Advice from a Makeup Artist
My Best Makeup Advice
My biggest lesson from being a makeup artist for the last 10 years is that beauty is individual. Beauty is whatever you want it to be and no one but you has any say in that. Beauty standards can be extremely damaging - I’ve experienced it and seen it first hand. I think it is safe to say that we all have. I wanted to start off this year by speaking to this and making it extremely clear that you have full control over your beauty.
“Over the past decade working as a makeup artist, my most profound realization is that beauty is a highly personal and individual concept. ”
Over the past decade working as a makeup artist, my most profound realization is that beauty is a highly personal and individual concept. It is a reflection of your own preferences and desires, and no one else should dictate what beauty means to you. The detrimental impact of societal beauty standards is something I've personally witnessed and experienced.
Addressing this issue at the beginning of the year is essential to emphasize that you have absolute control over your perception of beauty. As a seasoned makeup artist, I frequently encounter clients who, upon sitting in my chair, feel compelled to apologize for what they perceive as imperfections: "I'm sorry for these zits," "You have a lot of work ahead of you," or "Leaving the house without makeup was scary." It's disheartening to witness these apologies, which stem from societal pressures and unrealistic standards perpetuated by the media.
My role extends beyond the application of makeup; it involves providing support and empowerment. Before enhancing external features with makeup, my primary objective is to help individuals recognize their worth and cultivate confidence. Makeup application is just one facet of this process, as true beauty encompasses various qualities that each individual bring to the table.
As we embark on a new year, I urge you to keep this perspective in mind. While I can skillfully apply makeup to accentuate your external features, I will never advocate for altering your appearance to mimic someone else. I firmly believe that everyone possesses a unique beauty that should be celebrated as it is—beyond surface-level aesthetics. The choice to embrace and enhance your distinctive beauty lies in your hands.
xo, Jacqueline
