In This Article
You know whats hard?
Sometimes, its easier to show rather than tell.
Such is the sentiment of a handful of makeup artists on Instagram.
They cover their faces in gems, paints, and the occasional leaf picked from the garden.
I knew I wanted to be bold, be in the beauty industry…
I knew Id make a difference."
Alis makeup style is colorful, busy, and a little macabre.
“This look made me feel so high-tech, she says of her creation.
The lines reminded me of the inside of software, like the first Apple MacBook computers but only cooler.
“How can I make it new, fun, and excitingbut still make it me?
In June, Ali painted arrest the cops that killed Breonna Taylor in big, bold lettersacross her face.
She was met with praise, but also vitriol.
Some people thought the Breonna Taylor look was disrespectful, she explains.
But that is my art medium.
Its the same as someone painting a burning cop car or making songs about politics.
We see it as [acceptable] because its music and we know music.
This is my form of protest.
I owe it to people and to myself.”
Shes double-majoring in biological sciences and physiology and whips up full-face makeup masterpieces regularly.
Shes got a host of assignments coming down the pike and is understandably feeling stressed.
She starts every look on her iPad, illustrating colorful lines over a selfie of her bare face.
Its her version of a makeup artists paper face chart, modified for 2020.
This bit of extra pre-production makes it easier for her to plan out intricate shapes.
But this is my outlet for art.
Doing makeup is much more rewarding than painting because its so much more natural to me.
I think it looks better on a face than on a canvas.
With this look, Kwok was going for regal.
In true, 18th century Romanticism fashion, she went heavy on the blush.
The blue lines were courtesy of Glisten Cosmetics' Wet Liner in Sapphire.
The thing that ties it all together though, is a handful of carefully-placed pearls.
I thought Id jazz it up a bit.”
I wanted to feel a bit glamorous.
Its one facet along with clothing and scent that can help her shape-shift into a truer version of herself.
When I make art, I feel myself again.
Her looks come in waves.
My queerness comes into play and shes the one in charge, she explains.
As soon as I commit to creating a look the vision starts popping into my mind.
I just know what I need to do to my hair and what accessories to wear.
The look in question was born on a surprisingly calm day in late October.
This look represents how much of a softie I am.
She finished off the eyes with red and white liquid liner.
“Lately Ive been feeling really good, she says, almost surprised.
This whole month Ive been reflecting on how far Ive come.”
ItsEuphoriameets Clares and for her, it ties deeply to mental health.
“Thats how much makeup is therapy for me.”
She takes a lot of inspiration from desi culture, but finds it particularly stimulating to subvert the narrative.
Desi makeup is very problematic, she begins.
My heads absolutely scrambled here, there, and everywhere.
I just woke up and felt like shit, she says of the day she created her look.
She pulled out her favorite turtleneck and used it as inspiration for her eyes.
The vibe was butterfly fairy so she grabbed some colorful liners and started drawing.
Feeling good about yourself, its the best feeling ever.
You cant compare that to anything."
