Rising Stars: Meet Iris Moreau

Today we’d like to introduce you to Iris Moreau.

Hi Iris, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was raised in SoCal and moved to New York at 17 to train with the Joffrey Ballet. While in NY, I began modeling and was sent to Paris where I met my future husband. I didn’t know anyone in France except for him, and I took a leap of faith and moved to there for love. I learned to speak french and integrate into the french culture. I lived in Paris for 14 years, had 3 french babies, and have dual citizenship. I’ve always loved color and been fascinated by makeup and its endless transformative possibilities, so for me it was a natural transition to go into makeup when I decided to stop modeling. I never had any formal training, so I’ve never been told what I “can’t” do. I have never been afraid to try new things, and makeup gave me the freedom of creative expression to play with infinite materials and textures without limits. In 2003 I moved back to LA to be closer to family and explore better career opportunities. I’ve been doing makeup for over 20 years and have been so lucky to have worked with so many amazing clients and traveled the world doing what I love. It’s been a lot of hard work and dedication, and there have been moments when I wanted to give up, but I kept pushing and the result has been worth it. I am constantly inspired by the fabulous people I meet and work with. I love what I do and will keep doing it as long as I can.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has not always been smooth, no. In France when I started, it was easier. I transitioned from modeling to makeup so I knew a lot of people who were willing to give me a chance and when they saw my work it spoke for itself. When I moved to LA with a book full of Vogue, Bazaar, etc., I found it to be a very celeb-driven market and the only question people asked was “what celebrities do you work with?” Nothing was based on the quality of my work. At the time I was actually traveling a lot and working more in New York than in LA. In LA people can be very superficial and don’t necessarily judge you on your ability or experience but more on who you know and what your social media stats are. Last year my instagram account was hacked and I lost all of my followers and had to start completely over. I had established relationships with major cosmetic brands and clients thru the years, who I had communicated via DM, so that was a hard setback. I am rebuilding my network, but it’s a long, slow process.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a professional makeup artist specializing in fashion and beauty. After a sucessful careers as a dancer and model, I took my love for painting and color – experimentation and applied them to makeup. My range, versatility, and professionalism have made me a favorite with clients, and my extreme attention to detail, and easy-going attitude, continue to keep me in high demand.

I don’t like to use heavy foundations to mask the skin. I believe skin should be the gorgeous, flawless canvas for everything else and I am known for beautiful glowing skin and bold pops of color.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Los Angeles is the fabulous weather, the relaxed lifestyle and the food! What I like least about Los Angeles is that Angelenos can sometimes be to relaxed!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.irismoreau.com, https://imbnaturals.com
• Instagram: @irismoreaumakeup
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irismoreaumakeup
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/irismoreau

Image Credits
Photographers: Images 1, 5, 6, and 7-Alena Saz, Image 8-Amy Barton, Image 3- Dylan Perlot, Image 4-Sarah McColgan, Image 2-Darren Tieste