Ruth Fernandez: From Unexpected Beginnings to Makeup Maestro
In this edition of Jaxon Journal, our founders Jen and Alex chat with celebrity makeup artist and groomer Ruth Fernandez, the visionary behind stars such as Kane Brown, Brian Tyree Henry, Woody McClain, Sterling Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Finn Wolfhard, and more.
What were your early aspirations and your defining moment when you knew you wanted to be a makeup artist?
My path to makeup artistry wasn't conventional. Growing up in a strict Christian household and surrounded by brothers, I grew up a tom boy and always said I would have been a great lawyer – I can argue a point very well! My artistic inclinations eventually led me to explore different avenues through creative groups, including art. One pivotal moment came while assisting a makeup artist on a film set. When I went there, it was like my ah-ha moment. I just fell in love with the commotion, the cameras and seeing how a film is made. I immediately started assisting that makeup artist and left school. My parents weren't happy at all, but I loved it. I loved going to set and learning and meeting new people.
Fast forward to today, my parents are so supportive now. I was working on a show called Celebrity Apprentice. My father recognized one of the actors, and I introduced him to them. After that my dad was like “ok this is legit”, and they are supportive in ways that I never imagined. My mom will brag to people at church!
Tell us more about your mentorship and building your career.
After leaving school, I took a break and began assisting at a salon. This period helped me solidify my desire to work in the beauty industry, even though I lacked formal training at the time. An opportunity came to me when the salon owner's husband, a producer for Law & Order, connected me with another makeup artist, Sharon Sinclair. Sharon became my mentor, playing a crucial role in my development. She opened the doors for me and I immediately started assisting her and traveling with her. I remember doing a video shoot and an album cover for a group of ladies that were on MTV. Sharon is an artist, like an actual painter, so I learned a lot from her hand. She was in fashion as well. People that are in fashion have different hands from people that are in TV, and she had a beautiful balance between the both. I learned so much from her and am very grateful to have been mentored by her.
What are some of your most memorable moments with clients?
I feel like there are so many and I’m so grateful to do what I do but I’d have to say one of my most memorable moments would be with Joan Rivers - I grew up watching her and she was a very loyal person. One day, Adell (who is Joan’s long-time makeup artist) asked me if I’d want to do Joan's makeup for her yearly Thanksgiving dinner at home since she wasn't available. I did that two years in a row and she gifted me Christmas ornaments in these beautiful boxes that I still have. She was a very sweet person.
I also got to work with the legendary Ozzy Osbourne. Two minutes into sitting in the chair he scared me and made me laugh. He was so kind and it was a great experience.
What is your typical approach when grooming your clients?
I like to incorporate a lot more skincare because makeup sometimes isn't the main focus with some of the men I work with; less is more for them. I like to dedicate at least 45 minutes even if they don't need that time completely. This allows me to be able to give them the Bro Mask or Eye Gels while using tools that help to prep their skin, plus they love the extra care. I don't like to take away anything from the grooming experience – that's why I do this whole routine with them and I want to be able to give everyone a great experience. No matter if they’re in my chair for 20 minutes or an hour, I want to make sure they feel taken care of and look and feel their best.
Photo Credit: @msruthiemakeup on Instagram
Photo Credit: @msruthiemakeup on Instagram
What are some of your favorite products and do you have any tips you can share with us?
I love using high-quality tools and skincare products in my clients routines and they are always curious about them. For early morning call times, I’ll use frozen cryo balls after applying the Bro Mask sheet mask. I also use gua sha – it's very simple but effective if you give it the time, at least 5 minutes, you can see a huge difference. I’ll leave the mask on for about 5-10 minutes and give them a massage with my tools so it helps them relax.
The Bro Mask Eye Gels is one of the things that I don't leave home without. I've tried others but I always come back to Jaxon Lane. They're simply the best and a lot of my clients have come to love the Bro Mask and Bro Mask Eye Gels. They can't get enough of them – they’re so easy and the results are incredible. Also, I love that they come individually packaged since it maintains the freshness and ingredients.
I love the Relax and Repair moisturizer since it’s fragrance free and the ingredients included are anti-inflammatory. The Super Serum gives my clients a glow that they love.
Lastly, I often use blotting powders and papers depending on my clients skin type. I typically use the one from Mac as the last step in the routine for a finishing touch and anti-shine.
SHOP Ruth’s Picks
Bro Mask
“With the bro mask, I’ll put it on and then use cryo balls on top of it. A lot of our call times are early in the morning. If they've been drinking the night before or wake up super early to go to the gym, this helps them look their best.
SHOP: Bro Masks
Cryo Balls
Gua Sha
“I use the gua sha with the Bro Mask too - it's very simple but very effective. If you truly give it time you can see a huge difference, even with just a focused 5 minutes.”
Bro Mask Eye Gels
"Eye gels – it's one of the things that I don't leave home without. I've tried other methods, but I always come back to Jaxon Lane. They're simply the best."
SHOP: Bro Mask Eye Gels
Super Serum
“The serum gives them a glow that they love. It makes your skin instantly glowy and youthful which is great, but if they continue to use it they'll see even bigger changes.”
SHOP: Super Serum
Relax And Repair Ultimate Anti-Aging Moisturizer
“I love that this moisturizer is fragrance free and the anti-inflammatory ingredients in it. The guys love to have their cologne and sometimes its too much with scented products.”
“The blotting powders from mac are great for removing shine from the T zone. It's a powder that sucks up any type of oil and I'll use it as the last step. They come in different shades.
