Behind every performer’s jaw-dropping glam is a hard-working makeup artist, and Ali Sharf is one to take notice of.
Turning her makeup passion into a career back in 2021, she has since built an impressive resume as the MUA behind several indie artists, including Raffaella and Samia. Her portfolio has now been taken to new heights because of her work with the latest and biggest pop icon, Chappell Roan.
The Tease had the pleasure of speaking with Ali and discussing her journey into becoming a professional makeup artist, her take on the current beauty scene, and how she makes Chappell ‘Hot To Go’. Read on.
The Tease: When did you first recognize your makeup skills and decide to take them to the next level by being an MUA for other people?
Scharf: I’ve always been a makeup girl since I was a kid. I started wearing a full face to school in 6th grade, I taught myself by watching beauty gurus and lifestyle girls on YouTube. In college, my skills developed more and I started glamming my roommates on nights out for fun. I went to school for music business so luckily I had an accessible network of musicians around me who would eventually need makeup for photoshoots and music videos. By the time I graduated, I had started getting small paid gigs here and there and I considered doing makeup professionally as a side gig. I got my first full-time job in PR about a year after I graduated and I hated it so much that I quit it after two weeks and decided to do makeup full-time. Everything happens for a reason!!
Walk us through your process for coming up with the iconic makeup looks for Chappell Roan.
Scarf: The conceptualization of Chappell’s looks is usually a collaboration between Chappell, her stylist Genesis, and me. Genesis makes thorough creative decks for each look which lay a general idea of what the makeup should entail. Then I will usually draft the look on myself or a face chart to further narrow down details. Then Chappell and I will look over all inspo together to concoct our ideal look!
We have to talk about her white foundation looks. Whose idea was it and how did you learn to perfect it?
Scarf: Chappell had been rocking white foundation long before I started working with her so that was all her! In terms of perfecting, I’ve played around with different products to see what will be able to withstand various settings such as a festival set in the summer heat or a lengthy photoshoot. I’m always fine-tuning but the key takeaways so far are: Doing skin care the night before so the face isn’t over moisturized. The only pre-foundation skin prep is a gripping primer. We love the elf power grip primer. Pack on the powder, I love using the Ben Nye Super White Powder.
Not only has her music gone viral, but she is quickly starting to become known as a beauty queen. Does this title add pressure to your role or does it make it more exciting that you are creating in front of an anticipatory audience?
Scarf: Definitely both! I am extremely honored and grateful to be in the position I am in. The platform I have been given to showcase my art is beyond anything I could have ever imagined. Of course, there is a level of expectation and pressure that comes with all of it but luckily Chappell’s audience is extremely receptive to experimentation, creativity, and campiness which is super comforting.
What are a few beauty products that you consider to be your essentials when putting looks together?
Scarf: Danessa Myricks Colorfix Pigments — These are multipurpose cream pigments that come in a variety of colors and finishes such as matte and metal. Chappell’s looks are usually extremely colorful and these pigments provide long-lasting vibrant colors that are perfect for an eyeshadow look, blush, or even lipstick.
Revlon Color Stay Limitless Lipstick — It’s hard to find a true matte lipstick that won’t budge through a whole set. After lots of trial and error, we found this lipstick to be one of the most reliable in the game.
Glitter! Chappell loves to top off most looks with a generous amount of glitter. It’s a great touch for the stage. Our favorite brands have been Mehron, Ben Nye, and Lemonhead.
With artists like Chappell experimenting with bold colors and popular shows such as Euphoria utilizing glitter in their designs, how do you feel about the Gen Z era of beauty?
Scharf: The Gen Z era of beauty excites me! It seems incredibly open-minded and experimental. We are living in a hodgepodge of all of the beauty trends that came before us and this era is incorporating it all while giving it a modern twist.
For all things Ali Scharf, be sure to check out her recent makeup looks @ali.scharf on Instagram.
