Sir John’s Top Beauty Tips

Sir John, the celebrated makeup artist behind the iconic looks of Beyoncé, Zendaya, and Serena Williams, shares his passion for beauty, which began with his mother. His earliest memory of makeup’s transformative power was watching his mother apply mascara, realizing how it could “put a pep in her step” and change the environment. This early inspiration fueled his move to NYC at 16 to pursue makeup artistry seriously.

From MAC Cosmetics to High Fashion

After honing his skills at MAC Cosmetics (and a brief stint where he was fired for lateness), Sir John explored various avenues, including visual design for Barneys and Bergdorf Goodman, menswear merchandising for Gucci, and even serving as a key makeup artist for a club in Queens. His career took a significant turn after attending a Pat McGrath show, which led to meeting McGrath herself and embarking on fashion month shows with Dolce & Gabbana and Prada in 2006.

His work with Charlotte Tilbury further propelled his career, leading to collaborations with global superstars like Beyoncé and Julianne Moore. Beyond technical skill, Sir John emphasizes the impact makeup artists can have on how people feel, stating, “My voice is more powerful than anything I can do with my hands.” He cherishes the “vibrational feeling or alignment” he hopes people experience when they meet him.

Favorite Products and Techniques

Currently, Sir John is loving Danessa Myricks Beauty’s Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder for its ability to create a gorgeous complexion. He also praises Ami Colé’s universally flattering toffee brown lip oil and Uoma Beauty’s pigmented concealers and lipsticks. His favorite “beat” is editorial, particularly the refined, cabaret-inspired glam that looks flawless under the spotlight. He emphasizes the importance of mastering flawless skin, a technique he’s helped bring to the forefront of the beauty community.

His top makeup tip is to move away from overly heavy lashes, advocating for more purposeful, evolved versions of eye makeup that offer sophistication and harmony with one’s overall style. Crucially, he stresses the importance of skin prep, recommending the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro’s Air Shot Mode for creating non-damaging passageways to improve pores and the Booster Mode to enhance skincare product absorption and circulation for a flawless makeup application.

Debunking Beauty Myths and Uplifting Clients

Sir John wants to debunk the myth of blindly following trends or celebrity looks. In the current “dopamine glam” era, he believes beauty choices should be about personal feeling and self-expression – “shake what your mama gave you!” He uplifts his clients by bringing positive energy and ensuring he impacts the space he enters, whether it’s a home or a dressing room. This commitment to transmuting heavy energy and bringing joy to people is a cornerstone of his professional ethos.