Meet makeupbykelfey

We LOVE scrolling through social media and seeing all the amazing art created with Mehron products. The constant creativity astounds us. As you know, when we find something that inspires us, we love to share it. Recently we became aware of an artist who goes by @makeupbykelfey aka Kelsey. Her incredible bodyart definitely caught our eye. An artist from Phillips Ranch, California, makeup always surrounded Kelsey on some level. Growing up not too far from LA, she did musical theater and acting gigs, where makeup played a natural part of her performances. Today, she practices makeup and body painting as a profession, and particularly loves her Halloween and horror clients. We caught up with Kelsey to learn more about this artist and what inspires her creativity.

Mehron: When and how did you get started body painting? 

Kelsey: For as long as I can remember, I have had an obsession with clowns. As a child, my mother would hand me a paint palette and somehow I always ended up a clown of some sort. Come high school, my obsession continued almost every Halloween and eventually rubbed off on my friends. Halloween makeup became a job of mine throughout my friend circle and I absolutely adored it! From then on, I continued to navigate my way through body painting on my own. In 2013, I graduated from Cinema Makeup School with a “Beauty and High Fashion Diploma” along with one airbrush class. Besides that one class, I am completely self taught in freehand painting, simply drawing inspiration from other artists online. 

Mehron: Wow, you truly are talented. What inspires the looks you create? 

Kelsey: The looks I create, truly depend on the day. Not only do I draw from my own emotion certain days, some days I draw from poetry and fashion.

Mehron: What artists inspire you? 

Kelsey: So many artists are an inspiration to me. However, on the days I am searching for a direction, I usually review the work of Dehsarae Mahrae (@dehsonae), Jordan Hanz (@jordanhanz), Lex (@madeyewlook) and Kimberley Margarita (@kimberleymargarita_). These four are true makeup goddesses! I only hope to be as talented as them one day. 

Mehron: We would say you are definitely making a mark of your own. Which of your looks is your favorite and why? 

Kelsey: My two favorite looks would have to be my “Sheila” Vintage Clown and my Freckled Butterfly look. The day I sat down to paint “Sheila”, I told myself that I would sit there as long as I possibly needed to, to make her look like my “ideal clown.” This look took me three hours, and was the first time I attempted to paint a realistic cowl. My Freckled Butterfly look was also very special to me. My style, so I’ve heard, can be quite haunting at times, so this feminine style was a bit of a challenge for me. By the end, I felt very accomplished.

Mehron: They are amazing works that definitely expand your portfolio. The time you spent on them truly paid off. How long does it typically take you to create a look? 

Kelsey: Most looks generally take me anywhere between 1-2 hours. However, when and if I have more time to spare, I do my best to take advantage of it. I believe there is always room for improvement.

Mehron: Could you give us a glimpse into your creative process? 

Kelsey: My creative process isn't too lengthy, other than taking a few minutes alone, in my backyard, out in nature, to brainstorm, before I begin a look. Some days, like I said before, I also do enjoy reading poetry beforehand as well. 

Mehron: What are your Mehron go-to products and why? 

Kelsey: Mehron products are my absolute favorite. I am absolutely OBSESSED with the Paradise paints and the CreamBlend Sticks. The white CreamBlend Stick is the perfect product for creating all of my clown looks!

Mehron: Do you have any special upcoming looks planned? 

Kelsey: Most of my days, are spent fantasizing about future looks. However, most of my looks are based on what I am feeling that day. 

Mehron: Well, we can't wait to see what you come up with next!

To see more of Kelsey's looks follow her on Instagram.