Check Out Phillip Tran’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Phillip Tran.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My love affair with makeup started in middle school.

I grew up in a very religious household and I remember going to school and wishing so badly that I could wear the glittery eyeshadows, delicate mascara, and crisp winged liner that my female classmates would often wear. In high school, I got involved in the theater where I got the opportunity to learn about different makeup products and application techniques.

On the weekends, my parents would drop me off to volunteer at a local nursing home and I would take that time to sneak off to Ulta or Target and buy makeup with whatever little money I had to practice my artistry on the residents living there.

Back then, I never imagined that I would be able to play with makeup and practice different looks on myself, but nowadays I like to use my face as a canvas for products that I want to test.

There were definitely a lot of disagreements with my family about me doing makeup and there are still things that we don’t see eye-to-eye about, but all in all my journey with makeup has allowed me to refine my application process and appreciate the investments that I have made as a professional freelance makeup artist.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As a makeup artist that identifies as both Asian and gay, it hasn’t been easy for me.

I’ve had my fair share of doubts and discrimination throughout my career with many people giving me “no” for an answer. The COVID-19 pandemic was also another obstacle that really slowed down business for myself and a lot of local makeup artists.

A lot of people were not willing to pay fair rates for their artist’s time, energy, and professionalism, and as an Asian-American individual, I also experienced people who didn’t want to work with me because of the anti-Asian sentiment that was being spread at the time.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a self-taught makeup artist in Phoenix and Tucson, I rely a lot on my own background in art and theater when developing my own style of makeup. I think a lot of people are really surprised by the time that I spend on my makeup process because I am a firm believer in fresh, healthy skin.

Because of this, I like to dedicate a good portion of time to skincare steps that I feel are essential in providing a long-wearing base for my clients like primer and eye cream. My makeup can range from earthy neutrals to extra-dimensional editorial looks, but regardless of the look that I’m creating, I like to take the time to blend out all my edges to provide a real-life filter effect on the face.

Makeup is very much an art to me, so investing the time to apply and blend products is important to the way that my artistry translates in-person and in pictures. I’m very detail-oriented and I like to ensure that my makeup has an even wear throughout the day, which is something that my clients appreciate.

If I know that a client will be continuously photographed after our glam session, I’ll even bring their shade of foundation as low as their hands to ensure consistency in my work. When I wear makeup, I feel empowered, so I want to give my clients the same feeling.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I think that Phoenix and Tucson are hubs for creativity in Arizona. I constantly feel inspired by the desert landscape and the beautiful sunsets that we have in both cities.

Currently, I am freelancing as a makeup artist in Tucson, and we are known here for our murals and annual gem show, which are both big sources of inspiration for my work.

Even though Phoenix and Tucson are not as well known for creatives as cities like L.A. or New York City, I find that I’m constantly looking at the diverse nature, culture, and people around me to continue to push the boundaries of my work.

Pricing:

• Set Makeup Rate – $110.
• House Call Fee – $7 per 10 miles.

Contact Info:

• Email: filteredbyphillip@gmail.com
• Website: https://linktr.ee/filteredbyphillip
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filteredbyphillip/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/filteredbyphillip