He’s worked with some of the biggest names in the business (Kendall Jenner sound familiar?) and is one of today’s most sought-after makeup artists.
We quiz Estée Lauder’s director of global makeup design, Victor Henao, on his career highlights and favourite beauty looks of the moment.
FQ: How has your career evolved?
Victor Henao: Instead of having one ‘big break’, it has been a slow, steady build to where I am today. However, if I have to point to one defining moment, landing a contract with Estée Lauder has really solidified my makeup-artist status.
Do you have a favourite makeup look of the moment?
A huge trend right now is the use of colour – colour on lips and even bigger colour on eyes! I feel like the lines are blurring between what is and what may not be wearable, so I encourage women to play and embrace the trend.
Name three essential products in your makeup kit and why you love them.
My secret weapon is definitely black eyeliner, it can dress up almost any look in a matter of seconds. I always need a full-coverage concealer because I can choose to sheer it out or apply full coverage. Finally, I can’t live without my beauty makeup lights – I travel with them wherever I go.
You’re a big fan of bronzer and we love it here in New Zealand too. What’s your advice for flawless application?
The best advice I can give is to apply it after foundation to bring colour back into the skin, and when you are done applying your entire makeup, add an extra swipe to the cheeks and forehead. Building layers of sheer bronzing application will make it look flawless and natural.
What steps should every woman take prior to makeup application to achieve a great finish?
One of my all-time favourite beauty tips is one that I feel like we don’t talk about enough: exfoliate, moisturise and hydrate. Honestly, drinking lots of water can do wonders to a makeup look.
What’s the key to good foundation and what tools should we be using?
I am loving Double Wear Makeup To Go. It’s a fantastic foundation with a beautiful, natural finish and I love applying it with a foundation brush for fuller coverage or my fingertips for a more sheer finish.
What keeps you inspired about your role with Estée Lauder?
I love everything about my job, from the early mornings to the late nights, being in the office and working on written material and being in the field. I love playing with makeup on a shoot, I love meeting new people when I get on set. I love my job as a whole.
What products should every woman keep in her handbag?
Concealer and a beautiful lipstick.
