Raoul Alejandre’s Surreal Glam Approach

California native Raoul Alejandre’s makeup goes far beyond brushes and pigments; he’s a storyteller, using faces as canvases for surrealist art. From his childhood in California, rummaging through his mother’s makeup bag, to collaborating with stars like Zendaya, Angelina Jolie, and Tyla, Alejandre’s journey has always been driven by curiosity. During the pandemic, his work emerged as a standout in the 2021 beauty scene for magazines like W Magazine, Vogue, and Dazed. Inspired by icons like Guy Bourdin, Helmut Newton, and Serge Lutens, Alejandre’s use of vibrant complementary colors caught people’s attention. Yet, his approach to beauty wasn’t just about makeup but also about creating timeless visuals, with his versatility as a multi-hyphenate artist setting him apart. Not only does Alejandre create makeup looks, but he also shoots photos and art directs (as seen on his Instagram and evident on set for this story with Abény Nhial and Jake Dupont). As the brand ambassador for H&M Beauty, he continues to collaborate with some of the industry’s biggest names, like Louis Vuitton, Loewe, and American Vogue, among others. “I feel the most creative with limitations,” Alejandre said, a philosophy that has fueled his bold looks, such as the 1920s skinny brow on Zendaya at the 2024 Met Gala that she paired with a Maison Margiela couture dress that took the internet by storm and led to multiple fan recreations. In this video directed by Brian Lynch, Models.com spoke to Alejandre about his inspirations, the power of initiative, and building a legacy of wearable art.