Lookbooks

When little is known of an individual, I believe it makes them all the more interesting. They are defined not by where they come from or their  journey in life, yet by the work they produce. This is true of MUA Jonathan Young. His work has been featured on the runway of NYFW,  (Jonathan and his team were responsible for the dewy skin complimented with neon lips/lids  by James Kaliardos at Richard Chai's S/S 12 show), in editorials for magazines such as Sleek Magazine  and in lookbooks for many brands such as Laura Siegel. Here we talk to  Jonathan about his love affair with color , his tactile approach to getting inspiration and his reminder about beauty.

What color is inspiring you the most now?

I’ve always been completely absorbed, transfixed, and mesmerized by color. Opening my first box of crayons was like opening a treasure chest. I think that’s where my obsession began, because it was the first time color was tangible, something to be used and played with. I think I’m playing the most with taupe right now.

Where or how will you feature these discoveries in your work?

As a makeup artist my goal is always to maximize beauty and a color like taupe helps me do that in a subtle way -basically I’m directing the viewer’s eye. I’ll bring out a person’s most beautiful or interesting feature naturally taking the focus off imperfections or less prominent features. It’s amazing how the brushing of a bit of taupe shadow under the eyes can make them all the more enchanting.

What is the story behind this color and what inspired you to start using it ?

I was blessed with the opportunity to assist Polly Osmond- one of the most talented, respected, and influential makeup artists of our time. Her use of the color was so transformative that I naturally started to use the color in my own work.

Where do you look for inspiration?

I’m so passionate about the process of applying makeup that it’s become an extension of myself. I use my hands a lot to get to know someone’s face and I find it to be quite an intimate experience, one I find to be unbelievably inspiring.

When you have “ artists” block how do you get your creative juices flowing?

I haven’t suffered from this problem thus far. I think it’s because the source of inspiration comes from people and since no two are alike, my pool of creative juice is immense.

Any beauty tips?

Remember you’re beautiful.

Credits: James Kaliardos for Richard Chai S/S 11