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Since the dawn of fashion, the word “trend” has played in the minds of consumers globally. Now, we might tend to think of “trend” in association with fashion and clothing; feathers are back in style and low rise jeans have once again begun to plague those of us without the early 2000s flat stomach. “Trend” applies not only to the fashion industry, but to makeup and the beauty industry as well. Think ’60s graphic liner and ’90s pencil thin, sculpted brows.
Makeup has cultural roots that continue to evolve as our world changes. Yet, there’s something to be said for the way makeup used to be created and applied. Celebrity makeup artist (MUA), Erin Parsons, has an affinity with vintage makeup that she shares with over 1.3 million TikTok users. You might be wondering – how did Erin come to be a professional makeup artist, and where did her love for vintage makeup come from? TheThings spoke with Erin to answer all of your burning questions.
How Erin Became An MUA
While enticing, the beauty industry is extremely competitive. The refinement of craft required to reach the top takes years of mentorship and careful practice. Many individuals who aspire to pursue makeup professionally spend time in retail, at makeup counters, or sitting in front of the mirror at home and trying on new looks.
For Erin, the beginning of her story was similar. However, surprisingly enough, she began her journey as an MUA without the realization that she could pursue her interests professionally.
“Honestly, I just needed a job when I was 18. I started working in retail – my first ever job being at the Lancôme counter. I used to study Kevyn Aucoins makeup books and I would try the looks on customers. Sometimes they would buy every product I used! But I truly never even knew a job like being a makeup artist existed outside of Kevyn.”
If you’ve ever shopped around at a makeup counter and had products tested on you by the artists, you’ve likely walked away with a mascara or perhaps a lipstick. Maybe even both! Hearing Erin’s clients walked away with nearly all of her recommended products speaks volumes about her ability to match customer preferences and apply a seamless look.
Having drawn inspiration from Kevyn Aucoins, we wanted to know who – or more specifically what – other mediums Erin has used and continues to use to build upon her craft.
“My inspiration comes from books, references, eras, art, and many icons in history. There is so much to be inspired by. I strive to learn about as many references as possible. I research everyday.”
Suffice it to say, knowledge is power. Without learning, there is no growth.
What’s Erin’s Favorite Vintage Makeup Product?
Speaking of learning, much of the fascination with Erin and her artistry is her love for the vintage. She shares this passion with her community on TikTok, telling us,
“I [downloaded TikTok] during the Covid lockdown. I started doing some social content around then so I downloaded the app and it was another world…I never set out to be an “influencer” or “content creators.” I have always been a makeup artist with a passion for vintage beauty. Being able to share that with others who appreciate it as much as I do truly makes me so happy!”
As a consumer of her content, I can opine that the feeling is mutual.
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Every passion has a jumping off point, whether it be accidental or intentional. We asked Erin what initially fascinated her about vintage makeup.
“It actually started with the colors and pigment. I found a very old lipstick and when I swatched it I was blown away by the formula. It was creamy, smooth, and stained the most intense pink. I thought what is in the ingredients! It then lead to falling in love with intricate packaging and an obsession to complete certain collections ie; owning every Maybelline mascara before the 1970’s all the way back to 1916!”
And I thought my Maybelline mascara from 2019 was vintage! So, what’s Erin’s favorite vintage makeup product in her repertoire?
“The favorite I’ve actually tried on is the Revlon Futurama lipsticks from the 1950’s. The formula is insanely good. I’d love to recreate it one day if possible. But the favorite product I own is Marilyn Monroe’s fake eyes lashes – those are way too precious to use, or even touch!”
Oops, Maybe Kim K could’ve taken the same hint for this year’s Met Gala…but I digress.
Whether it’s dawning a wig from the 1960s or using walnut leaves as an eyeshadow per a recipe from 1901, Erin is fearless when it comes to testing these vintage styles. But even with the pigmented, beautiful results we see, is vintage makeup practical for modern use?
“It truly should not be used. The formulas are expired far beyond their expiration dates but I try them on for my own curiosity. If I show it to people it’s because they’re interested too but it doesn’t mean I think others should do the same. I think it’s important to know the history of older formulas. For instance most products contained lanolin back then which is from sheep and todays products claim to be vegan. That’s part of why the formulas differ but also restrictions on certain pigments.”
So, What’s Erin’s Dream Job?
As she’s reiterated, though her TikTok and Instagram accounts have gained traction, first and foremost, Erin is a makeup artist. Having assisted the likes of Pat McGrath, Erin has had the fortune of working with some of the world’s most well-renowned models such as Gigi Hadid.
“I met Gigi on her first shoot with Steven Meisel. I was assisting Pat McGrath during that time. I did her make up for all those editorials and for shows. We became great friends and when I went on my own she requested me for a Maybelline job. At this point we’ve literally traveled the world together. She has been a muse and truly an Angel in my life!”
Throughout her career, Erin has built a client repertoire that extends to the stars. We wanted to ask Erin one final question: who’s your dream client?
“I don’t have a dream client per se… I have a dream job that Involves those clients – I want a tv show focused on makeup history. I’d love to travel the world and then use what I’ve learned from those places and cultures to transform my famous friends. I dream of turning Gigi into Jean Harlow. I am currently working on pitching this to network, so fingers crossed!”
We can picture it now: the Marilyn-esque hair, the thin arched eyebrows. Rest assured, we’re crossing our fingers and toes!
