Get to Know The World's Most Incredible Halloween Makeup Maven

The talented video and makeup artist Goldiestarling captivated us from the first time we laid eyes on her. With a steady hand and an exquisite eye for detail, she transforms herself into characters that leave us speechless. She dives into her videos without hesitation, brush in one hand and liquid latex in the other, and creates the most incredible Halloween and beauty looks. We got the scoop on her inspirations, creative process, and MacGyver-like skills using unconventional DIY projects.

B: How did you get started?

I happened upon YouTube beauty videos by accident. I was on Christmas break from college and I immediately became obsessed. I think I watched twenty videos in a row and then decided to film one for myself. Let's just say that video never made it to YouTube. Then I started slowly buying makeup and playing with it. Next I entered a few contests and four years later, here we are.

B: We love the elaborate and fine detail that goes into every look you create. Do you have traditional makeup or fine art training?

I actually don't have any formal training. I went to school for design and have a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and Computer Animation.

B: Do you have any other creative outlets other than YouTube?

I have tried pretty much anything when it comes to the arts: painting, sculpting, baking, decorating cakes, singing, and playing guitar. I would have to say I love drawing the most. I started when I was very young and it's the one thing that has stuck with me. I love the feeling of being lost in a drawing. I also have a pretty intense love of animation and filmmaking. Jim Henson and Walt Disney were so limitless in their imagination and I strive to do that too.

B: Have these other hobbies influenced your makeup designs?

I would say painting has really helped the most. You prep a canvas with gesso the way you would prep a face with primer. You paint on your design the way you would apply your eye shadow and lipstick. You add shadows and depth where you would contour. Painting translates perfectly.

B: Where do you find inspiration for your dramatic Halloween looks?

Everywhere! I think a lot of the tutorials come out of paying tribute. For example I did a tutorial last year for Winifred Sanderson from Hocus Pocus. I grew up watching that movie and it defines Halloween to me. Characters like Morticia Addams and Lily Munster are just iconic. Sometimes I'll have an image flash up in my mind and I quickly sketch it and refine it. I try not to force it—the greatest enemy of creativity is time.

B: What are your must-have products for Halloween looks?

Liquid latex for sure! It's one of the most versatile products out there. Funky eyelashes are always welcome too! I would also say an opaque white foundation like Illamasqua Rich Liquid Foundation so you can mix whatever colors you need.

B: Do you use any interesting non-beauty related products to create your makeup looks?

Oh yes! Being resourceful can be your best asset. For now, I don't have the facilities to make prosthetics but I'm not going to let that get in the way. It's amazing what you can do with gelatin and cereal.

B: Any amazing costume plans for Halloween?

I thought about fabricating a Zoltar costume from the movie Big but who knows! With all the tutorials I post on Youtube I feel like I get to dress up a lot, so I may just sit Halloween out this year.

B: Can you share any special experiences from beauty vlogging?

I've had a lot of really awesome experiences, probably too many to name! I would have to say meeting people that watch my videos is my favorite. I've had a few tell me they went to makeup school after watching my videos. To know that I have sparked something in someone is just an incredible feeling.