Celebrity Makeup Artist David Velasquez on being inspired by chola culture: 'I want to represent where I come from"

Reporting by Nurys Castillo

Doja Cat. Saweetie. Rico Nasty. These three women are music artists with very unique sounds and styles, but they all have something in common: celebrity makeup artist David Velasquez.

The beauty professional has painted the faces of some of the entertainment industry’s boldest personalities, and it makes perfect sense because his makeup artistry style is just as daring. From the “retro diva blue eyeshadow” look Doja Cat wore in her “Say So” music video to Rico Nasty’s “punk rock princess” makeup for the cover of NME magazine, Velasquez doesn’t mind coloring outside of the lines.

Growing up in Compton, Calif., Velasquez was surrounded by different cultures and ethnic groups. The women in his life also provided him a strong support system and inspired his passion for makeup with their beauty routines.

Velasquez tells Yahoo Life, “They knew all about that chola life, but at the same time, they were the most glamorous people I’d ever seen. The winged eyeliner, cut creases, blue eyeshadow were beyond! So extra, all the time. So much swag. I was always mesmerized and inspired watching them get ready.”

As a proud Mexican-American, Velasquez loves seeing the “chola look” recreated by other makeup artists, not only because it brings back memories of his childhood, but it also puts his culture out there. He explains, “When it comes to my work, I want to represent where I come from, but I also want to bring versatility. Inclusion to me means being aware of this melting pot of people that the world is made of, but also seeing each person for who they are and where they’re from.”

Breaking into the beauty world

Like many makeup artists looking for their big break, Velasquez used word of mouth and social media to get his work noticed by others in the biz. He began doing makeup on different faces, posting them on Instagram and collaborating with photographers and models. After about three years working for free, he established a strong network of fellow creatives.

Velasquez also got the opportunity to study under Priscilla Ono, another Mexican-American beauty pro and Rihanna’s go-to makeup artist. He says, “Working with Priscila Ono taught me to never give up on my goals and dreams, and to be consistent. I also learned a lot of skills and professionalism from her, especially when working face-to-face with clients.”

After years of perseverance, Velasquez established a name for himself in the beauty industry and secured editorial shoots for Maxim, GQ, and Paper Magazine.

He credits his parents’ hustle mentality for pushing him to work hard and go after what he wanted. This was important because Velasquez admits that he did not have a backup plan — makeup was all he ever wanted to do.

From humble roots to major success

For all his accolades as a celebrity makeup artist, Velasquez still believes it’s his duty to share his Mexican heritage with the makeup world, illustrating how this culture belongs in all areas of fashion and beauty — from everyday makeup to out-of-this-world runway looks.

Velasquez is most proud that he has been able to stay true to himself throughout his journey, and that he’s earned it all because of his talent. “That’s the one thing I love about the beauty industry and professional makeup… your work talks! No matter what, I know I have to show up and slay every single time — no second chances.”

He’s also shattered gender stereotypes and become a role model for his children and people of all identities, ages and sexualities — teaching others to do what you love and embrace their own individuality.

When sharing advice for young Latinos or anyone interested in pursuing a makeup career, Velasquez says, “Be authentic and confident when you walk into a room. Do the work and show up knowing that you’re that b****!”