Renowned Makeup Artist Yin Lee Reveals Her Beauty Secrets and Tells Us How to Get Glowing Skin

Based in London, Yin Lee is a global makeup artist who works internationally designing looks for fashion shows, editorials and red carpet events. She has worked with high-profile publications from Glamour to Dazed & Confused, collaborated with top photographers like David Bailey and established herself with ultra-cool celebrity clients, such as Birdy and Daisy Lowe. Captivated by her creative work and extensive experience, we caught up with Yin Lee to learn all of her best makeup secrets and find out out how she's taken the world of beauty by storm. 

Hey, Yin Lee! Thanks so much for chatting with us today! We're so intrigued by your work. What's a typical day like for you as a makeup artist? 

Every day is completely different and can change at the very last minute! So, you have to be quite flexible with your time and other commitments because you never know when a client may need you. 

Let's rewind a little bit. A lot of our readers dream of one day having a career like yours. When did you know a career in beauty was for you, and how did you get started? 

I've been into makeup since I was a little girl, most likely because my mum did not use any beauty products! It was not until after I saw some of my childhood friend becoming models that I decided I wanted to do something in the same industry. I thought about designing but ultimately ended up pursuing a career in makeup, and things really just fell into place.

What’s the biggest change in makeup/ beauty trends you’ve noticed since you started working as a young makeup artist?

When I started, we still shot everything on film! And there was also no social media! I think these days you have to be very particular and precise in anything you do because there is always someone snapping away or filming, so there is no time for errors!

What are your current favorite makeup trends? 

Bare, beautiful, expensive looking skin paired with no mascara and a colour wash on the eyes.

We're dying to know: what’s in your personal makeup bag? 

Too much!!

The top three makeup items in your bag you couldn’t live without: 

Personally : Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil, Shu Uemura eyelashcurlers and Shu Uemura Waterproof Black Fibre Mascara

In my kit: Tom Ford Traceless Foundation, Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow and Sisley Photo Twist Lips in Number 1

You've been in the beauty world for a while. What’s the biggest makeup mistake you see girls make? 

There really is no right or wrong for me! Everyone is very individual! You should do your makeup in a way that makes you happy. If your makeup makes you feel good, it's definitely not a mistake. 

Today, we’re busier than ever. What’s the easiest/quickest way to turn a day/work look into something for a night out? 

A quick addition of any Lipstick Queen colour will instantly lift your look and get your ready for the night ahead. 

We're obsessed with the dewy glow of models on the runway right now. Can you tell us the secret? 

Great skincare and a good highlighter— be sure find one that suits your skin tone for the ultimate fresh faced look. 

If you had to give us one piece of makeup advice before you go, what would it be? 

It's all about skin!!

And where can we see more of your beautiful makeup creations?  

At fashion shows like Paul Costelloe, Steven Tai, Sid Neigun and Sadie Clayton in London, Tokyo, New York and Paris. You can also see my looks on the red carpet and in various magazines, including L'Officiel, D'Scene, Hunger and many more.

Check out my instagram @yinleemakeup for up to date work!