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.

With intention,
♡ Remi O.

Backstage Memories: Love and Condolences for Raveena and Her Family

Backstage with Raveena at Music Hall of Williamsburg 2019

I vividly remember doing Raveena’s makeup for her very first major show at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in 2019. Her mom was there that night—bringing warmth, care, and a quiet grace to the room. She handcrafted so many of the outfits Raveena wore on tour that year—every piece was so beautiful. Even in the brief moments I spent around her, it was clear she was someone very special.

In July 2025, we returned to that same stage for NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Contest On The Road series. This time felt different, because Raveena’s mom couldn’t be there.

I wanted to take a moment to send my heartfelt prayers and deepest condolences to Raveena and her family. The love that her mother poured into her family and those around her was so clear even in our brief meeting.

Raveena, your mom’s grace and warmth live on through you. Holding you and your family in my thoughts and sending all my love.

xx
♡ Remi O.

Makeup, Aging, and the Beauty of Becoming Myself

No Lashes! Birthday Vibes in Lisbon.

It’s my birthday month, and while I’m celebrating, I’m also reflecting.

In beauty—and in our culture at large—there’s this constant pressure to stay young forever. I see women barely out of their twenties already turning to fillers and facelifts, chasing an “ageless” ideal that I’m not sure even exists. It’s exhausting. And I’m not immune to it.

Lately, though, I’ve been thinking about something from Psycho-Cybernetics, a book that talks about the power of self-image. One idea that stuck with me is “imaginary ugliness”—how so many of us obsess over flaws that no one else sees, but because we believe them, they shape how we show up in the world.

That hit me. After years of helping others perfect their brands and looks, I realized I hadn’t always taken the time to master my own. Not just the makeup, but the way I see myself. How do I want to show up?

This birthday, instead of fighting time, I’m learning to embrace it - and to use it with intention; because when we love and master our self-image, makeup stops being about fixing and starts being about celebrating. That, to me, is the real power of grown-woman glam.

With intention,
♡ Remi O.

Celebrating Alycia Parks’ New Partnership with Batiste

Opening my Alycia Parks x Batiste Box

There are moments that make you stop and feel genuinely proud, and watching a friend crush it is one of them. I’m beyond excited to share that my incredible friend, Alycia Parks, has teamed up with Batiste—a partnership that feels as natural as she is. It’s effortless, and 100% her.

The Batiste team sent over a curated collection of her favorite products, and I have to say—these dry shampoos are next-level. Each one feels like a little moment of self-care, a quick refresh that’s both luxe and practical. As someone who knows that a great hair day is the foundation of any look, I can attest: this collection delivers.

What makes this partnership special isn’t just the product—it’s Alycia’s journey. Her style, her energy, her dedication—it’s all there. Seeing her align with a brand that champions confidence, elegance, and real beauty is truly inspiring.

Head over to Alycia’s profile (See her on Instagram here) to celebrate this milestone with her. I’m thrilled for what’s next, and I can’t wait to see her shine even brighter.

With intention,
♡ Remi O.

Soft Power & Glow: Raveena’s Office Magazine Look

Raveena Aurora for Office Magazine - Makeup by Remi

Some artists command the room. Others change its temperature. In her Office Magazine editorial, Raveena does both.

Styled by Jay Khendar (See his Instagram here) in frilly, ethereal pieces by East Asian designers, her look was grounded yet galactic. Dressed in layered pastels and weightless silhouettes, she softly pulled us into her orbit.

We built a beauty look to match that frequency. I kept her base fresh and luminous, sculpted her eyes with a structured yet breathable line, and let the rest of her face breathe. Her curls and braids fell into place like they belonged—effortless, refined, and true to my minimalist-luxe approach.

The palette? Y2K cool tones—lavender, icy gray, and sheer neutrals—everywhere right now, but here they felt timeless, not trendy. Not nostalgic, but now. Because the future of beauty isn’t loud or contoured within an inch of itself—it’s intentional, weightless, and quietly magnetic.

For women of color, beauty has so often been tied to survival, to strength, to proving something. But Raveena reminds us: softness is enough. Stillness is enough. You don’t always have to prove your power to possess it.

Working with Raveena is like applying color to music. Everything has a tempo. Her beauty doesn’t perform—it simply exists. And that, to me, is the revolution.

→ Read the full feature in Office Magazine
→ Listen to Raveena on Spotify

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.

What I Learned From Doing Nothing to My Face for a Month

Makeup By Remi — Behind the Scenes

I didn’t set out to make a statement. After a medical procedure required me to pause my usual routine, I found myself stepping back—from the mirror, from the steps, from the noise that often accompanies beauty rituals. For one month, I put down the brushes and stepped away from the full face, the false lashes, the layers of polish. Just skin. Just me.

What unfolded was unexpected. It wasn’t a rejection of makeup—it was a reckoning with how I had been using it. The break gave me the space to witness my own habits, to question what I was hiding beneath the products and what I was longing to reveal. When I returned to my kit, it wasn’t with less, but with more intention. I didn’t wear less—I wore better. Clarity replaced excess. Presence replaced performance. Restraint replaced overwhelm.

This journey wasn’t about abandoning beauty—it was about reclaiming it on my own terms. In an industry that often equates “more” with impact, I found power in subtlety. Beauty became less about covering up and more about showing up—authentic, deliberate, and unapologetically real. For me beauty, when claimed with clarity, becomes something bigger than appearance—it becomes power.

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.

MBR Must-Haves: My Summer Edit

My current product rotation, lightweight textures, soft shimmer, and summer staying power.

What I’m Reaching For This Summer:

A MBR Behind the Brushes Edit

Lightweight. Long-wearing. Low-fuss. This season, my makeup bag is all about staying fresh — whether I’m backstage at a shoot, prepping a client for a red carpet, or getting skin ready under the summer sun.

These are the products I’ve found myself reaching for on repeat — each one chosen for its performance, texture, and the way it plays with light.

• Dieux Air Angel Serum + Dieux Instant Angel Moisturizer

  Skin is always the priority. I start every look with this duo — Air Angel preps with a calm, dewy base, while the signature white tube seals in moisture without weighing skin down. Together, they create that lit-from-within canvas I swear by.

• Make Up For Ever HD Foundation

  Still a go-to. This foundation offers buildable coverage and a finish that looks just like real skin — even under the scrutiny of bright lights and high-res cameras. It moves with the face, not on top of it.

• NARS Liquid Blush in Orgasm & Dolce Vita

  Summer skin calls for a flush that feels effortless. These liquid blushes melt in with the warmth of your fingers — I swipe them across cheeks, and occasionally lids, for a monochrome moment with soft dimension.

• Wonderskin Peel-Off Lip Stain

  Proof that low-maintenance doesn’t mean low-impact. This lip stain gives bold, lasting color that survives long shoot days, iced coffee, and late-night snacks — no mirror required.

• Sweed Silver Liner + Half Magic Glitter Sticks

  Because summer’s meant for play. I’ve been reaching for shimmer with intention — a swipe of silver, a hint of iridescent light — to add just enough drama without losing softness. These details catch the light in the best way.

  I’ll keep sharing what stays in my rotation as the season evolves — but these are the staples holding strong right now. Tried any of them? Tag me or hit me on IG — I love seeing how you make them your own.

  With intention,
  ♡ Remi O.

Beauty as Protest, Art as Recovery: House of Futures

Young Creators - House of Futures

At House of Futures, we teach cosmetology and art therapy—but what happens in the room goes beyond technique. Since 2019, our programs have offered young people in under-resourced communities more than just skills. We’ve created space to pause, to reflect, and to heal—through color, through care, through craft.

Last year marked our second full school year. We didn’t run programming this summer, but the impact of the work stays with us. Gel-X nails happened alongside breathwork. Acrylics beside affirmations. In one session, we’d teach brush control; in the next, we’d talk about boundaries. Beauty became a way back to self—gentle, expressive, and unforced.

One student said, “I didn’t know I could do this.” She didn’t just mean nails—she meant taking up space, seeing herself as capable, creative, and worthy of attention. And that reflection? It shifted something in me too.

We didn’t set out to heal ourselves. But in building this, we did. This is the work. This is the future. And we’re just getting started.

With intention,
♡ Remi O.

Raveena Aurora - "Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain”

Glowing Onstage with Raveena Aurora - Makeup By Remi

Working with Raveena always feels like stepping into a softer world — where light moves like water, colors breathe, and beauty feels sacred.

For her Brooklyn Steel stop on the NY tour, we leaned into that softness. Skin that catches stage lights without losing its intimacy. A glow that whispers even under the brightest beams.

I’ve had the joy of working with Raveena since her Temptation days, and with each chapter, I’m reminded: beauty isn’t always about more. Sometimes it’s about revealing what’s already present, already powerful.

Grateful to play even a small role in her journey. This look was created with love, intention, and reverence for an artist who doesn’t just perform — she remembers

Click here to Relive the Moment.

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.

Lesley Ware: Redefining Fashion and Identity Through Upcycled Art

Lesley Ware in “Art To Ware” - NYC

Celebrating the Power of Sustainability, Self-Expression, and Personal Discovery in Fashion

Lesley Ware (See her on Instagram here), the visionary behind Art to Ware, doesn’t just design clothes—she crafts transformative environments. Through her work, she breathes new life into discarded textiles, turning them into art that tells a unique story. Ware's spaces in Manhattan serve as a testament to sustainability, where upcycled materials become vehicles for personal expression. The act of dressing becomes more than just a routine; it’s a profound exploration of self and style. Having first met Lesley when I did makeup for her inaugural clothing line, our friendship and professional collaboration have blossomed over the years. From her thought-provoking pop-up installations to her workshops, Lesley has created a world where fashion is not just about what you wear, but about the story it tells and the personal journey it represents.

As a Makeup Artist in NYC, I understand the importance of expressing identity through art. Lesley’s approach is a true rebellion against fast fashion, offering a space where imperfections and history in fabrics are celebrated. By using upcycled materials, she allows her clients to engage with clothing on a deeper, tactile level—encouraging personal connection and discovery. She’s not just changing how we think about clothing; she’s creating an environment where individual identity flourishes. The imperfections woven into each fabric are embraced as a badge of history, reminding us that true style goes beyond what’s new, trending, or polished. It’s about wearing what resonates with who you are.

From her Westfield Shopping Center billboard to her inspiring workshops, Lesley continues to redefine what it means to embrace sustainable fashion. Her work is a tribute to those who find beauty in the imperfect and power in the stories that clothes can tell. She is a true trailblazer—an artist, a mentor, and a friend.

→ Click here to watch the full video here.
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.

From Brush to Screen: A Cinematic Tribute to Edna Lewis for PBS

Finding Edna Lewis - PBS Makeup by Remi - Makeup Artist NYC

"Finding Edna Lewis" is more than a documentary; it's an immersive experience, a journey into the heart of a culinary legacy that has shaped the landscape of American cuisine. The film, a masterclass in visual storytelling, unfolds with a quiet grace, allowing Edna Lewis's story to simmer and resonate. It's a meditation on food, memory, and the enduring power of tradition, a testament to how the simple act of cooking can become a profound act of cultural preservation. Starring Deb Freeman, the film feels like a carefully curated gallery, each scene a portrait, each interview a brushstroke, contributing to a larger, more nuanced understanding of Edna Lewis's impact.

Contributing to this rich tapestry was Nicole Taylor, whose insights and perspectives brought a vital contemporary voice to the narrative. As a Makeup Artist in NYC, it was a privilege to work with Nicole, to create a look that complemented her natural elegance while allowing her words to take center stage. The goal was to enhance, not to distract, to create a visual harmony that mirrored the film's own understated beauty. In a documentary that celebrates authenticity, the makeup needed to be equally genuine, a subtle reflection of the honesty and depth of the story being told. It was a reminder that the art of makeup, at its best, is about enhancing the subject's inherent beauty, not creating a facade.

"Finding Edna Lewis" is a cinematic feast, a reminder that history is not just a collection of facts, but a living, breathing entity, constantly evolving and influencing our present. It’s a film that invites us to slow down, to savor the flavors of the past, and to appreciate the quiet power of those who have shaped our culinary landscape.

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

Samara Joy: Five-Time Grammy Winner!

Behind the Scenes with Samara Joy for “A Joyful Holiday” Verve/Universal Records

Samara Joy (See her on Instagram here), a force of nature in the jazz landscape, claimed not one, but two Grammy Awards last night for her holiday album "A Joyful Holiday" last night, and I feel so honored as the key hair & makeup artist on this project to have played a small part in bringing that vision to life. Seeing the album art, now adorned with Grammy gold is a feeling akin to witnessing a painting you helped create find its place in a celebrated gallery. It’s a validation of the power of collaboration, the magic that happens when creative energies align.

This marks Samara’s fifth Grammy win, and our second Grammy-winning album cover together – a beautiful synergy that I’m incredibly proud of. Last night’s wins – Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best Jazz Performance – are not just accolades; they're affirmations. They speak to the power of music to move us, to transport us, to connect us. To be a part of Samara Joy’s journey, even in a small way as her hair and makeup artist on this project, is an immense privilege. It’s a reminder that art, in all its forms, has the power to inspire & elevate.

→ Click here to read the full post.

With intention,
♡ Remi O.