Makeup Artist Creates Stunningly Surreal Illusions
From a Montessori teacher to a renowned makeup artist, Mimi Choi’s journey is a testament to pursuing passion. Known for her surreal makeup illusions, she’s left an indelible mark on beauty and pop culture, including Ezra Miller’s 2019 Met Gala look.
By Beth Snider · December 7, 2023
In the realm of makeup artistry, there are few individuals as captivating and innovative as Mimi Choi. Born in Macau and now based in Vancouver, Canada, Mimi has become a household name, renowned for her mind-bending and surreal makeup illusions. With an impressive portfolio that includes Ezra Miller’s iconic 7-Eyed look for the 2019 Met Gala, Mimi Choi is leaving a mark on the world of beauty and pop culture.
Growing up academically focused, Mimi felt the weight of societal expectations - at the age of 28, she decided to break free from the constraints of traditional paths and enrolled at Blanche Macdonald, a beauty and makeup school in Vancouver. Her decision to transition from being a Montessori preschool instructor to a makeup artist wasn’t without its challenges. Being the oldest student in her class, Mimi embraced the opportunity to work hard and hone her skills, setting the stage for the extraordinary career that would follow.
Her makeup creations, characterized by optical illusions, stem from a combination of personal experiences and diverse inspirations. Struggling with sleep paralysis, Mimi turns the haunting visions she experiences into hauntingly beautiful works of art. Her travels, exploration of street art, visits to museums, and fascination with surreal digital art also contribute to the rich tapestry of her imagination.
While she usually starts with a vision for her creations, Mimi remains open to the organic evolution of her work. As the shapes and angles of her face come into play, the direction of the makeup illusion may naturally shift, reflecting the spontaneous and adaptive approach to her art. One career highlight was collaborating with actor Ezra Miller for the 2019 Met Gala, the conceptualization of Ezra’s kaleidoscopic eyes involved a week-long discussion of themes and desired outcomes. The final look, featuring multiple eyes behind a mask, symbolized the unveiling of different facets of one’s identity - a profound concept that resonated with both the artist and the subject. The experience was not only an honor for Mimi but a validation of the place her unique style of makeup holds in the realms of pop culture and fashion.
As an influential figure in the makeup industry, Mimi Choi encourages aspiring artists to embrace fear, step out of their comfort zones, and use their apprehensions as motivators. She emphasizes the importance of self-comparison for personal growth and advises against the imitation of others, urging artists to find their unique voices.
While Mimi never anticipated the scale of her success, she remains grateful for the platform she has built. Looking ahead she envisions combining passions for makeup, teaching, and travel, conducting master classes globally, and collaborating with diverse artists on compelling campaigns. Reflecting on her journey, Mimi would advise her younger self to be more fearless and take bigger risks, every experience, positive or negative, has played a role in shaping her into the artist she is today.
As Mimi Choi continues to captivate audiences with her mesmerizing creations, her unique approach to artistry and dedication to her craft ensure that the world will eagerly await her next mind-bending masterpiece. With exciting projects on the horizon, she is set to push the boundaries of makeup artistry and redefine beauty in the years to come.