Grow set to a period into the creation of a makeup artist as we share our exclusive conversation with the brilliant Lauren Canby! Miss Makeup was lucky enough to interview a celebrity makeup artist trusted by stars such as Ella Mai, Amy Poehler, Renee Rapp, and Cara Delevingne. In this article, we dive into her favourites, learn about the products used in her latest look, and share her tips for aspiring makeup artists.
How did you first start working as a makeup artist?
I was lucky: I wanted to become a makeup artist at 8. My parents were supportive and bought me makeup books by Kevin Aucoin and Bobbi Brown. After a while, I started training with friends.
After college, I worked at the counter at Bobbi Brown at Nordstrom for a year and not only saved enough money to move to Los Angeles, but I also learned a lot about makeup and people. When I moved to Los Angeles, I immediately found a brilliant mentor to help me, and she opened many doors for me.
You’ve worked on various projects, from music videos to editorial shoots. What is your favourite medium to use and why?
My favourite thing to do is prepare a client for an event like an award ceremony/premiere because I have a lot of energy, and I love the whole process of working with the hairdresser, stylist, and client – it’s always so much fun!
Congratulations to everyone on the success you have achieved in your career! What is the most enjoyable part of the job?
The most rewarding part of the job is connecting and growing with each client. I was lucky and made some lifelong friends along the way.
In your recent “Getting Ready with ELLE” video, you described Renee Rapp’s signature makeup as “healthy, glowing skin, rosy, gorgeous cheeks, dramatic eyes, and freckles universally.” What products do you use to achieve this result?
It varies slightly, but either Koh Gen Do foundation or Pat McGrath with NARS Matte Pot concealer for blemishes and under eyes.
Inglot Gel Eyeliner in Black No. 77 is our holy grail eyeliner, and I love the calm tone of the Gucci Westman Face Track contour stick. A little liquid or cream blush (they change constantly), fake freckles that Frek puts on her cheeks, and always a shade of nude lipstick/lip liner.
Can you tell us about the makeup process for Renee’s Snow Angel album cover?
Renee has a dramatic eyeliner moment, and of course, we wanted to continue the eye drama on her album cover. We’re looking for clean, neat black eyeliner and light skin.
How do you stay creative, and where do you look for inspiration?
I’m gripped with Pinterest and TikTok. They are both unbelievable sources of inspiration, and trying new products always excites me.
What’s your favourite tip that you’ve discovered when becoming a makeup artist?
It’s nearly 50% skill and 50% how you make the customer feel.
What do you prefer when you do your makeup?
My favourites are the defined lips and rosy, glowing cheeks. Usually, I would put a fake beauty mark, so why not?
Finally, what advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists who want to succeed in this field?
Things are different today, but I suggest helping makeup artists you admire use social media as much as possible and stay positive.