This Month in Print: Organic/Synthetic

Soft where it needs to be, sharp where it matters. ✨

This month, our Organic/Synthetic editorial came out in the Latest magazine. The concept explores the line between natural and synthetic materials—how they coexist, clash, and harmonize in fashion.

For the makeup, I focused on enhancing tension and contrast through skin and subtle sculpting, letting the models’ features read editorial yet effortless on camera. Organic fabrics called for soft, natural finishes, while synthetic pieces demanded sharper, dimensional touches. Every brushstroke and highlight was designed to interact with light and shadow, creating depth that feels alive on set.

This project reminded me that makeup is about more than products—it’s about supporting the narrative, shaping perception, and translating creative vision to the lens. On set, it’s the interplay between skill, timing, and collaboration that makes each look sing.

Big love to the incredible team who made this possible: Wash Creative produced and directed, photography by Denis Gutierrez-Ogrinc, styling by Heather Newberger c/o Laird and Good Company, hair by Casey Geren c/o Atelier Management, set and production design by Matthias Heumeier, with production and style assistance from Avery Rose. You can see the full editorial here and follow along on Instagram @makeupbyremi for more behind-the-scenes.

Siren’s Beauty Paint & Sip at Saint James Libations

Soft glam, real glow

This month, I stepped into something a little different from the usual set pace—Siren’s Beauty Paint & Sip at Saint James Libations. The theme was beautifully simple: one glam look and one natural look, demonstrated live as guests painted, sipped, and created alongside us. I led the natural side, focusing on soft radiance, believable glow, and those quiet refinements that make a look feel effortless yet intentional in person and on camera.

Being back in platform-artist mode was such a joy—there’s a unique energy that comes from teaching live, connecting through artistry, and watching people engage in the process right in front of you. But what made the night truly special was everything beyond the techniques and products. There’s something powerful about a room full of creatives who show up not just to be seen, but to support one another.

In these economic and political times, spaces centered on collaboration and community matter more than ever. Throughout the evening, conversations flowed—questions, shared stories, exchanged ideas, tiny sparks of inspiration moving from one person to another. It reminded me that artistry grows through connection, not isolation. We lift higher when we lift together.

Events like this reaffirm why I love what I do. Makeup is the medium, but community is the message. And when artists gather with openness and generosity, it becomes clear that we’re all branches on the same tree—all connected at the root.

With intention,
♡ Remi O.

Seasonal Switch-Up

Cooler days, warmer glow.

November on set means adjusting for hydration and glow. Cooler weather and long production hours require subtle tweaks in my kit to maintain skin that reads fresh and natural on camera.

This month, I’m loving:

• Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream — lightweight hydration under HD foundation.

• Naturopathica Honey Balancing Mist — a mid-shoot refresher for subtle glow.

• Glo Skin Beauty Melanin Spot Eraser — targeted brightening, great for tightening. 

Switching a few products to match the season doesn’t require a complete overhaul. Think of it as small, intentional changes that protect your skin, enhance your glow, and help your makeup translate beautifully whether in photos, on video, or out in the world.

With intention,
♡ Remi O.

5 AM Call Time, 5 Steps to Look Alive

Less rush, more ritual.

Some mornings on set start at 5 AM, and keeping talent looking fresh is key. The early hours demand a routine that balances efficiency with polish so every face is camera-ready without overdoing it.

My go-to routine:

Hydrate — a splash of water or mist wakes up the skin.

Caffeine Eye Cream (The Inkey List) — smooths, de-puffs, and brightens the under-eyes.

Hydro Glow Serum (The Inkey List) — adds lightweight radiance, preps the skin, and helps makeup sit seamlessly.

Omega Water Cream (The Inkey List) — breathable hydration that locks everything in without heaviness.

I love the Inkey List products because they’re fragrance-free, gentle on sensitive skin, and don’t pill under makeup. They feel light, breathable, and comfortable, even during long production days.

Even if your mornings aren’t at 5 AM, these habits translate. Proper hydration, targeted eye care, and prepping your skin in the right order will make your makeup look better, last longer, and help you feel confident no matter how early your day starts.

With intention,
♡ Remi O.

Midnight at Dover Street: The Miss Claire Party

A night of silhouettes, tulle, and electric energy with Miss Claire in Paris.

The Miss Claire party at Dover Street Market in Paris was a full sensory experience. The space was filled with people I admire, shaping culture in New York and beyond, all there to celebrate the collection. The event, sponsored by Plush Perfume, was held in the beautifully curated Dover Street Paris space, where every iteration of design feels gracious and intentional. Personal style wasn’t performative—it was authentic, confident, and expressive.

Miss Claire’s atelier (See her on Instagram here), known for dressing Addison Rae and other high-profile clients, showcased dramatic silhouettes, voluminous taffeta skirts, lace catsuits, and feathered corset-tulle sets. Every piece felt like a main-character moment, moving with energy and presence that made the room feel alive. Watching the light catch the textures and fabrics, it was impossible not to be captivated by the craftsmanship and vision in each creation.

Nights like this make Paris feel infinite—alive with texture, movement, and gestures that linger long after the doors close. It’s a reminder that fashion isn’t just what you wear—it’s how it interacts with energy, personality, and space. The evening left me inspired by the effortless elegance, creative energy, and authenticity that defined every corner of the room.

With intention,
♡ Remi O.

Game Face: Olivia Nelson in Paris

Glow is a state of motion. ✨

Had the pleasure of spending Paris Fashion Week with Olivia Nelson (See her on Instagram here) of the Connecticut Sun, prepping for Yohji Yamamoto SS26 and shooting across the city. Each look captured different sides of her—strong, playful, creative—and shifted with the light, location, and mood. Olivia was a chameleon in the best way, moving seamlessly between streets, studios, and runways across the arrondissements.

The focus is always on skin that looks and feels transparent, no matter the look. Small changes to eyes, cheeks, and lips created entirely new iterations—showing how subtle tweaks can make a big impact. Every look was about energy that felt natural and let Olivia’s personality shine through.

Paris has a clear style that feels both effortless and intentional. From the architecture to the street style, there’s a je ne sais quoi I love—the rhythm, the light, the elegance in every corner. The shots won’t be out for a while, but I can’t wait to see and share what we created.

With intention,
♡ Remi O.

Teaching at The Real School by L’Oréal Paris

Beauty school, but make it business.

During Paris Fashion Week, I had the incredible opportunity to teach four classes at The Real School by L’Oréal Paris, sharing insights on brand strategy, marketing, and navigating the beauty industry. The students’ creativity and curiosity were contagious — each conversation reminded me why... I love this field and how much there is to learn from one another.

Being in a space so full of fresh ideas and fearless imagination reminded me that growth comes from exchange — from staying curious, open, and connected. I left Paris feeling renewed and inspired to bring that same energy back home to New York.

With intention,
♡ Remi O.

My First Paris Fashion Week

Croissants Anyone?

As I wandered through the streets of Paris, I couldn’t help but think about the Parisian aesthetic — what makes it so distinct, what resonates with me as a New York City–based makeup artist, and how it contrasts with the pulse of both NYC and my hometown of Chicago.

Parisian beauty feels intentional yet effortless, polished yet undone — a kind of quiet confidence that doesn’t need to announce itself. It’s about embracing individuality, not perfection. There’s a softness in the details, a balance between restraint and expression, that continues to inspire me every time I visit.

With intention,
♡ Remi O.

The Sexiest Makeup Doesn’t Look Like Makeup

The sexiest makeup doesn’t look like makeup—it looks alive, soft, and natural. Effortless skin catches every light beautifully, whether it’s fluorescent office lighting, midday sun, or the glow of evening. It’s not about covering up; it’s about letting your natural texture shine with a subtle luminosity that feels like you, just elevated.

One of my favorite tricks is mixing a bit of moisturizer into your foundation. It thins the formula for a natural, dewy finish that still reads camera-ready, so your skin looks fresh and soft instead of flat or heavy. The best part? You can build coverage where you need it, blending lightly for a sheer glow in some areas and layering slightly for more coverage in others—without ever feeling cakey.

Effortless skin isn’t a formula—it’s a feeling. It’s the quiet kind of radiance that doesn’t scream makeup, just enhances your skin to look luminous, real, and undeniably you.

→See the full tutorial and perfect the look here

With intention,
♡ Remi O.

Contour, Without the 45 Minutes

Contour, but make it effortless.

Want your face to look subtly sculpted without spending forever? A tiny tweak around the rim of the face can make a world of difference. Using a slightly darker foundation, you can warm, define, and enhance your natural features, creating soft shadows that read beautifully on camera or in natural light.

The trick is all in the placement. Focus on the hollows of your cheeks, along the jawline, and the edges of your forehead. A light hand keeps it effortless and polished, so it never looks overdone. You’re not trying to change your face—you’re simply enhancing what’s already there.

Even a few minutes of careful contouring can make your features pop without looking heavy. Think of it as strategic editing for your face, but way faster than a full 45-minute contour session.

With intention,
♡ Remi O.

Why the Best Makeup Artists Think Like Stylists

Behind the Scenes with Aisha Rao - Photo by Sophie Kaye

The best makeup artists don’t just think about faces—we think like stylists.

On set, I’ve seen how even flawless makeup can fall flat if it clashes with the wardrobe or doesn’t match the scene’s energy. That disconnect doesn’t just look off—it weakens the whole story.

That’s why great makeup is never created in isolation. It’s shaped by fabric textures, color palettes, lighting, and mood. The details that make fashion or film come alive are the same details that guide how I approach skin, tones, and finishes.

When makeup and styling work together, the visuals feel intentional and seamless. It’s no longer just a look—it’s storytelling.

I’m often called —not just for clean, radiant skin—but because I know makeup is a piece of a bigger picture. No ego, just collaboration.

If you want images that truly resonate, work with artists who see beyond the brush.

→Relive the moment here

With intention,
♡ Remi O.

Keep Your Lips from Ghosting You

Effortless pout, all day behind the scenes.

We’ve all been there—fly lip in the morning, mostly gone by lunch. So annoying. But here’s the thing: long-lasting lips aren’t about the lipstick, they’re about the prep.

Pros actually use eye cream—not lip balm, not chapstick. Eye cream soaks in, moisturizes, and stays matte, giving you a smooth base for color. Gently exfoliate your lips with a scrub or a soft toothbrush, then swipe on a thin layer of eye cream and let it sink in for a few minutes. Blot any excess. Smooth, hydrated lips = smooth, long-lasting color.

Pro tip: After your lipstick is on, press a tissue to your lips and dust a tiny bit of translucent powder over it. It locks the color in without looking cakey. This combo will get you through coffee, lunch, and even happy hour with minimal touch-ups—and no mask mishaps.

Looking for lipsticks that actually stay put? Check out Forbes' roundup of the best long-lasting lip products: forbes.com

→Get the complete guide here

With intention,
♡ Remi O.

Face First: Kamilah, in Full Presence

Quiet moments behind the scenes with Kamilah - Makeup by Remi

There are people whose presence fills a room before their voice does—and then, when the voice arrives, it confirms everything you felt. That’s Kamilah (if you haven’t already - check out her instagram here ). Her voice is low and expansive, warm in the way memory can be. Her aura? Grounded. Intentional. Magnetic in a way that asks nothing of you, but still holds your full attention. It makes sense that her beauty would move the same way.

When we first met to create her look, there wasn’t a mood board packed with references or demands for drama. There was only one clear directive: let her be seen. Not as a persona. Not as a projection. As herself.

This kind of beauty work—quiet, considered, unintrusive—is often overlooked in favor of spectacle. But Kamilah reminds us that beauty doesn’t always shout. Sometimes it whispers. Sometimes it’s a pause, a breath, a choice not to cover something up. In an industry that often equates “power” with maximalism, Kamilah models something else entirely: minimalism as confidence.

She’s currently working on new music—projects still under wraps, held close, developing in their own sacred timeline. And that feels just right. Her artistry, like her beauty, isn’t rushed. It’s cultivated. And when it’s time for us to receive it, we’ll know.

Until then, you can lose yourself in what she’s already shared. 🎧 Stream Kamilah on Spotify — her voice is a balm, a reckoning, and a mirror—sometimes all in one verse.

With intention,
♡ Remi O.

Finding Edna Lewis Wins an Emmy

Finding Edna Lewis — a tribute to her light, legacy, and lasting impact

Now Emmy Award–Winning Finding Edna Lewis is a love letter to legacy—one that honors the quiet power of food, family, and Southern tradition. Now an Emmy Award–winning short-form documentary, the film brings to light the life and enduring influence of Edna Lewis, whose impact continues to ripple through kitchens and cultural memory alike.

Working on this project, even in a small capacity, was deeply meaningful. The beauty direction—anchored in warmth, restraint, and reverence—reflected the tone of the film itself. Skin-first techniques, soft shadows, and barely-there color were used not to transform, but to reveal.

The team, led by the extraordinary Deb Freeman (See her on Instagram here.) and Field Studio, approached every detail—lighting, costuming, makeup—with care and intention. It was a space where storytelling and subtle artistry moved in harmony.

To see this tribute recognized with an Emmy is both humbling and affirming. I’m grateful to have contributed, in my own quiet way, to a project so rooted in truth, history, and grace.

→ Click here to watch the film.

With intention,
♡ Remi O.

Pojo x Models That Eat

Phoebe Pojo Joseph on set for Models That Eat, light-filled, unfiltered, and entirely at ease.

Working with Phoebe Pojo Joseph—the force behind Models That Eat—was an exercise in creative alignment. She’s not simply building a brand; she’s reshaping the narrative around food, identity, and self-representation with radical honesty.

As a makeup artist rooted in personal branding, my job isn’t to add noise. It’s to refine, to reveal, to elevate without distraction. For this shoot, we embraced natural light and kept the makeup skin-forward: radiant warmth, a soft flush, and texture that felt lived-in and real. Nothing performative. Everything intentional.

This wasn’t transformation—it was translation. A reflection of who Phoebe already is: grounded, compelling, and deeply present. In that way, the beauty direction became part of the storytelling—whispering where it could have shouted.

Personal branding is most powerful when it mirrors truth. And with Phoebe, that truth was already luminous.

With intention,
Remi O.

The Look That Made Vogue: Met Gala 2025

Rosa Lander in Parron Allen at the Met Gala 2025 - Makeup By Remi

The days after the Met still feel like a dream. Creating Rosa Lander’s look—her first Met Gala and mine—was nothing short of magic. Rosa, the daughter of NYC Comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander, arrived in a custom Parron Allen piece that was as intentional as it was breathtaking. My job? To design a beauty look that honored the craftsmanship of her look while celebrating her individuality.

We landed on a soft, peachy glow with denim-inspired eyes—a nod to the fabric's political and cultural resonance, and a perfect complement to Parron’s sustainable tailoring.

This was a look born from trust and collaboration. From Rosa’s calm confidence, to Brad’s presence and encouragement, to Parron’s precise vision, every detail felt personal, powerful, and deeply considered.

And the payoff? Her look held up under every flash, every angle—no retouching, no filter, just light-catching, camera-proof beauty. The response was surreal: coverage in Vogue, Vogue Italia, HuffPost, the NY Post, and beyond. Each piece highlighted a different layer of the moment—style, sustainability, softness, and strength.

→Click here to Relive the Moment.

With intention,
♡ Remi O.

Bonobos SS25: The Refined Art of Showing Up

Behind the Scenes - Bonobos Campaign

There’s something uniquely satisfying about men’s grooming done right—especially when it doesn’t announce itself. For Bonobos SS25 (See it on Instagram here), the brief was simple: fresh, real, and camera-ready. Not Instagram-filtered, not overly editorial. Just confident, controlled, and light-handed.

We focused on skin-first techniques: smoothing texture, canceling fatigue, adding radiance where it mattered. Concealer was placed strategically—under eyes, around the nose, along the jawline—to sharpen and refresh without reading as "makeup." A matte balm controlled shine without killing dimension. Brows were brushed up, lips hydrated, and complexions left intact.

It’s easy to overdo men’s makeup in campaign work. But this shoot was all about restraint—a refined edit of the face rather than a transformation. The camera caught the light exactly where we wanted it to, and nothing looked forced under studio heat.

Grooming in 2025 isn’t about flash. It’s about intentionality. And when done right, it’s invisible—but unmistakable.

With intention,
♡ Remi O.

Alpha Industries SS25: Strength, Structure, and Skin

Alpha Industries SS25 Campaign - Makeup By Remi

Collaborating on the Alpha Industries SS25 campaign (See it on Instagram here) offered a rare creative alignment—where rugged functionality met refined beauty. The collection’s utilitarian edge inspired a grounded approach to hair and makeup: skin that glows without gloss, texture that moves, and a finish designed to hold up under real light, not retouching.

We focused on symmetry, clarity, and tone—bringing out structure with subtle contouring and light-reflective layers rather than heavy product. Hair was kept lived-in and deliberate, with a touch of grit and ease. It wasn’t about perfection. It was about presence.

Natural makeup, when done well, isn’t invisible—it’s architectural. It reveals bone structure, breathes with the skin, and reflects strength without shouting. For this campaign, the goal was to capture that quiet intensity—the kind that doesn’t need embellishment to be felt.

There’s power in simplicity. And this shoot reminded me that the most compelling beauty often comes from what we leave untouched. I’m honored to have contributed to a visual story that celebrates individuality, resilience, and form without filter.

→ Click here to watch the behind the scenes video.

With intention,
♡ Remi O.

This is Your Gentle Reminder That Representation Still Matters ♡

Behind the Scenes - Making Magic NYC

Beyond the Brush: Creating Inclusive Spaces for True Beauty

This is your gentle reminder that representation matters. It's a truth so fundamental, it should go without saying. Yet, today it must be said now more than ever.

It’s the definition of missing the mark to put diverse talent on a shoot and not give them the resources and support they need to truly shine. Whether it’s the right hair, makeup, or lighting, proper support should always be part of the package.

It breaks my heart every time I see talent showing up to set with their hair and makeup already done because they don’t know if they’ll be properly supported. Regardless of who you hire (or what they look like), I hope that you hire a team of artists who is prepared for anyone who walks through the door. This means, hair, makeup, glam, lighting, styling all of it! Let your talent know that you’ve taken these steps. Comforting space helps stars to shine!

→ Click here to catch the full video on Instagram.

With intention,
♡ Remi O.

The Black Fantastic: A Visual Odyssey with Melanie Charles

Behind the Scenes for Melanie Charles Album Shoot- Universal/Verve - NYC

The "Y'all Don't Really Care About Black Women" album isn't merely a collection of songs; it's a sonic and visual testament to the Black Fantastic. As the hair and makeup artist for this project, I had the privilege of translating Melanie Charles's (See her on Instagram here) powerful message into captivating looks. Shot in New York City’s Brooklyn Navy Yard with Verve/ Universal Records we sought to redefine Black beauty, embracing the unexpected.

Bold colors, experimental textures, and unconventional shapes were used to disrupt the narrow beauty standards often imposed on Black women. We explored the idea of Afrofuturism, drawing inspiration from ancient African aesthetics and futuristic technologies. The result? Looks that were both defiant and celebratory, a visual testament to the resilience and creativity of the Black spirit.

Social media often presents a distorted and limited view of beauty, prioritizing trends and conformity over authenticity. However, this project challenged these narrow confines. We aimed to create looks that were a true reflection of joy, complexity, and artistry – a celebration of Blackness in all its multifaceted glory.

→ Click here to watch the full video.
With intention,
♡ Remi O.