If you love looking at mind-blowing makeup makeovers—the kind you can’t stop scrolling through late at night when you should be in bed but can’t look away—you’re going to have a new obsession to add to the social media list.
Meet PaintDatFace (aka Spencer), a Los Angeles–based makeup artist who creates some of the most jaw-dropping before-and-afters using makeup, which he refers to as “his paintings.”
“My favorite part of these makeovers is taking the before-and-after photos. Many of the models don’t realize that the key to my dramatic makeovers isn’t just because of the makeup transformation, but also because of the confidence transformation,” he says. “When I get to see my model completely turn into their fierce alter-ego in front of the camera after my makeup application, it’s very rewarding. It reminds me of why I became a makeup artist and why I continue to work in a field I’m passionate about.”
You May Also Like: There’s a Crazy Popular Lip Color Trend on Instagram
Instilling confidence is pretty much Spencer’s number-one, totally thoughtful goal. “My interest in makeup came from the physical insecurities I struggled with while growing up. I started using makeup around the age of 10 to help cover my blemishes, correct skin tone and hide a minor scar. Although I didn’t wear much of it, it was the slightest differences makeup did for my skin that had made the biggest impact on my confidence. It wasn’t long before I had discovered that I wanted to become a professional makeup artist so I could help others discover that same confidence.”
His go-to move: blending! “It’s the key to a flawless finish. If I’m limited on time with a client, I’d much rather go for a simpler makeup look and have the time to blend rather than go for something more dramatic that won’t leave me the time I want for blending. Taking my time blending eyeshadows and foundations has been a game-changer.”
The makeovers may be mesmerizing, but Spencer admits they don’t take mere minutes (more like 90 minutes to two hours). Luckily, he says you don’t necessarily need to call in the aid of a professional and do all that prep work to copy parts of the look. “For lashes, Lilly Lashes is definitely a must-have. For skin care, I’ve really been loving Tatcha lately. For luminous skin, I’ve used Becca Cosmetics for their highlighters and shimmers for years. And for lips, Anastasia Beverly Hills has some of my favorite shades in liquid lipsticks, but YSL is my go-to for gloss!”
Spencer also says his best advice for anyone who wants to “up their makeup game” has nothing to do with makeup at all. “I can’t stress enough how important it is to take care of your skin, as it’s the base to a flawless makeup finish. Makeup fixes skin tone/color much easier than it does texture. So by taking care of your skin by drinking lots of water, eating healthy foods, using great skin care and always washing off your makeup at the end of the day, you’ll be setting yourself up a beautiful makeup base.”
