Beauty Boss: Celebrity Makeup Artist Kelly Zhang Created a Minimalist Cosmetics Brand That Is Accessible to Everyone and Is Helping to Build the Next Generation of AAPI Makeup Artists
Kelly Zhang.
Our latest Beauty Boss is Kelly Zhang, a celebrity makeup artist and Founder of Kelly Zhang Makeup—a clean, accessible makeup line that was created to address her clients’ needs and simplify the process of finding everyday products. She also owns Kelly Zhang Agency, where she is building the next generation of AAPI makeup artists across Los Angeles and New York, in addition to Studio K Hair Designory, a hair and brow salon in Pasadena, CA.
A highly sought-after makeup artist with a passion for education and a vision of making women feel that learning about makeup is not out of their reach, Zhang is truly an inspiration. We recently sat down with the makeup artist extraordinaire, who talked all things beauty including her favorite beauty and wellness tips, secrets for success, what’s in store for the brand, and much more.
One of Kelly Zhang Makeup’s signature products is the Liquid Concealer ($25), which conceals the appearance of darkness and imperfections with an advanced, clean formula.
When was Kelly Zhang Makeup founded and what inspired its creation?
Kelly Zhang Makeup was founded in 2010 and relaunched in 2020.
I was inspired to create a brand for everyday women who were overwhelmed with products and how to apply makeup. I wanted to create a minimalist makeup routine that was accessible to everyone. The brand is clean, vegan, and cruelty-free.
Do you have a hero product?
I’m a big fan of multi-tasking products. Our hero product is the peach concealer/eye brightener.
What’s your favorite product from the brand?
My personal favorite product is the lip and cheek duos, another multi-use product. I also love the tinted primer with hyaluronic acid and SPF.
Where are your products sold?
Our products are available on our website.
Zhang is a celebrity makeup artist with more than 15 years of experience in the beauty industry and has worked with clients for weddings, special events, and photoshoots.
Future plans for the brand?
We hope to increase brand awareness and expand the brand to reach women everywhere.
Who inspires you?
As a makeup artist, I am inspired by my clients. I am also inspired by other women brand owners and entrepreneurs like Susan Yara and Amy Liu.
Secret to success?
My secret to success is to never give up. Channeling one of my favorite movies, “Finding Nemo,” my motto is: No matter what comes your way and through the ups and downs, just keep swimming.
Beauty secrets?
Less is more. With a less is more mentality, my advice is to focus on quality, multi-tasking products. I love teaching women with step-by-step tutorials and my 3:5 golden ratio for doing face and eye makeup.
For the holidays, Kelly Zhang Make-Up is offering a Holiday Set ($75) that includes a signature limited-edition bag, lip + cheek dup, and dream gel lipliner.
Wellness tips?
Focus on skincare and to keep is simple with vitamin C and SPF.
Best advice?
Take care of yourself. Drink lots of water and exercise. You must be your best self to show up for others.
How do you like to relax?
I really enjoy spending time with family while traveling.
For more information about Kelly Zhang and Kelly Zhang Make-Up visit her website and follow on Instagram: @kellyzhangstudio @kellyzhangmakeup
[Images courtesy of Kelly Zhang]
Tara KP Troszak is an LA-based lawyer, self-proclaimed cat lady, writer, and freelance makeup artist for MAC cosmetics. She lives in the San Fernando Valley with her husband Nick and her cat Chevy. Follow her on Instagram: @makeupbytkp.