Rachel Wong is a current Western University student who is in the process of finishing her Honors Specialization in Media, Information and Technoculture. I have known Rachel for a few years by connected in Alpha Phi due to our love of health, fitness, and makeup. She then became my “Little sister” alongside Katelyn (shout out to Family Nike).
Ever since she was a little girl, Rachel was fascinated by the world of beauty and make up. “I attended an intensive visual arts program through my high school and learned so much about colour, technique and anatomy,” said Rachel. “Through painting and sculpting, I translated it into the art of makeup and beauty. I started getting involved with some local films and it has led me to this point in journey, which I want to share with the world.”
Since then, she has created her own portfolio website byrachelwong.com as well as a blog called Happy Glam. Based out of Toronto and London, she is currently a freelance make up artist with experience in film, stage, print, events, and runway.
Take a peak at our conversation below!
Christina Relke: What is your mission with By Rachel Wong?
Rachel Wong: I want to promote art through beauty. I love all faces. As a makeup artist, you really come to realize how striking and interesting someone’s features are. It’s crazy how often I’ll tell somebody something like, “Your freckles are beautiful, let’s make that the focus!” and they’ll be in such shock. And that’s the beauty of makeup, you appreciate everybody’s unique features and there’s so many ways of going about with cosmetics to really highlight and feature them.
CR: What are the types of make up frequently used on your blog
RW: I do not discriminate. I do have a few holy must-haves, which include the Urban Decay Primer Potion, Nars Orgasm blush and MAC Velvet Teddy lipstick. I love working with creams because they’re so fun to play around with and blend out. I find it much faster to work with especially during fashion shows or big shoots.
CR: What make up certification(s) do you have?
RW: I was self-taught and very lucky to have had many mentors and professionals guide me along the way. I was put into much more formal training when I worked at MAC Cosmetics last year and I found that it was an incredible environment to just absorb other people’s knowledge, practise on a variety of different faces and learn the tricks of the trade!
CR: What is your favourite look you have done thus far?
RW: I am very happy with the most recent shoot I did with my friend Nicole De Khors (NDK Images) for Cadillac Fairview’s Spring Masonville Change campaign in collaboration with MAC Cosmetics, SEPHORA and CoverFX. It was inspired by my obsession with cotton candy sunset skies and bubble gum.
Make Up: Rachel Wong
Photo Credit: Nicole De Khors (NDK Images)
CR: Last question! What is your favourite thing to do when you’re not blogging?
RW: I am a gym-nut and I love good, intense workouts that leave you feeling like a complete bad-ass. HIIT is my bae for sure.
