10/09/2025
This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Makeup and Grooming artist Liz Washer.
What was the last job you did before becoming a makeup and grooming artist full-time?
I worked in marketing and public relations for about a decade prior to doing makeup full-time; my last job was with UMass Amherst at the College of Humanities and Fine Arts (and I’m still friends with the former Dean, who was my last boss!) As a business owner, I’m grateful to have spent so many years learning how to market my work and communicate effectively with clients.
What drew you to this industry? The creativity. While I’m actually kind of a tomboy, I dabbled in painting model animals as a child—I loved the process of blending colors and shading the sculptures to make them look more lifelike. When I started doing my own makeup, I realized how much fun it was, and pretty soon I was doing my friends’ weddings. It’s amazing what a difference little enhancements can make!
What projects do you most look forward to doing? The projects I’ve been most excited about are the ones that make me feel connected to the Zeitgeist: working with politicians, actors, or on commercial campaigns that appeal to my sensibilities and values. My contribution may be small in the grand scheme of things, but it’s still very meaningful to me.
What do you love most about your job? I love the effect makeup can have on a person’s overall style and attitude, and I strive to enhance both with my work. I relish working with color and texture and finding ways to enhance the face in front of me, and I greatly enjoy the collaborative process with other crew members and creatives.
Where do you draw your inspiration from? I’m inspired by everything: people, places, music, art, and nature! But it’s ultimately all about the individual in my chair, and what is going to make them feel like the best version of themselves.