“Very polite” TikTok user Jules Lebrun explains the viral trend and how to embody her “very conscious” ideal

The word “modesty” has been trending online, seemingly out of nowhere, this month and sparking a cultural conversation. The beauty influencer who started the viral trend, Jules Lebrun, spoke to “CBS Mornings” about the inspiration behind her viral video — and what the word means to her.

“Your humility is what it means to you,” Jules said on “CBS Mornings.” “It means being mindful and considerate of the people around you, but also of yourself and how you present yourself to the world.”

The Story Behind “The Sober Trend”

The “modest” trend started in early August when Jules posted a 38-second video showcasing her professional makeup look.

“Look at how I do my makeup at work? Very humble, very conscious. I don’t do much. I’m very conscious at work. Look at how I look? Very elegant. A lot of you girls go to interviews looking like Marge Simpson and go to work looking like Patty and Selma, not humble,” she said in the TikTok video that thrust the word “humble” into the spotlight.

At the time, Jules told CBS Mornings she was working as a cashier and posting content from her car — and never imagined her videos would reach millions of people. Her “shy” theme began as a reference to another video, where she opted to look more natural on her first day at a new job after initially going for a more dramatic makeup look at a previous job.

“I said to myself, ‘Let’s act very normal. Let’s not overdo it.’ And then I said to myself, ‘I’m not going to go into my first day with green curls. I’m not going to go looking like a clown,’ but I was actually referring to how I looked at another job,” she explained in an interview with “CBS Mornings.”

What does “polite” mean?

Jules, known as Giuliani She said on TikTok that her version of “modesty” isn’t just about appearance; it’s a statement of self-awareness and confidence.

“We’re all like this; we’re united, like nothing has to be this serious. Nothing has to be this aggressive. Like everything can be so cute. Where, you know, we don’t do much. We just do so little. I’m not crazy about it. I’m very shy,” she said.

With millions of Tik Tok With her growing viewership and fan base, Jules is redefining what it means to be “modest” in the digital age. For Jules, it’s more than just a saying—it’s a way of life. She uses the word “modest” not only to describe her classic, effortless style but also as a playful nod to her identity as a transgender woman.

“When I started making videos on TikTok, I found more girls like me. I found plus-size and trans girls, who have the same experiences that come uniquely with this group of groups,” she explained.

Jules said she was surprised by how much the video has become. Although she’s experimented with different types of content over the years — from makeup tutorials to Bratz doll videos — nothing has been as successful as her latest “cute” series. The platform has been a huge influence on Jules’ life, providing her with branding opportunities.

As her popularity continues to grow, Jules remains committed to promoting a positive message. She encourages others to find their own meaning in “humility” and to be mindful and considerate in how they present themselves.

“Your humility is what it means to you. It means being attentive and considerate of the people around you, but also of yourself and how you present yourself to the world,” she said.