Playing with colour and gradient, the Paris-based make-up artist celebrates the fun of self-exploration
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What is beauty, in the eyes of make-up artist Lynda Florae? “Beauty to me is everything that makes you feel comfortable, happy and good about yourself,” she says. It’s a philosophy that comes through in her work. Bright and colourful, full of flowing shapes and unexpected details, it’s clear that the bold designs that sweep across Florae’s face are a joyful means of self-expression.
Like many others, it was during the free time of the 2020 lockdown that Florae began experimenting with her now-signature creative styles. But her interest in make-up can be traced much further back. Born in Cameroon, she spent part of her childhood growing up in the country’s capital, Yaoundé. “We were not allowed to wear make-up until a certain age and it was totally forbidden at school,” she says. It wasn’t until moving to Lyon, France, where all the girls at school were “rocking” smoky eyes, that she started experimenting.
“I started watching YouTube videos and tutorials, started begging my mum to buy me makeup,” she tells Dazed. “I would spend hours in the bathroom trying to recreate the looks I would see on YouTube.” Now based in Paris, Florae’s precise artistic make-up can still evoke that adolescent feeling of spending hours in front of a mirror trying to perfect your look. With her meticulous technique and small painted details, she brings make-up to life and creates completely immersive worlds.
While the technique is precise, the context is playful. Her face has become a canvas for flowers, butterflies and sparkles, mirroring the serenity she feels while creating. “I really enjoyed the process behind make-up and how it makes me feel at peace,” as she says. Below Florae spoke to us about her journey into make-up.
What are you trying to communicate through your work?
Lynda Florae: My main goal has always been to explore beauty, to see how far I can push my creativity, and to simply enjoy the make-up process. I hope my work can inspire people to do the same and just have fun with make-up, because that’s really what it is about.
What’s been your career highlight so far?
Lynda Florae: So far, I would say being acknowledged by the people I admire and who have also inspired me. I got the chance to be reposted by Instagram which was amazing.
Which fictional character do you most relate to?
Lynda Florae: I would say Nana Osaki from the anime Nana. I recognise myself in her (I’m not as cool as her, though). Like me, it takes her a bit of time to open up to people and trust them. She’s strong-willed, passionate, a bit proud but sensitive at the same time. Also, her style is just amazing!
Who is your beauty icon?
Lynda Florae: My favourite make-up creator right now is Mei Pang. Her looks are incredible and experimental. Watching her work has motivated me to push myself and experiment more.
What is your current obsession?
Lynda Florae: Right now I’m obsessed with gradient colors. I’ve seen them a lot on graphic design posters and I’ve been loving integrating them into my work recently.
When do you feel most beautiful?
Lynda Florae: Even though I love make-up, I do feel the most beautiful when I’m just chilling in my house, without any of it.
Are you optimistic about the future of beauty?
Lynda Florae: I am! I think we recently had an era where we focused on a more simple aesthetic of beauty (like the ‘no-make-up make-up’ look), and we are slowly going back to enjoying make-up again. I see more and more people pushing the boundaries of beauty and being creative. It makes me happy!
The future of beauty to me is digital. Tech and beauty go hand-in-hand, I just think brands need to find ways to make it helpful and effective for consumers. I also think there’s a progressive shift around sustainability given the state of the world right now. Brands are targeting a younger generation concerned about these values, so they are slowly adapting.
It’s the year 2100. You’re the owner of the largest beauty tech company in the world, what five products or treatments will you dedicate your resources trying to invent?
Lynda Florae: A hyperpigmentation product that actually works. A single foundation for everyone: many brands are still not inclusive when it comes to foundation. If we had one foundation that would adapt depending on the skin, it would make everyone’s life easier. Also, a robot that would do your skincare for you when you feel tired, a wax that would allow painless hair removal, and a gloss that stays.
Would you rather live forever as an old person or live your life in reverse?
Lynda Florae: Oh wow! Neither to be honest. Forever is a long time, and as an old person, you don’t have the same resistance and energy. I don’t want to have to go through it eternally. The life in reverse is a big no too, I like the idea of evolving, growing, and becoming better and wiser.
Follow Lynda Florae on Instagram