By Hannah Powling
We were lucky enough to have a peek at her works of art within the pages of Art & Makeup, but we also have an exclusive interview with the award-winning makeup artist herself; to celebrate the launch of her inspirational book. Inspirational makeup artist Lan Nguyen answers some of our questions about her makeup essentials, coming makeup trends and who inspires her…
How did you get to where you are now? Did you always know you wanted to do make up?
It’s taking me over 13 years of sheer hard work and self motivation to get to where I am now. I never really got any hand outs but I was lucky to be in situations that presented themselves which led me to each job I did. A lot was being at the right place at the right time. I have also had a lot of support from other makeup artists and having a team allows me to undertake bigger projects. I have really grown with the other talents I have always collaborated.
I never knew being a makeup up artist was a job! If I had known that I may have started earlier and trained but it wasn’t my journey but I did know I always wanted to be creative and paint so in that way it worked out for me.
You are such an inspiration to make up artists, so what/who is it that excites you, and influences your work? Where do you find your inspiration?
I love looking at the couture shows in Paris. Something about them that has a lot of freedom and fantasy which I think is so beautiful. I have a lot of influences from shows and different cultures around the world and especially get my inspirations from designers that I collaborate with but also the greats like John Galliano, Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen shows. Tim Burton really excites me for design and film work.
What is the creative process for planning/coming up with your intricate make up looks; how long does it usually take you? Is there a narrative behind your work?
A lot comes from general research constantly so when I get a brief I go straight to my memory bank and start compiling ideas. It’s not until I know the styling, hair and context of what is happening and especially with the model do I decide what I do. I like to have choices and back up looks if something doesn’t feel right but most of all I let it happen organically as this keeps it more interesting and new for me to work.
The narrative comes when I have finished the look as then I can backtrack and make sense of what I have created. At the time I don’t know what I’m doing as I go but gut feeling of what is right for the situation and then tweak to make it a strong long.
Sometimes I can take a few seconds and instantly know what will work but usually it’s very rare to be stumped with ideas as I’m always on the go!
Coming make up trends to look out for?
Lots of trends for colour eyes, dusky and taupe colours. White liner flicks, glitter and beautiful finished skin.
What’s in your make up bag? Are there any products you couldn’t live without?
Burberry Fresh glow
Benefit porefessional
Hour glass veil primer
Amazing cosmetics concealer
Mac Black Track
Laura Mercier Bronzer
Paw Paw cream
Eylure individual lashes
My tweezerman brow kit
Bourjois cheek cream
Nars contour sticks
Lancome eyebrow pencil
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Take a look at Lan’s Art & Makeup book…
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