Meet the Makeup Artist: Kaarin Lanyi

Q. How do you know Makeup Artist Lindsey Jones? A. I met Lindsey on the Michael Bastian FW '12 show. She complimented me on the organization of my makeup station. :)

Q. What lip gloss/ color is in your purse right now?

A. I'm currently using L'oreal Colour Riche Balm in Nourishing Nude. I don't like wearing lip gloss or lipstick so I'm always on the hunt for a texture somewhere in between. This balm is semi-shiny, tinted, and has SPF15. The color is just a fraction of a shade deeper than my natural lip color; it's the perfect no-lip lip for me.

Q. How long have you been a makeup artist and what type of work do you do?

A. I was approached by a producer in NYC to do makeup when I was about 20. She immediately had me working on TV productions even though I was totally clueless! (I wish I had a photo of my kit from back then to share! Hilarious I assure you.) It was a whirlwind experience that I wasn't quite ready for so after a year and a half of trying to figure out how to be a freelance makeup artist without mentors or makeup pals I left that path for a few years to pursue work in the same field as my degree (Architecture Studies and Urban Design). While working at the architecture firm I realized that I really did want to do makeup and I was finally ready to tackle it on my own terms. I've been a freelance makeup artist full time for 5 years now since I came back to artistry. I would say that my work is split pretty evenly between TV, fashion, and private clients. Love my job!

Q. Who or what do you look to for inspiration and why?

A. I think that environment (both natural and designed) inspires me more than anything. That's why I love living in NYC - there's always something new to look at! Architecture is really important to me and I think that my love of structure shows pretty explicitly in my makeup (especially the more creative work). I love textures, too. I constantly take pictures of tree bark, peeling paint, rusty metal, and shadows. When I discovered a website dedicated to seeing repeated patterns in environment and design I nearly died of happiness! Look!

Q. What project are you most proud of any why?

A. I had the privilege of going to Tulum, Mexico last spring with the fashion team from the Observer Magazine (Guardian UK) to shoot three fashion editorials. I did both makeup and hair for all three stories and I think they all came out really well. It's so nerve-racking to work in the middle of nowhere because I know if I forget something I need I'll be out of luck! Needless to say, I had everything I needed and had a really fun, creative week working outside of my element with wonderful people.

Q. What are your favorite false lashes?

A. I use Ardell DuraLash Naturals in Short and Medium the most. They're my favorite flared individual lashes because of the absence of the knot at the tip. They look the most natural out of all of the lashes I've tried and they're versatile. I can use them just to fill in gaps in the lash line or really pack them in to create a lush lash. You can never find the Mini length in stores (I order them online) but they're also great for adding density to lashes while remaining invisible. Secret lashes. ;)

Q. What is your best kept makeup artist secret?

QUICK TIP: Use a humidifier through the winter if you live in a cold or dry climate. It will improve the condition of your skin and lips more than you can imagine! Think of it as a boost to your skin care routine.

SKINCARE: My favorite cleanser of all time is Alchimie Forever Excimer Gentle Cream Cleanser. Not only does it remove all of my makeup (including eye makeup and mascara!), it leaves my skin feeling soft and glowing before I've even moisturized. A perfect cleanser in my book.

I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT: Elemental Herbology Facial Glow is the best exfoliator I've ever used. It's a lactic acid based mask you leave on for a few minutes (no scrubbing involved) and removed with a washcloth. I was introduced to it at an all natural spa in Hawaii (at the Edition Hotel in Waikiki) and I'm really glad I splurged. Exfoliation has never left my skin so happy, hydrated and calm until now.

LATELY I'M LOVING: Koh Gen Do's concealer palette is my current go-to concealer for under eyes. The shades are pretty limited but work on skin tones ranging from fair to medium. Two of the shades are quite peachy so they're perfect for counteracting under eye darkness. (Camila Alves is wearing it in the photo!)

Website: www.kaarinlanyi.com

Twitter: @KaarinLanyi

Camila Alves at QVC Runway FW '12

Observer Magazine shoot in Tulum, Mexico Sculptural makeup for an InFashion Magazine editorial

Website: www.kaarinlanyi.com | Twitter: @KaarinLanyi