Going from an intern to a global makeup artist for a well-known brand sounds like the plot line of a movie. For Chanel Temple, that was her career path. She’s always making moves, and hearing about her current position for Hourglass Cosmetics has made us want to pick up the brushes and learn the tricks of the trade. Her entire Instagram feed and YouTube channel are filled with stunning looks, glimmering products, and her exciting experiences that take her all around the world, from California to Sweden.
Hourglass Cosmetics just launched its new Vanish Seamless Finish Liquid Foundation, and this gave us the opportunity to come together with Chanel and discuss all things beauty, career, and travel.
Can you talk a little bit about your career trajectory? How did you start and how did you end up where you are now?
I’ve been with Hourglass for almost six years now. I started as an intern for our PR Manager at the time and very shortly after began working as a market trainer, a role that really solidified my love for makeup artistry. Since then, I’ve had a few different roles including Resident Artist, Assistant Manager of our Abbot Kinney store, and now Global Makeup Artist. I think patience was key in my journey and I was very vocal about wanting to grow with the company. I still feel this way and am immensely grateful for the opportunities given to me.
How do you take your coffee?
By far the most important question you could have asked me! I take my coffee black. Sometimes I’ll get crazy and add some almond or oak milk, but I prefer the natural taste of coffee.
Top three favorite spots to eat or hang out? (Anywhere in the world!)
Gjelina in Venice. Mushroom toast, enough said. El Marisol in Palm Springs (my hometown). Hands down, the best chile verde burrito you’ll ever have. Prince St Pizza in NYC. I can’t visit NY without going there at least once.
How would you describe your life thus far in three words?
Unexpected. Thrilling. Enjoyable.
What or who inspires your work?
I get inspired by other talented artists like Gucci Westman, Lisa Eldridge, Beau Nelson and James Malloy. Traveling also inspires me. I take inspiration from different cities and cultures. I love seeing each city’s unique style and way of doing makeup which excites me more than anything.
You just got off a flight and lost your luggage. You have three pieces of clothing in your carry on to save the day, what are they?
My mom taught me at a young age to always pack an extra outfit in your carry on. I’ll definitely have an extra pair of underwear, some comfy jeans and my favorite band tee. This really saved me on a flight to Spain once when I may have spilled wine all over myself…
What are the products on your bathroom counter that you can’t live without?
Hourglass’s No. 28 Lip Treatment Oil, REN’s Clearcalm 3 Clarifying Clay Cleanser and rosewater
What beauty tricks or tips did you learn or discover that changed your life (or makeup routine at the least)?
Using a cold jade roller my face in the morning to help de-puff and taking pictures as I do my makeup to see where I need to blend or add.
Hourglass is coming out with a new liquid foundation today, January 25 (so exciting!). Can you tell us a little bit about the new formula and why you’re excited for this new line?
I get excited about every launch we come out this because I can finally talk about a big secret I’ve been keeping for months! The new Vanish Seamless Finish Liquid Foundation is the perfect counterpart to our Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick. It has everything you would want from a full coverage foundation and more. I love how little product is needed to get the coverage I want, no primer necessary!
How have you pushed past obstacles in your career?
Of course! I’ve learned that patience is key. I was feeling stagnant at a certain point in my career and wanted to just pick up everything and move to NYC, but one of my colleagues encouraged me to be patient when it came to my career growth. Sure enough, about 9 months later I got the job of my dreams.
What’s your advice for someone young who’s trying to break into the beauty industry?
Don’t let age stop you from doing anything or make you feel that you aren’t deserving of getting the job title or raise that you want. Be humble and start wherever you can and just keep climbing your way up. Also, assist as much as possible! Assisting was the best experience I ever had as a makeup artist.
