Makeup artistry is more than just applying colour to a face; it’s about transformation and storytelling. Few understand this better than Mandy Artusato, a makeup artist extraordinaire working in film and television ~ you have seen her work in globally acclaimed projects like "Joker: Folie à Deux", "Maxxxine", and the controversial TV series "The Idol". From character creation to skincare, Mandy’s journey is a testament to the power of artistic expression. We sat down with her to discuss her career, her approach to makeup, and her experience using ARgENTUM’s products on set.
From Iceland to Hollywood: Mandy’s journey into makeup artistry
Mandy’s path into the world of makeup artistry was anything but conventional. “I made a major career change right before turning 30”, she recalls. “I moved, quit my job, and decided to go to MUD (Make-Up Designory). It was my dear friend, Heba Thorisdottir, who recommended the school, and coincidentally, it was one I had been eyeing since before I left Iceland”.
Her fascination with character creation was the driving force behind her decision. “I’ve always loved painting but never realised I could turn it into a career. The world of special effects, from laying facial hair to creating injuries, was something I found incredibly exciting”.
A skincare awakening: The foundation of great makeup
When Mandy first started in makeup, skincare wasn’t high on her list of priorities. “I grew up in an environment where skincare wasn’t really available”, she explains. “Both my grandmother and mother would use cold cream and cleanse with coconut oil”.
Her perspective shifted when a friend introduced her to skincare ingredients. “I was hooked”, she says. “I slowly built my skincare kit and started focusing more on prepping and cleansing the skin for actors rather than piling on products”. This shift changed her approach to makeup and reinforced her belief that skin health is the foundation of any great look.
Lessons from the industry: The importance of skin preparation
Working with actors has taught Mandy invaluable lessons about skin health. “It all starts from within. I don’t think foundation is the ‘base’ - skincare is”, she explains. “If your skin is in good condition, your makeup will look great. Of course, there are times when we need to create a character’s specific look, but for natural beauty, skincare is key”.
One of her favourite rituals is giving actors a facial at the end of the day. “If the beginning of the day is them getting into character, then the facial is about letting go of that character, like hanging up your coat at the end of the day”.
Discovering ARgENTUM: A love for thoughtful skincare
The brand’s attention to detail shaped Mandy’s first impression of ARgENTUM. “I was immediately impressed by the packaging. You can tell a lot about a product by the way it’s packaged and labelled. The dark glass bottles show they care about what’s inside. Many ingredients are sensitive to light, and exposure can compromise them. Plus, glass is a sustainable material that doesn’t leach into your products”.
A unique technique: Enhancing cleansing with la lune de velours
While Mandy was initially set to receive ARgENTUM’s soothing silver tonic water, l’eau de jouvence, she instead discovered a love for the nourishing silver oil to milk cleanser, la lune de velours. “I used a brush to apply it, which lifted sunscreen and makeup effortlessly. Then, I used a sea sponge to cleanse the skin. The brush spreads the product evenly and increases circulation, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to the skin”.
Achieving the on-screen glow
With the industry moving towards more natural makeup looks, skincare has never been more important. “It is the main component in achieving that on-screen glow”, Mandy explains. “You can tell the difference between glowing skin and a reflective powder. Many makeup products use mica for a reflective look, but it’s a toxic ingredient. Exfoliation is essential once or twice a week to ensure skincare penetrates properly. And don’t forget SPF! Protect that beautiful skin”.
Transformative moments: Actors’ reactions to ARgENTUM
Mandy has witnessed firsthand the impact of ARgENTUM’s products on set. “I can’t mention names, but I had an actor who was not a fan of masks or skincare in general. They tried the silver clay mask, le masque infini and were so excited about how easy it was to apply and wash off. The brush and bamboo pads made everything so much easier for them. They loved how their skin felt clean, but not stripped or dry."
A mindful skincare ritual
Off-set, Mandy has developed a personal skincare ritual that blends mindfulness with beauty. “I do breathing exercises while massaging my cleanser to remove makeup. Then, I layer my skincare, starting with a serum, then a cream, and finishing with an oil, which I massage with a gua sha tool”.
She emphasises the importance of being mindful with skincare. “Every day, I notice how tense my muscles are. Taking time to massage my facial muscles really helps with winding down for bed. Even the simple act of removing makeup can become a moment of self-care”.
The Future of skincare on film sets
Mandy has seen the industry’s approach to skincare evolve over the years. “It’s fascinating how much has changed in 50 or 60 years. Back then, it was layers of powder. Now, it’s all about blotting papers and skincare. I love that actors are feeling comfortable in their own skin, both on and off set”.
Advice for aspiring makeup artists
Reflecting on her journey, Mandy has one key piece of advice for her younger self: “Trust the process. Everything happens for a reason. Never compare yourself to others; it’s a dark place to be. Everything will fall into place with hard work and the right mindset”.
Mandy’s dedication to her craft and deep understanding of skincare make her an invaluable artist in the industry. Her approach to makeup is not just about aesthetics - it’s about honouring the skin, the character, and the person behind it all. As she continues working with ARgENTUM’s products, her passion for skincare and transformation shines through in every application.
