Rising Stars: Meet Cindy Espinoza

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Espinoza.

Hi Cindy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a Los Angeles based freelance makeup artist and I also do soft hairstyling. I began this awesome journey at the tender age at 15 when my interest for makeup really began to spark up. I was my high school’s go to makeup artist and I really began to envision a career out of it.

After high school, I began working makeup retail at all the popular makeup stores/counters including Ulta, Bare Minerals, Sephora, and lastly Mac Cosmetics. I learned so much product knowledge and really grew my social skills. I had always done freelance makeup work on the side which mainly consisted of special occasion makeup. I landed my first assisting gig back in 2019 and I am forever grateful to the artist who brought me on big productions. It was (still is) the best feeling being on sets for major brands.

Here comes 2021, I enrolled into Esthetician school something I had been meaning to do for four years and I’m really proud for investing into that I recently became a licensed esthetician. Around June of 2021, I parted ways from my job with Mac Cosmetics the timing was just right. I became booked every single weekend after that with special occasion work I began doing so many more weddings as well a goal of mine. I then began assisting an amazing hairstylist on sets which opened so many more assisting opportunities with other talented artists in the industry. I found the confidence to reach out to some of my favorite makeup and hair artists in the business on Instagram actually or email and luckily, I have had some unforgettable experiences assisting them. I began receiving my own brand clients in the industry and felt so prepared to be on their sets.

Most of my work includes special occasion, e-commerce, commercial, beauty, and fashion. I have worked with some amazing brands/clients such as Hardtail Forever, Olivaceous, Hello-Cup, Express, Guess, and more! I have been lucky enough to assist on sets for Nike, Bebe, Playboy, Naturium, Forever 21, Guess, Joico and many more where I have learned so much! I just want to thank all my amazing mentors for believing in me and giving me a chance. A big thank you to all my clients for making this possible for me, my supporters for encouraging me, my parents, family, boyfriend, and friends. I find myself getting imposter syndrome and doubting myself in such a competitive field but I have to remind myself how far I have come and extremely excited for what’s to come. It has been so challenging with all the ups and downs and many tears but for me, it’s all definitely worth it.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There will always be a struggle when chasing after a dream reminds me of the saying, “there’s beauty in the struggle, ugliness in the success.” I was car-less at 19 after getting into a terrible car crash, I was without a car for two years which was very hard in this type of traveling career. Countless uber rides & public transportation to make it to my gigs lugging my kits around. At 21 years old, I had some health issues that had me bed-ridden in a hospital in and out for about two months so it was a very frustrating time trying my best to improve my health. But I am so happy to say all is well now.

The pandemic clearly was a struggle for all of us as a whole but definitely affected my family and I as we had some losses. My grandpa passed suddenly from falling from a ladder which was extremely heartbreaking and two months later, his son, my uncle passed from covid pneumonia so yes, I was definitely dealing with so much anxiety, anger, grief, and depression. It’s been about one year and some months since that happened but I really used that experience to change my life. I used that pain and turned it into power.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I would say I am most known for my classic timeless looks, something that will never go out of style. When it comes to makeup, primarily skin, I believe less is more and really love to accentuate my client’s natural beauty. Don’t get me wrong, I love all styles of makeup and love to add some drama with pops of color. I enjoy some fresh, clean elegant looks as I specialize in special occasion makeup but I don’t limit myself to it. I really love doing shoots and special projects where I can play with model’s makeup and showcase some art.

I have so much work I am very proud of but I would say I am most proud of my industry work as I worked with some of the most talented photographers in Los Angeles. I am proud of the portfolio I am building and trying to be more intentional with the work I do. Thank you so much Voyage LA for having me back and love to be a part of this community!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: tinycindymakeup.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinycindymakeup/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tinycindymakeup/services/?ref=page_internal
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tinycindymakeup

Image Credits:
Anthony Lopez, Iiamlegend (Gabriel), Hayley Fisk, Yana Kalina, Orlando Morfin, Shane McCauley, Brittany Bravo, Brandon L Harrison