The Art of the Face

Joel Vera Sebastian takes us to his world of beauty, muses, and masterful artistry

By John Legaspi

For Joel Vera Sebastian, a noted makeup artist to the stars, beauty isn’t just business—it is an art form that requires mastery of technique. Through the years, he has built his name from the ground up, working from humble salons to partnering with international brands and styling celebrities. But beginning that chapter wasn’t easy. And, as he confessed, becoming a makeup artist wasn’t even part of his original plan.

“Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be an artist. Becoming a makeup artist was accidental,” Joel says. “Originally, I wanted to be a fashion designer because I love to draw. However, since I was brought up in a very traditional family, they told me that taking fine arts wasn’t a good decision—there was no money in it.”

As an obedient kid, he pursued a business management degree at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. But as soon as he graduated and flew to Los Angeles to join his family, he became a sales associate for different stores. His work sparked a burgeoning interest in makeup, fueled by friends’ requests, which eventually led him to pursue cosmetology and obtain his license.

In a conversation with GLEN Magazine, Joel looks back on his journey as a makeup artist and gives us a glimpse of the work behind the glam, sharing a few tips and lessons he’s learned throughout his illustrious career, from working with top international brands to his cherished celebrity clients.

When did you realize that being a makeup artist can be a fulltime career?
After a few years of doing makeup for fun, I was asked by another artist friend, Ed Rodriguez (makeup artist for Elvira Manahan and the Paperdolls), who is also based in Los Angeles, if I could assist him with makeup for his weddings and photo shoots. He became my mentor. Years passed, and I ended up giving up my day job and decided to go back to school for cosmetology to get a license for hair and makeup.

As soon as I graduated, I was hired at Juan Juan Hair Salon in Beverly Hills as a junior hair artist. However, I only lasted for a couple of days because I was just cutting foils and washing hair.

Then, I was recruited to work as a freelance makeup artist for Chanel Cosmetics, which I enjoyed. After two years, I was offered a job at the Dior Cosmetics line, where I honed my makeup skills.

Which brands have you collaborated with recently? What was it like working with them? Apart from Chanel and Dior, I’ve also worked with Shiseido and Elizabeth Arden. Working with these international brands exposed me to the beauty industry. I met different people and became part of the global artistic team for makeup for Wella and Sebastian hair products, which used to carry a makeup line called Trucco Cosmetics. I worked there for the past two decades until I became an independent artist. I traveled all over the US, Europe, and Asia doing makeup for their shows and promoting the brand.

Who are your favorite celebrity clients, and what is it like working with them?
In my early days at Los Angeles and New York Fashion Week, I had the privilege of doing makeup for Paris Hilton, Karolina Kurková, Paula Abdul, Cathy Dennis, Jesse Metcalfe, Gleb Savchenko, Daniel Gillies, Cooper Koch, Jordan Fisher, Charlie Weber, Froy Gutierrez, James Maslow, Alex Roe, and Cameron Mathison. In the Philippines, I have worked with beauty queens Ariella Arida, Pia Wurtzbach, Michelle Dee, and actors Lovi Poe, Arci Muñoz, Janice de Belen, and many more.

I’m currently working with Olivia Quido, VP for Global Partnership of the Miss Universe Organization, who has been my client for more than 10 years. We travel all over the world.

One of my favorite clients is actress Hilda Koronel. Every time I do her makeup, she always gives me updates about celebrity gossip. Among my favorites too are Jesse Metcalfe (he is so handsome and easy to work with), Cooper Koch (I just love his energy and his chillness), and Gleb Savchenko of “Dancing with the Stars” (he’s always nice every time I do his makeup, and he is never boring on set).

What’s your best beauty hack?
Always take care of your skin by washing your face day and night. Pamper your skin by using moisturizers and serums. Lastly, always protect your skin by using SPF during the day. With beautiful skin, you don’t need a lot of makeup. This is also the perfect regimen to follow before applying makeup.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about makeup artists?
Being a professional makeup artist is an art. If you find the perfect makeup artist for you, keep them because it will make your life easier. We take pride in our work.

Lastly, what beauty items should women always have in their bags?
A good lip balm, gloss, or lipstick, pressed powder for touch-ups, and breath mints.