5 Years Later: The Untold Truth About Nathan Schwandt's Life After Jeffree Star And The $14 Million Breakup

The relationship between beauty mogul Jeffree Star and his long-time partner, Nathan Schwandt, was a cornerstone of the YouTube beauty community for five years, but their dramatic split in January 2020 left a void that still sparks curiosity today. As of December 2025, nearly five years have passed since "The Breakup" video, and while Jeffree Star has continued to dominate headlines with his move to Wyoming and various business ventures, Nathan Schwandt has almost entirely vanished from the public eye, fulfilling his stated desire for a life away from the relentless spotlight of internet fame. This deep dive explores the full biography of the man known as "Nate," the true reasons behind the split, and what his private life looks like today, far removed from the pink walls of the Hidden Hills mansion.

The story of Jeffree and Nate is a classic tale of two worlds colliding: the flamboyant, hyper-visible world of a YouTube celebrity and the quiet, grounded reality of a Michigan native who was initially a pet-shop employee. Their five-year romance, which Jeffree once valued at over $14 million, ended with a tearful YouTube announcement, but the true, long-term impact of that high-profile separation continues to shape both of their lives today.

Nathan Schwandt: Full Biography and Profile

Nathan Schwandt, often simply referred to as "Nate" by the beauty community, stepped into the public eye when he began dating Jeffree Star in 2015. His presence in Jeffree’s videos and as a face for Jeffree Star Cosmetics products like the *Blood Sugar* palette made him an instant, albeit reluctant, celebrity. Here is a detailed profile of the man who became a global figure:

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• Full Name: Nathan Schwandt
• Date of Birth: August 18, 1993
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 32
• Birthplace: Michigan, United States
• Zodiac Sign: Leo
• Nationality: American
• Family: He has a younger brother named Zach Schwandt.
• Pre-Fame Career: Worked as a pet-shop employee in Michigan.
• Relationship Status: Single (following the breakup with Jeffree Star).
• Known For: Ex-boyfriend of Jeffree Star, former model, and entrepreneur.
• Role in JSC: Frequently appeared in Jeffree Star Cosmetics promotional material and YouTube content, often referred to as a "model" or "business partner" during their relationship.

Nathan's initial appeal to fans was his laid-back, "straight-man" persona that provided a perfect foil to Jeffree's extravagant personality. He was often seen caring for their dogs, including Diva, Daddy, and Diamond, and managing the more logistical aspects of their shared life, including their extensive car collection.

The Real Reasons Behind "The Breakup" and the Quest for Privacy

The announcement of the split between Jeffree Star and Nathan Schwandt in January 2020 was a monumental event in the YouTube world, resulting in the emotional video titled "We Broke Up." While the initial explanation focused on mutual love and the need for personal growth, further details and the passage of time have illuminated the core issues that led to the end of their five-year commitment.

The Burden of the Spotlight and Fame

The primary and most consistently cited reason for the breakup was Nathan’s profound discomfort with the level of fame and public scrutiny that came with dating Jeffree Star. Jeffree himself confirmed this, stating that Nathan "never wanted to be famous" and never wanted to be in the spotlight. Jeffree’s career, which involved constant filming, massive public events, and a life lived entirely online, was fundamentally incompatible with Nathan’s desire for a quiet, private existence.

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• Incompatible Lifestyles: Jeffree’s life was an endless cycle of content creation, business meetings, and public appearances, while Nathan yearned for a return to normalcy.
• Mental Health and Pressure: The intense pressure of being a global figure, having every action scrutinized by millions of fans and critics, took a significant toll on Nathan’s mental well-being.
• Forgotten Selves: Jeffree famously said in his breakup video that they were "both so busy being there for each other that we forgot to be here for ourselves". This speaks to the all-consuming nature of their public relationship.

The Rumors of Nathan's Sexuality

A persistent, though unconfirmed, entity surrounding the breakup was the speculation about Nathan's true sexuality. Rumors circulated online that Nathan was actually straight and had been speaking to or sleeping with women. While Jeffree Star publicly denied these specific rumors, he did later hint at complexities in Nathan's identity and his struggle with being openly gay in the public eye. This layer of speculation added to the intense media scrutiny and likely contributed to Nathan's desire to retreat from the public sphere.

Nathan Schwandt's Life in the Aftermath: Five Years of Privacy

Since the split, Nathan Schwandt has executed a near-total withdrawal from the celebrity world, making his post-Jeffree life a testament to his desire for privacy. His actions have demonstrated a clear and deliberate move away from the "internet personality" label.

The Shift to Stealth Mode

Immediately following the breakup, Nathan completely deactivated his main social media accounts. This was a critical step in reclaiming his personal life. While he did eventually return to Instagram, it was with a new, highly-curated, and often private account, a stark contrast to the public-facing, highly-engaged profile he maintained during his time with Jeffree.

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His current online presence is minimal, focusing on personal updates rather than the sponsored content and brand promotion that characterized his previous life. This move is the ultimate fulfillment of his stated wish to escape the "spotlight" and the constant demands of celebrity culture.

What is Nathan Schwandt Doing Now?

Information on Nathan Schwandt's current job or exact location is intentionally sparse—a clear indication that he has successfully re-established the private life he always wanted. Entities and keywords associated with his former life, such as the Hidden Hills mansion, the Rolls-Royce collection, and the constant presence of a camera, are now firmly in the past.

• Location: It is widely believed he returned to his home state of Michigan, or at least a location far removed from the Los Angeles celebrity scene.
• Career: While he was once an aspiring model and entrepreneur, his current occupation is private. It is likely a job that allows him to maintain a low profile, possibly related to his initial interest in pets or simply a return to a non-public, traditional career path.
• Relationship with Jeffree: Despite the dramatic split, both Jeffree and Nathan have confirmed that they remain friends and still communicate, a testament to the genuine love and long history they shared. This amicable post-breakup relationship is a rare entity in the world of high-profile celebrity splits.

Nathan Schwandt’s journey from a humble pet-shop employee to a global internet personality and back again serves as a powerful cautionary tale about the true cost of fame. Five years on, his silence is his loudest statement, confirming that for some, the most valuable commodity is not wealth or influence, but the simple, unscripted freedom of a private life.