The Coming Clean series features trailblazing women and their reflections on how to live a beautiful life.

Tricia Turner is a makeup artist with a celebrity roster. NakedPoppy is lucky to work with her; she’s our go-to when we test drive new products to make sure they’re perfect for you. Here are her reflections on getting into makeup as a career, her definition of beauty, and the best part of getting older.

How did you become a makeup artist?

The world of beauty has been a part of my life since my mother allowed me to start wearing makeup at 14 years old — with some restrictions, of course. I remember looking through fashion magazines for hours and trying to copy the latest looks on myself with makeup I’d bought using my allowance at the drugstore. ⁣

One day, I found a book called The Art of Makeup by [makeup artist] Kevyn Aucoin, and everything clicked! He stated that because he was looking for the beauty within himself, he began looking for it in other people. Although I was just a teenager, I instantly knew that’s what I was doing, too. That has deepened my love of beauty for decades.⁣

Now that you’re an experienced makeup artist, how has your own definition of beauty evolved?

I’ve grown to understand that true beauty is the courage to be yourself.

What’s the most common beauty mistake(s) you see?

People using skincare products that are either too harsh or ineffective for their skin type. 

Are there any tricks or hacks you’ve commonly shared with clients when it comes to makeup or skincare? 

Moisturization is key to keep skin looking fresh and healthy. Adding a facial oil to your skincare routine 1-2 times per day helps seal in hydration. I love NakedPoppy’s Revitalize Organic Facial Oil, since it offers a combination of fatty acids and antioxidants that makes skin appear radiant.

What caused you to embrace clean beauty?

Finding out just how damaging conventional beauty can be to our health and the environment.

You work closely with the data science team to develop the NakedPoppy algorithm. Is this where you expected your career to take you? What does this work mean to you?

Being a part of developing the NakedPoppy algorithm is exciting because it helps women navigate a “makeup landscape” that at times can be confusing and frustrating.

With 5 minutes to complete your own skincare routine in the morning, what do you reach for? 

The Ere Perez Ginko Micellar Water and Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Sunscreen and Primer. 

With 5 minutes to do your own makeup in the morning, what do you reach for? 

NakedPoppy Clean Liquid Eyeliner and RMS Beauty’s Volumizing Mascara.

What’s the best part of getting older? 

Learning to be more compassionate with myself.

What book would you loan to everyone if you could?⁣

There Is Nothing Wrong With You by Cheri Huber.

What makes your life beautiful?

My husband and my camera.

These are important and hopeful times. How do you expect this to affect your work?

I’ll have more women of color in my chair for the photo shoots I work on. 🙂

Want to see Tricia’s recommendations and other luxuriously crafted clean beauty products? Get “shockingly accurate” clean beauty picks. Take your beauty assessment.

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