Chantel Lagos is an Edmonton-based, incredibly talented makeup artist whose artistry I fell in love with the day I was introduced to her for a photoshoot. Here, she shares her fun little tip for sexy lips…and a game-changing skin care tip that will make you go *chef’s kiss*

When and how did you fall in love with makeup?

Some of the earliest memories within my life revolve around makeup and beauty. I remember watching my late grandmother apply her golden lipsticks from Estee Lauder, I believe, in a fuchsia pink shade and being so fascinated by this process of getting ready. 

Observing how it could make a woman feel even more beautiful and confident with herself was amazing to me, and it is a big part of what started my love and passion for makeup. 

Additionally, what added to this fascination for makeup was playing with dolls as a little girl. More specifically, I loved Bratz Dolls. The eyeshadow, eyeliner, and lips were everything. I remember applying actual lipstick to the dolls just for fun. Little did I know it actually served as practice for lipstick application. 

These events in my childhood led to a never-ending passion for beauty that allowed me to continuously discover more within the makeup industry. 

 What was the first makeup item you bought?

It was a Revlon Illuminance Creme Shadow Quad in “Not Just Nudes” (which I believe they still sell). 

I remember seeing so many reviews on that little palette when I was younger that I had to try it, and it quickly became my favourite thing about my very minimal makeup routine. The nude shades were just enough to add a little something to the eye, and because it was a creme shadow, it sheered out to be just a shimmer, which I enjoyed. 

When it comes to cosmetics, what’s your favourite high-end brand & drugstore brand. Why?

This is a tough one cause I usually go for drugstore brands when it comes to cosmetics. 

When it comes to drugstore brands, one of my go-to’s would have to be Maybelline. I really enjoy the coverage many of their foundations give and how they can blend very quickly. Another drugstore brand I recently discovered was Makeup Revolution, I fell in love with their concealers, and it helps to know that the brand is cruelty-free and has a vegan range of products.

However, I tend to splurge on high-end products when it comes to my skincare. 

 Fair enough! What high-end skincare products do you think are worth the splurge?

 My favourite brand and what has led to a significant improvement in my skin have definitely been the OLEHENRIKSEN products. 

I use these products in my day-to-day skincare routine to get rid of acne marks and discolouration and give my skin an overall glow and radiance. These products are on the pricier side. However, skincare is such an essential part of your life, so it’s definitely worth it for me. 

 I know you’ve mentioned you mostly prefer drugstore brands when it comes to makeup, but what was your first high-end makeup product?

My first high-end product was MAC lipstick called Candy Yum Yum, a bright matte neon pink. I wore this colour day to day as a teen, never getting sick of it, and I remember getting several compliments on this shade. Regardless of anyone’s approval, I wore the lipstick because it made me happy and boosted my confidence a lot at the time. 

It was such an exciting day for me because it was my first high-end product, and at the time, I was obsessed with MAC products based on all the makeup tutorials I had been watching featuring MAC makeup. 

 What is your favourite foundation?

The Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Foundation, I love this one because it truly lasts all day if I need it to, and I really enjoy the coverage. A little goes a long way, so I don’t need much to reach the desired coverage. I also like that I have tried several different concealers with this foundation, and it mixes well with any formula I have tried. 

 Lipstick, Gloss, Balm, or Lip Liner?

Lip Liner! Here’s my favourite.

 I love to have defined lips and a wash of colour all over the lips, lip liner is pretty versatile, in my opinion, and I usually go for a more matte neutral lip, so I always have a lip liner on hand. 

However, lately, I’ve been pulling out my glosses a lot more, so it is a bit of a mix for me, but pairing a lip liner and a gloss together? * Chef’s kiss*

What cosmetic brand have you always wanted to try but still haven’t?

I have wanted to try MILK makeup products for a while now. Their products are vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free, and I always gravitated towards their simple, slick packaging. I have tried samples of their primer in the past, but I would like to try a few other products in the future. 

Do you avoid certain ingredients in cosmetics?

Yes! I try to look at the ingredient list as much as possible on any cosmetics I purchase. 

I try to look for cruelty-free and vegan labels on cosmetic brands’ packaging as I feel safer knowing the ingredients will be clean and not tested on animals. If I don’t see these labels on the packaging, I will usually feel detoured to purchase.

 When looking at the ingredient list, I try to avoid products containing ingredients such as carmine, which are crushed cochineal beetles and used for red dye. Mink oil, which is fat from mink carcass and used in cosmetics, is believed to make the skin softer. Just to name a couple, you should avoid many more cosmetics ingredients, so always be sure to check if the cosmetic brand has a vegan and cruelty-free label on it. 

 If you could bring back a makeup look from the past, what would it be? 

I have seen a lot of old-style makeup looks coming back recently. I really like that we know many old trends come back whether they are here to stay or not. We continuously see old-school looks coming back and intertwining with modern-day styles.

 So I think the best way to answer this would be to choose a makeup look that has come back, and I am currently loving, and it is this 1960’s inspired makeup with the cut crease liner. I love seeing this look being recreated and even modernized. I know many artists doing their own take on a cut crease liner, and it continues to inspire me to stay out of my comfort zone and try new looks.

I saw Alexa Demie do this kind of look, and it is definitely one of my favourites. Here’s the look:

As a young girl, what is ONE thing you’re glad you did to master your makeup skills?

I am glad that even as a young girl, I experimented with different colours, shades, textures that made me feel happy and confident, and the first makeup items I had purchased definitely did that for me.

 Describe your personal beauty/skincare routine (AM/PM) 

AM:

In the morning, I wash my face with the First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser and apply First Aid Beauty’s moisturizer as well, which is their Ultra Repair Cream. It’s an intense moisturizer but absorbs so nicely into the skin. It has been my favourite moisturizer for my face.

After that, I use the OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright Eye for my under eyes. I love the Banana Bright Eye Cream; it truly brightens up my under-eye area and leaves them feeling very soft and moisturized. 

I then finish off my morning skincare routine with a cold jade roller to further penetrate the moisturizer into my skin and also de-puff any areas on my face. 

And that’s pretty much it for my morning routine. Not much goes into it because I like to focus a lot more on my nighttime routine. 

PM:

If I am wearing makeup, I like to double-cleanse. I will first go in with some Neutrogena All in One Makeup Remover Cleansing Face Wipes, then wash my face with the same First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser. 

After cleansing, I then go in with a toner, I have loved the OLEHENRIKSEN Glow2OH Dark Spot toner to get rid of excess dirt or makeup, and this toner has really helped with brightening my skin, evening out my texture overall.

 After this, I like to go in with face oil. Recently I have been trying out the Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C rose oil, which has made my skin feel amazing! I also like to use the Biossance Squaline + Rose lip balm, which leaves my lips feeling incredibly moisturized. 

Next, I’ll add some moisturizer if needed, and I use the same Ultra Repair Cream by First Aid beauty, as well as the same under eye cream by OLEHENRIKSEN (a little tip: put your under eye cream in the fridge, you won’t regret it.) 

After I have applied all my creams, I like to finish off by massaging my face with a Jade Gua Sha Tool. 

EXTRA HOT TIP:

The Gua Sha has been a game-changer for my skincare routine. It relieves muscle, joint pain and reduces inflammation. And overall, just an extra step of self-care in your skincare routine, and it feels good to take the time to treat yourself to a time of relaxation, especially before bed. 

 Do you like experimenting with new skincare products, or do you keep a specific routine?

Yes, I do enjoy trying new skincare products! It has helped me find some of the favourites that I use day to day. However, I have sensitive skin, so I pay close attention to the ingredient list on any new products that I may want to try. 

With that being said, I try to stick to a specific routine, and if I do change anything within my skincare routine, it will only be one to two products. For example, I am a bit more open to trying new serums, lip balms, and eye cream. 

For the most part, I like to keep it to the products that have been really working for me and maintaining my skin with moisture and that healthy glow.

One beauty product you can’t leave your house without?

To be very honest, my purse has several products at all times… just in case (you never know, right?) 

One of the main products I can’t leave my house without would have to be lip liner. I love the look of a defined lip. Without it, I feel kind of bare. You can also use a lip liner as a full lip colour (which I always do). It gives the lips a very natural look while still adding a shade to the lips but not looking too harsh.

Your most cherished beauty product?

This is a tough one because there are so many beauty products that hold particular memories, milestones, or whether it be a heartfelt gift, etc., which I’m sure many makeup lovers can relate to them. 

However, one product that holds a lot of sentimental value is an old-school DermaBlend translucent setting powder that I found in my late grandmother’s purse. It was such an amazing feeling to see it because I had the same powder sitting in my room, just a more recent version of it. Needless to say, this sits with my other powders untouched, of course, and will probably always just sit in my collection as a keepsake and as a reminder of what initially influenced my passion for beauty. 

 A beauty guru that you look up to the most?

I love watching @iluvsarahii. I get so inspired by her looks, I love her blending techniques, and I also always listen to the skincare products she recommends because her skin is flawless! I love that she gives a variety on her YouTube channel as well. I get new ideas for food recipes, home decor, accessories, and organization. So I’ve been pretty obsessed with her content, and it doesn’t hurt that she’s a Latina beauty guru!

Do you have a makeup artist you look up to or the one that inspires you? And why?

I have to say Makeup by Mario is a huge inspiration to the makeup industry in general. His makeup looks are perfection, as everyone knows, and he is definitely a makeup artist I look up to.

However, more recently, I came across Hung Vanngo’s Youtube channel and fell in love with his techniques and, of course, his makeup looks. 

I am obsessed with his 90’s looks, and I love that he walks you through the skin preparation before the makeup application even begins. He introduced me to many new techniques and has definitely been a huge source of inspiration for me. 

He works in any age group, which I appreciate because he shows many different skin types and skin tones. When I start to work on more clients, I want to apply many of these techniques I have learned from him to my work.

 If you could do the makeup for any fashion runway show, which brand would you choose?

I had a few brands in mind while answering this question, but then I came across this brand, Missoni, and I really gravitated towards the looks I saw on the runway. I loved to see the range from minimalistic makeup that just focused on a wash of colour on the eye, dewy skin and bronzy cheeks, but then I saw looks that featured a neon blue liner across the eye or a bold lip as well. 

I loved to see the variety of Missoni’s fashion shows, and I think it would be really cool to do the makeup for a brand that likes to keep the models’ makeup minimal while still having a variety.

 What is your advice for makeup beginners?

My advice would be to try new things, even if it scares you.

 New colours, new methods, new looks, and the only way to discover what works for you, and you may just find a new makeup technique that you love. 

Another tip would be to get familiar with products. Product knowledge is essential in this industry and can definitely set you apart in some cases. Educate yourself. If you are in the direction of being a self-taught makeup artist, I would recommend picking up several books on the industry. Especially from artists who have paved the way within the beauty community, some of my favourites are the books from Kevyn Aucoin, such as “Making Faces” and “Face Forward.” 

Lastly, I would advise makeup beginners to work on different skin tones, different skin textures, get familiar with colour matching, and become comfortable with touching clients’ faces. This can be nerve-wracking for beginners, but it is essential to build up your confidence as an artist, be comfortable in your abilities, and recognize your talents.

As a makeup artist, how do you keep up with the latest beauty trends?

Mainly through social media, if I see a look that stands out to me and wants to try, I will definitely re-create it. However, I don’t usually get inspiration based on trends. 

Some of the most inspiring makeup artists I follow have some very “out of the ordinary” looks, and even if it is not something I would wear day to day, it’s still a source of inspiration for me because it truly stands out as art not just merely makeup.

 What, in your opinion, is an essential quality in a makeup artist?

I love this question!

I believe an essential quality a makeup artist should have is being empathetic towards their client. Sometimes you have clients who want a breakout covered, scars, uneven skin texture, etc., and as an artist, you have to understand your clients’ needs (where product knowledge comes in handy, especially with skincare).

 Be friendly, make people feel comfortable in your presence, think about how you would like to be treated if you were having your makeup done. 

If you feel judged or feel like the artist does not know how to work with your skin, especially if your skin is not at the place you would like it to be, chances are you would not want to come back a second time. 

 If you weren’t a makeup artist, what else would you do?

Makeup is a huge passion of mine, so it is difficult to say. However, I would like to take a business course as a foundation for myself as it coincides with wanting to pursue a path in the beauty industry. Ultimately though, I would like to see where this industry takes me. 

When/ What makes you feel the most confident?

It definitely varies for me.

 At times, I feel confident when I have those around me who support and care for me the most in my life. Having good vibes around me makes me feel very confident within myself. Knowing you have a solid group of friends and a fantastic family who supports you boost your confidence a ton!

Sometimes I feel my most confident in moments of solitude as well. I’m sure many can relate to being on both ends of the spectrum. However, when I am in my own company, I genuinely have the time to reflect on many aspects of my life, and I like to take the time to give myself appreciation and praise for how far I have come, even for the small wins. This truly helps to boost self-esteem and confidence. Having pleasant conversations with yourself is a must for some self-confidence boost.  

What self-love activities do you do to feel good about yourself?

Journaling to help clear my thoughts and writing affirmations, I can read back to myself to help me in times of stress or low confidence. 

Again, writing things that make me proud about myself, my strengths, and even my weaknesses/things I would like to improve. Knowing yourself fully and admitting things to yourself about what areas you can improve takes strength and ultimately leads to more self-love. 

Another activity that helps me feel good about myself is working out, distressing, becoming more in tune with myself, and my body is a huge one for me. 

Similarly, meditation is a huge self-love activity that I try to do as much as possible and definitely do more of it. Listening to guided meditations helps me get grounded, destress, and truly be in the moment. 

 How do you boost your confidence as a makeup artist and get out of your comfort zone?

Definitely experimenting a bit more with colour! (Blues, greens, pinks, yellows, etc.) it really gets you out of your comfort zone, and wearing these looks that are more vibrant than the usual boosts your confidence because I get to explore my talents as an artist, whether it was a recreated look or something that came to mind.

 The fact that I explored creatively with makeup and branched out of my usual looks makes me feel really good and definitely makes me step out of my comfort zone.

One makeup tip you would love to share with our readers? 

I know many people may already do this. However, I didn’t start doing it myself until way later, so maybe it could help someone. But do your skincare routine before applying any makeup! 

Having a fresh, smooth canvas to work on does wonders for the final result of the look. I also found that you don’t even have to apply as much product with a fresh, clean face, and everything blends out much more seamlessly. 

Another tip that kind of goes along with a fresh face has your brushes clean and fresh. This helps to maintain your skin free of breakouts and not putting previous products or bacteria back onto the skin, and it helps blend out eyeshadow colours a lot easier too!

Thank you so much, Chantel! for all the hard work and dedication you spent in putting this together 🙂

(IMP: All Pictures of Chantel by Walid Cairo)

P.S. More Beauty Uniforms including a fashion model, a fashion stylist, and a body-positive influencer.