Off the clock with Liz Hyun

If you've ever stepped onto a set, you'd know it's never just about the model—there's an entire team working behind the scenes to bring everything together. With an eye for beauty and a kit of essentials, we sat down with makeup artist Liz Hyun to talk skin, the industry, and the power of a good touch-up.

How did you get your start in the makeup industry?

While doing my bachelor's degree in design, I realised halfway through that it wasn’t for me. I was always passionate about the idea of makeup and loved the way it made me look and feel. I decided to enrol on a makeup course and completed it over the university break. Upon completing my bachelor's degree, I then pursued makeup full-time. I’ve never looked back since.

What’s a beauty trend you’re loving right now?

I am loving the contoured lip trend. Using cooler-toned lip pencils or colours that are a couple of shades deeper than your natural lips, apply outside the natural lip line and smudge. This technique transforms the lip shape and can give them a natural pout.

What’s your most memorable moment in your makeup career, or a favourite project you’ve worked on?

Winning the NZ Artist of the Year award at MAC Cosmetics for the second time. It’s a prestigious award, so winning it twice was a huge milestone. My most meaningful moment in my career would be going on tour with my best friend CHAII in the UK and US last year. We have talked about travelling the world and working together since we were kids, so it was very special for us.

What are your current ride-or-die products you always have in your kit, and why?

Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation has been used religiously in my kit for about a decade, as the longevity is unmatched for special occasion makeup. Sisley Paris phyto cernes éclat eye concealer has been a favourite as it’s hydrating and undetectable when applied. Elizabeth Arden 8hr Cream is a makeup artist's favourite that can be used on the lips, on the eyelids for a wet look and as a glossy highlight on the cheekbones. Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb in ‘Fenty Glow’, has been replaced about 20 times, as it’s so universal for all skin tones and it’s smoothing on the lips.

There’s so much buzz around Korean beauty lately—are you seeing it influence your work or clients’ requests?

Absolutely! I’m Korean, so I’ve always been influenced by K-beauty my whole life, not only on my own beauty regimen, but it’s also reflected in my work. I travel to Korea a few times a year and visit Olive Young to constantly top up products in my kit. I need to be up to date with the latest trends, as it’s important as an artist to be aware. My work needs to ensure it’s consistently evolving with the times. Understanding beauty trends in different countries can bring a unique approach to your makeup application. I love using new techniques and tailoring them to different faces.

How important is skincare in your line of work—and how do you create the perfect canvas before starting glam on a client?

Skincare is essential to a great canvas for makeup application, but I ensure the skin is very clean before I start any glam. I cleanse the skin with Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water, then go in with the Aesop Immaculate Facial Tonic on a cotton round to buff away any dead skin and dry patches. Using a toner helps moisturisers and primers glide on and get absorbed better. At the moment, my favourites are the Aleph Beauty The One Reset/Restore Moisturiser or Melitta Glo Guard as a primer.

Is there a dream face you’d love to glam?

Rihanna or Doechii would be incredible.

What are a few makeup tricks you wish everyone knew?

It’s very easy to get carried away and apply too much product in the brows. By brushing them up and getting the hairs going in the perfect direction, you only have to apply a very small amount of product in the areas that you need. It adds to the perfectly fluffy brow look as you can still see all the hairs.

Let’s say I’ve got a wedding this weekend and zero time—what’s your go-to ‘easy glam’ routine?

Get yourself a multi-lip and cheek product such as the Aleph Beauty Lip/Cheek Tint. Apply as a blush and lip colour, as the tone will go hand in hand and bring colour to the face. Swipe a touch of your bronzer all over the eyelids and the crease, such as the Benefit Hoola Bronzer and apply a generous amount of mascara. I am loving the Tarte Tartlette tubing mascara at the moment. Make sure to fill in the brows too. This whole makeup will take about 10-15 minutes, but it will look like you are a makeup expert!

Image credit Ensemble Magazine

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to enter the makeup industry?

I would highly encourage working in retail beauty. You will get thrown into the chaos of doing about a hundred foundation colour matches a day, working with different skin concerns and skin tones while also meeting the client's preferences, amongst all the different brands. Contact and inquire with your favourite makeup artist you look up to for a one-on-one makeup lesson, if you want to upskill and perfect your craft. Makeup artists will be so happy to take aspiring artists under their wing and share their tips and tricks.

What advice would you give to a younger Liz starting out in the makeup industry? 

Condensing your kit is key for all the heavy lifting that is to come over the years. Start early!

Images by Apela Bell