Meet Marian Horta

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Marian Horta. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Marian below.

Marian, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

My journey to discovering my purpose as a bridal and pageant makeup artist began during the COVID-19 pandemic. While working at a hospital, I witnessed firsthand how fragile life can be. I saw patients fighting illness alone, families unable to say their final goodbyes, and young individuals whose lives changed in an instant. Being there in those heartbreaking moments made me reflect deeply on what truly mattered.

That experience shifted my perspective and made me realize how important it is to pursue what brings genuine happiness. I knew I wanted a career that not only fulfilled me but also made a meaningful impact on others. That’s when I made the decision to fully embrace my passion for beauty and turn it into something bigger.

As a bridal and pageant makeup artist, I now have the privilege of being part of life’s most special moments. Whether it’s a bride walking down the aisle or a contestant stepping onto the stage, I get to enhance their confidence and help them feel their absolute best. For me, makeup is more than just artistry—it’s about empowerment, self-expression, and creating lasting memories.

Beyond my passion for beauty, I want to lead by example for my children, showing them that they can chase their dreams fearlessly. Life is unpredictable, and tomorrow is never guaranteed, so I believe in making each day count by doing what I love. I’m grateful that my journey led me here, where I can make a difference through my artistry while fulfilling my own purpose.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I became a professional makeup artist three years ago, and I truly love the impact my work has on people. There’s something incredibly special about helping someone feel their absolute best—whether it’s a bride on her wedding day, a model preparing for a photoshoot, or an artist stepping onto the NYFW runway.

My passion for makeup started at a young age when I would watch the Miss Universe competition with my mom and sister. I was in awe of the beauty, the gowns, and the intricate traditional costumes, but what captivated me the most was the artistry of makeup. I always knew I wanted to pursue it professionally, but at the time, I had to prioritize my family.

As my kids got older, I felt a strong pull to finally follow my dreams. Experiencing personal losses to COVID and cancer made me realize how precious life is and how important it is to chase what sets your soul on fire. I wanted to show my children that fear should never hold them back from their passions.

This drive led me not only to build my career as a bridal and pageant makeup artist but also to create The Beauty Blueprint podcast. My goal is to inspire and support others in the beauty industry, especially those just starting out. When I began my journey, I would have loved to have a resource like this—something that provides guidance, encouragement, and real conversations about the industry. Through my artistry and platform, I hope to uplift and empower others to pursue their dreams with confidence.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on my journey as a makeup artist, three key qualities have played a major role in shaping my success: being a supportive and uplifting presence for my clients, mastering the art of color matching, and having a strong understanding of skincare. These skills have not only helped me grow in my craft but have also allowed me to provide an exceptional experience for every client I work with.

1. Being the Best Cheerleader for My Clients
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is uplifting and encouraging my clients. Whether it’s a bride on her wedding day, a pageant contestant stepping onto the stage, or a model preparing for a shoot, I strive to be their biggest supporter. Makeup is more than just applying products—it’s about making someone feel confident and empowered.

For those early in their journey, I highly recommend building strong client relationships. Be their hype person! Listen to their concerns, celebrate their beauty, and create an experience where they feel valued. The energy and encouragement you bring will not only make a lasting impression but will also set you apart in this industry.

2. Mastering Color Matching
Perfecting color matching is an essential skill in makeup artistry. Every client has a unique skin tone and undertone, and it’s our job as artists to enhance their natural beauty without making the makeup look off. Learning how to properly assess undertones—whether warm, cool, or neutral—is crucial when selecting foundation, concealer, and even lip and blush shades.

For beginners, I suggest practicing on different skin tones as much as possible. Swatch foundations in natural light, mix shades when needed, and invest time in understanding color theory. A well-matched base will always elevate a makeup look and make it appear seamless and natural.

3. Understanding Skincare
Makeup will only look as good as the skin underneath it, which is why skincare is just as important as the products used. As an artist, I always prioritize prepping the skin properly before applying makeup. Hydration, exfoliation, and using the right serums and moisturizers make all the difference in achieving a flawless finish.

For those starting out, I recommend studying different skin types and learning how to tailor skincare prep accordingly. Understand the importance of ingredients, how they interact with makeup, and how to create a smooth, long-lasting base. Educating your clients on skincare will not only help their makeup application but will also build trust and credibility in your expertise.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

The book that has had the greatest impact on me is “The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins. It has completely shifted my mindset, especially as an entrepreneur. Running a business isn’t easy—you can get overwhelmed, burned out, or caught in overthinking whether you’re on the right path. This book helped me reframe how I view challenges and setbacks.

The Let Them Theory teaches that you can’t control how others perceive you or your business—you simply have to let them. If you lose friends along the way, feel isolated, or aren’t included in certain spaces, let them. If you’re hesitant to start something new because you’re afraid of judgment, let them. The more you allow external opinions to cloud your mind, the harder it becomes to focus on your goals. This book reminded me to stay in my lane, trust my journey, and keep pushing forward without fear of how others react.

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Image Credits

Dani Sax
Mikhail Lipyanskiy
Cloe Thomas
Nasr Kamar
Eddia Jane
Keiber Diaz Sosa

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