LISA AHARON
Makeup Artist
New York, NY
Tell me Lisa, how did you get started in makeup?
While attending Vancouver Film School for some technical classes, I came across a makeup program that the school offered. Two classes in, I had fallen in love with my new artistic journey and was determined to make it my career path. I promptly quit the job I had at the time, found work at a local theatrical make-up store and dove in, head first.
What is your skincare routine? You have incredible skin!
In the morning, I don’t usually wash my face. A cool splash of water and a spritz of toner is enough for my sensitive skin. I love Herbivore’s Rose Hibiscus Face Mist in the colder months for an added boost of hydration; in the warmer months I use Jasmine Green Tea Balancing Toner to soothe redness and inflammation.
Then I always use an eye cream, alternating between Tata Harpers Restorative Eye Crème in the morning and Chantecaille Nano Gold Energizing Eye Cream at night. Both help with fine lines, hydration, and dark circles.
Afterwards, I apply a few drops of my face oil du jour. I say oil du jour because I’m a bit of a face oil junkie. I’ve got a different oil for every mood and concern you can possibly imagine! This is how I originally fell in love with Herbivore products — I didn’t have an oil in my arsenal that worked for breakouts until I met Lapis Facial Oil. Though I have to say, while the Lapis has worked WONDERS on my skin, my favorite oil is the Orchid Facial Oil because it smells absolutely heavenly and gives me a healthy glow even on the driest of days. I also love me some In Fiore Pur Oil and Vinter’s Daughter too. I switch it up depending on how my skin is behaving that day or week. It’s important to give facial oils a minute or two to absorb.
At night, I always ALWAYS wash my face, either with a gel or an oil. Usually, the level of dryness is how I determine what to use. My favorites are Herbivore Botanicals Pink Clay Soap, Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser, and Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser. I alternate what other products I use at night as well. Sometimes it’s simply an oil for hydration and calming inflammation. I also love a vitamin C serum for evening, which helps brighten my skin tone. Two to three times a week, I’ll exfoliate with an exfoliating face mask as well, like Herbivore’s Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask or Joanna Vargas’s Exfoliating Mask. It sounds like a lot but it’s not! I break up my routine so I’m not doing a million things at once.
Do you use any skincare tools, like a gua sha facial massage tool or facial roller?
Yes, yes, YES. I love and use them all. If I’m short on time, I usually prefer the Jade or Rose Quartz Roller the most since they are fast and effective if I only have a couple minutes in the morning. My 3 year old son loves them too! There’s even a video on my Insta of him schooling me on how to use it.
What is your top secret product for your clients?
I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve but if I told you, they wouldn’t be top secret anymore!
Fair enough. But what about funny stories from the set? What’s a favorite memory of prepping a client for an event?
It has to be last years Emmy’s with Rachel Brosnahan. The day was super chill and we were having a great time in glam, until the last 15 minutes. She was dressed and we were doing last looks while she was playing with jewelry to figure out which to wear. And then a big fat diamond Tiffany ring got stuck on her finger, which began to swell and turn purple!! It wouldn’t budge no matter how much ice, oil or moisturizer was applied. All I could do was blend makeup over it to conceal the blueish purple color and then she was out the door.
Favorite project you’ve worked on?
THAT is super hard to narrow down. I’m 18 years into my career and have worked in film, fashion, music and celebrity. There are too many amazing moments to count! A couple years back I was lucky enough to work Juergen Teller on an Alexander Wang X Adidas project. And if that wasn’t enough, it was also the day that I got to meet Madonna. The whole thing was very surreal. It’s also been a gift to work with Florence Welch of Florence and The Machine during the past 8 years. During her Ceremonials album tour and press, I got to do SNL for my first time. That episode and experience is still very special to me.
Stay tuned for more from Lisa Aharon on our blog and on Herbivore IGTV!