All About Allan Avendaño’s Beauty Expertise
In order to achieve her flawless red carpet glam and magazine cover looks, Zendaya needs quite the spectacular beauty team to make her look picture-perfect. Celebrity makeup artist Allan Avendaño can proudly say that he’s been a part of making her seamless makeup transformations possible. Born in Quezon City, Philippines, Avendaño moved to Los Angeles when he was five years old. Although he was initially attracted to television production and received a Bachelor of Science in Communication, he found his true calling when he was given a job at Angeleno Magazine. Avendaño handled fashion assignments there but found his true passion when he tried his hand as a makeup artist for one of the magazine’s photo shoots. He practiced his skills as a freelance artist for MAC Cosmetics for three years before moving on to work on beauty and fashion editorial shoots, advertising campaigns, television projects, and red carpet preparation for celebrities such as Camila Cabello, Vanessa Hudgens, Chrissy Teigen, and Sarah Hyland. Additionally, Avendaño selflessly lends his makeup skills to different charities’ fundraising efforts, including Project Angel Food, The Chrysalis Foundation, the MAC AIDS Fund, and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Despite long hours and makeup frustrations, Avendaño always manages to make a difference through his day job. (Note: All makeup on celebrities in this article is done by Avendaño)
When did you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in the makeup industry?
When I was working for a fashion magazine, I picked up a brush and started doing someone’s makeup. At that moment, I realized that I had a knack for it and decided to pursue it.
What about makeup is most special to you?
The way it makes people feel more confident and powerful!
What’s the biggest lesson you learned when perfecting your craft?
Practice makes perfect.
What’s the hardest part about being a makeup artist?
Lugging a heavy kit around.
What is your go-to product in your kit?
It would have to be BH Cosmetics’ eyeshadow palettes. I have them all and they have a good color payoff.
Who are some of your favorite stars you’ve worked with?
I’ve grown very close to my clients and consider them friends, like Joey King, Sarah Hyland, Sabrina Carpenter, Vanessa Hudgens, and Camila Cabello. They are all just such wonderful girls and I feel very lucky to get to spend time with them.
What skincare recommendation do you always give to celebs?
I really like to recommend this machine called NuFace! It works to tighten and tone your face. Depending on their skin type, I also advise them of other things to try.
Was there a particularly funny moment from being on set with a celeb that you can recall?
Every time I’m with Joey King, I mess with her while I’m doing her makeup by tapping a brush on her face over and over in the same place until she realizes. It’s so funny!
Do you prefer doing makeup for red carpet events or editorial shoots?
Red carpet events because they’re fun and exciting and nerve-racking at the same time. We get to see our work presented to everyone.
What is a makeup risk that you have taken in the past that you will never regret?
Sarah Hyland’s yellow eyeliner for an Emmy Party.
What advice can you give to people who are afraid to do their own makeup?
Tread lightly. Always start with the basics and enhance your beauty. Don’t go overboard.
What’s up next for you in the future?
Maybe start a makeup line...
Follow Allan on Social Media:
Instagram: @allanface
Twitter: @allanface
Facebook: @allanface
Snapchat: @allanface