Get to know: Yoi Wan

In our debut print issue 01 of Sanxtuary Magazine we interviewed the talented Yoi Wan (@yoiwan) and picked her brain about her skillful work, inspirations, and development as an editorial makeup artist who's creating head-turning looks! We've now brought that exclusive print interview online: Read the full interview below!

Hi Yoi! We are so excited to hear about your journey and your work! Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do!

Hi, my name is Yoi. I’m British Chinese and was born and raised in Wales. I currently work as a freelance make-up artist in London and specialise in fashion editorial make-up but do everything from commercial to light SFX.

How did you first get into makeup, and what made you want to pursue a career as a makeup artist?

I loved painting and drawing when I was a child, but I was most fascinated by faces. When I discovered that I could transfer these skills onto the face through make-up I was obsessed, I fell in love with creating characters and alter-egos for myself and others. Make-up became a sort of freedom where I could express who I was and who I wanted to be. 

Has your makeup style changed or developed throughout time? What was it like when you were starting out compared to now?

It has definitely changed, I would say I was more of a perfectionist when I was younger, I was fussed with every detail - every line and blend tormented me if it was not exactly how I envisioned it. Now that I have broken out of these boundaries, I can work more freely and experimentally. If something doesn’t work, I don’t force it I just try something else. Before, I would feel like I had to make over every part of the face but when you’re creating editorial fashion looks, less is often more. I have learnt to take a step back and know when to stop. 

Who are some of your favorite makeup artists or beauty influencers that may inspire your work or that you look up to?

Terry Barber is my ultimate make-up idol. I love his use of shape and colour, also the humour within his work and not taking make-up too seriously. I take a lot of inspiration from his application; letting make-up run it’s course allowing it to look lived in, real and raw. 

Your makeup is so otherworldly and bold, tell us about your favorite look(s) that you’ve created so far! 

Thank you! This is difficult question! One of my favourite beauty shoots so far would have to be the Ikebana series I shot with Otto Masters for I’officiel Thailand. The shoot was inspired by the art of Japanese flower arrangement and every look mirrored different Ikebana arrangements. I was able to experiment with various colour palettes and textures, and I remember it being so much fun and a great team effort pulling all the looks together. 

Do you have any advice you would give to someone who is trying to further their career as an editorial makeup artist? 

Don’t be afraid! I used to be terrified, sometimes I still am but at the end of the day it’s just make-up! Take the risks, do that scary colour combination and step out of your comfort zone. 

For the latest exclusive interviews grab issue 03 here!