IN CONVERSATION WITH ASH K. HOLM

Ash K. Holm is a celebrity makeup artist, best known for creating glamorous looks and amplifying glowing skin of her star-studded clientele, which includes Ariana Grande, Kim Kardashian, Megan Fox, Khloe Kardashian, Camila Cabello, Lindsay Lohan, Shay Mitchell, Bebe Rexha, Becky G, Candice Swaneopoel, and more. From the Met Gala to Paris Fashion Week, the Oscars to Emmy-winning television series, Ash is responsible for ideating some of the most well-known and beloved makeup beats in Hollywood history. She also has as her own brush collection called Sculpt, and is the cofounder of LA-based med spa, Dripology, together with her husband.

You’ve built an incredible career working with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Can you take us back to the beginning—what inspired you to become a makeup artist?

I’ve always had a deep love for art and makeup. Growing up, I was labeled as dyslexic in elementary school, and that really impacted my confidence. Makeup became my outlet, it made me feel fearless. By high school, I was doing everyone’s makeup around me, and by the time I turned 18, I knew I had to break into the industry somehow. Sixteen years later, I’m still chipping away at it every day.

What’s never changed is the feeling I get when I see someone look in the mirror after glam and light up. I’ve seen people sit in my chair with the weight of the world on them, and by the end of the session, their energy shifts completely. That’s why I started and why I keep going. Helping people feel empowered is the most rewarding part of this journey.

Your signature glowing skin looks have become iconic. How did you develop your unique approach to makeup artistry?

I was hugely inspired by the work of Kevyn Aucoin. His ability to transform and elevate was like magic. I grew up obsessed with the 90s supermodels, sculpted, sultry, sexy. That era is still my favorite.

My heritage also shaped my style. My mom is Lebanese, and my dad is Swedish. In the Middle East, there’s a strong focus on the eyes, while Scandinavian beauty is more fresh and effortless. I like to think I blend both worlds, structured yet soft, polished but never overdone.

You’ve worked on everything from red carpets to high-fashion editorials. How does your approach shift depending on the setting?

For editorials, I tend to keep the skin dewier and less set. It’s more about playing with texture and creativity. You don’t need the makeup to last all day, so you can go bolder or more experimental.

For red carpets, longevity is key. I set the face strategically, especially in the T-zone, and focus on ensuring everything holds up under cameras, lights, and hours of wear. It’s about dialing in the glam while still letting the skin breathe.

How do you balance honoring a client’s personal style while incorporating your artistic vision?

It’s always a collaboration. My clients have strong personal brands, so I do my homework. I study how they present themselves on social and what they gravitate toward. I keep their image in mind but elevate it with my touch, whether it’s a change in tone, texture, or product placement.

The key is to earn trust. They know I’m here for a reason, and I also know when to put my ego aside. When I really feel something in my heart creatively, I’ll speak up, but it’s always about the bigger picture.

The beauty industry is constantly evolving. How do you stay ahead of trends while maintaining your signature aesthetic?

I don’t chase trends, I like to start them. My looks are rooted in timeless beauty, and that’s what keeps them feeling fresh no matter what’s going viral. I believe classic always wins.

Social media has become a huge tool for beauty professionals. How has it influenced your career and artistry?

I’m forever grateful for social media. When Instagram launched, I knew it was going to be a game-changer for artists. It’s allowed me to connect, grow, and build a brand while staying true to myself.

Discipline and consistency are everything. I try not to compare myself to others. I stay in my lane, focus on my craft, and create art that inspires me. If it inspires others too, that’s a gift.

In addition to being a top makeup artist, you’re also the Chief Makeup Artist for Ipsy, a leader at Morphe Cosmetics, and a global ambassador for Kiss Lashes’ Falscara. What do those roles entail?

Working with Ipsy has been a dream. They truly support the beauty community. I create content that highlights trends and techniques using their products, host masterclasses, and help guide aspiring artists. It’s about giving back.

With Morphe, I’ve been a fan since the 30-pan palette days. Now, I help create educational content, teach masterclasses globally and locally, and share my expertise on platforms like Ulta and YouTube. It’s artist-first, and I love that.

As for Kiss Lashes, I’ve been a Falscara ambassador for five years. I help develop tutorials, how-to content, and represent the brand as one of their faces. We’ve grown together, and it’s been a beautiful journey.

Your brush collection, Sculpt, was a hit. What inspired it, and what’s next?

I wanted the Sculpt brush collection to look chic on your vanity but also be functional. Every shape was intentional. There’s a brush for every step of your routine. It was a fun limited collab that I’m proud of, but now I’m excited to close that chapter and open a new one. Stay tuned for what’s next.

Together with your husband, you co-founded Dripology. What inspired you to branch into the wellness space?

Both Hamed and I have always been in the service industry. He was an ICU nurse at Cedars-Sinai, one of the top hospitals in the world. We started talking about IV therapy 15 years ago, and how game-changing it could be. The science behind it is real. When you get vitamins intravenously, you absorb them far more effectively than taking them orally.

We bet on ourselves and opened Dripology in Santa Monica. It’s grown into a full med spa offering everything from IV drips and NAD+ to Botox, PRP microneedling, skin tightening, and more. At the end of the day, helping people look and feel their best gives us the biggest high, and there’s been so much beautiful crossover with my makeup world.

How do you balance being a working artist and a businesswoman? What have been some key lessons in entrepreneurship?

It’s definitely a balancing act. When you’re in glam mode, you’re focused on creativity, connection, and service. But when you’re running a business, whether it’s product development, brand partnerships, or Dripology, you have to step into a completely different mindset. I’ve learned to compartmentalize and trust my team. You can’t do everything on your own, and that’s okay.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the power of consistency. You don’t need to do a million things at once, just do a few things really well, over and over. Also, being kind and professional will take you farther than talent alone. Relationships matter. Energy matters. That’s how you build a long-lasting career.

The wellness and beauty industries are becoming more intertwined. How do you see that evolving in the future?

I think we’re entering a new era where beauty isn’t just about what you put on your skin, it’s about how you care for your body from the inside out. Clients are becoming more educated, they want glowy makeup but also understand that hydration, vitamins, and stress management affect how their skin looks and feels. That’s why Dripology has been such a natural extension of my world. It’s all connected.

I believe the future of beauty is holistic. It’s makeup + skincare + wellness. It’s personalization. And most of all, it’s about helping people feel good in their own skin, whatever that looks like for them.

What’s one makeup myth you’d love to debunk?

That you need to follow every trend to stay relevant. You don’t. Just stay true to yourself and your artistry. When you’re consistent in your identity, people are naturally drawn to it, and that’s how you create something that lasts.

Finally, what’s next for you? Any exciting projects or launches?

Expect to see more with Morphe, Ipsy, and Kiss Lashes this year. As for what else is coming, you’ll have to wait and see.