#GGTakes5 is a new series that features those men and women who are associated with the beauty industry. In this series, you will find a host of insider tips, product recommendations and incredible advice from the best of the best.
Our next interview is with celebrity-favourite makeup artist, Allan Avendaño (@allanface). Known for his experimentation with colour and gorgeous eye makeup, Allan is definitely one of the most coveted makeup artists out there. His clients includes the likes of Camila Cabello, Lucy Hale, Jenna Dewan, Ashley Graham and Sarah Hyland, to name a few. Scroll ahead to see our interview with him.
Allan Avendaño | Source: Allan Avendaño
Team GG: What is your signature look, and which products do you use to create it?
I love to create eye moments. I think makeup is for having fun! Smokey eyes, glittered eyes, glossy eyes... it can be wonderful for the right event or editorial. I get crafty with lots of things like store bought glitter or even Vaseline, but the base of all of my eye looks is a good eye primer like Urban Decay’s Primer Potion. After that, I can create most things with eyeshadow palettes like the Mega Pro Palettes from LORAC, BH Cosmetics or the unique Pat McGrath eye pigments and palettes.
Lucy Hale | Source: Allan Avendaño
Team GG: We’ve noticed that so many of your looks involve a bold lip! How do make sure that the lipstick stays rich, without smudging or fading?
Lip liners are key. Even if you’re using a clear one just to stop feathering. It also helps the lip color stay on longer! Smudging is most of the time inevitable but using matte lipsticks and long wear liquid lipsticks are definitely the key to long lasting lips. Kat Von D Beauty’s Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks are heaven sent!
Jenna Dewan | Source: Allan Avendaño
Team GG: Obviously, we have to ask about Camila Cabello’s iHeartRadio Music Awards look! Which products did you use to give her that dewy skin and fierce cat-eye?
The liner look was created with two different products. I used the L’Oreal Infallible Lacquer Liner 24H in ‘Blackest Black’ to create the top part of the cat-eye and then used L’Oreal's The Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner in ‘Black’ to draw the fine line underneath. For her dewy skin, I used the L’Oreal True Match Lumi Glow Nude Highlighter Palette in ‘Moonkissed’!
Camila Cabello | Source: Allan Avendaño
Team GG: What are 3 makeup products you can’t live without?
The Caudalie Beauty Elixir, Fresh Sugar Lip Caramel Hydrating Lip Balm, and the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Filmstar Bronze and Glow Powder.
Team GG: What’s been the most exciting moment for you career-wise?
I’ve always been a fan of Sports Illustrated and in 2017, I was part of the 3 covers with supermodel and actress, Kate Upton, shot by my good friend, Yu Tsai. I love the Sports Illustrated family and it was such a special moment.
Ed. note: This interview has been edited for clarity.