Makeup artist Andreea Ali knows how to give good face. The Paris-based, Romanian makeup artist has worked in beauty for two decades and has garnered 1.17 million YouTube subscribers thanks to her commitment to easy, effective makeup techniques and trust-worthy product reviews. We had the opportunity to chat with the beauty expert, who opened up about her favorite (and least favorite) beauty trends on social media, her new makeup course, her go-to Sunday Riley skincare staple, and so much more.
Tell us: How did you get your start in the makeup industry?
“I was in my first year of college, where I studied English and Journalism, and one of my classmates did an internship at the most popular TV channel in Romania. She knew my passion for makeup and thought I was doing a great job, so she recommended me to the people she was working with. They finally called me and asked me to do a makeup test on one of the reporters. I did this woman’s makeup, and she loved it. That was it. I got hired for the next four years as their makeup artist. After I finished college, I knew I wanted to work as a makeup artist. Actually, I have always dreamed of this job, but 20 years ago, this wasn’t viewed as a job where I’m from, it was just a hobby. So when I was actually paid to do this, I knew my dream could be possible.”
Who has been the most surprising source of inspiration for you?
“Always my mom and my aunt. When I was a child, I didn’t have access to magazines. So, I was inspired by these two women and MTV. My mom wouldn’t leave the house without her blue eyeliner and mascara, which complemented her blue eyes! She paired this look with a bright, pearly-pink lipstick. My aunt is 13 years younger than my mom; she’s also blonde with blue eyes and would wear so much black mascara it would look insane in contrast with her very pale skin. But then her thing was red lipstick, which she still uses now at 50. They had a special bond, and they both loved beauty so much! I remember my aunt’s first job was at the famous factory Schwan-STABILO, so she had access to the best makeup brands in the world! I was 11 years old when I played with my first Dior eyeliner, although I had no idea what Dior was! So yes, my mom and my aunt are my greatest source of inspiration.”
Is there a makeup blunder that stands out to you the most?
“There are so many. But the biggest mistake is the limitation. We often limit ourselves in terms of colors. I know many women who say, ‘I don’t look good with red lipstick!’ Red is in you! You do look good with red lipstick; you just need to find out the best red for you!”
You launched your first online makeup course in the past year. Who do these videos cater to?
“Yes, I do! I am so proud of that project. It’s been so successful. The idea behind the makeup course was to create a series of videos where I explain how to apply each product, like foundation and concealer. It’s a very simple approach. It’s different from my YouTube channel because each product will be applied to five women of different ages and ethnicities. It was created for women who don’t have the time to watch all my other videos, where I share so many tips. I curated the most important information and simplified it in this course. If I had to choose one video, it would be concealer! Because concealer is the secret of the universe! But you don’t need this makeup course if you’ve been watching most of my YouTube videos already.
Can you tell us about a social media makeup trend you love now? One you can do without?
“I love reviews! It’s amazing how passionate we are about a product we love or don’t love. People get so personal and involved with it; it fascinates me. I hate trends like 100 layers of foundation. I don’t understand those.”
You worked behind the scenes at Paris Fashion Week this year. What’s the most exciting part about creating these looks and partnering with the designers?
“I love the work behind a look! I think it is my favorite part about being a makeup artist. And that is not just during Fashion Week — it’s anytime I do a cover or an editorial. What I like the most is the teamwork. This job can be a little lonely sometimes; it’s never the same people you’re working with, but when all people work for the same idea, the result is always amazing.”
How does skincare play a role in creating a base for makeup?
“It’s the most important thing! I always tell my clients that if they have a good skincare routine and religiously exfoliate their skin, almost every foundation will look amazing on them. Exfoliation, of course, is key! One of my favorite products is Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment. It’s a more gentle exfoliator, so it’s suitable for every skin type. At night, before moisturizing, I add one pump, which is enough for the whole face and neck. I promise that 10 days into it, your skin will be brighter, smoother, and with less texture!”
Can you walk us through your everyday makeup look?
“Being a mom changes the makeup game! I love multi-use products. Lately, I find myself not using foundation anymore, concealer only because God knows I need it more than ever now. I am currently using Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Concealer, and I’m in love! For bronzer, I love the Valentino Bronzer; it’s crazy easy to apply because it won’t ever be patchy! It has the smoothest texture, and I love to apply it to my eyes. I am lucky to have good brows and eyelashes, so clear brow gel works great for me, and a good mascara — like the new Chanel Noir Allure Mascara — will do the trick for eye makeup. Lip liner is an absolute must for me; I would typically go for a beige color, but I’m not faithful to one product only. It depends on what I have nearby. Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Liner in Warm Taupe is probably the one I would use the most right now. I would finish my look with YSL NU Lip and Cheek Balm. My favorite color is Nu Flush, which I apply on the cheeks and lips. It’s the most beautiful rosy pink; it just makes you look healthy and pulled together.”
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