Mark Carrasquillo (@markcarrasquillo) is a makeup artist and brand consultant based between New York and Paris. Defined by a commitment to creativity and a profound understanding of beauty as a form of self-expression, his work continues to shape and influence the visual language of fashion.

Over the course of his career, he has collaborated with leading photographers, including Steven Klein, David Sims, Mert Alas, and Inez & Vinoodh, alongside stylists such as Karl Templer, Alastair McKimm, and Edward Enninful. His work spans editorial and advertising, with contributions to major publications and campaigns for brands including Estée Lauder, Calvin Klein, Tom Ford, Miu Miu, Dior, and Chanel. Beyond makeup, he has also worked as an artistic director and creative consultant, developing products and shaping brand identity for names such as MAC, NARS, Armani Beauty, and Victoria Beckham Beauty.

Courtesy of Streeters Agency

V spoke to him below!

V Magazine: If you had to pick, what would be your favorite (or two favorites) shoots you’ve ever worked on?

Mark Carrasquillo: My favorite shoot would have to be Daria Werbowy’s cover story shot by Mikael Jansson and styled by Karl Templer for Interview Magazine 2013. Anthony Turner did hair. At the time, the business was going through a super retouched, manipulated moment. We worked on making intimate personal images of Daria. I used sun protection and moisturizer, and I believe Mikael didn’t retouch her at all.  I love this editorial.

I’ve been lucky to have worked and traveled on so many amazing shoots it’s difficult to pick two, but my second shoot would be Rianne Van Rompaey’s November 2020 French Vogue cover story shot by Mikael Jansson and styled by Emmanuelle Alt and Damien Boissinot on hair. It was during COVID-19, and I was happy to go away and play. The cover was so joyful, and Rianne made the childish makeup work. I love that Emmanuel put it on the cover.

V: Who is a legendary makeup artist you think more people should know? 

MC: Pierre La Roche and Antony Clavet are two makeup artists you don’t hear enough about. The best makeup tip I can give would be to take care of your skin and learn to love your face.

V: What’s a dream makeup style you’ve yet to try but would love to? 

MC: I’d like to see more individual makeup. I’d also like the Cupid’s bow to come back, and the trend I hope ends is Bratz lips.

V: How has makeup as a product changed in the past ten years given all the new brands popping up constantly? How has it stayed the same?

MC: The most significant change in the past ten years in makeup would be diversity and added skincare ingredients to almost all categories. What stays the same is the conversation that something needs fixing.

Makeup by Mark Carrasquillo for V159