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Claudia Neacsu: Redefining Beauty Through Art, Passion, and Authenticity

Writer's picture: At DeyaAt Deya

Close-up of a woman with bold eye makeup on a magazine cover titled "Iconic Women." Includes text about beauty and fashion.
Copyright Notice: All images featuring Claudia Neacsu are used with her explicit permission and remain the sole property of Claudia Neacsu. Reproduction, distribution, or use of these images without prior authorisation is strictly prohibited.

Born with a love for painting and creating visuals, Claudia Neacsu’s artistic journey began long before she picked up a makeup brush. As a child, she was captivated by the transformative power of art, though her initial canvas was traditional. Her story took a turn during her teenage years, as she faced acne during high school. What started as a quest to cover blemishes with makeup soon evolved into a deep passion for the craft.


Claudia recalls the early days of her journey, where limited makeup options and sparse information posed challenges. “YouTube makeup tutorials were just starting to become a thing, and I watched them religiously,” she explains. Her fascination with makeup application grew as she honed her skills, starting with her best friend and classmates. Social media, particularly Facebook, became her first platform to showcase her talent, serving as her virtual portfolio.


The defining moment came at the age of 19 when Claudia participated in her first international makeup competition. To her surprise, she not only secured a spot but also won first place. “I was the only one there who hadn’t attended a makeup school, and winning confirmed that I could trust my craft and follow my passion,” Claudia shares.

From there, her career blossomed, marked by a distinctive style and a commitment to authenticity.


Claudia Neacsu in Her Own Words

Woman in leopard print applies lip gloss, holding a compact mirror. Leopard print background, drink with lemon slice nearby.
Copyright Notice: All images featuring Claudia Neacsu are used with her explicit permission and remain the sole property of Claudia Neacsu. Reproduction, distribution, or use of these images without prior authorisation is strictly prohibited.

1. Can you share the moment you realized you wanted to become a makeup artist and pursue this as a career?


I would say I kind of always knew and I am saying kind of because I always loved painting, but I started on a different canvas. As a child, my favourite thing to do was painting and creating visuals. I would say nothing much changed, it just took a little bit of time until I discovered makeup artistry but once I did, I never stopped. I started using makeup because I had acne during high school years and I just wanted to cover it. At that point there were not many products on the market, it was almost impossible for me to find a shade that would match me and it was not that much information out there.


Youtube Makeup Tutorials were just starting to become a thing and I used to watch them religiously. Slowly I learned more about application and products and I wanted to try to do makeup on other people too as I was finding it fascinating. Of course I started by doing my best friend's makeup, we would create outfits and then go out and do photo shoots at least once a month if not more often. Slowly I started doing makeup on my class mates  and their family members for different events like weddings and parties. I also started posting all of my work on Facebook as this was the main and one of the first real social media platforms so I created my page where I would basically create my own portfolio as that was my only chance to get discovered by clients.


When I was 19, first year of college, I have applied for my first ever International Makeup Competition and not only I was accepted but I actually won the 1st place. Being the only one there that did not attend any makeup school and still being able to get the 1st place confirmed that this is the path I want to follow and pursue, it was a confirmation that I can trust my craft and that I have a gift and I should really follow my passion.




2. What has been your biggest inspiration in the beauty industry, and how does it influence your work today?


For me it was always a combination of arts like music, fashion, photography, painting because I always loved creating VISUALS. For the longest time I have (and still am) doing the full process by myself: creative directing, styling, sometimes even hair although I don't enjoy doing hair at all lol, photography which I love, Videography and of course makeup. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love working with teams of creatives, but as I do social media I don't always have the luxury of having a full team. I post on my socials almost every single day which pushes me to have a very efficient creative process.


I find a lot of inspiration in self development, I love seeing people (including myself) glow up, I love showing people how they can feel like the best version of themselves by only applying the right makeup for THEM. I am a very big believer in individuality and I don't believe in one size fits all. I believe we are the most beautiful when we feel like we are fully in touch with ourselves and this is an ongoing process throughout our life which is how I define beauty itself. I get inspired by someone's face and their character, personality, their style, their way of talking and the way they carry themselves. 


My favourite artist is Beyonce, I would say she inspired me the most throughout my career as her way of working and her work ethic itself is insane. From every single element of her shows to wardrobe, makeup, VISUALS, and just her perspective about art overall is something I truly find inspiring. I won't start speaking about Beyonce now as this interview would probably be 50 pages long.




3. As a makeup artist, how do you approach balancing creativity and staying aligned with a client’s vision?


I would say I am blessed to have the most amazing clients that give me all their trust most of the time, which makes me feel honoured because I don't take it for granted. Majority of my clients book me because they can relate to my style and my way of creating looks so there's usually not much work to do beforehand. I am also blessed to have clients that are open to communicate and have a detailed conversation about what they like/don't like or prefer in general which makes the process better for both sides.


Sometimes, if I have a new client, after I am doing their makeup for the first time, there can be little things that need to be adjusted the next time: maybe some products didn't suit them ideally or they realised  they want little changes for their personal look & feel so I always advise them to pay attention to how the makeup lasts and how it makes them feel so we know if we need to adjust anything for next time. 


When balancing creativity & client's vision I would say communication is always key and make sure you do not take anything personal as it's about them, it's their day. Have an open mind. Also, be okay with the fact that not every client would be a perfect match and sometimes they won't book you the second time which is perfectly fine. Just like in any other relationships, every client has their makeup artist and there's someone for everyone.




4. What’s one project or collaboration you’ve worked on that holds a special place in your heart, and why?


I have always been a true fashion lover, a lot of my inspiration comes from the catwalks and designer collections. Before I started doing makeup I believed I will otherwise design clothes or become a stylist. My love for fashion never ended and even today, I still love styling and I also started a Fashion Series on my social media channels where I share some of my favourite outfits in between my makeup looks.


A moment that surprised me in the best way possible as I was really not expecting it is when I was invited in a gorgeous Valentino Beauty Brand Trip in Italy last year, and not only was I invited but I was actually not on the original invite list, but someone from their fashion team extended the invite to me which made me feel so honoured and grateful. Being recognised by such an iconic Fashion House was absolutely surreal and I will never forget this.


I wish I could personally send my appreciation to the team member that thought of me but I haven't found out who they are yet, hopefully I will meet them one day. And to top it all off, the lovely Valentino Beauty UK Team sent me a gorgeous Valentino Garavani purse, which again, I will forever cherish as it's the first time such an iconic Fashion House sends me a gift.


Woman in a black lace outfit poses confidently in a metallic elevator, with long hair flowing and hand adjusting. Elegant and poised.
Copyright Notice: All images featuring Claudia Neacsu are used with her explicit permission and remain the sole property of Claudia Neacsu. Reproduction, distribution, or use of these images without prior authorisation is strictly prohibited.


5. How do you see the beauty industry evolving, and what role do you think artists like yourself play in shaping its future?


One thing I can say for sure is that Beauty has no limits! This is the reason why I am falling in love with this industry more and more everyday, I could never get bored of it!


There's so much innovation & creativity in this industry where trying to predict what is going to come seems almost impossible as that would mean I have to limit this incredibly powerful market. I believe beauty will keep getting bigger & bigger and I believe the artistry of it will bloom even more. As much as AI takes over a lot of industries including beauty, I don't think AI will ever fully replace an artist.


As an artist, I feel like my biggest contribution in this industry  is bringing authenticity to light & giving people power by inspiring them to be the most authentic, best version of themselves. One of the best parts of being a makeup artist is seeing how much my work can inspire others to be creative and believe that they can do whatever they put their mind to. The reason I am saying this is because this is what I get from other artists as well and it's a never ending beautiful ecosystem of beauty & creativity.



6.  Are there any particular beauty trends or techniques you love working with right now?


My favourite technique when it comes to makeup application is layering. I love working in thin layers and gradually build up the intensity/texture/finish that I want. I am in love with cream products and skin prep, I love seeing beautiful skin that doesn't feel heavy. I tend to go for medium/buildable coverage products as I feel like they work best when it comes to layering.


I apply powder strategically only in specific areas in order to mix textures on the face as I look at my face as a canvas and I love adapting makeup to every person's unique style and face features. I am not very big in trends, just like in fashion, trends will not work for everyone. Trends are fun and especially with makeup they are worth a try (if they are not dangerous because I have seen some very questionable trends on social media), as if you don't like what it looks like, you can easily just take it off so I'd always encourage people to play, express themselves and have fun with makeup as this is what is it about.



7. What advice would you give to aspiring makeup artists who are looking to break into the industry?


The answer to this question might change every year to be honest as the industry moves SO fast and there's always new ways of getting in it. So the first thing I'd say any aspiring makeup artist should do is be very open minded, do not get stuck in one way and really pay attention to the industry and how it moves, do research, connect with people. Networking is a very big part of being a makeup artist so make sure you are always respectable and professional but also sociable as much as possible.


Own your craft, don't hesitate, in order for anyone to believe in your work you have to really believe in it. Learn and absorb as much information as possible , know that you will never know it all. Post on social media, I feel like nowadays this is an absolute non negotiable. Be constant with your work, have a schedule and stick to it long term. Do not expect overnight results and know that every step of this journey teaches you something valuable that you wouldn't be able to move forward without. And I'd say the most important one: don't forget why you started, never loose your passion and love for this! I love makeup & beauty more and more everyday!


Woman in burgundy dress lounges on ornate carpeted stairs, holding a gold mask. Lit candles line the steps, creating a warm, elegant mood.
Copyright Notice: All images featuring Claudia Neacsu are used with her explicit permission and remain the sole property of Claudia Neacsu. Reproduction, distribution, or use of these images without prior authorisation is strictly prohibited.


8. How do you stay inspired and keep your creative energy flowing, especially during busy periods?


As I know how crazy and hectic it gets throughout the year, I built myself a system that helps me always have some pre recorded content that I can post when I am not able to fully focus on my creative energy. As an artist, you will always have times when you are feeling really inspired and want to create a lot, but also times where you just feel uninspired and that is ok. In order for me not to panic in those moments, I like to prepare and have things done in advance and this allows me to get back in my creative space faster than if I would had to stress about what to create when I feel uninspired. Hope that makes sense. 


I also allow myself to get inspired by anything, I try my best not to limit my vision and stay as open minded as possible. I listen to music a lot which always inspires me in different ways of expressing myself. I get inspired by people a lot, their character, personality and style. I always allow myself to be creative in the exact moment I feel an idea coming in. It can be me writing an idea I have in the middle of the street or in the middle of the night. I allow myself to get inspired by moments and emotions that are not always positive and I try to create art as a self expression of anything that I feel.



9. Can you share your go-to products or tools that you always have in your kit?


I will always have the Lancôme Renergie Triple serum in my kit for skin prep as this is one of the steps that takes your makeup to the next level. 


The Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation and the Hourglass Vanish concealer are some of my complexion ride or die products along with the Huda Beauty Powder.

I adore cream products so you will always see me using cream contour sticks like the Westman Atelier Face Trace Stick and the Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint.


The Prada Monochrome Lipsticks have made it to my top fave lipsticks for their super lightweight formula that delivers a soft blurred matte finish.


The Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip liners in the shades Muted Mauve, Deep Taupe & Malt are some of my top favourite nudes.


For tools I always have my Hourglass Soft Glow Foundation Brush (I have like 4 of them) because I use this for foundation, cream contour and cream blush and it's the best brush I ever owned.


Woman in sunglasses poses playfully on a stone ledge near the Louvre in Paris. She wears a black coat and jeans, with a dark handbag nearby.
Copyright Notice: All images featuring Claudia Neacsu are used with her explicit permission and remain the sole property of Claudia Neacsu. Reproduction, distribution, or use of these images without prior authorisation is strictly prohibited.


10. What does beauty mean to you, and how do you aim to celebrate individuality through your work?


Beauty for me is authenticity. I find people being the most authentic version of themselves the most beautiful thing regardless of what that looks like for everybody. I celebrate individuality by allowing everyone that sits in my makeup chair to feel free, inspired, not judged and safe knowing that the makeup look I will create on them is for them only and it's unique and adapted to their style, features and personality. 


Beauty for me is knowing that my work can inspire others to create, beauty is a feeling more than a visual representation although I am obsessed with visuals and aesthetics. 





Claudia Neacsu’s story is one of passion, artistry, and resilience. From creating makeup looks inspired by individuality to embracing fashion as an extension of her artistry, she continues to inspire those who dream of a career in beauty. Whether it’s her iconic trip with Valentino Beauty or her dedication to empowering clients through makeup, Claudia remains a trailblazer.


Her belief that beauty is rooted in authenticity and individuality resonates deeply. As she puts it, “Beauty is a feeling more than a visual representation.” With a career defined by creativity and connection, Claudia Neacsu exemplifies the power of art to transform and inspire.


Stay tuned for more from this incredible artist as she continues to shape the future of beauty!

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