It’s time to do your makeup, but instead of trying that new look or technique you’ve been meaning to, you play it safe and stick to your usual routine. The clock is ticking, you’re not sure you can pull it off and you don’t want to have to start over again.
It’s a moment many women can relate to. And exactly why makeup artist Laura Amaya, owner of Laura Amaya Beauty, created her custom beauty lessons after hearing a common cry for help from her clients and everyday makeup wearers.
Her one-hour private sessions are designed to help those looking to improve their makeup skills (myself included). Originally based in Toronto, Laura has been in the beauty industry since 2010 working with brands like Bobbi Brown and Estée Lauder, TV personalities, brides-to-be and more.
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“I feel that being a makeup artist is like being a therapist. You have to really listen,” Laura says. “Maybe the product that you were once using isn’t working anymore. Or maybe you have a whole bunch of stuff that you don’t know what the heck to do with. Being a working makeup artist, I give you my prescription on what you need.”
Before I went in for my consultation, I filled out her quick makeup bag questionnaire, outlining my go-to products, goals, any concerns and what I wanted to learn more about. When the day finally arrived, I walked into her Hertel Avenue studio with a fresh clean face, a rather large backpack of my skincare and makeup and an eager mind—ready to absorb every drop of makeup wisdom Laura could give me.
To start off the session, she reviews your makeup bag then helps guide you to achieve your ideal look. If there’s a product you’re missing, Laura supplements with her professional kit. She then leaves you with recommendations of how to round out what’s in your bag (and yes, what has to go).
“The goal is to make sure that you have your basics to create an everyday look,” Laura says. And from there, you can add on.
“The reality is that there is no one size fits all. Every face is different. We all have different concerns and different needs. The idea is to just get something that’s going to work for you.”
At the end of the lesson, I left feeling like my best self, armed with more pro tips and complimentary brushes—and the realization that I was putting bronzer way too low on my face all this time.
“There’s nothing more powerful than how I can make a person feel more confident,” Laura says. “Makeup, at the end of the day, is meant to be so much fun.”
Makeup lessons are available both in person and virtually for $150. Laura also offers group lessons and personal shopping.
3 universal beauty tips
Laura’s basics for newbies and pros alike.
Start with skincare. Makeup will work better with the right prep. Know your skin type to best care for it with the skincare basics: face wash, exfoliants, moisturizers, serums and suncare.
Work with what you’ve got. When looking for inspiration, stick to people with similar eye and hair color—and a similar age group.
Keep a clean kit. Makeup has a shelf life. And don’t forget to wash your brushes! Your products will last longer with the right maintenance and care.
