For makeup artist Loftjet, beauty is about self-definition and rejecting the trend cycle if it doesn’t align—this is arguably why our favorite it-girls hit his line when they’re in need of a look that feels authentic. He serves up radiant and subtle glam when appropriate, and maximal glittery eyeshadow or bold eyeliner when necessary—more often than not, it’s the perfect combination of both. Having now worked with Alex Consani, Addison Rae, Demi Lovato, Gracie Abrams, Meghan Markle, and more, and working on shoots for Vogue, W Magazine, and Interview Magazine, it’s safe to say that Loftjet has quietly entered the scene.
Growing up in Los Angeles, the world of beauty was practically right outside of his front door and with magazines readily available for him to devour, it was only a matter of time before he started to recognize makeup and beauty as a confidence ritual.
Ahead, we chat with Loftjet about this beauty beginnings.
instagram.com/loftjet
What was your first introduction to beauty?
"My first introduction to beauty came through my mother, who worked with Avon. Our home was filled with catalogs and product samples, so beauty felt embedded in everyday life rather than positioned as something aspirational or distant. Watching her do her makeup daily, I learned early on that beauty could be ritual, confidence, and connection—all before I ever thought of it as glamour."
Were you creative as a kid?
"I was always creative, though makeup didn’t immediately register as a creative medium. I gravitated toward music and fashion—anything rooted in image and storytelling. It wasn’t until my teens that makeup entered the picture, and when it did, it felt less like a discovery and more like a realization: everything I loved finally had a place to meet."
How did you learn how to do makeup?
"I’m self-taught, but never self-isolated. I studied the work of Pat McGrath, Kevin Aucoin, Billy B, Matthew Anderson—pouring over editorials, dissecting images, and recreating looks repeatedly. At the time, I didn’t fully understand the role of Photoshop, so I assumed every detail had to be achieved by hand. That naïveté sharpened my eye and ultimately shaped my approach."
instagram.com/loftjet
How would you describe your style of makeup?
"My work lives at the intersection of edge and beauty. Even at its most editorial, refinement is always essential. I care deeply about detail, but never at the expense of the person wearing the look—they should feel confident and completely themselves. If it feels powerful and wearable, that’s where I know it’s right."
What's your sign? How do you think this shows up in your work?
"I’m a Pisces sun, Leo moon, and Virgo rising, and I feel all three show up in my work in different ways. The Virgo is very present in my process—detail-oriented, hands-on, and admittedly a little 'I need to do it myself.' It can be intense, but it’s also where the precision comes from. The Leo shows up in the pride I take in the work and the confidence behind it, while the Pisces lives in the environment I create. I’m intuitive about energy and able to read a room quickly, adapting to the tone so everything feels fluid and at ease."
instagram.com/loftjet
How did you start working with Alex Consani?
"Alex and I were introduced by the incredible Dame Pat McGrath, and we connected immediately—first as friends, long before collaborators. We stayed in touch organically, crossing paths whenever we could, never with work as the agenda. So when opportunities came up, it felt natural. The energy is always easy and very real, which makes the work some of my favorite."
What do you think is the biggest misconception about beauty or makeup?
"That it needs to be trend-forward. At its best, beauty isn’t about keeping up—it’s about identity. Makeup is a tool for self-definition: choosing how you want to be seen and how you want to feel. Confidence outlives any trend cycle."
If you had to select one detail that defines the Loftjet special, what would it be?
"Skin. Always skin. I’m obsessed with how it reads—not just in photos, but in real life and across different environments. I want it to look alive, hydrated, and unmistakably human. When skin feels effortless, everything else clicks."
instagram.com/loftjet
Which beauty trends are you loving in 2026?
"I’m excited by the return to individuality—people experimenting and editing rather than following trends wholesale. Personally, I’m drawn to softness right now: muted pastels on the lids and cheeks, airy washes of color that feel angelic and slightly dreamlike. It’s subtle, emotional, and quietly expressive."
What’s one makeup or beauty trend you can never get behind?
"I try not to yuck anyone’s yum, but lash extensions have never really been my thing. I completely understand their purpose—especially for people dealing with hair loss or similar concerns—and if they make someone feel confident, I’m all for it. They’re just not for me. The same goes for microblading. There are incredibly talented artists refining the technique, but overall it can read a bit too intense for my taste. I’m more drawn to beauty that feels soft, flexible, and forgiving—something you can evolve with rather than commit to permanently."
What's the vibe like in your glam room?
"Light, collaborative, and relaxed—more hangout than high-pressure set. Even when we’re up against the clock, a sense of humor keeps everything grounded. If the energy feels calm and supportive, the work always comes together."
