follow friday: @mercedes_graper

name // Mercedes Graper

age // 22

location // Portland, Oregon

occupation // Counter Manager for Lancôme Cosmetics 

meet mercedes! i started following her not too long ago, originally finding her through her husband @joshgraper's instagram. having a muse as beautiful as mercedes, naturally josh takes gorgeous photos of her and because of that, i found her account and that she is a make-up artist. and an amazing one at that! and guess what? she makes youtube videos... yes! she films high quality, educational make-up tutorials, and i know you all will love her! she takes awesome photos, is incredibly talented with makeup, and i think you'll love getting to know her as much as i did!

1 // how long have you been doing makeup & what got you interested in it?

I have been doing makeup professionally for three years now. And I absolutely love it. Its the perfect job for me. I became interested in makeup when I was a little girl. Looking through magazines and watching my Mom and all of her friends get ready. But what interested me most in doing makeup was making women feel good about themselves. When someone sits down in my chair it gives me the chance to make them happy inside as well as the outside. Through conversation and showing all my little tips and tricks i've learned over the years. They go home and have something exciting and new to try.

2 // have you always lived in portland? do you see yourself living anywhere else?  

 I grew up moving around a lot, up and down the west coast. But most of my life I grew up in Southern Oregon. After Josh and I got married we lived in the small town of Jacksonville Oregon for a while. Then my passion for Lancôme led me to move up in the company. Thats when we decided that a move to the city would be a nice change. We have lived in Portland for two years now and love everything about it. The People, the beauty, and the vibes. It would be hard to leave this place. The Northwest is my favorite. If we were to live anywhere else it would have to be a major change of scenery, like Hawaii. 

3 // what do you love most about your hubby josh? 

I don't think I can choose just one thing that I love most about him because he is such an amazing man. But I love that he is a leader in Christ and has shown me so much about God's love and the ways of the Lord. And I love how romantic and thoughtful he is. He is very old fashion. And because of that we have the best love story. :)

4 // what inspires your everyday life? 

I feel like I get inspired very easily. I try and Live life to the fullest, pursuing everything God has intended for me. Reading the Word and seeking his purpose for my life. As far as fashion and style of living goes, Kinfolk and Free People are at the top of my list for inspiration! 

5 // if you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

I think it would have to be pasta! I love pasta!! 

6 // where do you see yourself in 10 years, personally and professionally? 

Ten years. A lot of stuff happens in ten years. I honestly have no idea where I see myself in ten years. I change my mind way too much haha. But I know I will be with my hubby Josh and my pup Arrow. Hopefully in a little cottage on the river in Portland.

7 // what is your favorite thing about makeup?

I love everything about makeup. It is such an art form. You can do anything with it. It is limitless and timeless. 

8 // describe yourself in 5 words!:

 silly, fun, loving free spirit

9 // what are 3 of your favorite clothing and/or makeup items you can't live without?

For clothing I couldn't live without my sweaters, boots and Jolt pants from BP Nordstrom. Those pants are the most comfortable. I wear them all the time. I like to be comfy.

For makeup I couldn't go without my Lancôme Photogenic foundation. Its literally the best foundation. love it! Also the Mac Mineralize Powder. It looks so natural and beautiful on the skin. I hate it when I run out! Then last but not least, the Lancôme Hypnose Mascara! Best mascara I have ever used. It never clumps and always gives length and volume.

10 // where could we find you on the weekend or your day off?

Always with my hubby Josh and my pup Arrow at the park. Laying in the grass listening to music. Talking about anything and everything. Those days are my favorite.

11 // what have you been listening to lately?

I have been loving-- Allah-Las, The Growlers, Bombay Bicycle Club, Gauntlet Hair- Top bunk.

12 // who is your #1 role model, dead or alive?

The Lord Jesus is my #1 role model.  Also all the women from the 50's 60's and 70's are my role models.

follow! --->>

her... instagram

her... tumblr

her... youtube

[for those of you who want more makeup tips, watch her videos!!
the video below is the exact same way i curl my hair for anyone who is curious!]

thanks so much for being part of follow friday!

x's + o's
kaitlin elaine