We recently had the opportunity to meet the very talented, Grace Chun. She is known best for her makeup artistry skills, and also for her infectious bubbly personality. Grace’s work can be seen in the pages of 944 Magazine, New Boyz feat. Ray J “Tie Me Down” video, and also for celebrity fashion designer Lauren Elaine.
Grace Chun is naturally gifted with an eye for makeup artistry, and we’re told that she is going to be involved with some very high profile projects in the near future. Be sure to stop by her website, www.gracechun.com, for all of the latest updates.
And, last but not least, we were lucky enough to catch up with Grace in Santa Monica for a quick interview. Enjoy!
How long have you been a MUA and How did you get started in the industry: I’ve been a full time MUA for 2 years, but my unofficial start as a makeup artist came 16 years ago as a 10 year old at figure skating competitions and shows. I probably had just as much fun (if not more fun) applying makeup on my friends and fellow skaters as I did competing and performing on the ice. Over the years it kind of just snowballed into something bigger and greater. It grew from a fun hobby to something I do for a living.
My first “official” job as a full time MUA in the industry was a fashion show during LA Fashion Week. It definitely escalated my love and interest for makeup as a profession from that point onwards. While it wasn’t my first job as makeup artist (I had done some test shoots with photographers as a hobby and to build my portfolio), but it was the first time I truly FELT like a real makeup artist.
Signature style/look: My signature is a clean, natural beauty look. It’s also something I personally wear on a day to day basis. For an evening out I play it up with eyeliner, lashes, and/or a bolder lip color.
Favorite Beauty Must Have Item: Shu Uemura Lash Curler, Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer. I use them on all my clients as well as myself on a daily basis.
Share a makeup secret/tip: As it is with a painting, the secret to great makeup is a well prepped canvas. Don’t forget to softly exfoliate the face and neck the day of a big makeup day and always moisturize with an oil-free formula at least 15 minutes prior to applying makeup so the skin has enough time to fully soak it in.
Favorite lipstick color: It’s hard to choose one particular color. My favorite lip color changes with the seasons. I’m currently into red lips. A red like Elizabeth Arden Color Intrigue Effects Lipstick in Poppy Cream.
Favorite lipgloss: I’m not quite sure if this is considered a lipgloss due to their opaque coloring, but I’m loving Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (OCC) Lip Tars. They have a wide range of colors and they’re meant to be mixed for custom coloring. I apply clear lip tar on my brides for a long lasting finish.
Have you worked on any celebs, if so, which one was your favorite!: I have worked with a few and all were fun in their own way. The shoot I have to say was the most memorable was my first 944 Magazine photo shoot which turned into something much greater than I expected. I arrived at Smashbox Studios just a few weeks into my full time makeup career and expecting a quick photo shoot for a 4 page feature. It ended up being a 16 hour day which included my first music video work for the New Boyz feat. Ray J “Tie Me Down” video. They may not be huge celebs but they were young, fresh, and definitely fun to work with. They ended up shooting their music video and shooting for 944 as well. Just comes to show you that being at the right place at the right time really does pay off.
Check out these Behind the Scenes Video, from Grace’s portfolio.
