ALLAN AVENDAÑO

MAKEUP ARTIST

Born in Quezon City, Philippines Allan Avendaño and his family crossed over to the US and landed in Los Angeles at the age of 5. At a very early age, he became enamored and inspired by the glamour of old Hollywood. Thinking he may find his path in the entertainment industry, he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Communication and soon after, acquired a job in television production.

It didn't take long for him to realize his fascination with the wardrobe department and it progressed into a desire to be a fashion stylist. He began working with Angeleno magazine, assisting their Advertising/Editorial departments and started handling small fashion assignments.  During a particular assignment he was handed the responsibility of putting together a glam team for a fashion shoot. In a bold move, he decided to take on the role of "makeup artist" and the rest is history.

Allan made it his duty to study and become the utmost talented at his job, studying every face, researching products, and involving himself in every aspect of the beauty industry. A modern Kevyn Aucoin story of sorts, he taught himself via painstaking trial and error. So he explains: I simply studied the craft on my own, and I just worked on every face I could get a hold of!  Allan solidified his makeup skills as a freelance artist for MAC cosmetics for 3 years before moving on to work on various celebrities, fashion & beauty editorials, advertising campaigns and television projects for networks including: TV Guide, E!, Animal Planet, MTV, VH1, and Bravo.

One aspect of Allan's career that he is most proud of is his work with charities. Allan continues to work with Project Angel Food lending his talents to their fundraising efforts and has also been involved with The Chrysalis Foundation and the MAC AIDS Fund. He also flies out to New York City every summer to do makeup for a huge production called "Broadway Bares" working with Broadway performers and celebrities to raise money for Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS.

Allan continues to be inspired by the fashion and icons of the 1940s-1970s; he is drawn to the glamour and femininity of each era. Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, Dolce & Gabbana and countless brilliant photographers are some of Allan's other inspirations and he says, "I am intrigued by those that can re-invent beauty and create art through their passion."