Good morning, Sisterine!
Today I introduce a guest I really wanted to interview: say hi to Giordana La Mela 🌸
Maybe you know her for her TikTok beauty videos full of irony and sincerity, or for her beautiful YouTube podcast LaMakeUp, but behind every piece of content there is much more: there is an authentic voice, a personal vision of makeup, and a rare ability to tell her story without filters.
Giordana is not just a creator; she has also become a full-fledged makeup artist, and we can only congratulate her on this achievement!
With spontaneity, determination, and a concealer always at hand, she has built a community that follows her because they trust her: because she always puts her face on the line.
Between a live on TikTok, a podcast, a mascara, and lots of blush, we took a moment with her to talk about dreams, first times, and great lessons.
And from that moment in front of the mirror that, as we know, can change your whole day.
Let’s start from the beginning:
You turned your passion for makeup into a language all your own, full of irony, spontaneity, and content that never seems “just” beauty. But if we go back a moment… where did it all start? Was there a moment when you realized it was more than just a hobby?
I have always been a determined girl, with my head full of dreams and my feet firmly planted chasing them. Since I was little, I watched my maternal grandmother, Letizia, as she took care of herself: she did skincare – even if it wasn’t called that back then – and applied makeup carefully. She was always a well-groomed woman, even at home, and never gave up her red lipstick, which became her trademark after losing the natural color of her lips due to an illness.
It is thanks to it that I got closer to the world of makeup, a fascinating and boundless universe.
Growing, then, I turned to the social platforms and started sharing my passion simply. That's how a wonderful community was born, made up of young people and adults who, like me, love makeup and taking care of themselves.
I never imagined this could become my future, but inside I always knew that, somehow, I would turn this passion into something big.
A beautiful tribute to your grandmother and a start that shows how connected you already were with the idea of sharing your passions from a young age.
Today you are also officially a makeup artist (and super congrats to you!)
What pushed you to take this extra step? Is there something you discovered (about yourself or the craft) during the academy journey that you didn’t expect?
Curiosity pushed me! I love learning, discovering, knowing.
My father always told me: "Gio, do what you want, but always be curious".
It’s precisely this curiosity that led me to want to discover the secrets of makeup artists and make them my own.
To be 100% honest, I didn’t start the academy with the idea of becoming a professional MUA. I did it to deepen my passion technically and to offer concrete and correct advice to those who write to me every day asking for help.
To my great surprise, I found out that I really love doing makeup on others.
It relaxes me. And then, every face is different: discovering that was wonderful.
Curiosity is truly a rare but essential quality for growth: seeing how you turned it into an opportunity to become a MUA is really inspiring.
With LaMekup you turned your love for makeup into a real, “uncut” conversation as you call it yourself. What made you say “okay, I’m launching a podcast”? And which episode surprised or moved you the most while recording it?
LaMekup is a small, big part of me. Since the first episode aired on April 8, 2024, I feel like I have grown so much.
I have to thank this format because it helped me realize that maybe, yes, I really enjoy doing makeup on others. And I learned a ton of things.
Every guest has left me with something.
Among the episodes I hold dear is definitely the one with Mattia Attorre: he was the first guest, a fantastic makeup artist.
A true artist, who taught me many valuable tips and, above all, passed on the love for what he does.
Your naturalness is perfectly reflected in the podcast. And what a nice surprise that one with Mattia, a successful MUA can leave a deep impact on those who listen.
Among Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and the podcast, which space do you feel most like Giordana—the real, spontaneous, unfiltered one? And today, as an MUA, is there a type of content you feel even more is yours?
Great question. Lately, I’ve focused a lot on having neat and visually curated profiles, but sometimes I miss the early Giordana.
I’d like to be even more transparent, closer to my community.
I feel that in TikTok live streams I can be 100% myself: there’s direct contact with those who follow me, it’s all spontaneous.
Instagram is still my platform though.
YouTube? I started it in January, it’s still all to be discovered, but I’m curious: I think I’ll really like it.
TikTok is your kingdom and it shows, but your ability to evolve and find new spaces to express yourself is what makes you so authentic.
When you’re not in front of a camera or microphone, what’s your relationship with makeup like? Is it more a gesture for yourself, or does it always remain a way to express yourself to others too?
When I’m not recording and I’m alone, it’s pure magic.
I completely enter my own world. Sometimes I put on my AirPods and let myself be inspired by music. That moment is just mine. I experience it as an intimate dialogue with myself.
Yes, this deep connection you have with makeup is something you can feel. It’s nice to know that behind every look, there’s a personal reflection.
And is there a beauty move that for you is truly a power move? The one that as soon as you do it, it brings you back to life… even if you’re in sweatpants, with a ponytail and a melancholic playlist in the background?
Definitely the dark circles. I always cover them up. Then mascara, blush, lip combo... and I’m reborn!
Giordana, the ever-present dark circles-concealer-blush combo is a real lifesaver! I get it, it’s like it brings you back to life in an instant.
You talk about makeup in a direct way, without fuss and with an honesty that stands out. Have you ever felt a bit “out of place” in overly polished environments or where everything is taken too seriously?
Of course I have had difficult moments, especially at the beginning.
The world of social is beautiful: I have met real, intelligent people, full of life and ideas.
But there are also fake people, ready to do anything to stand out and throw shade on others. I have always chosen to be myself, to bother the "bad" ones and be appreciated by the "good" ones.
I have learned to express my opinion in a spontaneous but respectful way, always trying to stay in context.
And you know what? People sense it. I believe it is a virtue.
Exactly, as I have said many times, your direct and genuine approach is what makes you unique. You always manage to stay true to yourself, and that is exactly why so many follow you with so much affection, in my opinion.
Now that you are a full-fledged MUA: if you could do makeup or interview anyone on your podcast – even outside the beauty world – who would it be and why?
Chatting with Mr Daniel. Being made up by him would be a dream.
I admire him a lot: he is a very clean professional, an amazing Italian MUA.
Mr Daniel is now a legend in the makeup world, I understand you, and Wow, that would be a super interesting interview. Imagine the gems that could come out in a chat with him.
Curiosity: have you ever had a spectacular beauty fail that makes you smile today? Or maybe one that taught you something?
No, I don't think so. No beauty fail.
I try to inform myself well before saying or doing something, especially when I know someone is listening to me.
It's nice to hear you talk about how you always take the time to inform yourself before sharing something with your community. Further confirmation of the passion and care you put into everything you do.
But how much of what you post on social media is instinct and how much is strategy? And now that you are also a makeup artist, how does your way of thinking about content change (if it changes)?
I would say my approach is a mix of total spontaneity and a pinch of strategy.
The strategy actually only concerns the order of the feed - I care a lot about it!
Now that I am officially a MUA, I am already thinking about some new content, some concrete advice to share.
Not everything will change, I will always be the same Giordana, with more skills: an older sister ready to give real advice.
It’s nice to think that, while maintaining your authenticity, you are evolving, and the audience surely appreciates your sincerity and the useful advice you give.
About us: Blondesister is a brand that loves to tell its story through authentic voices like yours. Is there something that struck you about us, or something you think we could do even better?
I like your packaging: it’s simple, minimal.
I don’t know why, but they give me the impression that there’s a really good formula behind it.
It’s as if you prioritized the quality of the product over appearance.
And then the lilac... beautiful choice. It’s a relaxing color, it conveys the feeling of "enjoy this moment of yours".
What great feedback! I’m very happy, you captured the essence of our brand and appreciated the philosophy behind the design... because there’s study behind that too! And yes, quality always comes first.
I have one last important question for you. Your followers get attached to your way of telling stories even before the products. What message would you like to leave to those approaching makeup with a bit of insecurity?
"The important thing is that you keep going."
People will always have something to say. We live in a time when people worry more about others' lives than their own. Do what makes you feel good. Take your time.
It's not a race. Learn, grow, fall, get up, improve.
And I gladly share my motto since I started:
"If you are the first to believe in it, it becomes a passion."
With Giordana we laughed, got emotional, and spoke without filters, just like friends do in front of the mirror, sharing thoughts and laughter.
It was a moment of pure authenticity, where the passion for makeup blended with the beauty of being real, without masks.
Because in the end, the most powerful makeup is always the same: feeling good in your own skin, without needing perfection.
And this is the message Giordana gave us today: always be yourself.
Thank you Giordana and good luck to you!
Carolina
Chatta con noi