Meet Grace Lee, the Makeup Artist Behind Some of Adriana Lima’s Top Looks
She walks us through her process working with the models on The Perfect Fit Design Challenge.
Grace Lee’s obsession with beauty began at age nine when she discovered Kissing Potion and Great Lash Mascara, so it isn’t surprising that her approach to makeup is still relatively simple. When asked which item in her kit she considers her secret weapon, she answers “my hands and brushes—and I can make Maybelline Baby Lips go a long way.”
But Lee’s portfolio isn’t only bare skin and glossy lips. With a huge celeb clientele (she’s done everyone’s makeup from Justin Timberlake to Gigi Hadid) and work in magazines around the world, any look is possible when Lee’s on set. That adaptability is exactly why we asked her to be part of The Perfect Fit Design Challenge. In collaboration with The Suzanne Rogers Fashion Institute, FASHION selected three promising students to design outfits and Lee had to create beauty looks to complement each of the designer’s disparate styles.
Below, the makeup artist breaks down the products she used, the inspiration behind each look and a few trade secrets you can incorporate into your everyday makeup routine.
Photography by Riley Stewart. Styling by Eliza Grossman. Makeup by Grace Lee. Art direction by Danielle Campbell. Hair, Cia Mandarello for P1M.ca. Makeup, Grace Lee for Maybelline New York. Fashion assistant, Cynthia Ongenda. Model, Eliane ciza for Ciotti Models.
Grace Lee’s Inspiration: I wanted the makeup to be neutral and natural, but I also wanted a little glow in all the right places. I used Fit Me! Hydrate and Smooth Foundation in ‘375,’ and I mixed Baby Lips Balm and the Facestudio Master Strobing Stick on the model’s cheekbones and eyelids. For extra glow, I dusted on a layer of Facestudio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter. Total Temptation Washable Mascara was used on the top and bottom lashes, and the brows were brushed and set with Great Lash Clear Mascara. The lipstick was Colour Sensational Shine Compulsion in ‘Chocolate Lust.’
Photography by Riley Stewart. Styling by Eliza Grossman. Makeup by Grace Lee. Art direction by Danielle Campbell. Hair, Cia Mandarello for P1M.ca. Makeup, Grace Lee for Maybelline New York. Fashion assistant, Cynthia Ongenda. Model, Jahyun shin for Ciotti Models.
Grace Lee’s Inspiration: For this colourful outfit, I really wanted the makeup to be vibrant. I decided to add some pops of colour to the model’s eyelids with the Lemonade Craze Eyeshadow Palette. I also used the Eye Studio Lasting Drama Eyeliner Pencil in ‘White’ underneath the eyeshadow to make her eyes really stand out. When I’m doing a brightly coloured eye, I like to keep the rest of the makeup looking soft and natural. That’s why I chose Colour Sensational Shine Compulsion in ‘Baddest Beige’ for her lips. For her foundation, I used Fit Me! Matte and Poreless in ‘238.’
Photography by Riley Stewart. Styling by Eliza Grossman. Makeup by Grace Lee. Art direction by Danielle Campbell. Hair, Cia Mandarello for P1M.ca. Makeup, Grace Lee for Maybelline New York. Fashion assistant, Cynthia Ongenda. Model, McKenzie Verdon for Ciotti Models. Earrings, from $15, H&M.
Grace Lee’s Inspiration: There’s nothing more beautiful and classic than a statement red lip. For this model, I chose SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in ‘Pioneer.’ It’s a long-wear product, which means it’s important to work quickly because once it dries, it won’t come off. You’ll have a perfect red lip with no need for a touch-up. Her foundation is Fit Me! Matte and Poreless in ‘130.’ I also contoured her face with a darker shade of foundation, and then I filled in her eyebrows with the Brow Precise Micro Pencil. For the mascara, I chose Total Temptation, and I used the Eye Studio Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner along her lash line.