In Tastemakers and Trendsetters, we talk to inspirational leaders in the world of spa, beauty and wellness. This week we chatted with Omayma Ramzy, a Los Angeles-based award-winning British makeup artist whose work has been featured in British Vogue, Flaunt Magazine, Spotify and Samsung, to name a few.

How long have you been working as a makeup artist and what inspired you to get into the industry?

I’ve been working as a makeup artist for about eight years now! I was working on a Fine Arts degree in painting, when at a certain point I stumbled upon makeup and it just clicked as the missing link for me. I ended up finishing my degree, then getting a Bachelor’s in makeup for film and TV for another three years. It was a lot of education, but worth every day of it. My first jobs were working in London’s West End in the wig departments, and taking any job I could get my hands on. I had some friends who were in film school and they were making short films that I’d work on. It was so fun! 

Is there a signature technique you are known for?

Fresh and dewy faces with a pop of bold editorial color is a go-to for me. I like makeup to be fun and playful. I suppose serious and makeup aren’t in the same sentence for me too often.

Are there any projects you are most proud of?

There was a color story shoot I did for Vogue Italia that I really loved. I felt like I was really free with my creativity on that project. 

What are some of your favorite products?

I’m really a big fan of natural brands like Kosas, ILIA Beauty, Vapour and other Credo brands. It’s really nice that there’s a natural and clean beauty brand space now. 10 years ago it wasn’t cool, so there basically were no good brands developed. 

In my own makeup bag I’m using ILIA’s sheer foundation, Cle de Peau stick concealer, and NudeStix glow balm in Hey Honey, which gives the perfect dewy finish on the high points. I also have Thrive Causmetics’ bronzer, which is the perfect tan for me—I love warming up my skin with it.

I love all the cloud paints from Glossier, and I’m loving the Dr. Lipp Nipple Lip Balm. The other day I showed up to a podcast with no makeup on, then found out we were filming too. The Dr. Lipp and a tiny Chanel sample mascara from the beauty counter were the only things I had in my bag. I put the balm on my eye lids, cheekbones, and lips, then applied the mascara—it definitely did the trick. I even rubbed a bit of the mascara on my eyelids, creating an eyeshadow/mascara smudge look. I was into it. 

Who inspires you?

So many people inspire me! I love learning about the creative processes of other makeup artists and creatives. A lot of painters and artists really inspire me as well. Rothko, Matisse, Magritte, Egon Sheile and Cezanne, to name a few. But fine art isn’t really the only inspiration for me. I find inspiration in everything around me: architecture, nature, people, stories, photographs, songs, even conversations. 

Secret to success?

There are a few! I moved to LA knowing less than 10 people, so I know what hustle means. I’d say at the top of the list would be to remove negative people from your life. People you don’t feel good around, feel less than around, feel unstable around—they’re out. And work hard. Being productive really brings my morale up, and with that I make good decisions. To me, work begets work. It’s also important to develop yourself and your own creative work. I don’t really like the term “test shooting,” I’d call them creative collaborative shoots. I do those sometimes three times a week. 

Beauty secrets?

Skin first, always! My skin is its best when I eat well, exercise, do steaming/sauna-ing, and slather myself with face oils. I’m a big fan of using the Pixi Glow Tonic for a light little exfoliation in the morning. No matter how clean my skin is, it always seems to take more dirt off. Right now my skin routine is cleansing morning and night with Tulura’s Botanical Revealing Cleansing Oil. Then during the day, I use Vintners Daughter as a face oil and a bit of Shiseido Eye Cream. I love using the Emma Hardie Neck Serum. It has a roller on it, so it kind of massages the skin too. Sometimes if I’m really dry, I’ll throw in Youth to The People Deep Adaptogen Face Cream or Weleda Skin Food.

I’m a big fan of at-home face tools too. I really love the NuFACE Microcurrent Device. I feel like it provides the most instant results I can see. I love to use LightStim every now and again, especially if I have a break-out. 

Do you have any makeup tips or tricks that you can share with us?

The best trick is taking the best care of your skin. I pretty much always prep skin by cleansing with Bioderma Micelle Water, and then apply a face oil. I really love Le Prunier’s Face Oil. Then I go to town and massage it in for a few minutes so that it really soaks into the skin. 

I’d say the best tip is to just play around with makeup and forget about the rules. When I’m taken out of my comfort zone is really when I learn the most, so don’t be afraid of doing things wrong.  Also Q-Tips are your friend.

Wellness tip?

Eat clean, get sleep, and make time for positive things!  

Best advice?

Be a nice person and focus on your goals and the rest will sort itself out.

Be sure to follow Omayma’s beautiful work on Instagram at @miyma_ramzy and visit her online at omaymaramzy.com.

[Image courtesy of Omayma Ramzy]