Bryan Ramirez chooses to express himself through makeup.

Ramirez has a specific set up to make sure his makeup is “on-point.” Lighting is very important; he uses a ring light. This ensures he has the best lighting. As he dug through his makeup bag to find different eyeshadows, lipsticks, and brushes, Ramirez reflected on his journey to wearing makeup.

Two Octobers ago, Ramirez came out publicly as gay and says his gender identity is queer.

He wanted to wear makeup as he felt insecure about his acne but said stereotypically men don’t wear makeup. Ramirez decided to break that stereotype and he decided to take control of his image, he said.

Ramirez wanted to be authentic. He had many role models, like; Manny MUA (makeup artists), James Charles and Patrick Star. However, he felt he was inspired by these people, but was not expressing himself authentically. He felt he needed to “rebuild” himself.

Makeup was a way to rebuild his authentic self. Ramirez reflected on his first time wearing makeup in public. The first time, he did not tell anyone, he simply showed up with makeup on.

“I just wanted to do it,” Ramirez said.

He admits it wasn’t the best way, but his friends were understanding.

Since then, Ramirez has gotten much better at makeup. He works at Ulta Beauty in Moscow as a makeup artist and has scheduled to do makeup for two weddings this summer.

Ramirez explained some of his looks. One of his favorites is a red blush which he uses as a contour. He also loves eyeshadow. It can change a look and add emotions, allowing for innocent, fierce or diva looks, he said.

Ramirez gave a few summer makeup tips. He emphasized foundation and the importance of getting the right shade, because the wrong one can throw off the look. If one is looking into getting a tan for the summer, especially a temporary tan, Ramirez said he recommends using pigment drops to adjust the color of the foundation to your skin tone.

Ramirez said pride is important to him and he reflected on a Pride parade he attended in Los Angeles.

“It is a time of visibility,” he said. “Love was so powerful.”

Ramirez said Pride has changed over time. Today, he said, there is more acceptance within the community. There is more acceptance towards those who don’t fit the stereotypical look of “a gay man.” Ramirez plans to attend the local pride event this August.