A makeup artist uses her face and body as a canvas to create optical illusions that will make you do a double take

Samantha GrindellJul 18, 2020, 17:26 IST

Mimi Choi uses makeup to create optical illusions.Mimi Choi

Mimi Choi is an Instagram-famous makeup artist who is known for creating mind-bending makeup looks.
The artist uses makeup to create optical illusions inspired by animals, food, and more.
Choi's looks are often inspired by visions she sees when she is experiencing sleep paralysis, and turning the images into art helps her deal with her dreams.
"I love the problem solving aspect of illusion makeup," Choi told Insider.

Mimi Choi has always loved makeup.

Mimi Choi is a makeup artist. Mimi Choi

Despite her passion for beauty, Choi started her career as a teacher.

Choi used to be a teacher. Mimi Choi

At 28, Choi decided to pursue a full-time career as a makeup artist.

Choi is now a full-time makeup artist. Mimi Choi

Choi began experimenting with illusions as her skills improved.

Choi creates illusions with makeup. Mimi Choi

Choi has been creating illusions ever since, becoming famous for her mind-bending makeup looks.

Choi is famous for her illusions. Mimi Choi

"I love the problem-solving aspect of illusion makeup," Choi told Insider.

Choi loves her work. Mimi Choi

Choi's looks can be time-consuming to create.

Choi's work is complicated. Mimi Choi

Her looks are different, but Choi uses some go-to products for all of her creations.

Choi has her own illusion palette. Mimi Choi

"I also use very fine detail art brushes that allow me to paint intricate details," Choi said.

Choi has to use small brushes for detail work. Mimi Choi

Many of Choi's looks are inspired by her sleep paralysis.

Choi is inspired by her sleep paralysis. Mimi Choi

Choi said creating makeup looks out of her dreams helps her deal with them.

The makeup helps Choi deal with her dreams. Mimi Choi

Choi also gets inspiration for her illusions from her daily life.

Choi doesn't use Photoshop. Mimi Choi

But Choi makes a point of not looking at other makeup artists' work.

Choi doesn't look to other artists for inspiration. Mimi Choi

"This isn't to say that I don't appreciate the work of other makeup artists, though," Choi said.

Choi is supportive of her friends in the industry. Mimi Choi

"I really enjoy the learning process and evolving as an artist," Choi said.

Choi loves growing in her work. Mimi Choi

Choi is her own biggest critic when it comes to her work.

Choi critiques her own work. Mimi Choi

"It's not necessary to purchase tons of expensive makeup products," Choi advised people just starting out in the makeup industry.

Choi doesn't think you need certain products to succeed with makeup. Mimi Choi

Choi also thinks it's important for aspiring makeup artists to expose themselves to different types of beauty styles.

Learning about beauty styles is important. Mimi Choi

Choi teaches master classes to help others improve their makeup skills.

Choi currently teaches virtual classes. Mimi Choi

The virtual classes allow Choi's students to see how the artist creates her looks.

The classes give Choi's fans an inside look at her process. Mimi Choi

Choi encouraged people who are just starting to learn about makeup to be patient with themselves.

Honing makeup skills is a process. Mimi Choi

"It is never too late to pursue your passion," Choi said.

Choi wants others to follow their dreams. Mimi Choi

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