Despite what marketing copy may tell you, we all know beauty has no gender.

Before she became one of Hollywoods best-known groomers, DeZarate honed her skills working on music videos.

I think it’s the younger generation thats normalizing mens makeup, she says.

Headshot of Melissa for Allure’s AList 2023

And to celebrate, we asked her to take our version of a Proust questionnaire.

When you were five years old, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Like every five-year-old, I wanted to be a veterinarian.

Headshot of Melissa for Allure’s AList 2023

Phillip Lim dress. Roger Vivier heels. Sophie Buhaibracelet. Tiffany & Co.bracelet. Sophie Buhairings.

What was your first job?

I worked at an ice cream parlor that my aunt and uncle owned.

It was so much fun.

And my arms got very strong from scooping the ice cream.

Whats the greatest obstacle youve ever faced in your professional life?

Getting in my own head about a job.

Did they like me?

What quality do you think has served you best in your career so far?

Whats the best compliment youve ever received?

It was the very first time I was working with someone who is a very longtime client now.

You’re like human Photoshop.

You’re slowly taking your time and editing me, so I still look like me.

Whos the last person you followed on TikTok?

There’s this one named Walter that’s just known for screaming.

I think he’s so funny.

Whats your idea of a perfect Sunday?

What quote do you live by?

The thing that almost no one knows about me is…?

That I am half-Cuban, half-Norwegian.

Whats the most revolutionary beauty product launch in the last year?

Anything thatDanessa Myrickscomes out with.

She is the queen of playing chess while the rest of us are playing checkers.

Lisa Eldridge Elevated Glow highlighterin Pink Moon.

It is a very soft, gentle pink that I can genuinely say works on every single skin tone.

_______ is the best medicine?