UpClose: Frank Guyton, Celebrity Makeup Artist & Artistic Director

Though Frank Guyton was raised in Delaware, he became a citizen of the fashion world when, at the age of 16, a scout spotted him at a mall and recruited him to model. His career not only took him to New York, L.A., Milan, Paris, London, Germany, and South Africa, it provided him with an abiding love of painting, sculpture, architecture, and light, as well as an intimate view of the fashion and beauty industries. After a brief stint in advertising in 2003, Guyton was approached to join the team of an up and coming cosmetic company. Though he began in product development the brand recognized his natural ability, and soon convinced him to study the art of makeup.

Frank Guyton has been going strong ever since, alternating between celebrities, editorial, film, music videos, and television work with segments seen on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The OWN Network, Good Morning America, The Today Show, Style T.V. and many others. Along the way, Guyton has been privileged to work amongst some extraordinary women. His work has been showcased in magazines such as Harper's Bazaar, Allure, V Magazine, Essence, The Oprah Winfrey Magazine, and other widely known publications. As one of Manhattan's most sought-after makeup artists, Guyton continues to create and contribute by sharing his sophisticated aesthetic with top celebrities and beauty companies. Says Guyton, "If I can help amplify someone's natural beauty, bring out her best qualities, and help her project who she wants to be —Mission Accomplished!

Note: All Photos Supplied By Subject.

DT: Frank, you initially entered the industry as a model. Where you always drawn to makeup?

FG: As a model, my focus was totally about modeling. It helped me get over my shyness. You learn so much about the brand, lighting, client relations, and traveling to different parts of the world. It was so liberating to get such exposure to so many cultures at such a young age, which was motivating on so many levels.

As work started to slow down, I felt a shift coming that I actually wanted. Shortly after, I met a celebrity makeup artist Scott Barnes; and, we talked about what he did. I was intrigued. I honestly thought advertising was my next step; so, I ended up working with him as an assistant creative director at his company. Later, he hired me as an assistant, I got to work with world-renown talent. Once I saw his work on set, his technique, use of color, transformative contouring, and the shift in the talent's disposition, was mesmerizing. It truly was a "Masterclass."

DT: In a business where image is key, share some of your favorite beauty products or skincare regimes?

FG: I am loving the Dr. Rose Ingleton Skincare line, which is brilliant. She has four serums and a moisturizer; I use the retexturing serum. It's a must-have!!

For makeup, I love Pat McGrath eye shadows; and Makeup For Ever foundations (I love how "build-able" their foundations are).

DT: How important are beauty trends to you?

FG: I don't focus on trends; I monitor them. And, I want to set trends…not follow.

The mediums that I work in are so diverse (bridal, editorial, e-commerce, advertising, and celebrity) and require a different approach.

DT: As the new decade begins, what are your intentions for a new decade?

FG: The global pandemic of COVID-19…we all are being reset; this will all take time. So, I am reflecting on how I will move forward with family, friends, and clients. Also, I'm paying more attention to my actions, projects I say "yes" to, and expanding from there, as an authority in my chosen profession.