BL8K Spotlight: The Beauty & Artistry Behind Janessa Pare’s Makeup
In the bustling world of New York fashion, makeup artist Janessa Paré has carved out a unique space where character and connection intersect with beauty, transforming her craft into something far beyond aesthetics. With a portfolio that speaks for itself, Paré's journey from cosmetology student to hairstylist and makeup apprentice to leading Fashion Week shows showcases her ability to create looks that tell a story. “For me, makeup is about connection and character,” she explains, a philosophy that has earned her a place among industry titans, where movement, artistry, and creativity continuously reimagine beauty as an endless source of inspiration and possibility.
photo via @janessapare
Starting her career in cosmetology, Paré quickly discovered her passion for makeup and was soon appointed as a Global Artist for Aveda. In 2012, she moved to New York and began assisting renowned artist Yadim Carranza, an experience that deeply shaped her creative vision. “Yadim helped me embrace my intuition,” she reflects. An essential ability that becomes key when creating the foundation of every fashion or beauty campaign, I mean—without makeup, there wouldn’t be a story to tell.
photo via @janessapare
Fast forward to Glossier's latest ad campaign—featuring ultra-glossy lips—was perfected by none other than Janessa Paré, our spotlight artist of the month. Whose impressive portfolio includes collaborations with industry giants like Estée Lauder, Gucci, and Bottega Veneta, as well as publications like Vogue.
Known for her calm demeanor on set and her effortless ability to connect with her team, as stated in her agency’s bio, Janessa has quickly become one of the most sought-after makeup artists in the industry. From crafting the makeup for The Perfect Magazine cover shoot with TikTok star-turned-pop-sensation Addison Rae, to transforming beauty into an art form for Dazed's AW24 ‘The Impossible Issue,’ where makeup blurred the line between darkness and feminine beauty—her versatility is like none other.
Janessa's creativity is on full display, whether it's designing dreamy pink eyelids for Gauntlett Cheng’s SS25 runway show, inspired by the iconic '90s looks, or collaborating on Eckhaus Latta's futuristic minimalist vision. Busy as thriving, Janessa continues to dazzle with her craft—go girl!
photo via @janessapare
Her talent goes beyond technical skill—it lies in her unique approach to capturing beauty. Minimalistic in some ways yet bold in her use of color. Eyebrows are erased, eyeliner takes on a life of its own with free and bold strokes, and color-blocking becomes her signature move. It’s this daring and creative vision that makes Janessa Paré a force to be reckoned with in the world of modern beauty.
