Helen Samaryan is an Australian Makeup Artist based in Sydney, Australia. 

In her 10 years as a makeup artist, Helen has worked for some of Australia's leading brands such as Showpo, Sabo Skirt & David Jones... just to name a few! Her stunning work has been published in the likes of Grazia, Modern Hair and Beauty Magazine, Fashion Gone Rouge and iMute Magazine.

We are so excited to bring you this Artist Spotlight interview with the incredibly talented Helen, in which she shares her highs & lows and advice for working as a makeup artist in the beauty industry. Enjoy!

Hey Helen! Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions for our Artist spotlight!

Before we get onto the questions, firstly tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do.

My name is Helen Samaryan and I’m a makeup artist and hairstylist based in Sydney.

Favourite movie?

My favourite movie would have to probably be the Lion King (the original, I’m yet to see the remake). I’m usually not really into animation but that movie has stuck with me since childhood. 

Red wine or white?

White

Morning person or night person?

Night

If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?

To the Ukraine to visit my relatives.

Where and how do you work best?

I think I always work best and allow myself to get the most creative when working in a team of other talented creatives. I love to bounce ideas of other people and take on constructive criticism or creative opinions. 

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

Focus on what you are doing and achieving rather than focusing on what everyone else around you is doing.

Favourite quote?

Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.

Who are your biggest influences? Who do you admire most? Who or what inspired you to do what you’re doing now?

When I first got into make up I was mostly inspired by fashion seen in magazines and on runaways, as well as talented artist, the persons work I was most mesmerised by at that time would have to be Pat McGrath.

Nowadays I not only take inspiration from my peers and the world around me but also the person’s face that I’m actually working on at the time. A makeup free face is one of the most inspirational things to me, because it’s like a clean canvas that can take you anywhere.

What is your favourite makeup look to do?

This one is a really tough one to answer. I think it really depends on my mood at the time. I do love getting creative and playing with colour and texture however I also love a beautiful and natural glowy bronzy make up.

What has been your biggest challenge so far?

I think everything in this business is quite challenging. However I don’t see that as a bad thing. Challenges make life interesting and overcoming them makes things meaningful. I can’t say that I would enjoy what I do as much as I do if it all came easy and without really really hard work.

What has been your biggest win so far?

Every morning that I wake up and go do what I love. That’s my biggest win!

What’s your best advice for handling criticism?

I think this goes two ways. There is constructive criticism and that would just be stupid to ignore, without constructive criticism you will never see something from a different point of view and never give yourself the opportunity to grow and better yourself. Then there’s the other side of criticism. Some people criticise to make themselves feel better or to make themselves feel like they have one over you. I think the key here is to identify what sort of criticism you are receiving and to either take it on board and grow from it or just simply brush it off.

What’s next for you?

There are so many things I want to do, first and foremost I’m going to continue on learning and growing as an artist. I truly believe if you stay true to your craft the possibilities are endless.

If a young girl or boy walked up to you asking for your advice on life, what would it be?

Do you! And don’t focus your life on what everyone else is doing.

What is your favourite Lou Lou Lips lipstick and why? 

DEA DIA, it is just the most gorgeous nude and suits so many skin tones!

For us, lipstick is something which gives us that extra boost of confidence, what gives you confidence to take on each and every day?

The love and support of those close to me and my love for what I do are what keep me going on those really hard days.

Follow Helen's journey on Instagram here