Today I am starting a new feature on the blog, and I hope you like it. Every few months I am going to have a chat with someone amazing. Someone I want to have as a friend, and someone I think you will find pretty cool, too.
For my inaugural conversation, I’d like to introduce you to Tonya Riner – a woman who has spent a lifetime making other women look gorgeous.
She’s been a professional makeup artist since she was a teenager, and as a beauty insider she advises creative teams and beauty brands on the development of new products. She also has a fun blog with a real, girl-talk vibe.
Not only is Tonya smart and kind, she is a natural beauty in her own right. She glows, and I mean from the inside. I had so much fun talking with her. Enjoy!
1. After being an industry leader for so long, what do you still find surprising?
Twenty-five years in, I still have nervous energy before every job. Whether I’m working on someone who is used to being in the limelight or not, I want everyone to look and feel as beautiful and comfortable as possible. Most of the time people are having their makeup done for an event or photo shoot and they’re nervous too. It’s a balancing act getting them to feel at ease and making sure the makeup is appropriate for video, photography AND to the naked eye.
2. Can you tell me about some of the biggest highlights of your career?
When the original cast members for Hamilton (Renee Elise Goldsberry, Jasmine Cephas Jones and Phillipa Soo) sang ‘America the Beautiful’ at the 2017 Super Bowl. I did their makeup in a trailer at the stadium while they warmed up and rehearsed. It was amazing. Any live performance is intense but walking down on the field with them was outstanding.
And my jobs with Kate Upton are the best. She has incredible stories and is the wittiest, most lighthearted model I’ve ever worked with.
3. What are you looking forward to right now?
I’m excited about the intersection of all forms of beauty. It’s always been there but it almost seems like something is missing if it isn’t part of the narrative. Rodin watercolors and rust-hued Rothkos were the inspiration for Byredo’s first collection of color cosmetics. Doesn’t that make you want to see it and touch it? It elevates the experience.
4. Can you share one or two secrets that women can take away to improve their makeup routines?
I think overall women use too much makeup. It’s all about the edit. Highlight your best features and don’t add makeup where it isn’t necessary.
5. Are there any trends that you see on the horizon?
The biggest trend that is here to stay is skin..healthy, glowing skin. The new formulas are so amazing and make it possible to get coverage while still maintaining the texture of your skin.
You’ll see on my Instagram feed (@tonya.riner.makeup) that I stipple (just like painting!) foundation on with a damp sponge. I can control the amount of coverage. It’s the best way to get the most natural look. The bonus is that I get to meet the most extraordinary people. Most of my deepest friendships have come from work and I’m so grateful.
