Getting real lessons on beauty from professional makeup artist Belle Rubio
As a little girl, I have fond memories of scrutinizing the products on my mother’s dresser and watching her put on makeup with care and confidence. It was instilled in me early on that getting dolled up was part of good grooming. And while I admit that as an adult I sometimes skip this routine, I have always appreciated makeup as a form of art. For me, it is also about creativity, expression, and even joy.
That is why my friend Anna Cerezo and I counted down the days to a makeup masterclass by professional makeup artist Belle Rubio on Sept. 14 at the Marco Polo Hotel. I knew it was going to be special.
Anna and I were so eager that we arrived early to secure what we thought would be the best seats in the house. But once the class began, I realized it didn’t matter where anyone sat. With 60 students filling the classroom, every single one had a good view, thanks to a large screen projecting Teacher Belle’s every move, making the experience both intimate and inclusive.
Teacher at heart
Teacher Belle is no stranger to the makeup world. Known for her expertise in bridal makeup and for working with local celebrities for years, she could have easily carried the air of exclusivity. Instead, she exuded warmth and charm. Her sincerity was evident from the start. She welcomed us with ease, like a friend hosting a big gathering, speaking with humor and confidence, and making sure that everyone, from total beginners to working makeup artists, felt comfortable.
What set Belle apart was her ability to balance authority and approachability. One moment, she was breaking down techniques in precise detail; the next, she was laughing along with the class, sprinkling jokes that lightened the atmosphere without taking away from the learning. Unknowingly, Belle was crafting a beautiful experience for all of us.
Tools, techniques, and thoughtfulness
Every student received a small toolkit that included basic brushes, a mirror, and essential tools. For beginners like me, whose makeup stash hasn’t been updated since a workshop I attended 16 years ago, it was a lifesaver. And for those who didn’t have complete kits, Belle and her assistants (known as Team Belle) had us covered. They went around sharing product samples, ensuring no one was left behind.
This generosity extended to the techniques she shared. In an era when tutorials flood YouTube and TikTok, you’d think we’d seen it all. But in Belle’s class, we learned techniques that went beyond what’s available online. Seeing her do it firsthand, then practicing under her team’s guidance, was valuable. It was the difference between watching makeup happen and learning how to make it happen on your own face.
The class
Another highlight was the diversity of the class itself. Students came from different fields and converged—a cybersecurity expert, an architect, an engineer, an OB-GYN, media practitioners, and even aspiring makeup artists. The range of ages and professions made the room feel like a micro-community, all bonded by a shared desire to learn.
It was clear that Belle thrived in this environment. She went beyond being a makeup artist that day because she served as a mentor who believed that knowledge grows stronger when shared. She wasn’t afraid of training potential competitors, and that, to me, is a rare kind of confidence. Her thriving career is proof that generosity, kindness, and success can go hand in hand.
Lessons beyond makeup
By the end of the session, I realized I had taken away more than just technical skills. Yes, I learned how to blend better, identify my undertones, apply false eyelashes, and make makeup last longer. But more importantly, I learned that makeup is a tool for confidence and connection, and teaching it requires both skill and heart.
Belle reminded us that learning has no age limit. Whether you’re a teenager experimenting with eyeliner for the first time or a professional looking to polish your craft, there’s always room to grow. She also showed us that sharing knowledge is an act of generosity and, in turn, is its own form of beauty.
Belle is out there not just to teach about makeup and physical beauty. Her kindness alone is a masterclass on the power of sincerity and generosity.
Next week, get to know more about Belle.
For your random thoughts, e-mail the author at randomrepublika@gmail.com.
