The makeup artist of Queen Maxima can also do your makeup
This is how she achieved her dream job
She belongs to the highest tier of the Dutch hair and makeup guild (don't say makeup, she'll get angry, save that for the circus) and makes the most extraordinary and high-profile women (she is herself the most integral woman on earth but she is also the regular makeup artist for Queen Máxima) just a bit prettier. Elles Nijkamp is the regular makeup artist for quite a few famous people, provides masterclasses for ambitious women to help them do their own hair and makeup in ten minutes, and has her own brush line developed. Moreover, she is a wonderful person you would want to have around. When I have an important shoot, there are two people on my list: Leco and Elles.
Describe your profession in three sentences.
By putting women (models, famous and unknown) in front of the mirror and creating an even more beautiful version together, I achieve that they feel stronger. Walking this path together is a process of makeup, the right tools and looking closely at what she needs at that moment. This requires some knowledge of people, but that's what makes my aesthetic profession so enjoyable.
Did you imagine as a little girl that this would be your profession?
As young as I was, I already wanted to create and make the world more beautiful. As a little girl, I wanted to get into fashion and by first drawing on paper, I later started drawing on people and I still do that.
How many hours do you work per week?
I worked six days a week, but I have recently managed to balance that a bit more.
What education have you followed and did you benefit from it?
I completed a fashion education in costume/couture. Yes, knowledge of color, shape, and entrepreneurship.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Follow your feelings when it comes to what you enjoy doing and see if you can create a business model from it. Just don't forget that it's a job #make time for yourself. That’s tough when you enjoy something, but essential to maintain #balance.
With a job like yours, you can't really speak of an average day. But take one that is reasonably representative and tell how it looks.
As a hair and makeup artist, you are the first to start. So there is no morning mood. The day continues with a shoot, event, or bookkeeping and socials. Indeed: no two days are the same.
Are you the type that separates work and private life or does everything flow together?
Everything flows together tremendously (omg, I know).
Always reachable or type two phones and ‘Monday you're the first’?
Always reachable, one phone on silent (my husband thinks that's unreachable), but it does provide peace during work or me-time.
What do you wear on a workday?
Often black/white/beige. No prints, haha. I love stripes, but I think I share that love with you.
Do you think about perfume and hairstyle? I can imagine that as a makeup artist you don't want to stand out too much and keep that in mind regarding makeup.
When someone sees me for the first time, their eyes go from top to bottom. ‘A quick scan’ is what everyone does. So yes, I make sure that first impression is good. In balance, not too much makeup, perfume, and easy styled hair. This has become an automatic response, so I don't think about it anymore.
We know it for sure: talking about money is not chic, but it's nice for the next generation to know what this work roughly pays. So can you give a rough indication?
Oof, I would love to give you my numbers, but it's so variable. Especially when you're just starting, you have to realize that you're not immediately a business model. That takes years, but once you have some clients, you can make a decent living from it.
Has there been a moment in your career that was decisive for your career, one that you were quite proud of in hindsight?
Haha, my only pride is something I don't talk about. You know... But other than that, not much juice on my front. Everyone can shout what they want, by now I always follow my own plan and I'm no longer easily impressed or intimidated. With a smile, I do everything with love and especially in my own way.
Do you also want to follow a masterclass with Elles? You can here book it. Also nice to ask for your birthday or before you start a new job.
