She laughs when she says she “ended up in the Netherlands by accident”, but hair and make-up artist Lauren Duk has now been living and working in Amsterdam for over 21 years. Her career began in Vancouver, where she studied make-up artistry and worked in the TV and film industry. Her next step? The Netherlands. “I came to Amsterdam and immediately fell in love with the vibe of the city and the honest openness of the people,” she says. What was meant to be a short adventure slowly turned into a whole new life.
From Vancouver to Amsterdam: the creative journey of make-up artist Lauren Duk
After detours through hospitality, office life and Lush Cosmetics, she decided to take a leap back to her true passion. “I was nervous to step out of my comfort zone, but that’s exactly when the magic happens.” She invested in a new kit, reached out to photographers and initially worked partly on a portfolio basis. Within six months her hair & make-up business was established — a decision that changed everything.
That Lauren belongs in this profession seems to have been clear from an early age. “As a child, I would spend hours doing the hair of Barbies, dolls and toy ponies,” she laughs. Her mother still reminds her: what you love doing as a child often reveals where you’re meant to be later. Make-up truly came alive for her when a MAC artist did her make-up for a school dance. “I felt so beautiful and confident. I wanted to give that feeling to others too.” Studying professional hair and make-up became the logical — and absolutely right — choice.
That Lauren belongs in this profession seems to have been clear from an early age. “As a child, I would spend hours doing the hair of Barbies, dolls and toy ponies,” she laughs. Her mother still reminds her: what you love doing as a child often reveals where you’re meant to be later. Make-up truly came alive for her when a MAC artist did her make-up for a school dance. “I felt so beautiful and confident. I wanted to give that feeling to others too.” Studying professional hair and make-up became the logical — and absolutely right — choice.
Preparing for branding & portrait shoots
Lauren is known for her thoughtful preparation. Before every branding or portrait shoot , she sits down with her clients. “I want to know who they are, what their style is, what their business represents and how they want to feel.” She creates mood boards, advises on outfits and coordinates with stylists. For her, it’s about far more than a beautiful look: “I want my work to help someone feel like a more confident, elevated version of themselves. You see that reflected in the photos.”
One of the places Lauren loves working is the studios of Atelier Oost Amsterdam. She visits regularly, knows the spaces inside out and feels at home there. She speaks warmly about our founder Roos: “Oh, I adore Roos! She’s kind, funny, fashionable, incredibly driven and always has a strong vision. Everything she creates just makes sense. I truly admire how she brings her ideas to life.” That sense of trust and collaboration is essential for Lauren; it forms the foundation for powerful imagery.
One of the places Lauren loves working is the studios of Atelier Oost Amsterdam. She visits regularly, knows the spaces inside out and feels at home there. She speaks warmly about our founder Roos: “Oh, I adore Roos! She’s kind, funny, fashionable, incredibly driven and always has a strong vision. Everything she creates just makes sense. I truly admire how she brings her ideas to life.” That sense of trust and collaboration is essential for Lauren; it forms the foundation for powerful imagery.
Working in daylight studio The Loft: capturing natural beauty
The photos from The Loft, shot by photographer Marijke Boeve, perfectly show why Lauren enjoys working in our studios so much. Natural daylight is a gift to her. “Daylight shows the most honest colour and texture of the skin. In your studios, it’s always beautiful — it feels like a privilege to work in such conditions. The light isn’t just great for me, it’s incredibly flattering for the model too".
According to Lauren, daylight requires subtlety: a well-prepared base, soft build-up and refined texture. Less is often more — and you can see that in the imagery. Naturally, we couldn’t resist asking Lauren for her winter make-up tips, perfect if you have a shoot coming up!
For Lauren, autumn and winter mean natural warmth and a soft glow. She loves a fresh complexion — not overly shiny but full of life. Think: outdoor-kissed cheeks, warm earthy tones, bronzed nuances and a gentle blush that looks like you’ve just taken a breezy walk. “The skin can be matte, but never flat,” she says. And lips? “Less perfect, more ‘just-kissed’. Soft, youthful and natural.”
The photos from The Loft, shot by photographer Marijke Boeve, perfectly show why Lauren enjoys working in our studios so much. Natural daylight is a gift to her. “Daylight shows the most honest colour and texture of the skin. In your studios, it’s always beautiful — it feels like a privilege to work in such conditions. The light isn’t just great for me, it’s incredibly flattering for the model too".
According to Lauren, daylight requires subtlety: a well-prepared base, soft build-up and refined texture. Less is often more — and you can see that in the imagery. Naturally, we couldn’t resist asking Lauren for her winter make-up tips, perfect if you have a shoot coming up!
For Lauren, autumn and winter mean natural warmth and a soft glow. She loves a fresh complexion — not overly shiny but full of life. Think: outdoor-kissed cheeks, warm earthy tones, bronzed nuances and a gentle blush that looks like you’ve just taken a breezy walk. “The skin can be matte, but never flat,” she says. And lips? “Less perfect, more ‘just-kissed’. Soft, youthful and natural.”
Creating together: why collaboration shapes the image
For Lauren, a successful shoot is all about teamwork. “The photographer sets the atmosphere, the stylist connects personality and styling, and I bring everything together through hair and make-up.” Trust and a little courage play a huge role. “It’s important that clients feel safe and beautiful, but also that they dare to step slightly outside their comfort zone. That’s often where the magic happens.”
Even after everything she has achieved, Lauren remains hungry to grow. She keeps training, evolving and challenging herself. “I want to keep taking risks, be inspired by exciting projects and continue developing in my craft.” You can feel that passion in everything she does — and it’s exactly what makes her such a cherished professional in our studios.
For Lauren, a successful shoot is all about teamwork. “The photographer sets the atmosphere, the stylist connects personality and styling, and I bring everything together through hair and make-up.” Trust and a little courage play a huge role. “It’s important that clients feel safe and beautiful, but also that they dare to step slightly outside their comfort zone. That’s often where the magic happens.”
Even after everything she has achieved, Lauren remains hungry to grow. She keeps training, evolving and challenging herself. “I want to keep taking risks, be inspired by exciting projects and continue developing in my craft.” You can feel that passion in everything she does — and it’s exactly what makes her such a cherished professional in our studios.
As a friend of the brand, Lauren brings energy, craftsmanship and warmth into the studio. You see it in her work — and in the people who stand confidently in front of the camera because of her.