How Christen Dominique Went From Being a Freelance Makeup Artist to Running a Beauty Empire

What inspired you to start your own beauty brand and what was the development process like?

When I started as a freelance artist, I found myself constantly customizing everything, like my eyeshadow palettes. I knew I wanted to launch a brand by creating something that was multi-use for face and eye at an affordable price point with a luxe feel. I know how it is starting out as a young artist and not wanting to let go of the quality but also not being able to afford the quantity. 

It's been fun along the way. I have made some great relationships with my labs and vendors, and I have learned a lot from developing and creating the brand. I think the most important part is having a strong team with you who is as passionate as you are. I am lucky enough to have that. 

What have been some of the biggest challenges of creating your own brand? 

The biggest challenge is staying ahead in innovation. I never want to make something that is already out there, even though there is only so much you can make. It really challenges you to make unique products that you have never seen before. I strive to keep thinking ahead to create something new and innovative. 

What's your favorite launch from the brand so far?

Can I pick two? My favorites are the eyeshadow palettes Latte and Latte 2 because they are what started it all. I really feel like those palettes are the heart and soul of my brand. They offer the multi-purpose story with the look, feel and price point that I have always wanted. 

What's your go-to makeup look of the moment and what products do you use to create it?

I love glowing skin. I use my Copper Light Skin Gloss as a base so I can get the glow-from-within look. Then I use Make Up Forever Reboot Foundation on top, which gives a dewy finish. I have really dry skin, so this combo helps my skin look healthy. Full, fluffy brows are something that I do not have naturally, so I use Glossier Brow Flick to create a microbladed look with my brows. I contour my eyes and nose with Fenty Beauty Cream Bronzers in shades Teddy and Macchiato. I get a nude glossy lip with my Creamy Fill & Define Lip Liner in Crush and the In a Daze gloss from Dominique Cosmetics’ Holiday Lip Glitz. My last step is Lilly Lashes in Goddess.