Ashley Ysabelle’s journey to becoming a makeup artist is one that traverses familial influences and personal epiphanies. It all started with her Uncle Rick, a seasoned makeup artist who shared not just his home but his craft with her. From elaborate makeup for relatives, childhood was the cornerstone in Ashley’s early experiences with the transformative power of cosmetics. The young artist’s immersion in beauty deepened with her mother’s philosophy—that beauty emanates from within, and that confidence drawn from material things only amplifies the inner work one has invested in oneself.
In school, Ashley grappled with academics, never quite finding her stride until a discussion with her high school counselor illuminated a viable path. As Ashley put it, the light bulb moment came while she was helping her peers get ready for prom, a task that gave her more joy than attending the dance itself. From that moment, a career in makeup seemed not just feasible but exciting—a creative outlet that also represented a means of personal and professional fulfillment.
Ashley’s artistic inclinations are as varied as they are deeply rooted. Inspiration flows freely from diverse sources, be it the classic performances of musical icons like Diana Ross and Cher, or the resplendent hues of an art museum. Even her time at Makeup Designory (MUD) and the fast-paced evolution of beauty trends on platforms like Instagram have shaped her. She deftly blends the soft, natural looks with bursts of full glam, crediting her aesthetic fluidity to the comprehensive training she received.
Some of Ashley’s most treasured work includes a photo shoot with artists Audrey Nuna and Louisa Meng. In a grueling 10-hour session, she crafted nine distinct looks, capturing the essence of her artistic vision in a way she felt truly proud of. For Ashley, the process is as much about her personal evolution as it is about the final product. Her harshest critic is invariably herself, a quality that ensures she’s continually pushing the envelope in terms of creativity and skill.
As for the beauty industry in 2023, Ashley sees it as an exciting and evolving landscape. According to her, the industry is gradually distancing itself from the cutthroat competition and “cancel culture” that had marred it in previous years. A new spirit of community and inclusivity is emerging among artists, a transformation she not only welcomes but contributes to with her own ethos and work.
Where did your journey with makeup begin and growing up, what influenced the way you define and view “beauty”?
My journey began with my Uncle Rick, he lived with me growing up. He was a makeup artist and shared his experiences with me. Getting me ready for Halloween in the most extravagant makeup and hairstyles to compliment my costume. Doing my cousins wedding makeup and introducing me to Filipino celebrities he works with.
My influence on beauty began with my mom. She never wore makeup but always told me that beauty comes from within. Begins with the love you have for yourself. Once you can love yourself and love the body you have, the beauty and confidence that comes from materialistic things will only infancy the inner work you’ve done for yourself.
Out of curiosity, what made you first see being a MUA as a career?
I met with my high school counselor, which I did often, to discuss my path with education. I wasn’t doing the best academically so we thought about different avenues. I always had an interest in the arts; drawing, painting, sculpting, etc. Then a light bulb went off in my head as I was doing my peers makeup for prom.
I realized I had more joy from getting these ladies ready for a dance rather than attending myself. I brought up this up to my counselor, Ms. Millard, and we both agreed that makeup is a suitable path for my career. Considering my history with it and my passion for it, I knew that was my decision.
Your looks are incredibly detailed and highly creative. Where do you find your inspiration?
First, thank you for your kind words! I find inspiration everywhere! As cliche as that sounds it’s true. From watching old performances of Diana Ross, Cher, Donna Summer to visiting art museums to find beautiful color combinations. Walking around gardens to see the flowers and how that deep indigo looks beautiful next to a bright yellow. Just like I go to museums and marvel at other artists work, I look to my peers as well for inspiration.
No artist is like one another and we all have something different to bring to the table. Always giving credit where it is due but also take small pieces of their work and thinking wow that’s beautiful, how can I apply this to my art and make it my own?
For some makeup artists, they prefer a heavier makeup look whereas others tend to lean more into a soft, natural-looking finish — where do you find yourself? How would you describe your aesthetic?
I find my aesthetic pretty well versed. Thanks to my time at MUD, Makeup Designory, I was able to learn the fundamental basics of makeup. Along with my time of “2016 Instagram makeup” and the boom of the beauty influencer, I can do both. I find myself on projects where I get creative freedom is leaning towards the soft and natural with hints of full glam. I am loving the look that Matthew Fishman creates. Clean skin with bold colors and timeless techniques. I feel like the best of my work that depicts that is the shoot I did with Louisa Meng and Audrey Nuna.
Reflecting on your experience, what does your own beauty routine look like?
For my day to day beauty routine it entails; sunscreen, tinted moisturizer, light feathery brows, mascara and a nice defined lip. It’s pretty minimal for someone who’s career is in beauty.
That being said, what products will we always find in your makeup bag?
You will always find sunscreen, a light brown lip liner, clear gloss, my favorite Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara, milk hydro grip primer and any NARS products to be honest.
I know it may be difficult considering all of your work is so incredible, but what are some of your favorite looks that you worked on recently?
Once again, thank you for your kind words. I would say it is the photoshoot I did with Audrey Nuna and Louisa Meng. We were able to bust out 9 looks in the span of 10 hours. I’ve been on countless test shoots where in the moment I felt proud of my look but in the end continue to critique it because I am my toughest critic. When I saw the final selects for this shoot, I felt like my work was captured in the way I have always dreamed of it being captured. So shout out to the entire team for killing that shoot.
What about the beauty industry in 2023 do you find most exciting?
I find the most exciting thing is that every artist I know has built a sense of a loving community. The beauty industry is a cut throat place, where a lot of “cancel culture” happens. I’ve witnessed things that truly made me want to step away from it. But this year, the industry seems to come back to home base.
Where we should all just celebrate the immense changes with beauty brands including shades for all and products that cater to peoples personal wellness. With that said, I see the change in the right direction. I feel like it is becoming a place where I find myself and other creatives exploring different avenues of creativity to help further ones vision and art.
