Midnight at Dover Street: The Miss Claire Party
A night of silhouettes, tulle, and electric energy at the Miss Claire party in Paris
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
Behind the glow with Olivia Nelson during a week of shoots, runways, and Paris light
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
Inside Paris’s most forward-thinking beauty school where ambition meets real-world artistry
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
A week in Paris taught me that real glow comes from letting your skin breathe, not hiding it
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
See how I create fresh, radiant skin that looks alive, natural, and undeniably beautiful.
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
Here’s how to get sculpted cheekbones and a defined jawline with less.
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
Makeup becomes powerful when artists approach it like stylists, syncing with every visual detail.
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.
Keep Your Lips from Ghosting You
Discover the pro prep steps that keep your lipstick vibrant from morning to night
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
With intention,
♡ Remi O.
Face First: Kamilah, in Full Presence
Kamilah’s look is about being seen, not made up.
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
Honoring a culinary legend through quiet beauty, thoughtful storytelling, and a well-deserved Emmy win.
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
Light-filled, unfiltered, and entirely at ease.
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
Behind Rosa Lander’s Stunning Debut in Parron Allen x Makeup by Remi
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
Men’s Makeup for SS25: Precision > Performance
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
Natural beauty meets functional design in a campaign rooted in authenticity.
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 ♡
Let’s do better and create beauty spaces where everyone feels empowered and supported.
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
Go behind the scenes with us as we explore challenging conventional beauty standards
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.
Samara Joy: Five-Time Grammy Winner!
Samara Joy is Coming Through with Another Grammy Sweep!
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.
A Quick Fix Turned Unexpected Lesson in STEM
This quick fix taught me more than I expected
Finished Product behind the scenes with Model Mo
Amidst the controlled chaos of a shoot, a hairline mishap threatened to derail everything. Picture this: a model, sculpted and ready, a camera almost rolling, and then… a rogue strand, stubbornly refusing to cooperate. In the high-stakes world of a Makeup Artist in NYC, these micro-dramas can feel monumental. My initial instinct was panic, a primal urge to grab the nearest product and fix it. But something stopped me. Instead, I paused, observing the way light played on the hair, the subtle shifts in texture, the physics of the errant strand. It was a problem, yes, but also… a puzzle.
Suddenly, the language of cosmetics transformed. What had been mere tools of beauty became instruments of engineering. The precise application of hairspray, the strategic placement of a pin – these weren't just tricks of the trade, but miniature feats of structural design. I found myself thinking less like a makeup artist and more like a…well, a scientist. Deconstructing the problem, analyzing the variables, and testing solutions with the focused intensity of someone in a lab. And in that moment, amidst the hairspray and brushes, I saw a parallel with the women who navigate the often-unseen challenges of STEM fields. The quiet determination, the problem-solving prowess, the ability to see beauty in the mechanics of things – it was all there, reflected in the simple act of fixing a hairline.
It struck me how often we compartmentalize knowledge, separating art from science, beauty from engineering. But the truth is, they are intertwined, different facets of the same brilliant diamond. Just as a painter understands the chemistry of pigments, a makeup artist wields the principles of physics and material science. We are all, in our own way, problem solvers, builders, innovators. And perhaps, by recognizing the STEM within the seemingly superficial world of beauty, we can inspire more women to embrace the power of their own multifaceted brilliance.
→ Click here to watch how the magic unfolded.
With intention,
♡ Remi O.
Our Thorne Health Campaign is Live in Times Square!
Natural beauty is shining bright in times square
Dream come True! Thorne Billboard at New York Times Square, NYC
There's a particular kind of magic that happens in New York City, a convergence of dreams and grit that transforms the everyday into something extraordinary. For a Makeup Artist NYC like myself, the city itself is a constant source of inspiration, a living, breathing gallery of faces and stories waiting to be told. And now, one of my own creations, born from a collaboration with the incredible Ariel Belgrave aka Gym Hooky (See her on Instagram here), is gracing the billboards of Times Square. It's surreal, honestly. Like stepping into a dream I didn't even know I had. To see my work, my vision for Thorne Health, amplified on such a grand scale… it’s a moment I won't soon forget.
This campaign wasn't just about makeup; it was about capturing the essence of Ariel's strength and vitality, translating her energy into a visual narrative. It was about celebrating health and wellness in a way that felt authentic and empowering. As a Makeup Artist in NYC, I'm always striving to create images that resonate on a deeper level, that go beyond mere surface aesthetics. This project, with its focus on inner radiance and holistic well-being, felt particularly aligned with my own artistic philosophy. It was a chance to paint not just a face, but a story.
The energy on set was electric. Ariel, with her infectious spirit, made the entire process a joy. We laughed, we created, and we poured our hearts into every shot. And now, to see the fruits of our labor illuminated in the heart of Times Square… it's overwhelming in the best possible way. It’s a reminder that dreams, however audacious, can indeed come true. It's a testament to the power of collaboration and the magic that happens when creativity and passion collide.
This moment feels like a full-circle moment. It's a reminder of why I fell in love with makeup artistry in the first place: the power to transform, to inspire, to connect. It's a privilege to be a Makeup Artist NYC, to be part of this vibrant tapestry of creativity. And now, to have my work displayed in such an iconic location… it's truly a dream realized. I invite you to see the campaign for yourself and share in this moment with me.
→ Click here to watch the full video on Instagram!
With intention,
♡ Remi O.
Bringing the Heat with Thorne Health
Exploring the link between health and beauty
Makeup by Remi On Set with Thorne Health
This journey has been a captivating exploration of a truth long whispered within my artistry: true beauty blooms from within. As a Makeup Artist in NYC, I've always believed that nourishing the soul is the truest form of self-care, and that radiance reflects a harmonious balance. This recent collaboration with Thorne Health has been an exhilarating dive into this philosophy, a celebration of the intricate dance between inner well-being and the outer canvas.
We delved into the power of nurturing our bodies from within, showcasing how high-quality supplements can unlock a vibrant complexion that glows from deep within. Think of it as cultivating an inner garden – tending to the soil allows the most exquisite blooms to emerge. This aligns perfectly with my approach to makeup artistry: not about masking, but about enhancing the natural beauty that radiates when we truly thrive.
The collaboration brought me together with the inspiring Ariel Belgrave, a force of nature known as Gym Hooky (See her on Instagram here) in NYC. Ariel's energy is a vibrant testament to the power of holistic living, and her spirit perfectly embodies the essence of this partnership.
→ Click here to experience the magic firsthand.
With intention,
♡ Remi O.