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If you could have any makeup artist do your makeup, who would you pick?

Obviously not a choice based in reality but Kevyn Aucoin. For someone who is living, the artists I recall are always the ones that I’ve known for awhile–Victoria Cembellin (MAC), Nick Lujan (Make Up For Ever), Lottie (lotstar), and Dustin Hunter.

— Christine

93 Comments

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Stacy Avatar

Same here. I love the way she explains every step, does beautiful work with any and every age, and isn’t married to any specific, current trends that wouldn’t suit me.

Nancy T Avatar

Hard question! And not for any reason likely to make much sense to most, I would imagine. Because of sensory processing issues, it likely would not be anyone well known or famous, but instead someone whom I knew well and trusted completely. Two very good, local MAC Store MUA’ s I knew well enough to trust and have a rapport with but have since been promoted to bigger and hopefully better things. Yes, them!

Jess Avatar

Agreed, Lisa Eldridge for sure. Not only do I love her “makeup for real life” style (as opposed to some of the Instagram/Vlogger styles that might look good in photos but are not particularly wearable in real life IMO), but she seems so intelligent, genuine and lovely, and has this way of making any woman feel really good about their features. I’m a bit of a Lisa Eldridge fangirl. 🙂

Agona Avatar

Ugh, I’ve had my makeup done professionally a bunch of times (at least a dozen and a half; mostly for weddings, etc), and I can count on one hand (maybe even a couple of fingers!) of the ones that did hooded Asian eyes correctly.

kjh Avatar

Wayne. He’s my fantasy son, anyway. The loss of KA will always be deeply felt. Not sure that his eponymous products live up to his legacy. I did have my face done by Jane, one of the retired founders of Benefit, at Bendel’s, when benefit first started. Fair job at best.

Stacy Avatar

I’m afraid that if I tried to have my makeup done by Wayne, I’d be laughing too hard to sit still for it, and in the end would just want to cuddle him LOL!

Debbie Avatar

I, too am channeling those who are no longer with us. I would love to have either Kevin Aucoin, Way Bandy or George Masters do my makeup. Their books line my coffee table. As far as modern times, Wayne Goss…for his way of doing things, and for his snarky sense of humor.

Claire Renee Avatar

Debbie I am on the same wave length as you. I idolized Way Bandy back in the day when he did the make up for covers of Cosmopolitan (late 1970’s and all thru the 1980’s I believe). All the current artists are derivative of him. George Masters, yes for sure. And Kevyn Aucoin absolutely.

I have never been happy with my makeup when done by so called artists though certainly none of them have any international standing but I am not overly impressed with most of the You tubers I see-most look over done to me. If I had to choose from current artists I guess Pat McGrath or maybe Laura Mercier.

Debbie Avatar

I agree on the fact that many of the YouTubers are overly made up. I want to see some semblance of skin peaking through, not the look of a plastic doll. And what is with all the highlighter? Are we trying to help land a plane in fog, or maybe help Santa guide his sleigh? Ridiculous.

Nicole D Avatar

Like you, Christine, Kevyn Aucoin.

From the living, Christophe Danchaud, MUA for Marion Cotillard; he has been the MUA for Monica Bellucci, Keira Knightley and Vanessa Paradis, among others. He has collaborated as well with Karl Lagerfeld and Fendi. I would describe his style as effortless elegance and chic; flawless skin without the makeup being too in the face, while emphasizing your best features. Former dancer, he is an autodidact who taught himself the makeup in his 30s.

Samira Avatar

Lisa Eldridge. Her taste is impeccable. But there are obviously other pro artists out there who are also phenomenal. I looked at one for my wedding but she was way too pricey. Don’t remember her name now – she works a lot but I don’t think is a big name outside of the industry.

Fashn Avatar

YES, I had always hoped someday in some far fletched fantasy I would win a makeover with Kevyn Aucoin, was so saddened by his death, I can only imagine what great things he would have done had he lived, he was a master.

Dustin Avatar

Aww! Too sweet! Thank you! P.S. We would have SO much fun and it would take HOURS because we’d get nothing done but gabbing for awhile! Haha! xoxo

Marie Avatar

Hung Vanngo or Wayne Goss

Hung Vanngo makes everyone look amazing– super models look MORE SUPER. Have you guys seen his IG page? Ridic.

Wayne Goss is so good making skin look luminous and natural. I love his tutorials, his personality, his voice, the way he teaches, everything.

Tracy Avatar

Jordan Liberty, hands down. He’s crazy talented, and his work on the latest Anastasia Beverly Hills campaign was mind blowing. Plus, he recently relocated to Los Angeles, so he’s local. If you don’t follow him on Youtube, you really should. Humble, talented, and truly creative.

Lea Avatar

The comments are interesting, particularly the Kevyn Aucoin ones. He was extremely talented, don’t get me wrong, but his esthetic was to blank out the underlying canvas and completely recreate. While it was beautiful, it isn’t a look I’d want on myself in real life. I quite like Lisa Eldridge and both Chaoman sisters; I’ve had great experiences with Armani’s celebrity MUA Tim Quinn – he’s done my makeup so many times he remembers me by name which is funny to me and probably means I spend way too much with Armani. I also had two great experiences with Tom Fords national MUA. It does help when you have a bit of rapport with the artist because everyone relaxes more. If we were to pick someone off of YouTube, I too would go with Puffin’s Wife. I enjoy her videos and her eye makeup is always amazing and I think eyes are key.

Natalia Avatar

I would be honored to have my makeup done by any of the celebrity makeup artists, let’s be real. In a fantasy world, however, Wane Goss just cause I know it won’t be boring :), Patti Dubroff also comes to mind. That said, there are too many great masters of the skill that me naming these two should not diminish my respect for the others.

lulu Avatar

Pat McGrath is a true innovator who can do wild runway looks and wearable, lit from within looks. Plus she seems down to earth. Wish I could say the same for Lisa Eldridge. Had to stop looking at her site ’cause she seems so full of herself. I’d much rather have Christine do my makeup!! Love Christine’s vibe and incredible work ethic.

TwirlyGirly Avatar

Since it’s never going to happen anyway (having a well-known, professional makeup artist do my makeup), I too am going to choose a makeup artist that passed away – the late, great Way Bandy.

maria Avatar

I know he isn’t living but this is in fantasy Kevin Aucoin. I would love for him to do a subtle everyday look and a romantic look for evening. Also for play I would have loved this talented artist to do different starlet looks from the 30’s it would be fun.

Silvia Avatar

Bobbi Brown she believes in a natural look no heavy wear your wedding cake on face or highliting disco mess. Also Lisa Etheridge for Lancôme soft and feminine.

Bonnie Avatar

I really don’t love anyone who isn’t me making my choices, but it’s washable. Pat McGrath immediately came to mind based on her amazing makeup collections, but I might like Bobbie Brown too. Giggle…talk about a first world problem.

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