Delina Medhin, “Moving to NYC catapulted my Celebrity Makeup Artist career.”

Sharing the generous story of Delina Medhin today, one of the most trending celebrity makeup artists based in New York City.

Delina, can you walk us through your celebrity makeup artist story?

My heritage is Eritrean Ethiopian East African. I was born in Minnesota USA and grew up in North Carolina. I also spent a lot of time in London as a kid. My aunts and cousins live there and there was something about being able to explore it solo. I would go to museums and walk around the city and it was the first place I really felt free.

I knew I wanted to be an MUA when I started to connect the inner transformation people experience because of the outer transformation makeup provides. I love being a catalyst of that process. I started out working at the MAC Counter as a freelancer and loved it there. I got to be around real makeup artists people who loved doing makeup because of the fun of it and it was an awesome time in my career. I was very inspired to have my own business and started out within the bridal business in NC.

In 2014, I moved to NYC, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It completely catapulted my career into working primarily in fashion and personal clients. I was able in 2015 to leave my full-time job and become a self-employed celebrity makeup artist.

By Delina Medhin, celebrity makeup artist

Has it been a smooth road?

Ah, I wish it was a smooth road. There were many tears along the way and there still are tough days. I think one of the biggest adjustments is learning how to save money and understand quarter over quarter growth and Year over Year growth. Learning how to treat your business like a business. I think one of the biggest switches I made was from going from part-time side hustle artist to full-time artist. You don’t really know if it’s gonna work out but you show up on time at 100 every time and hope people are as excited to work with you as you are with them. My advice to people just entering the industry is to be selective in the jobs you take. You started working for yourself so you can cultivate a new successful environment. It’s important to operate from an empowered space.

In your opinion, what sets you apart as a celebrity makeup artist from others?

I specialize in natural glam. I love making people feel like the most beautiful version of themselves. I am most proud of a recent movie I did with Issa Rae as her personal makeup artist on the film the photograph. My style is unique because my goal is for people to compliment your beauty, not just the makeup).

Issa Rae, natural make-up by Delina, for The Hollywood Reporter.

And, who inspires you the most?

I love meeting with genuine people. I am inspired by people with tenacity discipline and kindness. That is said, I credit having an amazing mentor and my experience in tech sales as a massive reason for my growth as a celebrity makeup artist. My mentor is Crystal Wright and I recommend her to anyone looking to grow in the freelance business and be their own agent.  

Could you tell us what BEAUTY means to you?

Beauty is about the inside. The most beautiful person is always kind and gracious.

Delina Medhin’s generous smile.

What about your own skincare routine?

Skincare is SO important. I find that no matter how much you love makeup when you are at home chilling with no makeup on you want to feel confident and beautiful and I find that when my skin is healthily hydrated and taken care of I feel confident.  

And, your step-by-step skin preparation on your models?

I love taking time with skincare before I start makeup. Good skin care and skin prep changes how the makeup looks and lasts. I typically spend a good amount of time hydrating the skin. Well-hydrated skin is beautiful skin.  

Delina’s Masterclass

Which Embryolisse products do you use?

I love Lait Creme Concentre. It is SUPER hydrating for any skin type.

What is your favorite memory from childhood?

I remember as a kid my mom putting makeup on me before my dance recitals. She really didn’t want to but she ended up putting a super light application of lipstick and a little blush. 

What does drive you?

Love what you do, do what you love!

Thank you, Delina for sharing your celebrity makeup artist story with us.

Contact information:

• Website: delinamedhin.com
• Instagram: @delinamedhin
• Facebook: @delinamedhinmakeup
• YouTube: Delina Medhin