From humble beginnings behind a department store counter to working with Hollywood’s elite, one visionary makeup artist has redefined beauty through creativity, collaboration, and passion. While studying art, design, and photography in college, she supported herself by working full-time at Macy’s beauty counter. That experience sparked a deeper passion for makeup artistry. After enrolling in the Rose Hill Makeup Academy, she realized makeup could be more than just a side job—it could be her career. With this realization, she quit retail and moved to San Francisco, working with top photographer Tony Metaxas. There, she refined her skills in lighting, editing, styling, and creative direction, setting the foundation for an exceptional future.
Building a Career as a Visionary Makeup Artist
Throughout her journey, her approach to beauty has set her apart as a true creative artist. Drawing from her fashion background, she uses a lighter hand, focusing on enhancing natural beauty rather than masking it. Her work graces red carpets, magazine covers, and high-profile campaigns, each demanding adaptability and an artistic touch.
When preparing clients for red carpets, she balances artistry with practical considerations like environment, lighting, and the client’s personal mood. Editorial shoots, by contrast, require her to lean into the natural texture of skin while aligning her vision with the magazine’s aesthetic and storytelling goals. Major brand campaigns demand another layer of precision, ensuring the final result resonates perfectly with the brand’s message.
Several products remain constant in her kit. The CHANEL LES BEIGES Water-Fresh Tint Foundation provides a radiant, even-toned base. CHANEL Inimitable Waterproof Mascara in Noir ensures striking, flawless lashes. The Heritage Store Rose Water refreshes and preps every complexion beautifully, helping this beauty expert achieve consistently fresh, natural looks.
Family influences played a crucial role in shaping her creative style. Her Auntie Janet Kaneko Loo, a renowned wearable art designer, taught her to value craftsmanship and individuality. Growing up surrounded by art and spirituality, the young makeup artist was nurtured by parents who inspired a holistic, intuitive approach to beauty.
In her professional development, legendary artists Stéphane Marais and Pat McGrath deeply impacted her philosophy. Both elevated makeup to an art form, balancing natural beauty with conceptual creativity. Assisting Pat McGrath at major New York fashion shows was an early career highlight for this artistic beauty creator.
Empowering Individuality Through Makeup
Rather than chasing trends, the visionary makeup artist draws inspiration from a blend of the subject’s natural features, fashion, environment, and creative mood. Every look she creates tells a unique story, centered around authenticity rather than conformity. It’s this signature approach that makes her work truly stand out in a crowded industry.
One memorable career highlight was working with Scarlett Johansson for the June 2004 cover of ELLE magazine. The combination of fresh skin, a soft smoky eye, and effortless styling resulted in an iconic look that still resonates today. On a personal note, she was five months pregnant when the cover hit newsstands, making the experience even more special.
In another project, she crafted an editorial look inspired by 1960s and 70s glam rock. Using complementary shimmering tones, the makeup artist accentuated her model’s pale blue eyes while keeping the look modern and soft. These carefully considered creative choices ensure her artistry stays both timeless and contemporary.
Today, she continues her strong partnership with CHANEL Makeup and collaborates with upLift 5, a groundbreaking device designed to boost collagen and rejuvenate the skin. The visionary makeup artist envisions blending cutting-edge technologies with regenerative beauty, focusing on enhancing both the inner and outer self.
Conclusion: The Future of a Visionary Makeup Artist
As a visionary makeup artist, her mission remains clear: to inspire creativity, foster individuality, and form deep bonds through beauty. Her work is a living example of “Kizuna” (絆)—the Japanese concept of meaningful, uplifting connections. With every project, she continues to light the way for others, proving that true beauty begins from within and shines outward.
