Hi Ali! I am so excited to be chatting with you. I’ve been following you on Instagram via @makeupalii and I love how creative you are. Tell me, what other makeup artists inspire you and what’s your creative process like? 

In my imagination, I don’t have only my own makeup ideas. I get inspired a lot by other creative makeup artists such as, Abby Roberts, @dom.skii, @laviedunprince, @makeupbyjack, and of course, James Charles. 

It’s not easy to come up with a makeup idea. For instance, when you come up with an idea, you don’t know if it’s going to turn out how you’ve imagined it, which is why you have to practice a lot. 

Then once you create that makeup look, you wonder if it’s worth recreating in the eyes of others. That’s why, from time to time, when I have my own ideas, I don’t hesitate to post them.

You’re right, so much goes into creating a look, which could turn out completely different from what you originally imagined. Speaking of which, what’s your number one tip for applying makeup? 

I start my makeup with filling in my brows, then if my eye makeup isn’t too complex, I do the complexion and then the lips, but if my eyes are complex, I start with the eyes and then move onto complexion. 

That’s a great tip! Okay, I have to know, what is your absolute favorite beauty product?

This question is very simple. I don’t like wearing makeup on a daily basis. However, when I have a long way to travel or a special event, I use concealer or a light coverage foundation. 

Besides that, I cannot live without highlighter and brow pomade. If I have to chose only one, it would be concealer. 

The Best Makeup Brands According to Male MUA Ali Uçaryılmaz

Which makeup brands would be your dream to work with? 

This is really exciting to think of, who wouldn’t want this? Anastasia Beverly Hills or Morphe because these are the two brands I love most. 

I hope one day it will come true, and not only to collaborate with brands, but also one day I’d like to start my own brand. 

Let’s see what the future has reserved for me. I hope I’ll see those days of my dream becoming a reality. 

Great picks! I noticed that you typically list their products on your photos posted to Instagram, and I have to tell you, it’s super helpful. 

So, as you know, June marks Pride Month which is why I wanted to take the time to chat with impactful male makeup artists like yourself to find out their perspective on topics that are relevant to the Pride Tribe. I’d love to know, why are you prideful to be a part of the LGBTQ community? 

Because we are different, colorful, joyful, we are special, and I’m proud of being special. 

One thing I’m sure about, the LGBTQ community is full of members that are very talented, and I’m proud to be a part of this community and will always remain strong.

Instagram Makeup Guru @MakeupAlii Inspires LGBTQ Community by Getting Candid about His Pride Story

If you’re open to sharing, please tell me about your Pride Story, and what advice can you offer to young men and women who are struggling to come out? 

At first, I struggled a lot because I live in Turkey, and this is a very homophobic country, which could really harm your psychology or affect your mental health. 

I didn’t have anyone to support me, nobody who would stand behind me, and everybody made fun of me. If that wasn’t enough, I developed an anxiety disorder and panic attacks. 

However, I always wanted to do good things for myself and others, which drove my ambition and that made me get stronger.

My advice is, you have to stay away from people who could make you feel sad. Whoever it is, don’t let anyone make fun of your sexuality. I’d suggest you find power in art. Create, be an inspiration, and never worry about what others have to say. Trust me, one day the bad vibes they put out will circle back. 

If God didn’t love gay people, then we wouldn’t have been this colorful. Being gay is not a disease, these are our feelings. 

You are so right, being gay is not a disease! I think people should do what makes them happy in life as long as it isn’t dangerous or doesn’t cause harm to them or others. Do you agree, and what would you tell someone who is being held back by fear to come out?

Yes, everybody should do whatever makes them happy and be what they really love. 

My opinion is, don’t ever let somebody who messes with your happiness continue to be in your life — the rest comes by itself.

Ali, you already bring so much inspiration to male and female makeup artists, as well as the LGBTQ community, and I know that your Pride Story will help so many others going through similar situations. Thank you so much for being so candid with me about your story! Any last words for our readers and Instagram followers?  

I love you all, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram via @makeupalii!

You got it!

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LuvlyLongLocks would like to thank Ali Uçaryılmaz for sharing his insights and tips. For more information about Ali Uçaryılmaz, visit him on Instagram via @makeupalii.

This interview was conducted by Avni Parekh, LuvlyLongLocks chief creative officer. LuvlyLongLocks has affiliate partnerships and may earn a commission if you make a purchase through the link at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, only products that are known to yield high results are recommended.