Welcome to “Beneath The Brush,” where we explore the stories behind some of the most notable MUAs in the game. Each feature will highlight the “why” for each MUA and showcase their career trajectories, go-to products, and makeup tips.

Leaving the corporate world behind is easier said than done, but celebrity makeup artist Jesse Ramirez knew his chapter as a tax agent had ended. Seeking fulfillment, he decided to explore his love of makeup professionally.  “I stumbled upon a Craigslist ad under creative gigs for New York Fashion Week. In 2017, I applied for the temporary position as a set assistant for Vaishali and got hired,” Jesse exclusively tells HelloBeautiful. “It changed my life.”

Before starting his career as a professional makeup artist, the Latino creative studied business management at the University of the Pacific. While he didn’t have formal training in the cosmetic industry, he had the next best thing: his family. “My mom and my aunt paid immense attention to details when glamming,” he says. “And I had five sisters to play with; that was literally my training program.” 

As his career began to take shape, Jesse honed skills under the tutelage of Artis Apotheke, Face Atelier, and Prados Beauty. And after joining forces with T. Cooper, Jesse’s makeup artistry reached new heights. “T. Cooper has played an integral part in my journey for the last five years,” Jesse gushes. “She’s a Jamaican girl from The Bronx who accidentally became an industry professional while being a seamstress on set. Her leadership is about providing spaces for Black and Brown artists to succeed. You can build your portfolio and learn so much from being around her.” 

Although Jesse hails from San Francisco, he’s based in New York City and has quickly adopted the popular hustler mindset. His work spans the commercial and editorial lanes with campaigns for Topicals, Marc Jacobs, and Sephora store ads in full swing. In addition, he has an eclectic client list that includes Brandee Younger, Nichelle Lewis, Lauren Von Der Pool, and more. 

As the creative continues to live out his dreams, he affirms that anything is possible with dedication and perseverance. Below, Jesse Ramirez gets candid about his definition of beauty, prioritizing self-care, favorite makeup looks, and more.

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Jesse Ramirez shares how he defines beauty:

“Beauty, to me, begins to formulate from the inside as self-perception. It then translates to outer beauty! Makeup can either contribute to the canvas or ruin it. Lol. If you feel beautiful, you are beautiful.”

On how he prioritizes self-care:

“I love prioritizing myself (now)! It was a journey to find this balance. Once I begin to feel overwhelmed, I take a few days off to regroup and focus on things I enjoy doing: playing tennis, rearranging my apartment, hiking at the park, drawing, etc. Focusing on such makes me a better artist on set, technically and personally!”

Three must-haves in Jesse’s kit:

1. Tarte Cosmetics Shape Tape Blur Concealer Stick ($29, Ulta.com) because its extensive shade range and coverage are divine.

2. Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre Moisturizer ($17, Amazon.com) is an absolute must because great makeup begins with skincare. It’s a well-rounded skin prep product made for all skin types and textures that offers a buttery consistency and oxidizes well with all foundation formulas.

On his favorite makeup looks to create:

“I love anything editorial with edge and grit! Editorial artistry is an interpretation that comes from within! Commercial beauty is great, but I’m a sucker for anything outside the box: body painting, high fashion, SFX, and more.”

One makeup trend he believes is going out of style:

“There’s a place for all facets of makeup, however, the ‘Instagram’ heavy application, harshly carved brows, and cut creases should really go out of style! Less is more.”

Advice for aspiring MUAs:

“Don’t focus so much on the title and accolades, experiences will come and go! The universe will conspire to make anything possible if you want it bad enough! Lastly, if you don’t know where to begin, remember, I started on Craigslist, browsing creative gigs. A total accident or was it? The universe speaks, pay close attention. Peace and love to all.”

DON’T MISS:

Beneath The Brush: Celebrity MUA Danielle Henry Lost Her Job And Discovered Her Passion

Beneath The Brush: Celebrity MUA Leanna McAlpin Talks BeautifulLee Beat Makeup Artistry, Self-Care And More

As the creative continues to live out his dreams, he affirms that anything is possible with dedication and perseverance. Below, Jesse Ramirez gets candid about his definition of beauty, prioritizing self-care, favorite makeup looks, and more.

Jesse Ramirez shares how he defines beauty:


“Beauty, to me, begins to formulate from the inside as self-perception. It then translates to outer beauty! Makeup can either contribute to the canvas or ruin it. Lol. If you feel beautiful, you are beautiful.”


On how he prioritizes self-care:

“I love prioritizing myself (now)! It was a journey to find this balance. Once I begin to feel overwhelmed, I take a few days off to regroup and focus on things I enjoy doing: playing tennis, rearranging my apartment, hiking at the park, drawing, etc. Focusing on such makes me a better artist on set, technically and personally!”

Three must-haves in Jesse’s kit:

1. Tarte Cosmetics Shape Tape Blur Concealer Stick ($29, Ulta.com) because its extensive shade range and coverage are divine.

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2. Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre Moisturizer ($17, Amazon.com) is an absolute must because great makeup begins with skincare. It’s a well-rounded skin prep product made for all skin types and textures that offers a buttery consistency and oxidizes well with all foundation formulas.

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3. Rectangle foam wedges ($9, Amazon.com) because before Beauty Blenders became a thing, rectangle wedges were the go-to. They remain a staple in my kit since I can use them to blend, set makeup, and elongate a cat eye. There are so many ways to use them.

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On his favorite makeup looks to create:

“I love anything editorial with edge and grit! Editorial artistry is an interpretation that comes from within! Commercial beauty is great, but I’m a sucker for anything outside the box: body painting, high fashion, SFX, and more.”


One makeup trend he believes is going out of style:

“There’s a place for all facets of makeup, however, the ‘Instagram’ heavy application, harshly carved brows, and cut creases should really go out of style! Less is more.”

Advice for aspiring MUAs:

“Don’t focus so much on the title and accolades, experiences will come and go! The universe will conspire to make anything possible if you want it bad enough! Lastly, if you don’t know where to begin, remember, I started on Craigslist, browsing creative gigs. A total accident or was it? The universe speaks, pay close attention. Peace and love to all.”

DON’T MISS:

Beneath The Brush: Celebrity MUA Danielle Henry Lost Her Job And Discovered Her Passion

Beneath The Brush: Celebrity MUA Leanna McAlpin Talks BeautifulLee Beat Makeup Artistry, Self-Care And More









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