta – Fresh parsley, for garnish – parmesan cheese for the top
How have your fans handled this change?
One of the comments I get most often and one that always sticks with me is something like: “You taught me how to blend eyeshadow when I was 14, and now you’re teaching me how to cook for my family.” That kind of message means so much to me. Some people have been following me online for over 10 years, which is just incredible. I’m so grateful for that kind of long-term support.
trying the nongshim toomba ramen ramen
You won Food Creator Of The Year at the TikTok Awards – congratulations! Can you describe what this experience was like?
Winning Foodie TikTok was such an incredible experience. I never imagined myself getting up on stage in front of a live audience – that kind of thing honestly terrifies me. Most of us are so used to filming content alone at home and just talking to a camera, so stepping into a live setting was a whole different challenge. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I’m really glad I did it.
Who inspires you and your content?
When it comes to inspiration, my mum is at the top of the list. We’re constantly bouncing ideas off each other and sharing what we’re cooking – it’s a really special bond. I also find daily inspiration from my own TikTok FYP; it’s a constant source of creativity that pushes me to try new things and think outside the box. And of course, I absolutely love Nigella Lawson.
QUICK FIRE
Go-to meal: A good quality piece of steak with some greens sautéed in the pan and potatoes.
Fave fellow foodie creator: Andy Cooks (@andyhearnden)! What a legend.
What are you cooking for someone to impress: Marry Me Chicken or salmon.
You’re going out with friends – where are you booking? Rick Shores, 10000%. Love a martini and a bug roll. Iconic!
Three words to describe your cooking style? Sometimes very lazy
Go-to cocktail order? A filthy martini with three olives – always!
If you had a cookbook, what would it be called? Wouldn’t you like to know 😉
Don’t follow Michael? Do yourself a favour and join him in the kitchen.
