Artist Spotlight: Sara Rose Joy-Hogg

Resident Insta-baddie, HerCampus writer, makeup artist and Journalism student Sara Rose Joy-Hogg is a unique member of the Virginia Tech creative community. Posting new makeup looks almost daily on Instagram, Sara continues to innovate and inspire as an up-and-coming beauty influencer. After following her social media for quite some time, I had the privilege of exchanging emails with Sara this past week.

How did you first get interested in makeup?

I think my initial interest stemmed from my parents forbidding me to wear makeup. It made me want to do it more so I started sneaking concealer and mascara in high school. When I got to college, people noticed that I was "pretty good" at eye shadow and whatnot, so I started practicing more. Eventually, with the explosion of makeup on social media, I became obsessed with the industry.

What inspired you to showcase skills on social media? How has it been rewarding or challenging?

I think I was looking for an outlet. I always wanted to start a YouTube channel but was too lazy. Then, I went through a breakup and it kind of lit a fire in me. I was more driven than ever to be like the IG stars I follow and I started filming and posting my work. At first, it was scary because I didn't know how people would react or what they would think. But the support has been amazing. I am still far from where I want to be, but with every post I make some sort of progression.

Where do you gather inspiration for new looks?

I'm on Instagram at least 50% of the time, that's where I get my inspiration. I follow incredibly talented women that I try to emulate like Desi Perkins, Alissa Ashley, Amrezy, Ellarie, Chariety Leigh, and Ray Boyce. I also get a lot of inspiration from Rihanna because she's basically perfect and I'm obsessed with her.

What has been your proudest moment as a makeup artist?

My proudest moment was just a couple of weeks ago. I got 70 new followers overnight because a makeup page, @nubianbeauty, reposted my video. I know it's not a whole lot, but it's a step in the right direction. I'm hoping it'll happen again so that I can continue to grow my following.

Favorite beauty trend?

My favorite trend hands down is highlighting. I call myself a glazed doughnut because I'm brown and with my bomb highlight I look glazed. My goal is to blind people with my highlight.

Where do you hope to go from here in the beauty industry? Would you like to incorporate it into your future career?

The dream would be to become a beauty influencer but I'm not sure it'll happen quickly enough and I'll have to start making money soon. So I'll probably use my MJ degree to get a job in a communications department or maybe an online magazine. But the ultimately I just want to live like Desi Perkins, making makeup videos all day and just being fabulous in LA.

Stalk Sara’s Instagram for all kinds of makeup tips and tricks at @littlerosiesturn!