On location at our Melanie Lyne fall photoshoot in New York City—between two brush strokes and a hair touch-up—we took the time to catch up with make-up & hair artist Sabrina Rinaldi. Talk about one passionate lady!
When she’s not channeling her creativity through hair and make-up, she’s busy living life to the fullest. In addition to her drive and talent, there is no doubt that her bold, vibrant personality has played a significant part in her success. With a career spanning over a decade, her enthusiasm for the fashion and beauty industry remains. During her time in both Montreal and Toronto, Rinaldi has worked with Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Fashion, Elle Canada, and Elle Quebec. This year, we were lucky enough to work with her on our 2018 Melanie Lyne fall campaign shoot, giving us the opportunity to get to know her a little more. Here’s what we learned.
Tell us about your professional journey.
From a young age, I knew it was a field I was passionate about, so I threw myself into learning as much as I could at my family’s salon. After high school, I moved to London to work at MAC Cosmetics and further my training. Eventually I moved back to Canada to attend Complexions College of Makeup, Art & Design. Once I graduated from the program, I decided to stay in Toronto to start my career. I started working at MAC on Bloor Street, and then later made the switch to the fashion and beauty industry in 2003. I have grown, not only as a woman, but as a make-up artist and hair stylist. I feel so lucky to be working in this profession because I truly love what I do, and I wake up every day with excitement and gratitude.
What made you decide to become a make-up artist?
I loved the way one could use make-up and hair not only to transform their look but as a tool of self-expression.
I should mention that I am a huge Madonna fan and, as I grew into my teen years, I was constantly amazed with Madonna’s ever-changing look. I started doing make-up on myself, and anyone who would let me (mainly my sister, Giulia, and a few of our closest friends).
What do you love the most about your job?
What I love the most about my job is the challenging nature of the work. Every day, all while staying creative, I need to adapt to working with different people, and deliver the hair and make-up looks they are envisioning. I love that nothing gets stagnant and, much like the beauty trends, my job is always changing and evolving. I can get bored easily and I love to stay on top of trends, so I find the fast pace of my career very invigorating.
Who are your favourite celebrity make-up artists?
One of my favourites is Canadian-born, New York-based make-up artist, Hung Vango. He was really hitting it big here in Canada when I was just starting out. Over the years, I have followed his steady climb and now it’s amazing to see what a huge success he has become. His aesthetic is truly gorgeous. It is well thought out, flawlessly executed and always inspiring.
What are the upcoming make-up trends for fall?
I love how a good foundation and red lip always seem to make a return in the fall and winter months. This year, I am really loving the 90s-referenced twist to the classic red lip—featuring dark brownish-reds and solid brown hues. This more muted, dark, earthy approach is completely wearable and accessible to all. Pair that with a killer foundation and a hint of colour on the cheeks and that, in my opinion, is an excellent fall beauty statement.
What does your daily beauty routine look like?
I try to take really good care of my skin. I’m definitely paying for my teen years, when I didn’t take care of it—like any teenager, tanning all the time and picking at my face. My routine revolves around regular facials, laser treatments and top-notch skincare products. I always apply sunscreen and a CC cream with SPF 50. From there, I curl my lashes and apply two coats of a mega mascara. I try to wear as little make-up as possible, but mascara is a must, since it changes the look of my whole face. I also can’t live without concealer, since I have very dark under eye circles—I am always trying new ones to find the one that covers the best and doesn’t budge! Lastly, I am a lip-gloss and lip-balm girl. I don’t like the feel of lipstick, so I just go for a sheer and glossy formula no matter what the trend is.
Can you name a few products you can’t live without?
Oh gosh, how much time do we have? I love beauty products and I’m very fortunate to be able to try so many of the different ones on the market!
Things I love:
· IT Cosmetics CC Cream (it has amazing coverage with SPF 50!)
· Revlon Volumazing Mascara (the name says it all!)
· Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray (to give life to thin hair)
· Kerastase Hair Oil (to revive dead hair and control frizz)
· Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask (the most moisturizing lip conditioner ever)
· Rodial Icons Collection (highlight and contour palette—everything you need in one)
· Benefit Gimme Brow brow gel (It has fibres and a tint that fill in and comb perfectly into place)
· Milk Makeup concealer (my new fave!)
I could go on and on, but you can follow my Instagram page to see constant updates on the latest products I love: @sabrinarinaldimakeup
If you weren’t a make-up artist, what would you be doing?
Definitely working with animals in some capacity! I am a huge animal lover and look forward to a day where I have the free time to volunteer at animal shelters or foster animals until they find a good home.
