Ever wonder to get the job as the global makeup artist of a prestigious beauty brand? Us too. We caught up with Celine Bernaerts to find out how exactly she landed such a lush job. Learn a lil’ more about how a broken wrist fast tracked this creative to social media stardom and acknowledgment from one of the world’s most covetable makeup brands.
Cosmo ME: What was your career path like up until you became the global makeup artist for Dolce & Gabbana?
Celine Bernaerts: Before embarking on my journey as Global Makeup Artist for Dolce & Gabbana Beauty, I was already working as a makeup artist in the fashion industry. I was following the trajectory of a more “traditional” artist, working on editorials for magazines and backstage at Fashion Week while also doing a bit of social media on the side.
Unfortunately, while I was assisting on a job in Paris, I got injured and broke my wrist, leading me to not be able to go back to work for eight months. While I was recovering, I decided to stop resisting the pull social media had on me and use it to soothe my creative bursts.
When it became clear that my injury would have permanent consequences, I figured out this “social media thing” had real potential so I decided to invest in my own studio with amazing professional gear and learn how to create content in the most professional way I could. By creating looks that have a flare for the dramatic, creating captivating content and building my online community I was noticed by Dolce & Gabbana who approached me and asked me to become their Global Makeup Artist, and the rest is history.
Cosmo ME: Have you always dreamed of being a global makeup artist for a prestigious beauty brand?
Celine Bernaerts: Being a global makeup artist is definitely a huge honor that I didn’t expect to achieve so soon, or ever for that matter. I think Dolce & Gabbana is forward thinking in their strategy which I admire and thank them for. It’s truly a privilege to be part of such an authentic brand that is, in actuality, as people imagine: iconic, high quality, both in the products as well as the bold and stunning packaging.
Being a global makeup artist entails a variety of things, I get to contribute by bringing my knowledge and experience to the development process to create products that will be truly cherished. I was really struck by the fact that the envisioned products would be created to be performance driven, with immediate results, whilst also being comfortable to wear, which is great when you’re both a makeup artist and a consumer. Then when I got to see the first packaging proposals, I was truly impressed by the immense craftmanship, boldness, and sheer opulence.
via Instagram @celine_bernaerts
Cosmo ME: How has your style and expertise influenced Dolce & Gabbana?
Celine Bernaerts: I hope to bring to the table a sense of community to the Dolce & Gabbana Beauty consumers, as well as an availability of knowledge, information, and inspiration. That is to say its beauty is attainable and available for everyone that wishes to use makeup and bind us with that shared love of beauty. Beyond that, I’m hoping to bring my knowledge and experience to the development process to create products we will all adore.
Cosmo ME: Can you tell us about your social media career as well?
Celine Bernaerts: My career in social media helped me develop a deep knowledge of the makeup products on the market, along with having a voice and being able to experiment with different looks, formulas, finishes and products. This has helped me to develop my philosophy, which is that makeup to me is not only beautification but a way to express yourself creatively, while also giving you the ability to transform into the person you feel like that particular day: empowered and strong, soft and sensual, or innocent and pure. Whatever it can do for you, it should be fun and personal. And I carry this idea with me whenever I’m working with Dolce & Gabbana Beauty.
via Instagram @celine_bernaerts
Cosmo ME: How do you keep yourself creatively inspired?
Celine Bernaerts: I think that when I’m stuck, I go back to the classics, which in my book refers to a defined lash line and a bold lip, but how that is executed is highly personal. A defined lash line can be a winged liner, a soft darkening of the outer corners, or just a stroke of mascara. A bold lip can be a fully defined red lip, a blotted-out splash of color, or just a hint of red through your lip balm. Going back to basics and building from those really helps me get out of creative ruts.
Cosmo ME: Your Instagram bio states that you are a chameleon making her way through life with makeup and you are challenging online beauty standards for our entertainment. Can you tell us more about this?
Celine Bernaerts: To me, being a chameleon and being a makeup artist goes hand in hand. Just like a chameleon changes colors, through makeup I’m always able to reinvent myself and become someone new, endlessly experimenting and creating something never seen before. I do all this while also challenging the norm, by not just creating looks that fit the beauty standard or by using makeup to adhere to it, but by using it as a tool for expressing my most authentic self that I’m feeling that day, and by sharing it with the world on social media, of course, I’m entertaining others with my crazy transformations while sharing my passion with the world.
To follow Celine, click here.