If you asked me what a perfect day looks like, I’d say it starts before the sun fully rises: a quiet moment with coffee in hand, brushes gently resting in their case, and a plan for the day that blends artistry with storytelling. I’m a makeup artist by trade and a creator by choice—a person who loves transforming faces, sure, but even more loves the moment a look tells a small, personal story. This is a snapshot of a typical day in my world.
Morning ritual: reset, hydrate, create My mornings belong to quiet rituals. I cleanse my skin with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, pat it dry, and apply a lightweight moisturizer with SPF. Sunscreen is non-negotiable; I’m on camera almost every day, and it’s the easiest way to protect the canvas I’m about to work on. While the skin drinks in the product, I brew a second cup of coffee and take a few slow breaths to set intention for the day ahead.
I round up my kit with intention too. I’m not chasing perfect; I’m chasing intention. I check my brushes for cleanliness, load up the pigments I’ll need, and make sure my camera, lights, and audio are ready if I’ll be filming. In my line of work, preparation isn’t a luxury—it’s a signal to the team watching (even if it’s just my camera and me) that we’re ready to honor the look with care.
A look for every client: building a versatile kit When I’m booking a makeup session, I’m thinking about a few core questions: who is this person, what story do we want to tell, and where will this look be seen—on a red carpet, in a day-to-day setting, or on screen? My kit is a toolkit for many suns and many moods. I keep it organized by function: base products, eyes, cheeks, lips, and finishing touches. A few staples I lean on often:
- A breathable, medium-build foundation or tint that blends into multiple skin tones.
- A creamy concealer for brightening and covering.
- Cream blushes and highlighters for a dewy, skin-first glow.
- A neutral eyeshadow palette that can be built up or kept soft.
- Brow gel, mascara, and a clean lip balm or lipstick with a long-lasting finish. I also stock skin-tone inclusive shades and tools that make makeup feel approachable for everyone. Inclusivity isn’t an afterthought; it’s the core of good artistry.
Client session: from briefing to final look My client consults usually start with listening. I ask open-ended questions about lifestyle, comfort with makeup, and the vibe they want to radiate. Then we draft a plan—sometimes it’s “no makeup makeup,” other times it’s a bold editorial statement. The performance of makeup is about more than color—it’s about how it reads in motion, under different lights, and across skin textures.
Step-by-step during a session:
- Prep the canvas. Gentle cleansing, a light moisturizer if needed, and a sheer primer to even texture without masking it.
- Shape and balance. I map out the face using soft, clean lines—conveying symmetry without erasing personality.
- Color story. I choose color warmth and depth to complement the client’s undertones and lighting. I start with sheer layers and build slowly; fear of heaviness is a myth I love debunking.
- Texture and finish. I alternate between cream and powder where appropriate to keep skin looking alive rather than painted.
- Review and adjust. I step back, check from different angles, and ask for feedback. The best looks come from collaboration, not command.
- The reveal. We capture a couple of test shots to ensure the look holds under the camera’s gaze.
Filming and sharing: behind the scenes of a beauty creator If I’m filming a tutorial or a quick tip video, I lean into process transparency. Viewers connect with the “why” as much as the “how.” My filming setup is deliberately simple: a couple of soft lights to mimic natural daylight, a camera on a steady mount, and a mic that catches voice clearly. I narrate in a calm, friendly tone, sharing why I chose certain textures, why I adjusted a shade, or how I corrected color balance when a light source fluctuates.
Editing is where the magic becomes a story. I trim to keep the pace engaging, annotate key steps, and add a few relatable anecdotes about makeup mishaps and quick fixes. My goal isn’t to present perfection but to invite others into the learning curve—everyone starts somewhere, and every small improvement matters.
A quick “how-to” you can try at home
- Focus on skin first. A light, breathable base with a touch of concealer can smooth but still let your natural texture show charmingly.
- Layer with intention. Build color slowly; you can always add more, but you can’t easily remove what’s already laid down.
- Use multi-use products. Cream blush can double as a lip tint; a sheer highlighter can lift the eyes and cheeks without looking frosted.
- Keep the eye simple. A softly defined lash line with a couple of coats of mascara often reads as polished without looking heavy.
- Finish with protection. If your makeup is for daytime, ensure SPF is active on the skin or placed underneath your makeup.
Looking back, what I’ve learned
- Humility matters. The best makeup enhances a person’s natural beauty rather than masking it. If someone feels seen and comfortable, I’ve done my job well.
- Practice is artistry with intention. The more I experiment with textures and compositions, the more I realize makeup is a language—subtle shifts can tell very different stories.
- Diversity and inclusion aren’t trends; they’re responsibilities. Shade ranges, accessibility in tutorials, and respect for all skin types deserve steady attention.
A few favorites that stay in rotation
- For base: something breathable with adjustable coverage.
- For eyes: a neutral palette with a mix of satin and matte finishes.
- For lips: a hydrating balm with a hint of color and a reliable long-wear option for events.
- Tools: clean, well-kept brushes; a reliable brush cleanser; a portable mirror for on-set checks.
A note on skincare and ethics I’m often asked about skincare in relation to makeup. My philosophy is simple: skincare is makeup’s best friend. Healthy skin is the best canvas, and sunscreen is non-negotiable. I do my best to highlight brands that align with cruelty-free practices, inclusive shade ranges, and transparent ingredients. If sustainability matters to you, start with brush-cleaning routines, reusable tools, and mindful product choices.
What I’d tell someone starting out
- Practice consistently. Your hands will learn the muscle memory, and your eye will refine what looks good on different faces.
- Build your toolkit thoughtfully. You don’t need every product at once; grow your set with intention based on the looks you want to create.
- Learn from others, but tell your own story. Your voice matters in this crowded space—share what makes your approach unique.
If you enjoyed reading about a day in my life as a makeup artist and creator, I’d love to hear from you. What part of the process would you like to see next—more tutorials, a behind-the-scenes look at a real client shoot, or a deeper dive into skin-first makeup techniques? Leave a comment, subscribe for more posts, or drop me a DM with your questions. Your story, your makeup, your vibe—let’s tell it together.
