Celebrity Makeup Artist Claudia Betancur Shares What It’s Like Being a Latina in the Beauty Industry

Claudia Betancur is a Latina boss babe who is always on the move. When she’s not on set doing makeup for celebrities, like Sofia Carson and Eva Longoria, or magazines, like People en Español, you can probably find Betancur creating cosmetics for the beauty brand, Esika, fulfilling her duties as a L'Oréal Paris Ambassador or creating YouTube beauty tutorials. She was one of the first-ever Latin people to be nominated for the Joel Harlow Award for Makeup at the Hollywood Beauty Awards and continues to make strides in a makeup industry that she finds utterly inspiring. Read on for her full interview in which she talks about her journey in the beauty industry and how she got to where she is today.  How did you get started doing makeup? I got started when I was very young, like around 12 years old. One day, my friends were putting on an  acting performance at school and almost without thinking, I said, “Let me help you with your makeup.”  After we were done, my friends were so happy with the way they looked. Ever since then, they’ve always asked me to help them with their makeup. It wasn’t long before my mother started to ask me, too. What is one moment in your career that you’re most proud of? One of the moments I’m most proud of is when I was nominated by the Hollywood Beauty Awards committee as the first Latin person to be nominated for one of its awards. The second moment was creating a makeup line where my name was introduced to the beauty market and became a huge hit in Latin America.   Tell us about Esika and how you got started working with the brand?  Esika is like my home. In the beginning they contacted me just to be an expert and talk about makeup, but after our first meeting they told me to be part of the creation of a new makeup line called Esika-PRO. When did you become a L'Oréal Paris Ambassador and how did it feel? When I started to work with celebrities and began to be known on TV programs, L'Oréal Paris contacted my publicist. I remember that day perfectly: I was in a hotel room when I got the news. I began jumping with joy and I called my mom to tell her. We were both crying out of pure happiness.  What does a typical day look like for you?  No two days are ever the same. Most days have to be all about business. As the master formula designer for Esika, I always have to be on top of the new formulas, the colors, the textures and consistencies. Of course, I also always have to be on top of my responsibilities for L'Oréal Paris as well. For example, I write articles giving beauty tips, I do press interviews and I also host a lot of events for the brand. Not to mention, I also have photoshoots for different magazines and celebrities. And sometimes I get calls to visit foreign countries to give masterclasses. I always leave time, however, for beauty tutorials on my YouTube channel.  What inspires you to do this work? I feel it in my blood. When I discovered what makeup did for women and how it changed them from the inside out, it was my inspiration because I realized that this is not just about beauty. This is art that changes lives. Have you faced any advantages or disadvantages as a Latina woman in the beauty industry?  I have never felt any disadvantage. On the contrary, America has always opened doors for me. For that reason, I love this country. What’s your favorite part of your job(s)? When I work with talent. It’s a magical moment when you’re working in front of your music idols and you can listen to them performing. What does your everyday makeup routine look like? I always have to do my eyebrows first because when I was younger the style for eyebrows was really thin. Eventually my eyebrows stopped growing out because I always wanted them to look like a line. Then, I apply a little concealer and follow up with a tinted moisturizer with SPF. And, of course, blush. What is one product you can’t live without and why?   Blush! Because it makes you look healthy. Do you have any advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs and makeup artists? Find your inspiration. I said earlier that this is in my blood. When I discovered what makeup does for women and how it changed them from the inside out, it became my inspiration. I truly believe that this is more than just beauty. It’s about changing lives. Another great inspiration of mine is Pat McGrath because she is unique and one of the most talented makeup artists. Makeup is___________? Happiness. 

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