Allan Avendaño, also known by his online handle Allanface, is a Primetime Emmy-nominated, high-profile makeup artist whose love of old Hollywood glamour has helped to set him apart as one of the most interesting — and most in-demand — makeup artists currently working in the States. He has worked as a personal makeup artist for the likes of Kerry Washington (Primetime Emmys), Addison Rae (Billboard Music Awards), and Sabrina Carpenter (MTV Movie & TV Awards). He also worked as a makeup artist on So You Think You Can Dance? for five years, sharing a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Makeup in 2014. He regularly shares examples of his work on his hugely popular Instagram account, which has close to 300,000 followers.
Avendaño was born in the Philippines but moved to Los Angles with his family as a child. There, he soaked up the glamour of old-world Hollywood, especially that of the mid-20th century. He resolved to work in the industry as a fashion stylist. He succeeded and was doing well until one job led to an epiphany that he wanted to become a makeup artist. He made the leap almost immediately, teaching himself everything he needed to know and turning his many influences into a fresh approach to cosmetics.
After landing his first TV jobs as makeup artist, Avendaño worked incredibly hard to build his portfolio and his reputation. Today, both are stronger than ever, and as well as many TV shows, red carpets, and music videos, he also has cover shoots for magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar, Wonderland, and Variety to his name.