Primed For Product Development. Celebrity makeup artist Matin is a native of Afghanistan who has a Masters degree in molecular biology from Berkley and once worked as a research scientist. During the time he called San Francisco home, he also worked in makeup for various top brands in both sales and as an artist. He was a top seller who honed his art in tandem, eventually being recognized by makeup pro and brand founder Laura Mercier, who tapped him immediately to become a part of her team. Today, Matin is considered one of the world’s top makeup artists, one that is regularly booked on ad campaigns, editorial photo shoots, and by celebrities, from Claire Danes to Angelina Jolie, and countless others. He’s collaborated with brands such as Neutrogena, Clinique, Credo, and Chapstick. After his own health crisis that involved removing toxicity from his blood, Matin has since become an expert and advocate for clean beauty and personal care products. We dive deep into the brands and products he stands by. We go on a journey into his childhood and upbringing, and discuss how his experience as a scientist has contributed to artistry. Matin recalls how being overweight woke him up to the power of image and of judgement, and he tells stories about his place in the cosmetics world of the 80’s and 90’s. We discuss the moment that opened his eyes to the detrimental effects of toxic products. We talk about how he uses Chapstick on the red carpet, and why good old soap and water is the best way to keep clean.