The bullies who taunted her are no doubt hanging their heads in shame, as Cassandra Bankson strutted her stuff on the runway at New York Fashion Week this past weekend.

Bankson, 19, shot to fame after posting a heartfelt online video (see below) that showed how she covered up her severe cystic acne, inspiring many with similar skin complaints in the process. She made her runway debut parading some chic clothes from high-end US fashion label Boy Meets Girl for their spring/summer collection this past Saturday.

“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,” she was quoted as saying to the NYPost.

Her life has changed completely since the days when she was taunted so mercilessly about her looks that she left school to avoid the constant abuse.

“I used to sit back and let acne ruin my life. But it got to the point where I needed to do something to get myself out of the rut.”

That was when she decided to d post the video of how she had mastered her own makeup routine to cover up her severe acne.

In the 10-minute video, which has racked up more than 43 million views on YouTube, Bankson is frank when revealing her detailed makeup routine to cover up her acne. Using foundation, primers, powders and an array of other products, she meticulously applies her makeup to emerge with flawless-looking skin.

She says her cystic acne – which she was diagnosed with at 14 – has improved since she uploaded the video onto her YouTube channel Diamondsandheels14 in 2010 because of regular visits her dermatologist and her attempt to follow a healthy lifestyle.

She says she originally posted the video to help at least one guy or girl with acne feel better about themselves – not realising that she would in fact inspire hundreds more with her honesty.

Now she regularly posts videos and articles on the best beauty products to use, where she buys her makeup and where she’s jetting off to next.

Watch her amazing transformation below:

Check out Bankson's Facebook page here and her Diamondsandheels blog here.