From Lupita Nyong’o award ceremony beats, to your favorite editorial shoots (for those of us who still get a high from picking up a physical magazine), it’s likely that that look was created by one of the top Asian makeup artists in the game.
To celebrate their artistry for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month, and beyond, we’ve rounded up the Asian makeup artists that have created some of those beloved makeup looks. Below are 11 game-changing Asian makeup artists that you should be following for any and all beauty inspo needs.
Scroll through and celebrate these trailblazers, as they deserve to be.
Daniel Martin
An OG in the beauty space, celebrity makeup artist Daniel Martin has already established himself on the pantheon of greats in the beauty industry. Martin has worked on everyone from A-list celebs such as Rachel McAdams, Michelle Yeoh, and even Meghan Markle’s classic glam wedding look. But his work doesn’t stop there; he also serves as the director of artistry and education for skincare brand Tatcha.
Gabbi Pascua
Two-time Emmy Award winner and celebrity makeup artist Gabbi Pasua has pretty much done it all. From working on set on CBS’s The Talk to numerous editorial shoots for Elle, Vogue, and more, Pasua is known for her love of working with natural makeup products to create some of our favorite glam looks. But she’s definitely a beauty chameleon: she’s also a founder of her own media company, ASOB Media, a trained esthetician, and a beauty contributor for Vogue Philippines.
Nick Barose
In Lupita Nyong’o’s makeup artist we trust. Celebrity makeup artist Nick Barose has been working with the Academy Award winner for years and has a storied career that makes him one of the top authorities in the biz. He’s studied under makeup legend Kevyn Aucoin and counts on many stars as regular clientele, such as Lily Gladstone and Tracee Ellis Ross. Turn to him for classic Hollywood looks for times you want to look extra glam.
Allan Avendano
Inspired by vintage makeup looks (think 1970s disco or 1940s retro), celebrity makeup artist Allan Avendano creates some of the most fun, nostalgic looks on the red carpet. Avendano counts Rachel Zegler, Joey King, and Lana Condor as regular clients and is currently a L’Oreal makeup artist.
Kirin Bhatty
Celebrity makeup artist Kirin Bhatty is trusted by all the cool girls when they need to hit the red carpet. Bhatty– who learned to master her crafter under makeup icon Lori Taylor Davis– has worked with the likes of Jenny Slate, Kate Upton, Tessa Thompson, and more. She is known for her playful glam that accentuates natural features with a splash of fun colors.
Grace Ahn
Bold, playful, and all-around exciting, celebrity makeup artist Grace Ahn is the queen of editorial shoots. After a quick scroll through some of her most recent work on social, it’s clear that Ahn loves to play with bright colors and interesting finishes. Turn to her whenever you’re feeling bored and need a spark of makeup inspo.
Nina Park
To say Nina Park’s resumé is impressive would be an understatement. The go-to makeup artist for A-list stars such as Zoe Kravitz, Dua Lipa, Brie Larson, and more, Park studied under makeup legends Diane Kendal and Peter Philips. She is known for her simple, elegant looks and currently serves as a Chanel artist.
Patrick Ta
Name a supermodel you love (think: Gigi Hadid, Joan Smalls and Jasmine Tookes ), and chances are Patrick Ta has worked his magic on their most iconic makeup looks. Ta quickly became the go-to MUA for today’s “it” girls. He launched his eponymous makeup line to give beauty lovers rich pinks and neutral tones, some with the prettiest shimmers, for all their glam looks.
Hung Vanngo
Selena Gomez’s go-to makeup artist, Hung Vanngo is all about Old Hollywood glam. A quick scroll on his IG page alone serves as countless inspo for what shade of crimson you should be opting for when you want to wear a classic red lip or learn how to wear a sultry smokey eye.
Nam Vo
You can’t think of dewy, ethereal glow without thinking of Nam Vo. Creator of the “dewy dumpling,” Vo has become synonymous with radiant glassy skin. Come to her page to learn how to harness the power of a good highlighter and stay for the invaluable skincare tips.
Emily Cheng
Emily Cheng is the go-to artist for some of our favorite A-Listers: Simone Ashley, Billie Eilish, and Sofia Richie included. Known for her subtle glam looks on the red carpet, Cheng usually opts for soft pink blushes to accentuate the cheekbone and neutral lips and eyes to highlight her subject’s natural features.
