Meet Anton Khachaturian, ARDELL’S Beauty of the Week. Anton is Witty, Disarming, Creative and is sharing his beauty secrets with us!
AR:
How did you get started working in beauty?
AK:
I was actually hired at a MAC store as a weekend cashier. I liked makeup, but never thought that it would take over the way that it did.
AR:
Who had the biggest beauty influence on you growing up?
AK:
Kevyn Aucoin, of course! He was really the only mainstream makeup artist at the time, and his transformational makeup looks blew my mind. I was also thoroughly obsessed with Pamela Anderson and the whole 90s bombshell glam…iconic! Oh, and Pete Burns of Dead or Alive. They’re gender fluid beauty vibes rolled into the 80s was everything to me.
AR:
Tell us about yourself.
AK:
Well…I’m based in Los Angeles but like to think of myself as a globe-trotting makeup artist, because my work has taken me everywhere! I’ve been doing it for 18 years, and I absolutely love it. My passion truly comes to life working with the people that I love to work with, making them feel their most confident, and being happy doing what I’m doing. It’s such a gift.
AR:
What is something that you no longer believe about beauty that you once did?
AK:
That you have to look a certain way or follow a certain rule book. ALWAYS do what makes you happy and feel your most fabulous. Do you!
AR:
Is there a moment in your career that you are most proud of?
AK:
Working with Pamela Anderson…that was definitely an “okay, I’m doing something right” moment. I was always such a huge fan of hers as I mentioned before and remember putting up her posters at my MAC store when I was just starting, and she was a spokesperson for the brand. I never thought it would be possible to actually be in the same room as her. Having her in my chair? WOW. And she was just as fabulous as you can imagine.
AR:
Do you have any favorite beauty practices that you swear by?
AK:
Honestly, there are so many that it’s hard to say. But one thing that’s never changed is SUNSCREEN. It’s the ultimate anti-aging product and I always use it in some way when I work, and on myself.
“ALWAYS do what makes you happy and feel your most fabulous. Do you!” – Anton Khachaturian
AR:
What is the best beauty tip you’ve ever discovered?
AK:
Using the tiniest amount of powder foundation on certain parts of the face. Under the eyes, around the nose, in the corners of the lip…it’s my red carpet insurance policy!
AR:
You’re stuck on an island and you can pick one type of food to eat forever, what would you choose?
AK:
I’d have to go with pizza for sureeeee.
AR:
Coffee, Tea, or Energy Drink?
AK:
All of the above, to be honest…but if I had to choose it would be coffee.
AR:
Do you listen to music when you get ready? If so, who is on your playlist?
AK:
I listen to music ALL THE TIME, and literally everything is on my playlist. You’ll hear anything from electronica to metal to 80s to…honestly all of it!
AR:
In addition to making people feel beautiful, how do you like to spend your free time?
AK:
I like to spend time with loved ones, exercise, hike, travel…oh and shop for sure!
AR:
In an alternative universe, what would you do for a living?
AK:
I’d probably be working directly with the LGBTQIA+ community. That was my original plan. I actually have a bachelor’s degree in Women and Gender Studies! It’s taught me a lot, and actually inspired my love for education within the beauty community.
AR:
Describe what the perfect "day off" looks like to you.
AK:
As long as I’m happy, it doesn’t matter what I’m doing. I can lay around all day and recharge or have a day packed with tasks and errands and shopping and loved ones.
AR:
Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on a beauty career path?
AK:
Never say no. When you’re starting out, you’ve got to do the leg work. Shoot with anyone that is willing to shoot with you, get some images, practice your craft. You’ve got to put in the time and effort and eventually, you’ll start to meet the right people. It certainly worked for me.
AR:
What’s next for you?
AK:
So many things! I have some production jobs in the works that I’m super excited about. I can’t wait to share! :)
RAPID-FIRE: ARDELL BEAUTY QUESTIONS
AR:
What are your favorite ARDELL lash styles? Why?
AK:
Oooooooh so many!!! But I’d have to go with the classic Wispies. They’re so versatile.
AR:
What keeps you coming back to ARDELL lashes?
AK:
I love how lightweight they are and how you can make them look as natural or as dramatic as you want! Also soooo many options that have a clear band, and that’s always my jam. Lightweight, flexible, fab!
AR:
What is the trick for the perfect ARDELL lash application?
AK:
I always say…let the glue dry for a good 30-60 seconds AFTER you put it on the band. This prevents it from sliding all over the place and gives the glue that perfect tackiness for an easy application.
AR:
Best ARDELL lash style for an everyday look
AK:
I’d say 817…one of my faves! They’re perfectly thin and thin like natural lashes.
