It was 9 pm. My co-intern and I were hanging out in the beauty closet of a well-known magazine, unpacking boxes and bags for the publication's annual beauty awards. I looked terrible, but his skin was ethereal and glowy.
“Your skin,” I said, admiring his lack of pores. “It's angelic. What do you use?"
He grinned. His teeth were so white. I felt like Cinderella's ugly stepsister next to him.
“Oh, I use a lot,” he said with a shrug. “But this is all primer, concealer, foundation, setting powder…" He trailed off. I think he thought my gawking was funny.
I thought I had pretty good makeup skills, but my finesse with a BeautyBlender was no match for whatever blood magic he did every day. He was like the Khaleesi of color correcting.
He's now a beauty editor at another publication. When we reconnected at an event a couple weeks back, we launched into a discussion of male beauty gurus — specifically, the ones owning social media.
Keep scrolling for some legit contour inspiration from the male beauty bloggers who run Instagram.
If you're a lash junkie, you'll love Angel Merino.
Angel Merino, the man behind @mac_daddyy, was one of my first loves. The LA-based celebrity makeup artist can usually be found with glowing skin, a well-manicured chin strap and falsies for days.
If you're a Kardashian lover, check out Mario Dedivanovic.
Mario Dedivanovic may not upload a ton of selfies, but he doesn't have to when he's the go-to makeup artist for the Kardashian-Jenners. Kim even acted as his model for a 4-hour-long Master Class in LA.
If you want that Jessica Alba glow, you need Patrick Ta.
Jessica isn't makeup artist Patrick Ta's only client. He also works with Shay Mitchell, Alessandra Ambrosio, Jenna Dewan-Tatum and Gigi freaking Hadid. If anyone knows strobing, it's this guy.
If you worship Queen Bey, scroll through Sir John's feed.
L'Oreal Paris brand ambassador Sir John has the most exclusive client of all: Beyoncé. He worked on the Mrs. Carter tour, as well as Bey's music videos. In his spare moments, he glams models Joan Smalls, Jourdan Dunn and Karlie Kloss. In fact, his first celebrity client was none other than Naomi Campbell.
If you appreciate the power of a great brow, Juninho Rusty is your man.
This Brazilian artist is the king of a sexy smokey eye and nearly poreless skin. His greatest magic trick, however, is his ability to transform lackluster brows to works of art.
For all bright everything, follow Patrick Starrr.
Patrick's Instagram is the sunniest thing you'll see today. His vivid lipsticks and glittery eye looks are just fabulous as his personality.
If you're all about transformations, Michael Finch is the best.
A clean slate just won't do for Michael Finch. The Australian makeup artist undergoes crazy transformations on the reg, complete with wild colors and brows for days. Did I mention he's only 19?
