Making it up as they go

Diandra Wong  and Jacob Branson’s are two of PRHS’s aspiring makeup artists

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Sitting in the natural lighting of her room surrounded by multitudes of colored eyeshadows, lipsticks, brushes, and other makeup necessities is an aspiring young makeup artist. Sophomore Diandra Wong started her makeup journey by watching YouTube tutorials and began practicing on herself. She loved doing makeovers when she was younger: it allowed her to give herself a complete makeover. She enjoys doing makeup to pass the time and when preparing for special events.

“Makeup makes me feel good because it is innovative and super fun,” said Wong, with a radiating smile and a wistful chuckle.

The average woman will spend around $15,000 in her lifetime on cosmetic products alone. Wong estimates she spends between $50-$75 on a basic makeup shopping spree.

However, to accommodate all personalities, makeup products come in many varieties, from drugstore to high end. Her favorite high-end brands are BH Cosmetics and Anastasia Beverly Hills, but just as good are her preferred drugstore brands like Maybelline and L’Oreal. According to Wong, It’s all about being creative.

Though Wong’s loves the transformation of makeup, she recognizes it’s not needed to make someone feel as if they need to change who they are.

“Makeup is great but don’t think you need it all the time. You’re beautiful no matter what,” said Wong.

Being a makeup artist help to spark her creativity and love to experiment with different looks and styles. Wong allows her mind to wander and draw an image of what she wants to create.

“[My style] depends on what I feel, [but] most of the time it’s very simple,” said Wong.

Wong shows her talent through tutorials on her Snapchat. She advises those who are just beginning to do their own makeup to just have fun, keep practicing, and keep experimenting. There is no right or wrong way to express yourself.

As most high schoolers know, it is not easy to find something you truly love to do. Wong has found her niche using her creative talent to transform faces with an array of makeup products.

 

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Molding the prosthetics, splattering fake blood, and layering on the latex, finally the young man pauses to see his creation. Senior Jacob Branson is a young artist who portrays his creativity in makeup. Though his story sounds similar to Wong’s, his journey with makeup began with experimenting with special effects makeup five years ago.

“[I was inspired by] seeing the transformation people go through both physically and mentally.” Branson said.

He does special effect makeup for special events and in his free time. In the spring musical last year, Little Mermaid, Branson did his own makeup for his role as a turtle. Sophomore Josie Scruggs acted alongside Branson in the musical and was in awe of his talent.

“He did his own [for the show], but he does other people’s all the time. He just loves makeup and he’s really good at it,” Scruggs said.

Branson plans to follow a career in cosmetic surgery and to continue with makeup.

“[I like] the endless possibilities of creating art and seeing how far my abilities can improve. [I like] the endless possibilities of makeup in general,” said Branson.

His favorite brand for special effects makeup is Ben Nye “because of the quality and it’s a brand someone of any experience level can use.” He believes he spends around $125 on an average makeup haul. However, he doesn’t buy makeup every month.  

Most of his artistic creativity comes from himself. He allows his imagination to take over letting himself try anything he wants to. Branson advises artists who want to learn makeup to “go into it with an open mind and always be willing to learn.”

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