From MAKE UP FOR EVER Academy to Disneyland Paris - Spotlight on the Journey of Alumna Manon Lehot

After attending MAKE UP FOR EVER Academy, Manon Lehot is now a Professional Makeup Artist for Disney Cruise Line Magic. In this interview, she shares her journey. Here's a focus on the development of one of our alumni.

• Hello Manon, thank you for agreeing to this interview! First, how would you introduce yourself in a few words?

My name is Manon Lehot, I'm almost 27, and I currently live on the Disney Cruise Line Magic, which sails the Gulf of Mexico. I've been a Professional Makeup Artist for four years since earning my certificate at the Make Up For Ever Academy. I'm creative and love working, which makes me eager to take on any tasks.

• In 2018, you took the Professional Makeup Artist - Artistic, Cinema, and Prosthetics course. What motivated you to join, and how did you discover MAKE UP FOR EVER Academy?

I discovered my passion for makeup while studying performing arts at the University of Caen. I never thought it would become my career. Some film classmates asked me to help with makeup for their projects, and I started doing makeup for short films. Meanwhile, I began experimenting with makeup on myself for fun and found a small job as a "theater teacher" for children. I participated in carnival days and corporate events, transforming children with creative makeup. I chose Make Up For Ever Academy for its impact and importance in the makeup industry. It's an internationally known brand. I used MAKE UP FOR EVER for my artistic makeup and tagged them on Instagram, which is how I learned about the school in Paris. In my final year of university, I decided to pursue it.

• What do you remember from your journey at Make Up For Ever Academy? What did the MAKE UP FOR EVER Academy experience bring you?

I started at Make Up For Ever Academy in September 2018 in Boulogne-Billancourt, Paris. Initially, I was apprehensive as some classmates already had experience in beauty or had worked for brands. I was fortunate to learn from passionate teachers and realized I loved everything I was learning. During my time there, I had the opportunity to do about twenty internships in various places like The Voice, Théâtre des Variétés, and Netflix. I also did makeup for a lingerie show, the Salon de l’Agriculture, and a SACEM award ceremony. MAKE UP FOR EVER Academy confirmed my desire to work in this field and deepened my passion for my career.

• Do you have any particular fond memories from your training at Make Up For Ever Academy?

I have many fond memories, like when my teacher Matthieu told me I would be doing makeup for music stars I listen to daily before going to the SACEM Grand Prix, or working at The Voice France with celebrities like Mika, Jennifer, Julien Clerc, and Soprano. One of my favorite anecdotes is when I was doing touch-ups for one of Soprano's talents, and he asked me to stay on set for vocal warm-ups with him and other technicians.

• How has your career evolved?

I completed Make Up For Ever Academy in October 2019 after 12 months of intensive courses. In December 2019, I joined Disneyland Paris as a Cosmetologist Hairdresser, the same position I hold now. Disneyland Paris allowed me to participate in special events like promotional videos for the new New York Marvel hotel and work with celebrities.

• What do you enjoy most about your work?

I think it's the human contact. I love sharing my passion and meeting people from diverse backgrounds. There's a significant psychological aspect to our work as makeup artists, especially when spending months with the same group of actors. We play a crucial role in creating their characters.

• Do you have an anecdote to share about your journey?

I never thought my passion would become my career. It's been almost three years, and I still love it. I've just proposed teaching makeup classes to the crew on Disney Cruise Line, all in English.

• What are your inspirations in makeup, and what made you want to work in the beauty industry?

My primary inspiration is people; it may sound cliché, but I imagine the makeup I could create for someone when I look at them. Music and films also influence my makeup creations. I often use Pinterest to create mood boards of elements I like and could incorporate into my work. I follow many makeup artists on Instagram for inspiration from their different techniques. My job is fantastic because I learn new things every day.

• What inspired you to take on this adventure, and how were your first days on board?

I've always wanted to explore the world, a dream since childhood. When the opportunity arose, I decided it was time to start a new chapter after two years at Disneyland Paris. It's been almost 10 months since my life changed completely. I left France to board the Magic, a Disney Cruise Line ship that takes me to incredible places around the world. I'm the only makeup artist and hairdresser on board, managing the three permanent shows and assisting Disney princesses, pirates, and characters. My first days on Disney Magic involved getting used to the new work environment, my team, and the tasks. Having never sailed before, my body needed time to adjust, which took about two months. I also had to learn to stabilize myself while doing makeup or hair during storms or heavy seas.

• What are your future aspirations?

Do you have any side projects? I still feel the need for change, but this time I want to pursue a career in cinema. After studying performing arts and with the help of Cité du Cinéma, I know it's my biggest dream. It's challenging to take on other professional activities on board besides what I'm already doing.

• Do you have any advice for future students joining our school?

For future students, I advise you to push your ideas as far as possible. In every project, especially during photo tests, try to think beyond what you believe you're capable of creating. Go all in. I say this because I think I could have done even better in my early professional photos.

• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

One of my biggest dreams is to work on film sets. I'm genuinely interested in all aspects of cinema. The pinnacle of my career would be working at Marvel Studios, creating complete characters or doing small makeup jobs like wounds or no-makeup makeup. For now, I live my adventure day by day because I believe it's not over yet.

Find Manon LEHOT's work on Instagram: @demoisellefox-makeup

CREDITS MUA: Manon LEHOT

Photographer: @babonneaualex Model: @wildnaa