Meet Shawna Gaspar: Makeup Artist, Esthetician, and Your Skin’s New Best Friend

At AO–The Space, we’re proud to introduce you to the talented, passionate, and glow-obsessed Shawna Gaspar — one of our go-to experts for skin health, body waxing, and glam. From HydroDiamond facials and Brazilian waxing, to custom event makeup, Shawna blends clinical knowledge with creativity to help clients feel beautiful and confident — with or without makeup. We sat down with her to chat about her journey, favorite tips, and what truly lights her up about this industry.

Personal + Professional Journey

Q. Can you tell us a little about your background and how you got started in the beauty and skincare industry?

A. I’ve always loved makeup thanks to my mom and two older sisters, but when I got hormonal acne after graduating high school in 2023, it really put things into perspective about skincare. No amount of makeup would make me feel confident, and I knew if I wanted my makeup to look good as well as make me FEEL good, I needed to prioritize my skin health. Suddenly, I was putting on more retinol & sunscreen than I was any makeup product. The advances I saw in my skin made me fall in love with the science of skincare. I decided to enroll in esthetician school in 2024 and it’s truly a full circle that I now help others with their skin concerns!

Q. What inspired you to become both a makeup artist and an esthetician?

A. My mom’s love for makeup was apparent to me at a young age. Her smoky eye and dark cherry lips were iconic. She would hand me a Clinique pressed powder on the way to school pictures, her and I both knowing I didn’t know what to do with it- but I was certainly going to find out eventually. When I gained access to the internet in middle school, artists like Jaclyn Hill inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and play with makeup; it doesn’t have to be serious! Makeup is so fun- you can be a new person every day. I get to choose if I’m feeling spunky with a green metallic eye with gems or I can be laid back with a glowy, neutral face. However, no matter what look I do, I want to feel good without makeup. Once the makeup comes off, it’s vital that the confidence is still there which is why skincare is vital to good makeup. Makeup is called that because it MAKES-UP your face, it does not MAKE your face.

Shawna’s mom with her smoky eye and dark cherry lipstick

Q. How long have you been in the industry, and what do you love most about what you do?

A. I’ve been in the industry for roughly 4-5 years now with makeup, and almost 1 year as an esthetician. Without a doubt- the clients reactions to their glam and/or the progress of their skin is the best part of this job. I love forming bonds with them too because it’s so intimate to be open with your service provider about your insecurities and concerns as your hormones, age, and lifestyle changes affect you and your skin. We’re here to be honest, transparent, and non-judgmental; it’s a really beautiful thing.

Signature Style + Services

Q. How would you describe your approach to makeup? Do you have a signature style or philosophy?

A. My usual protocol is to examine the clients face and go from there. I think about complimentary colors for their hair, skin, and eyes for example. It’s also all about communication. If someone has large eyes and they want to hide them, we’ll enhance the lips & go for a more drawn out, winged eye to create more of an almond illusion.

Q. What are your favorite skincare services to perform and why?

A. I love to give a HydroDiamond facial! It’s so satisfying to see the oil, dirt, hair, sebum, and dead skin cells in the glass jar at the end of the treatment. While some people may call it gross, I call it gratifying to see the things that are hidden underneath that you can’t wash out easily at home. I also love chemical peels because of the benefits & fast reaction time.

Q. What sets your work apart from others in your field?

A. I elevate skin health and confidence from the inside out. I combine expert skincare knowledge with makeup artistry to create looks that feel as good as they look; radiant, breathable, and tailored to each client’s canvas.

Q. Do you have a favorite product or go-to technique you love using on clients?

I love using all cream products and then setting with a powder version of that same step on top. It sets each cream separately so each layer of makeup is detailed, carefully orchestrated & is a long-lasting approach to glam.

Client Experience at AO–The Space

Q. What can a first-time client expect when they book a makeup or skincare service with you?

A. They can expect calming music (with some taylor swift of course), the aroma of essential oils, a hand + arm massage, and maybe a little bit of nerdy skin-talk.

Q. How do you help clients feel comfortable and confident in their own skin?

A. I personally focus on skin-first beauty; helping clients achieve lasting confidence by treating their skin concerns with care, education, and consistency. When the skin feels good, makeup is simply a choice, not a cover-up.

Q. What’s one thing you wish every client knew about skincare or makeup?

A. I wish every client knew that glowing makeup starts with consistent skincare. You don’t need a 10-step routine; just the right routine, tailored to you.

Trends + Tips

Q. Are there any current trends in makeup or skincare that you’re loving right now?

A. I’m loving the glowy clean-girl look but with a bold lip. It’s an amazing balance.

Q. What’s one makeup or skincare myth you’d love to bust?

A. I believe a damp beauty sponge is the culprit for uneven, cakey, & separated base makeup. A damp beauty sponge absorbs an insane amount of product, waters down the foundation, and causes powder to cling to dry spots. Use a dry, clean buffing brush and thank me later.

Q. What’s your #1 skincare tip for healthy, glowing skin?

A. I love layering toners as my first step of skincare after washing my face for a glowy, even skin complexion.

Q. What’s your #1 makeup tip for a flawless, natural look?

A. Getting a good brow gel & skin tint is the key to effortless but flawless makeup. Taming the brow hairs & keeping them in place is very clean and sleek. A skin tint won’t feel like much, but will cover up what it needs to for an overall even skin tone with a natural sheen.

Behind the Scenes

Q. What does a typical day look like for you at AO–The Space?

A. My typical day includes chatting with our front desk, doing a few waxes & a calming facial, grabbing a sparkling water from the lobby during my break while I talk to my besties Conner and Myla, then ending the day with a special event makeup look.

Q. What’s your favorite part about being part of the AO team?

A. I love that I’m so connected with my teammates and feel so accepted and loved. We all share the same passion for the beauty industry and it’s so refreshing to be in a positive but hardworking community like AO.

Q. When you’re not working, how do you like to relax or spend your time?

A. I enjoy driving to little shops & cafes alone during my time off! But I still love being home and watching true crime documentaries or reality tv with my family & my corgi, Shiloh.

Shawna and her dog, Shiloh

Fun + Personal

Q. What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

A. Most people don’t know what I’m a very big ocean person. I was born in Florida, so I feel like I’m a mermaid at heart. I love swimming at the beaches there, I feel very connected to the water.

Q. Coffee or tea? Bold lip or natural nude? Masks or serums? (Fun rapid fire!)

A. Coffee, natural nude (most of the time), masks!

Q. If you could do anyone’s makeup—past or present—who would it be and why?

A. Marilyn Monroe. She’s one of my beauty inspirations! Her red lip, beauty mark, and drawn-on eyelash shadow will forever be iconic.

The Wrap

Having Shawna on our team is nothing short of a gift. Her talent, passion, and depth of knowledge continually inspire me — not just as a fellow beauty professional, but as a human being. She pours her heart into everything she does, and it shows in the way she treats her clients, her craft, and her teammates.

It’s a true joy and privilege to work alongside someone who brings so much light, creativity, and authenticity into our space. I’m endlessly proud of the woman and professional she is becoming, and I cannot wait to see all the incredible things she will continue to do here at AO–The Space and beyond!

Thanks for sticking around and getting to know our amazing team member, Shawna!

Stay healthy, stay well, and have a beautiful day!

xoxo - Jessie