In Harmony with... Chanel Cross

Welcome to our ongoing series: “In Harmony with…” in which we invite people who inspire us to share their stories.

Most recently, we chatted with Chanel Cross, a mother, celebrity and editorial makeup artist, and hairstylist living in Los Angeles. We peeked into her everyday life which includes morning matcha, play time with her celebrity cat, Merv, and a stroll through the farmers’ market.

Describe the journey that brought you to where you are.

My journey started with art, I’ve always been drawn to faces and beauty. I’ve always seen the world through a creative lens which naturally evolved into makeup and hairstyling, where I could use faces and forms as living canvases. Over time, what began as a passion for creating turned into a career I truly love, working with incredible people, and making women feel beautiful in their own skin.

Were you always artistic?

Always. I was the kid who could sit for hours drawing or mixing colors, completely lost in the process. Creating has always been natural to me.

Favorite celebrity/public figure you’ve ever done makeup and hair for.

My close friend Mayim Bialik—because it never feels like work. We’ve known each other for years, and every time we collaborate, it feels like two friends enjoying each other’s company rather than a job.

Favorite skincare ritual?

My favorite part of the day is winding down with a calm, intentional skincare routine. I love using my Serenity Now Body Butter for its grounding, soothing energy—it feels like a deep exhale for my skin. And my Paris Face Mist adds that extra touch of luminosity and self-care that makes me feel like myself again after a long day. It’s so important to have these rituals in order to continue to care for my family and clients.

You have a celebrity cat, Merv. Tell us how you got her/how she rose to stardom.

I actually found Merv on a shoot. She was this scrappy little kitten who I found as a stray outside of the photo studio. I took her home that day, and before long, she became her own little star.

What does living in harmony mean to you?

Living in harmony means staying connected to what feels real. This includes art, my family and son, quiet rituals, and the small joys that keep me balanced. It’s about creating beauty without chaos and finding peace in the in-between moments, whether that’s sharing matcha in the morning or holding my son on a picnic at the farmers’ market.