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Get ready to step into the world of makeup artistry as we share our exclusive chat with the incredibly talented Loren Canby! Miss Makeup was fortunate enough to interview the celebrity makeup artist who is trusted by the likes of Ella Mai, Amy Poehler, Reneé Rapp and Cara Delevingne. In this article we dive into her favourite mediums, learn about the products used in her most recent looks and share her advice for aspiring makeup artists.
How did you first get started as a makeup artist?
I’m lucky in the fact that I knew I wanted to be a makeup artist at the ripe age of 8. My parents were very supportive and bought me Kevyn Aucoin and Bobbi Brown makeup books. It was only a matter of time before I started practising on my friends.
After college, I worked at the Bobbi Brown counter in Nordstrom for a year and not only saved enough money to move to LA but learned so much about makeup and people. When I moved to Los Angeles, I found a brilliant mentor to assist right away and she opened a bunch of doors for me.
Images via @lorencanbymakeup on Instagram, Ella Mai on Youtube and A-Frame Agency
You’ve worked on a range of projects throughout your career from music videos to editorial shoots. Which medium is your favourite to work with and why?
My favourite is definitely getting a client ready for an event like an award show/premiere because the energy is high and I love the whole collaborative process with the hairstylist, stylist and client- it’s always super fun!
Congratulations on all the success you’ve had so far in your career! What is the most rewarding part of the job?
The most rewarding part of the job is building connections and growing with each client. I’ve been lucky and made some lifelong friends along the way.
In a recent ‘Getting Ready with ELLE’ video you described Reneé Rapp's signature makeup look as “healthy glowing skin, blushy gorgeous cheeks, drama eye and freckles everywhere”. What products do you use to achieve this look?
Images via Elle on Youtube
It changes quite a bit but either Koh Gen Do or Pat McGrath foundation with NARS Matte Pot concealer for blemishes and under the eyes.
Inglot Gel Eyeliner in Black #77 is our holy grail liner and I love the cool tone Gucci Westman Face Track Contour Stick. Some liquid or cream blush (these change all the time), faux freckles using Freck on her cheeks and always some shade of nude lipstick/lip liner.
Can you walk us through the process of designing the makeup look for Reneé’s ‘Snow Angel’ album cover?
Renee is having a dramatic moment with eyeliner and we of course wanted to continue the eye drama with her album cover. We wanted a clean, precise black eyeliner and effortless skin.
Image via @reneerapp on Instagram
How do you stay creative and where do you look for inspiration?
I’m obsessed with Pinterest and TikTok. They are both incredible sources of inspiration and of course, trying out new products will always light a fire inside of me.
What is your favourite insider tip you've discovered since becoming a makeup artist?
It’s about 50% skill and 50% how you make the client feel.
When doing your own makeup, what is your go-to look?
My go-to look is definitely over-lined lips and blushy, glowy cheeks. I typically will throw on a faux beauty mark because why not!
Lastly, what advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists looking to ‘make it’ in the field?
It’s so different these days but I would still suggest assisting makeup artists you admire, utilize social media as much as possible and keep a positive mindset. :)
Follow Loren Canby here:
Instagram: @lorencanbymakeup
Portfolio: A-Frame Agency
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