Shay Mitchell Flips the Script: Makeup, Friendship & the Art of Trying
Go behind the scenes as Shay Mitchell puts her makeup artistry—and friendship—to the test in a hilarious role reversal with celeb MUA Ash K Holm.
Shay Mitchell steps out of her comfort zone, swapping chairs with her celebrated makeup artist Ash K Holm in a playful and illuminating episode of Turn the Beat Around. Known for her perennial perfect red carpet looks and self-assured social media presence, Shay embarks on a challenge that reveals just how different it is to apply makeup rather than simply wear it, especially when the canvas is someone as skilled—and honest—as Ash.
Beauty Meets the Unexpected: Setting the Scene
The premise is simple yet risky: Shay, the client-turned-artist, must craft a full glam look for Ash, who has painted famous faces from Kardashians to pop stars. No pressure, right?
- Shay tackles the challenge with her trademark confidence and a touch of self-deprecation.
- Her workspace? A well-stocked Beis bag—her favorite travel-ready beauty case.
- The mood? Supportive yet competitive, with banter and laughter underscoring every step.
The Makeup Chair Reversal: Technique, Tension, and Teamwork
From the outset, Shay is determined to prove her skills. She dives in with purpose, selecting brushes and products like a seasoned artist. But as soon as the real work begins, the difference between watching and doing becomes clear.
- The Cut Crease Conundrum: Shay attempts the notoriously difficult cut crease—an eye makeup look requiring technical finesse. Her careful blending and bold product choices show promise, as Ash tries to keep an open mind (and keep from laughing).
- Liquid Liner Trials: Attempting symmetrical wings with liquid liner proves merciless. Shay’s hands, possibly jittery from too much coffee, struggle to maintain precision. The two trade jabs about caffeine consumption and steady hands, bringing a relatable humor to the sequence.
- Blame, Laugh, Repeat: Shay jokes about nerves, Ash gently corrects. Laughter fills the room as imperfections—crooked wings, uneven blending— become part of the experience, not failures.
Product Picks: Inside Shay’s Beis Bag
Any celebrity makeup routine is built on carefully selected products. Shay’s Beis bag is packed with versatile, glowy essentials:
- Dewy-finish foundations
- Neutral and metallic eye palettes
- Creamy concealers for seamless blending
- Must-have brow gels
- Her signature nude lipstick shades
Even when facing product fumbles, Shay’s enthusiasm for textures, finishes, and colors shines through.
Pressure Points: Performing for Your Idol
Few challenges rival doing someone’s makeup when they do yours for a living. Ash’s client list includes not only Shay but also top-tier celebs, setting a high bar for results. Shay feels the pressure but keeps the mood buoyant:
- She cracks self-effacing jokes, momentarily pausing to recalibrate after each wobbly line or heavy-handed blend.
- Ash alternates between supportive advice and gentle roasting, modeling the supportive honesty that defines their friendship.
- Shay’s determination to “beat Ash’s face” to perfection—even if only in spirit—is both ambitious and endearing.
Perfection vs. Play: Embracing Imperfection in Beauty
The heart of this episode lies in the tension between social-media-perfect beauty standards and the real-life joy of experimentation. Shay’s journey drives home that even seasoned glam girls struggle when the roles switch.
- Makeup artistry is a skill honed through years of practice—symmetry and technique are hard-won.
- Embracing mistakes becomes a lesson in self-acceptance and the joy of not taking glam too seriously.
- Beauty, above all else, is about fun and self-expression—not just impressing Instagram followers.
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The Challenge of Winged Liner: Why It’s Everyone’s Battle
One highlight is Shay’s honest struggle with winged eyeliner, sparking laughter and camaraderie among anyone who’s ever attempted the look:
- Precision and Symmetry: Achieving identical “wings” is notoriously difficult. It requires a steady hand, patience, and a willingness to accept that no two eyes—or lines—are ever exactly the same.
- Everyday Pressure: Even top-tier MUAs like Ash admit to facing pressure every time they attempt the look, proving that makeup is an art that humbles even the pros.
- Relatable Flaws: Shay’s willingness to fail publicly sends a message: beauty is a process, not a product.
What We Learned: Friendship First, Makeup Second
As brushes clink and liners smudge, it’s clear that the heart of this episode isn’t beauty mastery—it’s the bond between Shay and Ash. The willingness to be vulnerable, to try and sometimes fail, ultimately deepens the trust between artist and client—and between friends.
- Vulnerability: Switching roles means relinquishing control and embracing a new perspective—both in beauty and life.
- Camaraderie: Roasting, encouragement, and forgiving mistakes make the episode a template for supportive relationships, not just beauty collaborations.
- Empowerment: Shay’s courage to try, even knowing her skills are untested, encourages viewers to step outside their comfort zones.
Celebrity Makeup Artists: Portrait of Ash K Holm
Known for her transformative glam and steady hand, Ash K Holm isn’t just Shay’s trusted artist—she’s one of the most sought-after MUAs in Hollywood. Her famous clients include:
- Kardashians
- Camila Cabello
- Kaia Gerber
- Ashley Graham
- Bebe Rexha
- Many more A-listers
For Ash, surrendering the brush to Shay is an act of trust—and a rare chance to see herself through the eyes (and hands) of her muse.
Shay’s Candid Beauty Philosophy
As glamorous as Shay’s public persona is, her approach to beauty is grounded, humorous, and refreshingly authentic:
- She recognizes the difference between “Instagram beauty” and real-life flaws. “Sometimes the best looks happen by accident,” she laughs.
- She values the process more than the polished outcome, insisting that trying—and failing—builds confidence and skill.
- Above all, she celebrates the fun in experimentation. “If you mess up, just smudge it out and call it a smoky eye!”
Breaking Down the Look: Shay’s Step-by-Step (and Where It Wobbled)
| Step | Product/Tool | Outcome | Friendship Commentary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prep & Prime | Hydrating primer, foundation | Even base, slight shade mismatch | “Are you sure this is my shade?” |
| Cut Crease | Brush, neutral & shimmer shadows | Creative, a little heavy-handed | “It’s bold…but I like it.” |
| Winged Eyeliner | Black liquid liner | Crooked, uneven wings | “I blame the coffee!” |
| Lashes & Brows | Brow gel, mascara | Brow game strong, a little clumpy on lashes | “Trust the process!” |
| Lips | Nude lipstick, liner | Lip line a bit off-center, color gorgeous | “At least it’s your shade!” |
Audience Takeaways: What Shay and Ash Want You to Know
- Beauty is for Everyone: You don’t need a celebrity skillset to experiment—just curiosity and laughter.
- Skill Comes from Practice: Mistakes are part of learning. Practice on yourself, or a brave friend, and don’t be afraid to mess up.
- Friendship Makes Everything Better: Having a supportive friend (willing to let you draw on their face) turns any challenge into a shared adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How did Shay Mitchell and Ash K Holm meet?
A: Shay and Ash connected through the entertainment industry, with Ash quickly becoming Shay’s go-to glam expert for red carpets, editorials, and personal appearances.
Q: What is the hardest part of doing someone else’s makeup?
A: According to Shay, the technical challenge of matching eye shapes, symmetry on both sides, and achieving perfect winged eyeliner are especially tough when you’re used to doing your own face, not someone else’s.
Q: Which products does Shay Mitchell swear by?
A: Shay loves hydrating dew foundations, neutral shadow palettes, brow gels, reliable concealers, and a selection of nude lipsticks. She’s also loyal to her trusty Beis makeup bag for organizing essentials.
Q: How does Shay Mitchell handle beauty disasters?
A: Shay recommends staying calm, turning mistakes into new looks, and never taking beauty too seriously. “If your liner’s not perfect, make it smudgy. Just have fun!”
Q: What message does this episode of ‘Turn the Beat Around’ send?
A: The real message is about vulnerability, self-expression, and the value of friendship. Owning your flaws and laughing at setbacks makes beauty less about perfection and more about joy.
The Final Reveal: It’s Not About Perfection
When the brushes are set down and the makeup wipes come out, the results matter less than the laughter shared. Shay’s attempt at a pro-level beat may not make her Ash’s professional rival, but it solidifies her place as a friend more than willing to step up, risk embarrassment, and celebrate the messy magic of glam culture.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beauty beginner, this romp through makeup mishaps and friendship highlights one essential truth: a little vulnerability (and a lot of humor) is the real key to looking—and feeling—fabulous.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a30780487/shay-mitchell-turn-the-beat-around-cosmopolitan/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/news/a57898/shay-mitchell-june-2016/
- https://www.thelist.com/177535/the-stunning-transformation-of-shay-mitchell/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkOpm97FExw
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iXblHMb9zI
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