He started at 13, and now Dublin student Ben paints some of the world’s most beautiful faces
A TEENAGE Irish make-up artist is the toast of the catwalk as his talents are attracting the attention of some of the world’s most beautiful models.
Although just 18, Dublin student Ben Sun has worked at Paris and London fashion weeks.
Recent clients include Irish Gucci models Cadhla and Sadhbh, as well as the Jamaican LA-based Aslayy, who is the face of Anastasia Beverly Hills.
He has also worked with top Irish model Thalia Heffernan, broadcaster Lottie Ryan and influencers Rosie Connolly and Niamh Cullen.
Ben discovered his flair with a make-up brush when he was just 13 and he began practising on his friends.
He tells the Irish Mail on Sunday: ‘I remember using literally any make-up I could get my hands on, whether it be free MAC foundation samples, or digging through my friends’ mams’ make-up bags.’
The UCD student, who is from Castleknock, said he initially thought of pursuing a career as a plastic surgeon.
‘I was always fascinated by facial aesthetics and knew I wanted to go into some form of “beauty” for my profession.
But eight long years of training to become a surgeon didn’t quite appeal to Ben, who instead gravitated towards the bright lights of the beauty industry.
‘As I began learning make-up, I was drawn to the creativity and self-expression it allowed me to have. I would spend a few hours and completely immerse myself in creating something beautiful.
‘I definitely learned a lot from watching beauty gurus, but the main thing for me was trial and error. I also completed a make-up course later on in 2019 in order to get myself an ITEC qualification.’
Now some of the world’s top models and photographers are seeking out his services. While he is still at university, Ben is a frequent flyer to international fashion shows where he works his make-up magic backstage.
When he’s not painting famous faces, Ben is busy hitting the books to complete his degree in Business and Economics at UCD.