We’ve been lucky enough to talk to one of the most in-demand makeup artists in the world, Yasmin Heinz, just as she recently launched her latest book ‘Elements‘. She’s such an inspirational makeup artist who has worked with some of the biggest names in fashion and beauty from Chanel, to Dior and Alexander McQueen. Her undeniable talent has been sought by celebrities, including Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Suki Waterhouse, and Tyra Banks, to name a few.
In our interview with Yasmin, she talks about how she started her career, shares some previous memorable experiences and of course, tells us all about how she had the idea for her new makeup book ‘Elements’.
We love your Elements book, can you tell us what element you feel closest to, what is your sign?
As a fish, I feel most comfortable in the water.
Are there countries and people that you associate with each element more than others?
For me, you can find all elements in every human being no matter where you live on this planet.
When did you realise you wanted to do makeup? Was this something you were always passionate about?
My mum was a ballerina and I used to watch as she created her own makeup looks before going on stage. I was always painting on walls, paper, anything really but watching her made me realise you can create art on faces too. It took a long time before she let me do her makeup and the first time it was for a school carnival; I drew on a tiger mask using my fingers. When I looked through magazines or comic books the faces always fascinated me more than anything else and I wanted to know how they made the characters look so beautiful.
What has been your most memorable work to date and why?
That was my very first shooting in New York, where it all started. It was a story about 20 different Native American Indian tribes. I found myself among four famous makeup artists and nobody talked to me during the first day… A German youngster whom they have never seen before and on top shooting with this famous photographer. I photocopied all kinds of these tribal body paintings and took them with me to the shoot. Hiding them in my bag under the table I looked them up every time I was nervous. One of my toughest shoots I went through. The photographer worked with me many times after, as he thought I would be different.
This is your second book, was this a different process in putting it together than the first book and if so what did you do differently?
My first book is about enlightenment, my insight artist point of view to inspire other makeup artists as well as makeup lovers. It is a tactile book, answering a majority of questions and explaining makeup secrets.
The idea for the second book called “elements” was born three years ago when my creative team first spoke about this project. My book is a journey through the universe of beauty in collaboration with other renowned artists.
How did you go about dividing each look into its element?
It was quite easy for my creative team to find the right images for each element section from my vast archive.
What do you think of the contouring trend and what do you think will be a big trend in make up in 2018?
I am not a big fan of contouring – always stay authentic and be positive.
There are some great makeup trends in 2018. Most important is that girls look positively healthy and fresh with glowing skin.
I personally like the black eyeliner with a rounded wing and the yellow gold highlighter swept across the cheekbones and applied on the inner corner of each eye the most.
Are there any makeup products you can’t live without?
I always have my skincare product ‘La Nuit de Chanel’ and one red lipstick in my bag.
How do you feel about social media, are there any platforms you love/hate and why?
I am a big fan of Instagram because it is a fantastic visual platform to spread makeup ideas with others from all over the world.
What advice do you have for someone who wants to be a makeup artist?
Being an artist is a really emotional lifestyle and job. Inspire and empower others with your makeup showing them their beauty by helping them to understand how. Makeup can be your best friend. Feel confident, try the unknown and have fun – smiling should be your biggest reward.
You can now order Yasmin’s new book ‘Elements’ £36 here.