How to break into the beauty industry with 19-year-old MUA, Ana Takahashi

Hey Ana Takahashi, how did your career in makeup begin?

My mum used to manage a store in the airport that sold loads of high end makeup so she’d always get makeup for free. I would always raid her cupboards when I was younger and play around with it. My mum taught me a lot of what I know about makeup today.

“My mum taught me a lot of what I know about makeup today.”

What’s your proudest / favourite job as a makeup artist?

My proudest job was a shoot I did with an Instagram platform called ‘Grey93’. I did makeup for their merchandise campaign which was super exciting seen as I’ve been obsessed with their account for a good two years.

What advice would you give to young people trying to break into the beauty industry?

“Every job I get is through Insta!”

Use platforms like Instagram as a major tool for getting to know photographers, stylists, models etc. Every job I get is through insta!

How do you make a good impression in the industry?

“Be extremely professional on a job no matter how small the budget is.”

Be extremely professional on a job no matter how big/small/non-existent the budget is. People will want to work with you and recommend you to others the more professional and hard working you are.

What would you do for work if you weren’t a makeup artist?

I could definitely see myself doing some sort of editorial magazine editing job as I have a good eye for what looks good together, or possibly being a stylist as I have a background in textiles.

What’s your skin care routine?

Leaving it the hell alone! I’m blessed by my mothers Japanese genes of course but honestly, I think most skin care brands are scamming us by telling us we need this and that when in reality, a 20 step skin care routine is completely unnecessary. The one thing that really makes my skin amazing is cutting out carbs of my diet (which is SO hard but SO worth it).

“The one thing that really makes my skin amazing is cutting out carbs of my diet.”

‍

What are your top 5 beauty products?

1. Maybelline age rewind concealer
2. Laura Mercier translucent setting powder
3. Kryolan aqua colour palettes
4. Maybelline lash sensational mascara, waterproof (essential for stubborn oriental eyelashes and holding a curl!)|
5. Any blush from Sleek

What’s your favourite online beauty tutorial?

“My absolute favourite is Lisa Eldridge.”

I don’t watch them at all now, but I was really into them when I was around 14 or 15. My absolute favourite is Lisa Eldridge. Her style of makeup is so elegant and classic and I like how she doesn’t try to make her looks extremely perfect or do the classic “insta makeup”. My favourite video of hers was one she did with Alexa Chung.

‍

Who are your beauty icons?

Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot….and any other woman from the 60’s.

What’s your favourite beauty trend right now?

”I’m very much here for the “less is more” look.”

I’m very much here for the “less is more” look: freckles, fresh skin, flushed cheeks etc.

What are some cool Instagram accounts we should follow?

@choochoochica for spicy looks @melony.lemon for delicious photography and @j.r.t.s for amazing paintings/photography

What song have you got on repeat right now?

‘One of these Nights’ - Eagles

What was the last show or film you watched and loved?

The whole of That 70’s Show! Not only is it hilarious, the FASHION is soooo good. Mila Kunis’ character basically wears all of my dream outfits.

How do we book you?

DM me/ find my email in my bio or message me through my website, Ana Takahashi.

Where can we see more of your work?

All my professional jobs are on my website Ana Takahashi, which you can also find on my Instagram, as well as the the looks I do on myself.