Makeup Artist Paul Innis: ‘Transforming a Face is Most Rewarding to Me’
Makeup artist Paul Innis shares what he’s learned over the years and tips for women to look beautiful and feel confident. (Photo: Paul Innis)
Growing up in St. Thomas, the vivid colors of the island’s tropical landscape was the perfect backdrop for Paul Innis’ future career in makeup artistry. Innis would illustrate and sketch with colored chalk to blend and shape the colors he saw on the faces of models in fashion magazines. Later, he headed to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, applying his passion for color to mannequin styling. After becoming a makeup artist, Innis’ work brought him to Paris, London, China, and Morocco. His advertising and television clients include Garnier, Avon Cosmetics, and Soft Sheen. The father of two girls has also tended to the famed faces of Tyra Banks, Zoe Saldana, Selita Ebanks, Maggie Rizer, and Keri Hilson. Here, he shares insight about his career path, what he’s learned about working with women around the world, and how to create a made-up face in minutes.
Choosing a career in beauty
I am a fan of many other talented artists, however, Pat McGrath has been a tremendous inspiration in both her creativity and her professionalism. I did not really choose my career as a makeup artist — it chose me. I always knew that I wanted to be a part of fashion. I attended the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and studied fashion design. I soon found myself not only dressing the mannequins, but applying the makeup to their faces. As an illustrator and painter, I created a range of makeup designs. Soon, I went from mannequins at top retailers to real models at photography shoots. Cosmetics are my design tools and, like painting on a canvas, I love to create beautiful makeup that is unique to each woman. I don’t believe in a cookie-cutter makeup.
Helping women see themselves in a new way
I feel that it is my mission not just to create beautiful makeup but to also educate a woman to see herself in a new and amazing way. Transforming a face is most rewarding to me. All of us have insecurities. It is so satisfying to see a woman look in the mirror when I am done applying her makeup and feel her joy looking at her own reflection. I love seeing her love herself.
Beauty varies globally
Having made up women of all ethnicities, I find it remarkable that from Paris to London to Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur there are many different points of view about beauty. Yet, all women everywhere are beautiful. I find it inspiring to experiment and see the world of beauty in expansive ways and create new looks.
Innis’ favorite looks
I have collaborated creatively for many years with a wonderful photographer, Gail Hadani. Her great range of lighting and her sense of play gives me great freedom to create. I have two looks that we did together that are my favorites — one with rhinestones and gems that I placed in specific patterns and colors and another one that has been published worldwide called “Candyland” that has bands of color and bits of candy on the lips. These images represent a use of color and objects to create a finished canvas — a work of art.
Three must-have products
The most used items in my kit are black kohl eyeliner and volumizing black mascara. I use both to create an eye that pops, along with a vibrant cheek color, which makes the face look happy.
Tips for a quick makeup look
It is as much work creating natural makeup as it is a more glamorous look. I love doing both, and treat the skin with great care. When you wake up in the morning and have very little time to do your makeup, use a small amount of foundation and apply evenly over the entire face with a wet sponge for a sheerer application. The skin should look fresh and even toned. Use a bright lip liner and fill in the entire mouth, then add a bit of lipstick and a drop of gloss. Add a little bit of blush on the apple of the cheek and swipe the eyelashes with some mascara and you are ready to go!
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