Often found on the set of an FQ fashion shoot, she has a wealth of knowledge and years of experience in all things make-up and beauty. Here, she tells us about how she got into the industry, the challenges she faced, and her five must-have products.
In conversation with make-up artist Liz Hyun
I was feeling lost while completing my bachelor of design degree and realised it wasn’t for me.
Any free time I had, I found myself shopping for beauty products and I loved the way make-up made me feel. Hearing compliments from people gave me a huge confidence boost that I was on the right path. I did some research into the make-up industry and found out I could make a career out of it. I immediately enrolled myself into a make-up course and the rest is history.
The biggest challenge was overcoming my fear of not having a stable weekly paycheck.
I’d worked full-time in the retail beauty industry for over a decade, freelancing on the side, so this was a huge transition for me. I decided I wanted to work for myself and have more control over my schedule which led me to pursue freelancing full-time. I love that every day is different. You get to work with so many talented people and meet people from various backgrounds. Transforming faces and enhancing natural beauty through make-up artistry is rewarding.
Establishing a genuine connection with my clients is my top priority.
They need to feel safe to communicate their wants and needs. Working in retail beauty taught me to ask open-ended questions to dig deep and find out beauty concerns and goals. It’s a make-up artist’s job to tailor the application and techniques to the clients. It’s a collaborative process between me and them.
Liz's top five picks
My mum taught me to cleanse, tone and moisturise from a very young age so it became second nature.
I didn’t have a lot of knowledge when it came to make-up, so I wore a little bit of concealer to cover my blemishes. It wasn’t until I was 17 or 18 that I started copying my friends and experimenting with foundation that was way too orange, heavy bronzer, black smoky eyes and frosty flesh-toned lipstick. I used to read the Sabrina the Teenage Witch magazines. They came with a collectable beauty item every issue. I didn’t know what I was doing or what exactly the products were but it was part of the fun plastering everything all over my face.
I visit Sandy at Bare Beauty Studio monthly.
My current morning routine consists of Caudalie Vinoclean Instant Foaming Cleanser, Abib Heartleaf Spot Pad, Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum, AHC Masters Air Rich Sun Stick and Laneige Lip Glowy Balm in Peach. I spend more time caring for my skin in the PM with extra hydration and the removal of make-up.
During the day I like a super minimal, no make-up, clean, perfected skin look.
I love when people say, “Wow you have amazing skin,” rather than, “I like your make-up.” I have a signature evening look which is quite dramatic and a big contrast to my daytime look! A smoky eye make-up with lashes, winged eyeliner, contoured cheeks and a glossy nude lip.
To me, beauty means finding the beauty in something, or using beauty as a tool to feel good about yourself.
Beauty to me also means making others feel good through my artistry by enhancing someone’s natural beauty. I love to celebrate beauty through my clients! I get inspiration from collaborating with fellow creatives, working with lots of different clients, trying different looks with [musician] Chaii. Also from travelling — going into beauty stores and researching the top products and trends within the country. At the moment, I am obsessed with the K-pop group NewJeans.
Words: Liz Hyun as told to Sarah Murray
Photography: Supplied
