Meet Aliana Moss

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Aliana Moss. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Aliana, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

When I first started working as a freelance makeup artist, I focused on what was in my kit and on techniques… but over time, I realized that an essential quality I bring with me to every job can’t be put in my suitcase.
It’s optimism.
In this industry — where every day is different, where schedules shift, budgets change, and bookings fall through — optimism isn’t just a nice attitude to have. It’s a survival skill.
I learned early on that clients don’t just remember how you make them look — they remember how you make them feel. Whether I’m getting a client ready for a red carpet event, working a bustling backstage set or creating looks for a photoshoot, my energy sets the tone. When I’m calm and centered, my clients feel that. If I’m enthusiastic and encouraging, they light up in the chair. When you collaborate well as a cohesive team, magic moments are created and captured.
But optimism isn’t blind positivity. It’s resilience. It’s the ability to look at a last-minute schedule change and say, “We’ve got this.” It’s rebooking after a cancellation and believing something better is coming. It’s trusting that even on a slow week, your talent and work ethic will carry you forward — because they always have.
So how do I foster optimism, especially in an unpredictable freelance world?
I start with rituals. I make time for myself. I wake up early and while I sip my coffee I journal and write down three things I’m grateful for and set my intentions for the day. Yoga and movement are a priority, even if there’s only time for a quick flow. It grounds me before I enter someone else’s world.
I remember my “why.” I don’t just do makeup — I help empower people to see their best selves. That moment when a client sees themself and smiles and the confidence shines through, that’s the fuel.
I protect my peace. I say no to what drains me, and yes to those who inspire me. I build relationships with people who value kindness as much as talent.
I stay inspired. I follow other artists whose work I respect and admire. I take time to learn new techniques to hone my craft. I remind myself that this career is a creative journey and no two look the same — that every step forward, even the slow ones, matter.
Being a freelance makeup artist isn’t always picture-perfect. But I’ve learned that optimism — real, practiced, grounded optimism — is key to keep me going. It’s the invisible foundation I wear every single day and just like any good base, it makes everything on top look even better.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’ve had a love for makeup — and the transformative power it holds — for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was captivated by how a single swipe of color could shift not only how someone looked, but how they felt. That curiosity became a calling.
Leaving my hometown in Massachusetts, I made the leap to Los Angeles to chase my dream. I started by assisting some of the most respected makeup artists in the business, while also attending makeup school to build a solid foundation. From there, the opportunities began to grow — one connection at a time, one gig at a time.
What I quickly learned is that there’s no single path in this career. And that’s the beauty of it.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working across many corners of the industry — from red carpets and editorial shoots to commercial sets and celebrity grooming. Each experience has sharpened my skill set and deepened my understanding of different faces, textures, tones, and personalities. Whether I’m creating flawless skin for a close-up or subtly enhancing a client’s natural features, my goal is always the same: to make people feel confident in their own skin.
I have some new projects I’m working on, from writing a beauty column to working on developing a skincare line and I’m quite excited about these. After years of curating kits, testing countless formulas, and understanding what artists and everyday users actually need, I felt called to create products that reflect my approach to beauty — elevated, intuitive, skin-forward, and built with purpose. I’m excited to start this new chapter so whether you’re sitting in my chair or using one of my products at home, my hope is the same: that you feel empowered, radiant, and connected to your own version of beauty.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

When I reflect on my journey as a freelance makeup artist — from moving from Massachusetts to Los Angeles, assisting on set to building my own clientele — a few qualities stand out as essential to both my growth and longevity in this ever-evolving industry.
1. Adaptability
One of the most underrated superpowers in this career is the ability to adapt quickly. As a freelancer, I’m constantly moving between environments — fast-paced sets, intimate one-on-ones, high-pressure red carpets. No two jobs are the same, and neither are the people I’m working with. I need to read the room, ask the right questions, and shift my approach based on who’s sitting in my chair.

2. Emotional Intelligence
Makeup artistry is incredibly intimate. I’m often the first person someone sees in the morning. Being able to connect, create trust, and offer a sense of calm is just as important as the work I do.

3. Pro-level Product Knowledge
I love beauty products. I’ve spent years obsessing over formulas — what lasts under lights, what flatters different undertones, what textures perform best for camera versus real life. I test everything and focus on ingredients I trust, rather than just using what’s trending, and I keep refining my kit based on what I learn.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m currently open to thoughtful, creative collaborations in both makeup artistry and the development of my upcoming skincare line.
Over the years, I’ve built my career as a freelance makeup artist and men’s groomer by working across red carpets, editorials, and commercial sets. What I’ve learned is that collaboration is everything — whether it’s creating magic on set or developing products that truly serve the needs of real skin.
Right now, I’m looking to collaborate with:
Creative teams and photographers for editorial, campaign, and content-based beauty work. I love storytelling through skin, color, and texture — and I’m always excited to partner on projects that push visual boundaries.
Formulators and skincare experts to help shape my own skincare line — a collection rooted in skin health, simplicity, and performance. It’s inspired by years of firsthand experience and the belief that great makeup starts with happy skin.
Brand strategists, content creators, and like-minded beauty professionals who want to build something intentional — whether that’s an image, a product, or a brand.
If you’re someone who values clean aesthetics, meaningful beauty, and collaborative energy — I’d love to hear from you.
Let’s connect:
Alianamoss@gmail.com
@Alianamoss
Or reach out via the contact form on my site. www.alianamoss.com
Whether we’re building a look or a product — I’m all about creating beauty that feels good, looks incredible, and tells a story.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alianamoss.com
• Instagram: @alianamoss
• Facebook: @alianamossmakeup
• Linkedin: Aliana Moss
• Twitter: @alianamoss

Image Credits

Amy Barton
Allen Zaki
Haydrien Denoyelle
Herman V Brandt
Kate Szatmari
Laura Coulson
Randal Mesdon