MUA Spotlight: Grace Pae
COURTESY OF GRACE PAE ON INSTAGRAM
Makeup artist, Grace Pae has had her work on the faces of celebrities around the world. Pae is originally from New York but relocated to Los Angeles, California to pursue a creative career as a makeup artist. Her first introduction to beauty was her mother. Her mom would put apple peels on Grace’s face and make her a homemade yogurt face mask. Pae is grateful that her mother taught her to take care of her skin from an early age. She trained under Mylah Morales, a Filipina celebrity makeup artist that started her own career at just 18 years old. Pae assisted Morales with Rhinna’s makeup. She also trained and assisted under Ronit Shapow for the Black Eyed Peas and Fergie. These experiences allowed Grace Pae to travel the world and learn from some of the best in the industry.
Pae continues to leave her mark on the industry by working with celebrities like Normani, Skai Jackson, Jordin Sparks, Fifth Harmony, and Victoria Monet. Her stellar reputation has landed her partnerships with major brands including Savage x Fenty, Pat McGrath Labs, Urban Decay, Puma, and Adidas. Her work can be seen on various magazine covers such as Billboard, Paper Magazine, Teen Vogue, The FADER, V Magazine, DAZED, and Wonderland.
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Last year at the Met Gala 2021, Grace Pae was the mastermind behind the golden Lil Nas X beauty look. Pae told Allure, “We wanted him to radiate.” Lil Nas X wore an exquisite three part gold Versace look, and Pae had the job of creating a beauty look that enhanced the look while also keeping the focus on the grandeur of the three different looks. While the makeup look seemed simple, the whole process took around 2 hours. As a makeup artist, Pae not only has to do makeup, but skincare as well. The VMA’s had just happened, so it was important she used the right products to keep the skin fresh and camera ready. For the makeup look, Pae used Danessa Myricks Vision Cream Cover foundation, Beauty Balm Contour, and Evolution Setting Powder. Then she applied the golden eye applique to give Lil Nas X a unique winged effect. Pae also told Allure, "When you do an event like this, everyone's just holding their breath until those pictures come out." It was Pae’s and Lil Nas X’s first Met Gala, and it is unanimous that they nailed it.
COURTESY OF GRACE PAE ON INSTAGRAM
Lil Nas X at the 2022 Grammys
Grace Pae has an incredible range of work. She can create classically elegant red lips and bold statement looks with a wow-factor. Pae’s work enhances the beauty of her clients in such a simple, yet artfully creative way.