Give Me Glamour: Makeup Bag Must-Haves with Lauren Andersen

TRIBEZA contributor Kelly Krause recently chatted with celebrity makeup artist and Austin resident Lauren Andersen about her exciting career. From the red carpet to the runway to Austin events, Andersen shares her career journey with us, along with the scoop on her makeup bag must-haves. 

A Conversation with Lauren Andersen 

I’ve loved following celebrity makeup artist Lauren Andersen on Instagram since I first saw an event she did with Melanie Jacobs, celebrity hairstylist — and my hairstylist! — at Deep Roots Salon.

Lauren has such a fun and unique approach to makeup, often using colors in ways I’d never considered and she can quite literally do every look — from casual to editorial to high fashion, and anything in between. Not only does she document her clients’ looks at photoshoots, red carpets, and events like SXSW, ACL and Formula 1, but she also showcases her own looks, which always stop me in my tracks as I think, “How did she do that?” 

We’re happy we got to learn a bit more about Lauren and her style. If you’re not already, give her a follow on Instagram at @laurenandersen.

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Lauren Andersen (photo by Adam Moraz)

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Lauren Andersen (photo by Adam Moraz)

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Lauren Andersen (photo by Adam Moraz)

Can you tell us about your background? How long have you been doing makeup and how did you get your start? 

I have been doing makeup professionally for 22 years — eek. I started in retail, which was a great way to get experience, practice, and paid all at the same time — a hot tip for those starting out. From there, I contacted models and photographers to do test shoots to build a portfolio and gain on-set experience. My first celebrity client was Jessica Alba. She opened many doors and helped guide me and my career.

How long have you been in Austin? 

I moved to Austin in 2018 shortly after my son was born. 

Is there an Austin event you love doing makeup for? 

Austin draws in some amazing talent and I have been fortunate enough to work with artists like Suki Waterhouse and Duran Duran for their ACL press and performances. I’ve worked with Tilda Swinton, Michelle Yo, Ali Wong, and many others for SXSW premieres and appearances. Chloë Grace Moretz loves to pop in for the Formula 1 races. 

How would you describe your individual style or approach to makeup? 

At the core, I want my clients to feel confident. So, whatever that means to them. We typically start with questions like, “What is the event?”  “Where are you going?” “What are you wearing?” From there, we decide upon a look that suits the occasion. I always want my clients to feel and look their best. 

I’m sure you work with several brands and are constantly being sent products to sample. Is there one product you consistently work with and never change? 

That’s tough. I’m currently using and loving Tom Ford’s Traceless Soft Matte Foundation. 

What has been your favorite collaboration, person, or brand? 

I spent a lot of time working with Jessica Alba. I really enjoyed working with a client so closely. Getting her ready for all kinds of occasions felt like girls just having fun, from attending shows like Valentino and Dior during Paris Fashion Week, to creating looks for the Met Ball, red carpet premieres, or even movie roles.

Is there someone, person, or brand, that you’re dying to work with? 

I’d love to collaborate with any brand that is high quality and high performance. I always want to try new products. Talent-wise, I’m definitely open to whatever opportunities present themselves, hopefully experiences and artists that expand my creativity and consciousness. 

What trend are you enjoying right now? 

I’m getting a kick out of the “mob wives” trend. Give me glamour. 

Honestly, I just love seeing when someone tries something new and steps out of their comfort zone. Pamela Anderson has been turning heads by not wearing makeup, and showing up fresh faced and confident AF. I love this rebellious spirit and appreciate nonconformity. It’s obvious that her confidence comes from within, and that’s beautiful and that should be acknowledged. Makeup is fun — I love it, and I love that it can be used to transform people and make them feel more confident and beautiful, but at the end of the day, it’s how we feel about ourselves. Our confidence and our inner beauty is what is most alluring. 

What’s one thing you wish people knew about makeup? 

I wish people paid close attention to ingredients and what they are putting on their skin. Is this healthy? Is this brand ethical? And then, people can make informed purchases. Brands would then react and change their ingredients or practices to react to the market setting a higher standard of quality for all. 

Lauren Andersen’s Makeup Bag Essentials

• Ilia mascara is my go-to and favorite. I love this brand
• Hourglass powders have been a go-to for years. They have a refined shimmer that gives off a soft, radiant glow.
• Ourselves Lip Plumper and gloss. It really works and it’s not too stingy.
• Tatcha Dewy Spray. I love this for a dewy look. It’s also a great tool to use when you need to reactivate your makeup.
• Cle De Peau concealer. It has a soft finish and stays put.
• KS&CO Brow Gels and Pens are my go-to for shaping and defining brows.