There’s a certain vulnerability in sitting down with an expert and asking them to critique something you’ve been doing for years. In this case, I was kind of ready to have my makeup routine dissected by Romero Jennings, the legendary director of makeup artistry at M.A.C Cosmetics. Having heard of his penchant for warmth and humour, I hoped he’d go easy on me, but the truth is, I wanted to know exactly where I’d been going wrong.

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Jennings’ journey into the beauty world reads like a love story, ignited by his mother’s transformative daily rituals. “Watching my mom get ready every morning with baby blue eyeshadow, mascara, and peach lipstick, I understood the power of makeup. It wasn’t just about enhancing features—it was about becoming invincible,” he says. This spark led him to the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York where fashion design led to backstage makeup artistry for student shows. “Working in Japan in the ‘80s, where I was offered a place to study and assist makeup artists such as Mitsuru Kohnoand Savaro Watanabe was a turning point for me,” he recalls. “I learned the art of placement, the beauty of imperfection with Wabi Sabi, and how to embrace flaws through subtlety.”

Romero’s dedication to his craft didn’t stop there. He became an integral part of M.A.C’s DNA, joining the team of innovators in the 1990s as a retail artist, eventually moving up and becoming the Director of Makeup Artistry in 2013. He has contributed to the brand for three decades and shaped numerous global beauty trends—many of which we all remember. “M.A.C turns 40 this year, and I’ve been here for 30 of those years, helping create iconic looks and pushing the envelope backstage at Fashion Week. The brand’s dedication to artistry and inclusivity has made this journey unforgettable.”

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Jennings, whose artistic eye has created some of the most iconic runway looks, didn’t waste any time. “Let’s start with your base,” he said with a smile that was both kind and knowing. “Primer is your foundation’s best friend, but too much product or pairing it with a heavy moisturiser can work against you.” He explained that balance is key, suggesting a lightweight option like M.A.C’s Hyper Real Serumizer for a hydrated yet prepped finish. It was a gentle nudge towards hydration.

Perfecting Application

I moved on to my foundation, fully expecting a few raised eyebrows. “One common mistake,” he noted, “is in the shade selection. People often match their skin tone but forget their undertones, which makes all the difference.” And just like that, Jennings dropped his first golden nugget of wisdom. It isn’t just about the product; it’s as much about the art of application.

“Now, don’t cake on your concealer,” he teased when we approached one of my problem areas. Overloading, especially under the eyes, can backfire, he explained, creating creases instead of a smooth finish. “Use a small, fluffy brush to blend—think of it as buffing, not dragging,” he added.

Breaking The Rules

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As we delved into my eye makeup routine, Jennings was quick to point out my eyeliner faux pas. “Most people don’t prep the eye area properly,” he said, advising me to start with a lightweight eye cream or primer. I confessed that I’d often skip this step, wondering why my liner would smudge by midday. His solution was simple: M.A.C’s Color Excess Gel Pencil, a product designed to stay put all day. But the technique was just as important as the tool—“Short, deliberate strokes along the lash line,” he instructed, “never just one long line.”

The conversation then moved beyond products and into trends—what’s worth holding onto and what we should be leaving behind. For Jennings, the beauty world is constantly evolving, and trends don’t simply die out; they mature. “Right now, ‘skinimalism’ is what excites me—using fewer products to get that fresh, glowing skin. While contouring had its moment, I think it’s time to bring subtle, natural definition back. Less is more.”

The Art Of Restraint

When we reached the finishing touches—powder, highlighter, and setting spray—Jennings took a moment to reflect on restraint. “It’s not about mattifying the entire face,” he pointed out. Instead, he encouraged me to use powder sparingly, focusing on areas prone to shine.

Throughout the session, I was struck by the precision of Jennings’ approach. He wasn’t focused on products (although he did have some favourites) but pushed me to refine my technique and challenge my habits. With each step, he offered genuine insights, getting to the heart of how makeup should feel—artful, intentional, and true to oneself.

Made For Me

When it came to crafting my signature look, Jennings didn’t miss a beat. “I secretly stalked your Instagram,” he confessed with a warm chuckle. “I think a 1990s nude mixed with soft goth would be stunning for you. We’ll start with a luminous base, keeping your skin radiant. For the eyes, I’d go soft shimmer with Extra Dimension Eyeshadow, paired with fluttery lashes using MACStack Mascara. And for the lips—definitely a glossy nude or pink from our Lipglass range.”

To hear such an iconic artist break down a look made especially for me felt almost surreal. Yet, it’s this meticulous, thoughtful approach that defines his genius. Ultimately, it wasn’t just my makeup that got an upgrade, but my perspective on beauty itself. Under Jennings’ expert guidance, I learned that even the smallest adjustments can make a world of difference.