Behind the Lens with Liz Castellanos

In the ever-evolving world of beauty and fashion, where trends come and go, a few creatives stand out for their timeless artistry and impeccable craft. Liz Castellanos is one such talent, with over two decades of experience as a make-up artist. Liz has become a trusted name in the industry, renowned for her ability to transform faces with an artistry that captures the essence of her subjects, whether on a red carpet, in front of the camera, or on a bride’s most memorable day.

With a portfolio that spans across media makeup, bridal artistry, and high-definition airbrush techniques, Liz’s work is a testament to her passion and precision. Based in Southern California but travelling wherever her craft is needed, she has made her mark in diverse settings—from the dynamic sets of E! Entertainment and MTV to the runways and intimate moments that demand her unique touch.

You’ve had a remarkable journey as a make-up artist spanning over 20 years. What first inspired you to pursue a career in this field?

First of all, thank you for the kind introduction. Can I copy and paste for my Bio of my website? HAHA! I have been a makeup lover since I was very young. My mom would wear liquid eyeliner and lashes almost every day. It was her thing and I loved seeing her all done up. I would “borrow” her makeup and forget to put them back and she would wake me up at 4 am asking me where her products were so she could get ready for work. Let’s just say, she was not happy. I wasn’t even allowed to wear makeup at that time. I just loved trying what she did. Aside from my mother being my inspiration, Telenovelas played a part in it too! The makeup looks on the actresses were always so dramatic and very glam…I was always so drawn to them.

You’ve worked in various environments, from television sets to bridal events. How do you adapt your approach depending on the setting and the needs of your clients?

There has been a lot of trial and error in my journey. Asking questions has always been my go-to and “learning a client” is a huge priority in how I will deliver the look. Bridal is so personal and finding a happy medium to what is comfortable for the bride’s look but also letting her know that it will be amped up for pictures and video. Reading the room is also important in both settings. For most brides, emotions run high and having a calm energy is comforting. The same applies to working on set. Talent has so much to remember and a lot of pressure depending on what the gig is. When it comes to set life, knowing your light really helps. Studios have different lighting and making sure that I check monitors(the correct monitor)makes a world of a difference when making sure the talent is warm, and bright enough and all blemishes are covered.

Make-up trends change frequently, but your work has a timeless quality. How do you balance staying current with trends while maintaining your unique style?

I appreciate you noticing this. When it comes to trends, I love to play and clients will request certain things, but anyone who hires me usually knows that I am not a “Beat” kind of artist. I will apply a graphic liner per se, and it will be a softer version of a dramatic version you may have seen. That’s just my style. When looking back at looks I did in the past, some make me laugh but most are similar to what I do today but with a twist. I really love skin to look like skin and glowy skin has always been my jam. What is more timeless than that? Ha!

You’ve worked with a diverse range of clients from different backgrounds and professions. How do you approach highlighting the individuality of each person you work with?

This question goes back to learning about a client and investigating them. Personality plays a role in what we decide. Sometimes our looks can depend on what we are wearing and sometimes it can be a whole mood. One of my clients in particular loves a more dramatic eyeliner. When I first started working with her she always applied it herself. Through the years I gained her trust and I asked if I could do it but a softer version and she said “Let’s try.” I told her I could add more if she didn’t love it and moving forward her old way is history.

Can you share a memorable experience from your time on set or with a client that has left a lasting impact on you?

I have to say working with Liz Hernandez has been the most impactful experience in my career. I started working with her in 2006. Before I got the opportunity to work with her, I had a dream a few months prior about working with her and everything went wrong. When the day finally came(in real life)I was so excited and really nervous. Rob Zangardi dressed her for this shoot and there were so many amazing looks. This shoot was shot by my friend Anthony Evans(@themanuc)and it was the biggest thing I had ever worked on. The shoot could not have gone better and I remember hearing Liz and Rob having a conversation in the bathroom about how much they loved the makeup. In that moment I felt so confident and even more excited about my career. From that point on I worked with Liz on most of her shoots/gigs and over time she became one of my dearest friends. In this business, loyalty is not guaranteed or expected but Liz is one of the most loyal clients. All of the opportunities she has presented to me led me to where I am today.

Travel seems to be a significant part of your work. How does working in different locations influence your creativity and approach to makeup artistry?

Working in different states or countries can change everything depending on weather, wardrobe, and vibes. Sometimes I have to alter what I will typically do on a client by adding more steps to their skin or changing their foundation. A lot of the time we have many wardrobe looks which will determine how I start a makeup look and build throughout the day. My favourite thing is when the wardrobe stylist shares the outfits prior so we can plan ahead and send inspiration over to the client.

As someone who has mastered the art of airbrush makeup and HD techniques, what advice would you give to aspiring makeup artists looking to perfect these skills?

Research is something I did and still do especially since there are new products and tools. Practising on yourself, family, and friends is something that I did when I started and still recommend. It’s a way to find out what techniques work for you. Watching videos, especially on YouTube/TikTok/Instagram is a great teacher and FREE too!

How do you stay inspired and continue to grow creatively after two decades in the industry?

Working with other creatives and sharing ideas and the products we love is fun! I love magazines and still subscribe to a few of them. Going through the pages and the smell of the magazine is nostalgic. It takes me back to when I first started. I would cut out pages and glue them to a poster board. I need to do that again! Another thing that inspires me is going Live on Instagram. Interacting with people who love makeup and have questions about the industry gets me amped and reminds me how much more I love what I do day in and day out.

For many, makeup is more than just an enhancement; it’s a form of self-expression. What does makeup represent to you personally, and how do you convey that through your work?

Makeup has been a beautiful way for me to express how I am feeling. When I feel like I am looking tired I tend to go for a red lippie. I think because the attention goes to my mouth vs my eyes and gives me a “Put Together” kind of look. I also wear a red lip when I want to feel extra sexy. Red was actually the very first shade I ever wore. When I actually do my makeup, whether it be a soft look or a more sultry look, I feel better overall. I feel more confident and when working it just really sets the tone for the day. I feel more creative too! There really is something about it. I used to have an early call time daily and if you saw me on those mornings vs today where I typically have a later call time I’d say I am 2 different people.

Looking ahead, what are some of your future goals or projects you’re excited about? How do you envision the next chapter of your career?

I really want to create something again. I have a lash line(Lashes by Liz)that I pretty much forgot about as my artistry became more demanding. I have been a broken record about revamping it so that is something I would like to finally do. Another thing I want to focus on is my tutorials and being more consistent with posting them as well as staying in tune with social media. Working on photo shoots with my favourite peeps…more of this!!! This always keeps the creative flow going. Lastly, I would really love to work on a movie again. I worked on a Holiday movie with Vanessa Lachey (one of my favourite humans) during the pandemic and it was so much fun! I love it when I get to work on projects that last longer than a day, especially with my faves.

Liz’s Holiday Rules

What’s your go-to product for achieving the perfect beach glow?

Charlotte Tilbury SuperModel Body and Dior Forever Glow Maximizer…. are must-haves for me personally and in my kit!!!!

Which three beauty essentials are always in your travel bag?

Naturium The Glow Getter Body Oil(new obsession), Shu Uemura lash curler, Image Skincare Ormedic sheer pink lip enhancement…It’s my #1 go-to for hydrated lips with a soft pink tone.

How do you transition your makeup from a beach day to a night out?

Adding an eyeliner whether it be liquid or a pencil is a great enhancement for the eyes. I’ve been tightlining with Victoria Beckham’s eye pencils for a sultry look. Adding concealer to the under eye with Fenty We’re Even concealer is a great way to freshen up and liven your appearance. A medium to bold lip is a way to add a little drama too!

What’s the secret to keeping makeup fresh and dewy in hot, humid destinations?

There’s a product that I use in the T-Zone and hairline called Sweat Stop. This is an antiperspirant and it works! I use Armani Luminous Silk for a dewy look along with Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Highlighter Wand for the added glow and dewy effect but it stays in place. Setting the foundation with Hourglass Translucent Loose Powder keeps the finish of the foundation dewy and not heavy. Once the makeup is done, I spritz the face with One/Size On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray. I also use MAC Extended Play Gigiblack lash mascara because it does not transfer.

Any tips for simplifying a beauty routine while on vacation without sacrificing glam?

The first thing I pack is a Tinted Moisturizer. You have some coverage along with sunscreen. Right now I am loving Naturium Dew Glow Tinted Moisturizer(it comes in a tube that is light in weight and easy to travel). A cream bronzer is great because not only can you use it for bronzing but also for your eyes. Fenty’s Cheeks Out is a great one or Makeup By Mario’s SoftSculpt Shaping Stick. Concealer is a must too! Estée Lauder’s Double Wear concealer for that awake look along with Cle De Peau’s concealer stick for brightening and blemishes. To set everything I take a translucent in a compact to maximize space on my bag. Cream sticks are a great way to eliminate multiple products in your bag. NudeStix has Sunkissed shades that work great for cheeks, lips and eyes. Lastly, don’t leave home without your lash curler(if you need the curl)and mascara, preferably L’Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes.