15 Beauty Questions With Top YSL Makeup Artist Marcio Abraao

To help you nail the art of makeup, we asked top London makeup artist Marcio Abraao about his beauty secrets. Marcio is the lead regional make-up artist for YSL Beauty and a regular contributor to YSL Beauty social channels. His work has been featured in magazines including Vogue, Glamour & Elle UK. Further, read how his career unfolded, what are his favourite products and the make-up hacks he only gives during paid sessions.

Marcio, tell us about yourself & how did you start your career as a makeup artist?

I was a very shy gay boy, born in a small town in Brazil. I was creative in my way. For example, I loved glitter. When I was 7 years old I mixed a lot of glitter into my hair gel when I got ready to go to my cousin’s wedding. I look like a glitter ball. My Christian conservative mother almost had a heart attack when she saw me! But I looked amazingly insane! My mother was super glamorous, she used to go to a hair salon every week and I used to go with her.

“I always loved to watch people being transformed. And the reveal: when they saw themselves in the mirror for the first time. The beautiful hair, great make-up and I could see how amazing they felt.”

Photo: www.marciobeauty.com

My first contact with makeup was a Carnaval in Florianópolis, Brazil. I went out in Drag with friends for fun (worse drag ever). I had never done my makeup before in my life. Growing up my three great passions were music, fashion and supermodels. I love the look of Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss and Cindy Crawford. No better place to learn make-up than London that’s why I went to the London College of Fashion. After my course, I worked so hard meeting new models, fashion photographers, designers and stylists. I was very lucky as well as my boyfriend works in the music industry and I met lots of cool artists and we were always bouncing ideas off each other and meeting interesting people to collaborate.

“I have done red carpets for the Cannes Film Festival, I had the pleasure to work with Laura Haddock, Clemence Poesy, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Suki Waterhouse, Natalie Dormer, Patricia Manfield (HĒIR) Vogue, Elle UK, Lewis Magazine, Glamour UK, Unblock Magazine ( currently Beauty Editor ) Brands NARS, YSL Beauty and music industry.”

Photo: www.marciobeauty.com

Do you have a favourite makeup look?

I don’t like to put myself in a box. As a make-up artist, I have to adapt to different styles and clients every day. Fashion also changes I love doing complexion, fresh skin, ready for the red carpet.

What is trending in beauty right now?

GLOW skin is my favourite at the moment.

What is the top tip you give to your clients?

Use sun protection, buy good skincare, apply mascara and lip tint every day. No contouring in the morning. For Guys, the Touché Eclat concealer will be your best friend. (once they try it they always love it! ) it looks so natural.

What is the best first date makeup?

If you are going on a first date don’t wear red lipstick.

How you can instantly elevate your look with make-up?

Using a technique called tight liner: when you add a waterproof black pencil on your waterline ( only the top line ) it gives more definition to your eyes and your lashes will look fuller. Add cream blusher or lipstick on your cheeks.

Photo: www.marciobeauty.com

Why makeup is important?

Make-up makes you feel good and look good. And you can have fun with it every day.

What to do when you are not feeling your best or having a bad day hair?

Add a bright lipstick, the attention goes to your lips and not to your hair. It will make you feel better straight away.

What are your favourite products?

I have so many but there are some must-haves. Let’s do by categories! Skincare: Skinfood – Weleda and Face masks (Korean). I love Korean Beauty. For complexion, YSL Touché eclat High cover, tinted moisturiser- NARS. All hours foundation (matte)- YSL. Lipstick: YSL Tatouage and Dior glosses. Eyeshadow: HUDA Beauty, Elf eye primer. Liquid liner – Tom Ford eye defining pen.

How working with a makeup artist can change someone’s image?

Most of my clients say that when they do their make-up they always use the same colours and or do the same look or use the same techniques. A make-up artist will see your face with a different perspective, trying to elevate your best features, but also pushing the boundaries and trying something new and more playful.

How can you develop an easy routine for impactful everyday make-up?

Get products personalised to your features, skin, complexion & lifestyle! In makeup, ist very important to know ‘you brands’. Don’t hesitate to invest in a make-up lesson with a professional artist – you will get a lifetime knowledge on style fo makeup that suits you.

What can you do right now to improve my make-up routine?

Open your make-up bag and let go of useless make-up.

Do you enjoy working with a fashion/personal stylist? Tell us more about the experience.

I love working with other artists. It is a great feeling when someone’s styling ideas work hand in hand with makeup and even hair.

Marcio Abraao & Deni Kiro during YSL Beauty masterclass

What’s hot in 2020 beauty trends?

It’s amazing the beauty industry finally woke-up for people with dark skin. It’s great that this is going mainstream now. Also, I love the new wave of clean beauty with vegan formulas and sustainable packaging.

“Always have FUN with your make-up …. and don’t be afraid of Glitter!”

To who you would recommend a makeup session?

To everyone! There are 3 types of sessions: Make me look amazing ( e.g. for a night out ); How to change your everyday makeup ( new ideas, new looks, coaching session, step by step workshops) and Make-up Feng Shui.

Book your glam up session with Marcio today here

Related: YSL Beauty Masterclass