F L A U N T
.png)
When celebrity makeup artist Alina Macks reaches for a product, it’s with the precision of a true artist with an eye for detail. Her toolkit isn’t just full of trendy cosmetics—it’s curated based on years of experience, instinct, and constant dedication to improvement. Her top three product picks aren’t just personal favorites—they're tools that have helped her carve a name for herself in Los Angeles’s ultra-competitive beauty scene.
To understand what makes these products so effective in her hands, one must understand the journey that brought her here.
Born and raised in a small town in Ukraine, Alina grew up in a community where traditional 9 to 5 jobs were the only types of work considered to be careers. With few outlets for creative expression, she began exploring painting, sewing, and school competitions. It wasn’t until she stumbled upon a makeup tutorial on YouTube that a spark was lit.
With only her mother’s blush powder to start, she practiced constantly. Eventually, she scraped together savings for her first (albeit knockoff) MAC and Urban Decay palettes. Despite doubt from others and limited resources, she kept learning—first through an eyebrow course, then full makeup training. Even a brief detour in her personal life didn’t derail her long-term goal: to make makeup artistry her profession.
Moving to the U.S. was a leap of faith, but it paid off. In LA, Alina built her reputation from the ground up, bringing her understated, luminous style to sets, studios, and bridal suites across the city. Her work emphasizes soft glam: radiant skin, light tones, airy brows, and a touch of blush.
Her credits now include collaborations with global brands like Levi’s, Bellami, Ralph Lauren, the W Hotel, and music artists like Joe Bonamassa. She’s even worked behind the scenes on JFK Revisited, grooming none other than Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and director Oliver Stone.
Through all of it, Alina has held firm to one belief: makeup should enhance—not hide—the face in front of her. This philosophy guides both her artistry and the products she swears by.
"This is my secret weapon—especially on photo shoots."
Creasing after foundation and powder is a universal issue. Alina uses the Tatcha stick in a non-traditional way: once makeup is complete, she takes a small amount on a brush and dabs it onto crease-prone areas. The result is a soft-focus finish that smooths everything out—without disturbing the base. “It’s the final touch that makes everything look airbrushed,” she says.
"A magical prep step. Skin just drinks it in."
Prepping the skin is everything, and FENTY BEAUTY’s Fat Water has earned a permanent spot in Alina’s kit. Its lightweight formula hydrates, tightens, and creates a silky base for foundation. “On some shoots, I skip moisturizer and go straight to this with a serum—it’s that good,” Alina notes. “It gives the kind of glow you can’t fake.”
"The foundation for people who hate foundation."
Alina doesn’t believe in heavy coverage. For everyday wear or clients who prefer breathable skin, she turns to Sanmarine’s CC Cream. It’s non-comedogenic, professional-grade, and loved by clients who want fresh, natural-looking skin. “Add a bit of powder on top, and it transitions beautifully into an evening look,” she says. “It’s my go-to for brides, too.”
Despite her growing fame and an impressive portfolio of high-profile work, Alina Macks remains strikingly grounded. She doesn’t chase clout or let accolades dictate her artistry. Instead, she treats every job—whether it’s a commercial shoot or a one-on-one session—as an opportunity to connect on a personal level. Her humility, paired with a deep respect for the transformative power of makeup, is what endears her to both celebrities and everyday clients alike.
Whether she’s on set with a Hollywood producer or preparing a bride for one of the most emotional days of her life, Alina’s intention stays the same: to help people feel like the best version of themselves. She takes the time to understand each face she works on, listening to her clients' stories, preferences, and insecurities. Her sessions are never rushed, and the result is more than a polished look—it’s a quiet boost of confidence that lingers long after the makeup is removed.
“I don’t follow every trend. I follow faces,” Alina says, capturing the core of her philosophy. In an era of ever-shifting beauty standards, she has made a deliberate choice to focus on what’s timeless. For her, makeup isn’t about transformation through imitation—it’s about elevating what’s already there. “Natural beauty will always be relevant,” she adds, a reminder that trends may come and go, but authenticity never goes out of style.
Alina happily collaborates with clients in all kinds of industries and sectors. Visit her website or follow her on Instagram to view past examples of her work or book an appointment.
From a passion project started at home to red carpet looks in LA, Alina Macks proves that the right tools—when paired with passion—can create something extraordinary.
Stay up-to-date with exclusive events and content.
