A teenager whose acne was so bad she was bullied out of school has turned her skin condition into inspiration for millions of women.
Cassandra Bankston was mercilessly teased because of her raw, pimply skin but now she has turned adversity into triumph with a following of 40 million You Tube fans – and a new career as a model.
Cassandra has shot to fame after releasing a 10-minute YouTube video revealing the special make-up tricks she used to hide her spots.
The opening of her video shows her beautiful, flawless face – but then she starts to remove her various levels of make-up to reveal the acne that has plagued her since she hit puberty.
Her cheeks, forehead, neck and even back are blighted by the distressing skin condition, which affects not only teenagers, but millions of adults, too.
Then, over the next 10 minutes, the 19-year-old brunette reveals how she manages to fake flawlessness.
Her videos have been such a hit, the 5ft 11in teen has been signed up by a number of modelling agencies across the US posing for brands including Bebe and Range Rover – and now she is set to make a catwalk appearance at New York Fashion Week.
She told the New York Post: "It feels like a dream to be here during Fashion Week... I am a different person from who I used to be because I've got so much more confidence now,"
Cassandra, who was diagnosed with cystic acne at 14 says her skin condition is about 70 per cent improved since she first hit the web.
Since posting her YouTube video she has shared more of her tips on her You Tube channel 'diamondsandheels14' and via a blog. Her dream is to create her own skin care range.