Paris-based makeup artist and model Leslie Dumeix creates looks that inspire us, with faces ranging from fresh, barely-there makeup to dramatic evening looks for international fashion brands and French celebrities like Jeanne Damas and Carine Roitfeld.

Read on to learn about her quintessentially Parisian skincare routine and how she got where she is today!

Q: What made you fall in love with makeup artistry?

I always loved makeup since I was a child. I could spend hours trying some crazy things out on my face and on others.

I also think because my grandma and my aunt were both fashion designers, that interest in makeup and fashion grew up with me. I knew I wanted to work in the cosmetic industry already but more in the marketing department...and one day my aunt told me “why don’t you study makeup artistry?” It was a revelation! I didn’t know this could be a profession, and that was it, my dream job!

Q: How did you first start out as a makeup artist?

After I graduated from a makeup school I started working for MAC Cosmetics as a seller in their stores twice a week; I learned to work on different skin tones, older women, and execute faster, it was a very great way to learn makeup. At the same time I started creating a portfolio by doing collaborations with some photographers. And a little later, I began assisting some amazing makeup artists from different agencies, I think it has been essential to me to learn on-set other sides of the job.

Q: What do you love about being on the other side of the brush when modeling?

It’s good to know how models feel like, especially it helps me understand their position when I am a makeup artist. I like the fact that I can discover new ways of putting makeup on when I have somebody else doing it for me. It’s always different when you can experience a makeup application instead of just watching it from the outside, you can feel the pressure of the brush, the way it’s applied...you really understand better.

Q: What are your everyday skincare rituals that are non-negotiable?

I start my day by prepping my skin for makeup: I spray a rose mist and apply a moisturizing cream, massage well and I go get myself a cup of Green Tea while waiting for the cream to absorb into my skin.

In the evening, washing all the makeup and pollution off my face is non-negotiable!

I first remove the makeup with a remover and then wash with a gentle cleanser and water before applying my oils and creams.