Meet Robby De Mesa | Professional Makeup Artist and Beauty Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Robby De Mesa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robby, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Growing up, I always had big dreams and aspirations. As a person of color from an immigrant family, pursuing a creative career never seemed like an option for me. But deep down, I knew I wanted to follow my passion, and for me, that passion was makeup. That’s why I became a makeup artist. Now, I hope my journey can inspire other young people of color, especially fellow Filipinos, as well as young queer artists, showing them that they too can not only pursue their dreams in the creative field but thrive and succeed in it. I want to be a source of representation and proof that it’s possible, no matter who you are or where you come from.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Growing up, I was always fascinated by beauty influencers and makeup artists, especially the ones who broke into the mainstream and made their mark. I was particularly inspired by figures like Patrick Starrr, Mario Dedivanovic, and James Charles. Watching them pave the way for men in makeup really pushed me to think outside the box and pursue my passion for makeup, despite the challenges I knew I might face.

I started experimenting with makeup in high school as a way to express myself and my emotions through artistry. Makeup became my outlet, a form of creativity that allowed me to explore my identity and deal with the emotions I couldn’t always express verbally. However, it wasn’t always easy. In high school, I faced bullying and criticism for being a boy who did makeup, but instead of discouraging me, it only made me more determined to prove that makeup isn’t just for anyone—it’s for everyone.

Three days after graduating high school, I knew I wanted to pursue makeup as a career, so I enrolled in the Global Makeup Program at Blanche Macdonald Centre in Vancouver Canada. It was a huge leap for me, especially because my parents were initially hesitant to support my decision. But over time, as I started to prove myself through my success and growth in the industry, they came around and began to see the potential in my passion.

Looking back, I realize I first fell in love with makeup by watching my mom get glammed every morning. The transformation she underwent and the way she carried herself after getting ready inspired me in ways I didn’t even fully understand at the time. That early exposure to makeup shaped my journey, and it continues to fuel my love for this craft today.

I’m incredibly proud of breaking boundaries in the industry as a queer Filipino makeup artist. Winning a Leo Award in 2024 for Best Makeup in a Short Drama was such a huge moment for me, not just professionally but personally. It felt like a powerful affirmation of my hard work and the unique perspective I bring to my craft. Being able to represent both my communities and my culture through my work is something that means the world to me. As I continue to grow in my career, I’m committed to not only pushing the boundaries of creativity but also showing that diversity and representation matter in every aspect of the industry.

One of the most exciting parts of my journey is that I get to do what I love every single day. I truly feel blessed to have my passion be my career. It’s a dream come true to create and express myself through makeup, while also helping others feel their best and most beautiful versions of themselves. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing someone’s confidence shine through when they look in the mirror and love what they see. I am grateful to be part of that transformative process.

A huge part of my journey has been receiving support from people who inspire me. One of the most meaningful moments was meeting Patrick Starrr and receiving support from him and his brand, One Size. Patrick was the first man I ever saw in makeup, and he had such a profound impact on me. Without him, I honestly don’t think I would have become a makeup artist. He helped me see that makeup isn’t bound by gender, and that alone gave me the courage to embrace my passion and pursue it fearlessly. I’m also incredibly excited to have had the opportunity to work with people I look up to and have admired for years—people I’ve been fans of and who continue to inspire me. Working alongside such talented individuals is both humbling and motivating as I continue to push myself and my career to new heights.

Being a queer Filipino artist in a field that’s often dominated by different voices is an incredible privilege, and it fuels my drive to break down barriers for others who may not see themselves represented. I want my success to be a reminder to others in my community that we belong here, and that our stories, our artistry, and our culture deserve to be seen and celebrated. Every achievement feels like a step toward opening doors for more diverse voices, and I’m proud to contribute to that change as I grow and evolve in this industry.

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as an artist is dealing with comparison and self-doubt. It’s easy to get caught up in how others perceive my work, but over time, I’ve learned that trusting my own skills and staying true to my authentic vision is key to overcoming these obstacles. When I focus on my craft and believe in what I create, outside negativity becomes easier to handle.

In this industry, jealousy and criticism are inevitable, but I’ve come to believe in the importance of building a supportive community. Instead of competing or putting each other down, we should lift each other up and celebrate the unique strengths we all bring to the table.

I’m committed to fostering an environment where collaboration and growth are prioritized. There’s enough space for everyone to shine, so I remind myself to trust in my own journey, stay authentic, and surround myself with others who do the same. The goal is always to be the best version of myself, and I believe that’s how we all succeed.

I want the world to know that my story is one of embracing my individuality and using it as my strength. As a queer, plus-size, Filipino artist, I’ve often felt underrepresented in the industry, but that has only fueled my drive to make space for voices like mine. My story is built on authenticity, creativity, and the belief that everyone has a unique perspective worth sharing. I want to inspire others, especially those who feel overlooked or marginalized, to embrace who they are and use that to propel themselves forward in their own journeys.

I’m passionate about breaking boundaries and creating representation for those who don’t see themselves reflected in mainstream media. If you don’t see yourself in the industry, my message is simple: become that representation. Don’t wait for others to create space for you—create it yourself. Your distinct perspective is a powerful asset, and by embracing it, you’ll not only inspire others to do the same, but you’ll also help shape a more inclusive, diverse industry.

At the heart of my story is the belief that if you want to pursue a creative career, go for it. Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back. Trust your vision, work hard, and never stop believing in your potential. Your journey is your own, and you have the power to make an impact. That’s the message I want the world to know about me and my brand as an artist: stay true to who you are, keep pushing boundaries, and be the change you want to see.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a friend were visiting LA, there are so many great spots I’d recommend to give them a true taste of the city. For brunch, I’d definitely send them to Leo & Lily in Woodland Hills—it’s a cozy spot with amazing food and a great vibe to start the day.

For shopping, I’d suggest hitting up some of my favorite malls like Topanga, Century City, and The Grove—they’ve got a good mix of high-end stores and fun spots to explore. If they’re into unique, more street-style shopping, they should check out Melrose + Fairfax and Melrose Trading Post for cool vintage finds and local designer pieces.

When it’s time to relax, LA has some of the best beaches, so I’d take them to Manhattan Beach, Santa Monica, and Malibu to soak in the sun and ocean views. And if they’re up for a scenic drive, I’d recommend cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway and through Topanga Canyon for the most beautiful sunsets.

Since I work in film and television, I’d definitely recommend taking the Warner Bros and Universal Studios tours to get a behind-the-scenes look at some iconic sets and learn about how movies and shows are made. It’s such a cool experience for anyone who loves entertainment and wants a deeper understanding of how things come together on screen.

If they need a more relaxing day, a visit to The Getty Centre and Getty Villa is perfect for some quiet time surrounded by stunning art and beautiful views. And of course, no LA trip is complete without a stop at In-N-Out—grab a burger and fries for a true LA snack!

These were some of my favorite spots when I first came to LA as a child, and they still hold a special place in my heart. These are all spots that show off the best of LA, and I’d love for them to experience the city in all its glory!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to give a special shoutout to my friends, family, and fellow artists who have been with me every step of the way. Their unwavering support and constant inspiration push me to not only grow as an artist but also strive to be a better person every day. I’m also incredibly grateful to my church family at ZEO/Rock Generation, whose love and encouragement have been a guiding light in my life. Their support, along with my faith in God, has been the foundation that keeps me grounded and focused on my purpose.

I also want to give a heartfelt shoutout to all the queer Filipino makeup artists who inspired me and became the representation I needed growing up. They helped shape the artist I am today and continue to empower me to be unapologetically myself. My faith and my community have given me the strength to stay true to who I am, and I’m forever grateful for that

Website: https://www.robbydemesa.com

Instagram: @robbydemesa (https://www.instagram.com/robbydemesa/)