It's time to meet Jessica Carvalho, the make up artist behind the MESH campaigns, based in Porto. With a lifelong passion for beauty, she turned that passion into a career, collaborating with the coolest national brands and fashion magazines like VOGUE. The secret to her success? Always being available, being resilient, taking risks, and lots of networking. But it was during the pandemic that her career really took off, with more fashion work due to increased demand in the digital space.

 

  

 

We talked with Jessica to learn more about her experience and journey in the fashion world, and some tips for this Summer...

 

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER AS AN INDEPENDENT MAKEUP ARTIST?

From an early age, I had a great passion for makeup; it started as a hobby that provided me with both income and personal satisfaction. At 15, I had my first backstage experience in the fashion world and was fascinated. I fell in love with the energy and creativity of those productions. Eventually, I opened my own studio, initially offering makeup services for events, mostly weddings.

 

WHAT SUGGESTIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE WHO IS JUST ENTERING THE FASHION WORLD?

I like to set short-term goals. From there, it is super important to be available and know when to take risks. I learned most things on my own, but I also invested and dedicated many hours to perfecting my technique. Additionally, it is essential to build good relationships and network with the creatives around you.

 

WITH SUCH A BUSY SCHEDULE, HOW DO YOU FIND TIME FOR SELF-CARE MOMENTS?

Right now, I am at a stage where I realize I can't be everywhere at the same time, so I am building a team. Besides that, I try to spend my free time in calmer environments that they help me maintain balance, to counterbalance my always fast-paced work rhythm.

 

FAVORITE PROJECT SO FAR

Working with Vogue on the May edition. It is an edition dedicated to Mother Nature and all the makeup was done with natural pigments, which required many tests. It was challenging, but I loved being part of that project!

  

 

YOU CAN'T LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT...

BB Cream, it has sun protection and enhances the skin, providing a healthy and radiant glow.

 

WHAT IS YOUR SIGNATURE LOOK?

A natural skin look with a brown smokey eye.

 

3 ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS FOR THIS SUMMER

The Sephora all-in-one cream colour blush, REFY eyebrow gel, and Clarins lip oil.

 

A MAKE UP ARTIST THAT INSPIRES YOU

I love Sophia Sinot, she has a very unique and bold style.

 

WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO WHEN YOU'RE GETTING READY FOR A NIGHT OUT?

Anything that is 90s R&B!

 

DO YOU CHOOSE THE OUTFIT OR THE MAKE UP FIRST?

Most of the time I choose the make up first. Just like jewelry, I see makeup as an accessory, the two always complement each other.

 

YOUR FAVORITE MESH JEWELRY

I love MAXI jewelry! Right now my favorites are the AELLA necklace and the LINKS bracelet.