CREDITS – All images sourced from Victor Noble’s Instagram
With a signature glamorous style inspired by beauty pageants, Victor Noble’s career spans several prestigious fashion magazine covers, fashion editorials, and a rich repertoire of commercial work.
Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Victor Noble discovered his passion for make-up and hair at the young age of 12, starting his journey with a community modelling group. By 14, he was already working on editorial covers for top magazines, and his ambition led him to New York City at 18, where he quickly made a name for himself. With a signature glamorous style inspired by beauty pageants, Victor’s career spans fashion editorials, commercial work, and even a Vogue cover for Latin America. Today, his artistry, combined with his dedication to confidence and beauty, continues to make waves in the industry.
The eminent make-up artist sits down for a conversation with The Peacock Magazine, where he talks about his inspiration, his mentors and what, according to him, is the definition of beauty.
Q) What were your growing-up years like?
Victor Noble (VN): I was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. I moved to New York City to follow my dreams at the age of 18. Funnily enough, I went there for a vacation and ended up staying until today.
Q) How and when did you realise your calling for becoming a make-up artist? Did you always want to become one?
VN: My passion for make-up and hair started at an early age. I was 12 and already playing with make-up and hair in a group called FMG (Fashion Model Group) in the community where I grew up. The group was founded by my friend Johanna, who later became a model agency, scouting great girls from different communities.
Q) How did you land your first assignment?
VN: I did my first fashion editorial for a top magazine in Puerto Rico. By the age of 14, I was assisting a great hairstylist, Alberto Guzman, who inspired me so much. He gave me the opportunity to do the hair all by myself. That day, I knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life—photoshoots, campaigns, covers, anything that gave me an opportunity to showcase my talent.
Q) When did you get your first big break?
VN: I started really early. I did my first cover in Puerto Rico by the age of 14, doing make-up. It was a great cover that I still love to date. That gave me the opportunity to connect with a lot of people on my island. When I moved to NYC at 18, I started connecting with photographers and doing a lot of test shoots. Having a strong portfolio helped me get into editorials. I can say my big break came when I did my first Vogue cover for Latin America, which was shot in Puerto Rico. It was a dream come true. After that job, I started booking more commercials, and agents began reaching out to me on Instagram.
Q) How do you decide the looks for any shoot, especially brand campaigns? Do you always go by the memo or do you choose to go by your instincts?
VN: It’s a team effort. The client always comes up with an idea, and I can suggest what might look best, but the client has the final word. I like to make mood boards and research so I can be ready for the day and do my best.
Q) How would you describe your signature look?
VN: I love glamour. I grew up watching a lot of beauty pageants, which are huge in my country, almost like a sport. (laughs) So, I would say my signature look is glamorous, glowing, and fierce. I love seeing how happy and confident people feel after I’ve done their make-up.
Q) What have been the highlights of your career until now?
VN: When I first started, I was so into fashion and I did a lot of editorials and covers. I loved it, but I realised that commercial work is what really makes me happy.
Q) What’s your definition of ‘Beauty’?
VN: For me, beauty is a combination of confidence, feeling great, and taking care of both your mind and body. True and lasting beauty comes from a gentle and peaceful spirit.
Q) Who is your ultimate make-up icon and why?
VN: I have so many—Javier Romero, Janeiro, and Willie Rosado were early inspirations back home. When I moved to NYC, I had the opportunity to work with Yadim Carranza, and he’s such an inspiration—humble, talented, and Latino. (laughs) I love his versatile make-up style.
Q) Who is your style icon?
VN: I love Jennifer Lopez. She’s always so fashionable, fierce, and glamorous.
Q) Debunk the biggest make-up myth you’ve heard.
VN: Myth: Make-up is almost always bad for your skin. Make-up can be good for your skin, too. Some make-up products contain skincare benefits, like concealers that can de-puff, lip products that can plump, and mascara that can help your eyelashes grow. I think you should always try different products and find what works best for you.
Q) What’s the craziest styling request you’ve ever had?
VN: I was working on a beauty story using glitter, which isn’t easy to work with because you have to be careful with the talent’s skin.
Q) Who would you love to give a makeover to?
VN: Anybody who I can make happy and confident with make-up.
Q) Where’s the strangest place/set you’ve ever done someone’s make-up?
VN: Working on set and location, you sometimes have to go with the flow. I’ve done make-up in the desert, in cars, on the beach, and even on a plane.
Q) What are the three make-up products you can’t live without?
VN: Highlighter, lip balm, and skincare products.
Q) What is your number one skincare tip?
VN: Don’t go to bed with make-up on. Always keep your skin clean and moisturised, and being stress-free helps a lot.
Q) Which is that one make-up product or tool that is always in your kit?
VN: I love my make-up brushes and my palettes, which I organise by tone and shade.
Q) What’s one celebrity beauty secret we might not know about, but should?
VN: Like many of us, celebrities wear make-up. But, that’s not even the point we’re making here. When we compare our make-up to celebrities’, sometimes we’ll think, “Wow, why doesn’t my make-up look like that?” Well, before celebrities go on camera, aestheticians will also be present, and they give the celebrities skin treatments before having their hair and make-up done.
Q) What do you love most about what you do?
VN: Connecting and working with different people in different places is amazing. You never know how the day will go, but you always have to stay positive and bring in your best energy.
Q) What skincare/make-up product still needs to be invented?
VN: I think everything has already been invented, but I love trying new and different products.
Q) What would we be if make-up never existed?
VN: I’d say when you have confidence and good energy, make-up fades into the background.
Q) What are your future plans?
VN: I love what I do and have a passion for it. I hope to keep working for many more years. Lately, I’ve been focusing more on commercial work, but I still love fashion and hope to book more make-up contracts soon.