Ana Takahashi is one of the few makeup artists who truly treats beauty as an art form. The hyperrealist aesthetic of Takahashi’s cosmetic concoctions is a visual fresh breath in a now oversaturated industry, making her a visionary worth paying attention to. Just one peak at her Monet-esque energy and it’s no wonder the 19-year-old Londoner’s work has already been featured in the likes of Vogue, Nylon, Dazed, and more.
Using her own face as a canvas, Takahashi is a pro at crafting mountainscapes on her lids, glam-bot aesthetics, and a spot-on recreation of Margot Tenenbaum. Frankly, she’s the new cool kid on the beauty block, so it only makes sense to get some guidance from her. Below, we talk to Takahashi about her go-to products, soap-cutting videos, and more.
One beauty trend you’re currently obsessed with:
“Flushed cheeks! I think blush can make you look so fresh and healthy, even after a rough night out.”
Your most nostalgic scent:
“My mum’s perfume; Dolce & Gabanna ‘Light Blue.’”
One product or trend you’d never try:
“Henna freckles!”
One product or trend you can’t live without:
“Maybelline Age Rewind concealer because you can make it look either really natural or really beat.”
Favorite accounts to follow on Instagram:
“@terrybarberonbeauty, @thomasdekluyver, @lynskiii, and @davidkoppelaar”
Favorite brands you’re loving RN:
“Fenty Beauty for lip products, Glossier for blush, and Maybelline for mascara.”
Go-to uniform:
“It’s currently freezing in England, so my go-to uniform at the moment is a turtleneck, printed tee, comfy trousers, Air Force 1’s, and a massive white puffer jacket.”
Favorite Saturday night activity:
“Sleeping as much as possible.”
Your current Netflix/TV show binge:
“I prefer Amazon Prime for binge-watching The Office and Parks and Recreation. However, I recently watched Sex Education on Netflix and I actually really loved it; it’s so light-hearted.”
The one celebrity you want to get a manicure with:
“Dolly Parton, she definitely has a lot of wisdom to give.”
Your daily beauty routine:
“Clean moisturized face, makeup looking as natural as possible, hair usually in a bun with loads of clips, and a spritz of Jo Malone Orange Blossom perfume.”
Your biggest style inspiration:
“Probably Sharon Tate; she was so effortlessly stunning and elegant.”
The one thing you order in bulk:
“Super-boring answer, but I buy isopropyl alcohol in batch and use it to clean my makeup brushes.”
A weird hobby you’ve just gotten into:
“Watching soap cutting videos, but that’s probably more of an addiction rather than a hobby!”
