Slapp Chat with Makeup Artist Yue Lu
Makeup Artist, Yue Lu creates effortlessly glowy and ethereal looks for runways and magazines across the globe. Starting out as a blogger, Yue is now a MUA, Stylist and Photographer, and somehow still has time to teach at a Swiss makeup academy. Goals.
We chatted to Yue about having thick skin in the fashion industry, her MUA muses and her advice for budding creatives.
Name:
Yue Lu
Where are you from?
I was born in Shanghai, raised in Zurich and now based between Zurich & London.
What do you do?
I am a professional Makeup Artist working in Fashion, I also do Styling sometimes and Photography.
What is your typical day like?
No day is like the others when you're a freelance MUA, that's what I love about it. I actually would struggle with having a fixed routine because it'd be so boring.
How did you start your career as a MUA?
I was a blogger for 4 years writing about beauty etc. Then I realized that beauty is something that I've had an interest in for a very long time and haven't become bored of. I am a person who needs challenges every day and I love being mentally stimulated.
What has been your greatest achievement in your career so far?
Being a key Makeup Artist at London Fashion Week for Victor Wong SS20 last season. It was an amazing experience.
How do you stay healthy body and mind?
Working in fashion requires a strong will and discipline. Rejection happens a lot and you need to have thick skin. Also learning not to take things personally when it doesn't work out. The schedule can be very hard on one's body as well, so I treat myself on days off by sleeping in and try not to think about work.
What inspires you?
Practically everything. It can be a painting, or a dress. Sometimes it's a music video, sometimes it's a unique face.
Who is your beauty muse?
I think practically everyone in the business admires Pat McGrath. It's always mind-blowing to see what she creates every season. I also love Nikki Wolff's Makeup, especially the way she shapes the eyes. I also need to mention Sara Hill, who I recently had the pleasure to assist; her understanding of colour, shape and texture makes me speechless.
What advice would you give to other girls and guys looking to get into the creative industry?
Be sure you are truly passionate about what you do!
Be willing to make lots of sacrifices. The first years I had almost no private life, no days off and I used all of my vacation days to do shoots.
Be patient. We are used to a fast-paced environment and instant reward. It doesn't necessarily work like that and nobody is going to hand jobs to you. Also understand that you won't be out of makeup school and straight to Milan fashion week.
What are your experiences of diversity in the industry?
We've only reached diversity on the surface level of fashion. Women of colour might be on campaigns and runways now but the people in charge are still mainly white and male. A look at executives in fashion is pretty much self-explanatory about how diverse the industry truly is.
Beauty is…
Despite the nature of my job I believe in inner beauty. I really can't perceive anyone as beautiful when they have an ugly personality. I also believe in beauty and brains.
If you could only Slapp on one beauty product, what would it be?
Lipstick, it's an effortless way to glam up.
Follow Yue: @yuelu.artist