In the Powder Room — Margaux Bang

Morgan Leigh is a Montreal-born makeup artist based in New York City whose talent, unique aesthetic and ability to create looks that appear like they are straight out of a Gustave Klimt painting, is what makes her one of our favorite MUAs in the industry. From being a part of Jeremy Scott’s creative team, to creating Met Gala looks for A-list celebrities, Morgan’s unique style and aesthetic is what has granted her such success in one of the world’s most competitive industries. Tasteful Chronicles invited Morgan to our virtual powder room to ask her to share some beauty tips & tricks, post-corona beauty trends forecasts, and more!

Photography by Morgan Leigh

Screen Shot 2020-05-28 at 9.51.38 AM.png — @morganleighmakeup

Can you tell us more about this look? What was it like being part of Jeremy Scott's incredibly talented team and creative process?

Fashion week is so much fun & something that I truly look forward to. Being on the team for the Jeremy Scott show was so colorful, creative and fun to replicate. Especially under the backstage pressure, makes it that much more rewarding when you're on the clock.

image credit: @morganleighmakeup — “Especially
[Working]
under the backstage pressure, makes it that much more rewarding when you're on the clock.”

Any post-corona beauty trend forecast?

I think that corona has made us all embrace our natural beauty and the "no makeup makeup" look which is my favorite! Simple and fresh. I hope that we all continue to do that instead of layering on tons of product that we don't really need to feel beautiful!

What's your favorite drugstore beauty product?

My #1 drugstore product is my go-to mascara for myself and my clients which is Cover Girl Lash Blast (the one in the orange tube).

Whose makeup do you dream of doing? What look would you give them?

Natalie Portman! She's so stunning and has incredible features that I'd love to accentuate with a fresh glowing look

What's the most common makeup "faux-pas" ?

I hate when people use a concealer that is way too light for them. They end up having white raccoon eyes. It's a big pet peeve of mine

What's the best makeup tip you ever received, and who was it from?

The best makeup tip I received is from my mother, who taught me to always use an eyelash curler even with no other makeup — it opens your face and eyes making you look awake and fresh. Not enough people use them. I always keep one in my purse!

Best way to make oneself look "fresher" without makeup?

EYELASH CURLER!

Glossier or Pat McGrath?

Glossier would be for a more natural look and Pat McGrath for when you want to add a rich pop off color.

Go-to song when you're getting glammed up?

90's/00's rap always!!

Unafraid to experiment with all sorts of fun beauty looks and take inspiration from different eras, Victoria Hazelton caught our eye on Instagram. We instantly fell in love with her eclectic looks, that range from 2000s-nostalgia to chic-cowgirl vibes. She’s the queen of the “countrify then hip hop it” aesthetic and it’s hard not to be obsessed with the array of beauty looks that she is able to create. Tasteful Chronicles invited Victoria to our virtual Powder Room, to ask her some of our burning beauty-related questions.

Photography by Victoria Hazelton

TELL US MORE ABOUT THIS LOOK, WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION?

This is a funny story because when I created this look, I was feeling a bit neglected by my boyfriend. But I told myself "you know what, I am fierce and I am going to show it to the world". I also had just watched the Fenty Savage show and I felt so empowered by all the performers who served such strong confidence and fabulousness. The show's beauty looks also reminded me of Euphoria's iconic makeup looks, which I heavily binged watched at the time.

MILLENNIAL BOY BROW OR 90S SKINNY EYEBROW?

Millennial boy brow for sure. You can always cover your brows up drag style and create a skinnier shape if you wish to switch things up because once you overpluck... it's over!

WHICH BEAUTY TREND SHOULD MAKE A COMEBACK?

The "Farrah" hairstyle or disco curls, I am truly a sucker for the 70s.

FAVORITE ERA?

This is a hard question because I love all of them, but I would say the 1970s mainly because of Disco. I am secretly a disco queen inside.

MOST ESSENTIAL PRODUCT IN YOUR BATHROOM CABINET, AND WHY?

For me it is any kind of moisturizer because I live in Canada and it gets very cold and dry up here during the winter. So I can’t stress the importance of keeping your skin hydrated, otherwise it can literally crack. You can never moisturize too much, it's one of the best ways to prevent the skin from aging too quickly.

FAVORITE MAKEUP ARTIST?

There are so many! But if I had to pick one, it would be Kevyn Aucoin. My first makeup references were celebrities from the 90s and he was the master behind all these beautiful looks. I would definitely recommend his documentary Beauty and the Beast in Me, if you want to find out more about the whole philosophy behind his artistry.

ANY BEAUTY SECRETS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?

Work with your face and don’t be afraid to experiment with it. Following tutorials to learn new techniques and color coordinations is good, but every face is different. Meaning that some tutorials can work for the specific person that is giving the tutorial but not necessarily for you, since we all have different face shapes, eyes, etc. Try to take not take these tutorials too seriously, in order to stay true to your face. Also, take pictures! It is crazy how a makeup look can change through the camera. This is a great way to learn what needs to be improved and see the evolution of your look.

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WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT CREATING THESE AMAZING LOOKS?

Creating these looks is my form of meditation. It's a fun and calming way to focus on myself and to tap into my creativity. I always end up learning something at the end of each "session". Whether it's about confidence, a new technique, or something I would never do again.

WHO ARE YOUR TOP THREE BEAUTY ICONS?

Rupaul Charles, Audrey Hepburn and Cher

GO-TO SONG FOR WHEN YOU’RE GETTING READY?

Go Gina - SZA