Nechelle developed her makeup artistry with top cosmetic brands, with her work featured on the Grammys and BET Awards red carpets and in major fashion titles. Since joining Jane Iredale in 2014, she has contributed to product development, focusing on shade extensions.
How did you get started in makeup artistry?
I’ve been a professional makeup artist for 29 years now, and my journey began at a makeup counter in my early 20s while I was in college. I started with Ultima II for about a year or two, and then moved to Clinique, and then became a contract artist for Lancôme. That’s where my passion for artistry really developed. I realised early on that I could change the way people felt through makeup, which is what made me fall in love with the craft. It wasn’t just about making people look pretty—it was about connecting with them and making a difference in their day.
What led you to your current role with Jane Iredalde?
After freelancing and working with various brands, I was recruited by MAC, where I worked as a contract artist and then behind the counter for about five years. Eventually, I joined Jane Iredale, and I’ve been with them for 10 years now. What I love most about my role as a global makeup artist with Jane Iredale is the ability to touch people’s lives through both education and artistry. I also work closely with product development to keep the line inclusive, which is a passion of mine, especially as a woman of colour.
How has the industry changed since you started
The industry has become much more inclusive, particularly for women with deeper skin tones. Influencers have played a significant role in this by calling out brands that didn’t cater to a wide range of skin tones. This has pushed the industry to step up and be more intentional in creating products that work for everyone, no matter their skin tone or undertone. As a result, we’re seeing more products that are specifically crafted for deeper skin tones, and brands are paying more attention to the nuances in pigmentation and undertones.
What trends are you seeing in makeup right now?
People are gravitating towards quicker, simpler makeup routines. No one wants to spend 45 minutes layering products anymore—they want something that’s easy, effective, and still makes them look great. I’ve been calling this trend “quiet luxury”—it’s about creating a simple, chic look with healthy, radiant skin. Think soft, smoky eyes, a pop of colour on the lips and cheeks, and glowing skin. It’s all about looking effortlessly beautiful in a short amount of time.
What’s the biggest makeup faux pas you see?
When people don’t use the correct shade of foundation or powder. That line of demarcation between the face and neck drives me crazy! I’m all about complexion, and it’s so important to get that right. I always encourage people to get properly shade-matched, whether it’s in-store or through a virtual consultation.
What are your go-to hero products?
From Jane Iredale, my hero product is the PurePressed Base—it’s the ultimate multitasker. It’s beautiful on the skin and photographs like nothing else I’ve ever worked with in my 29 years of artistry. Outside of Jane Iredale, I’m a huge fan of Danessa Myricks’ Yummy Skin Tint. It gives the skin such a healthy, radiant look without being heavy—it’s just a beautifully crafted product.
Can you share any upcoming innovations from Jane Iredale?
We have some exciting new products on the way, particularly in colour cosmetics. While I can’t share all the details yet, I can say that we’re working on some fantastic artistry tools and eyeshadow sticks that will be real game-changers. These products are designed to be user-friendly but also cater to professional makeup artists.
Who is your makeup icon?
My makeup icon is Sam Fine. He’s been around for so many years, and I’ve always admired how he treats the face. He has a way of sculpting and creating a flawless, effortless beauty. I had the opportunity to attend one of his educational sessions, and when he complimented my makeup, it was such an honour. I believe in never stopping learning, and that’s something Sam Fine has always embodied for me.
What’s your favourite makeup look to create?
I love creating summer makeup looks, especially the “JLo glow” or glass skin look. It’s all about radiant, well-hydrated skin with a beautiful glow. I love playing with textures like mattes and shimmers to achieve that perfect summer radiance.
Any final thoughts or advice?
Always keep learning and stay open to new techniques and products. The beauty of artistry is that it’s constantly evolving, and there’s always something new to discover. And for those just starting out—never underestimate the power of a good complexion. Everything else builds from there.
This article was first published in the Spring issue of Retail Beauty:
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