This MUA Instagram Account Is Our New Favourite Thing

Instagram provides a fantastic platform for creativity. Selfies are par for the course but times have moved on; now there’s no better online portfolio to showcase your skills to a mass of devoted followers. Plus, it is a happy space. It’s very rare for mean s**t to go down on Instagram, it’s used to spread joy (thank you Beyonc?’s twins) and share incredible make-up tutorials that we can try and practise on ourselves (at home, where no one can see our potential failings).

One of my favourite Instagram ?things? is to scroll through the accounts of deadly make-up artists. I can’t stand mindfulness, but this takes me to what I’m sure is a similarly happy space. I can admire all the beautifully, talented people and play the if-I-had-a-million-quid-to-waste-on-beauty game. But of all the accounts that are a balm to my Trump-bruised soul, it’s Finnish artist and professional make-up artist IDA EKMAN who has us glued to our smartphones.

Based in London, this is one MUA account with a difference; she imagines her creations “as abstract paintings,” decorating faces with colourful brushstrokes and glitter splashes – bending the rules of classic make-up artistry. And the result is original and striking and creations of beauty. ?Scroll down to be inspired.

My kinda Valentine’s look ?? Do you approve? @suvabeauty Grease & Cherry Bomb hydra liners / @nyxcosmeticsnordics Clear lid lacquer / @houseoflashes Pixie Luxe lashes

A photo posted by IDA EKMAN (@ida_elina) on Feb 9, 2017 at 12:05pm PST

Are you guys doing anything exciting today? ?? @katvondbeauty Witches, Crucifix & Hawkwind on the brows / @limecrimemakeup Venus I Palette / @maccosmetics 48 lashes / nail art glitter from ebay ?

A photo posted by IDA EKMAN (@ida_elina) on Jan 29, 2017 at 9:55am PST

Twinkle, twinkle.. – I absolutely LOVED having this much green on me! @nyxcosmeticsnordics Smokey & Highlight and Brights Palettes with @rimmellondonuk Glam eyes liner on the eyes / @nyxcosmeticsnordics Sweet cheeks blush palette / @katvondbeauty Witches on the brows & Mu?eca on the lips topped off with clear lipgloss / @makeupforeverofficial Star lit powder 02 as the highlighter / random glitter & sequins mixed ?

A video posted by IDA EKMAN (@ida_elina) on Jan 24, 2017 at 10:30am PST

This is my love letter for all of YOU guys following me @suvabeauty Dark Humor / @nyxcosmeticsnordics White liquid liner / @maccosmetics 44 lashes ?

A photo posted by IDA EKMAN (@ida_elina) on Jan 18, 2017 at 11:53am PST

I absolutely loved my yesterday’s Frida Kahlo inspired look – SO many of you knew immediately who I was inspired by! Details of the whole look on my previous post – #fridakahlo

A video posted by IDA EKMAN (@ida_elina) on Jan 11, 2017 at 12:12pm PST

Color explosion @sugarpill 2 am, Heart shaped cookie, butter cupcake / @suvabeauty Dance Party / brows @lhcosmetics Fornax with @nyxcosmeticsnordics Super skinny marker Carbon black / Run the world liquid suede/ Clear lid lacquer / lashes On another level by @nyxcosmeticsnordics ??

A photo posted by IDA EKMAN (@ida_elina) on Jan 3, 2017 at 1:19pm PST

Haven’t had my septum in for 10 years! Feels funny @suvabeauty Cherry Bomb as the liner & @limecrimemakeup Red Velvet on the lips to match

A photo posted by IDA EKMAN (@ida_elina) on Nov 28, 2016 at 7:21am PST

What are your plans for New Years? #tb to one of my fave eye looks this year with @makeupstore Black cakeliner, @suvabeauty Dark Humor & @houseoflashes Pixie Luxe lashes

A video posted by IDA EKMAN (@ida_elina) on Dec 27, 2016 at 7:13am PST

Purple & green Which one’s your fave & why? Tag your makeup lover friends on the comments #makeupart

A photo posted by IDA EKMAN (@ida_elina) on Jan 16, 2017 at 1:44pm PST

Wishing you all the happiest & sparkliest holidays – @nyxcosmeticsnordics Ultimate Smokey & Highlight Palette, Royal blue Colored felt tip liner, Amplified lashes, Blue face & body glitter, Kitten Heels liquid Suede topped with Red face & body glitter / @maccosmetics 3D Silver glitter & nail art glitter from Ebay

A photo posted by IDA EKMAN (@ida_elina) on Dec 24, 2016 at 5:08am PST

Yeah, you know I love glitter – @nyxcosmeticsnordics Liquid Suede in Kitten Heels topped up with Copper face & body glitter / @deandri collar & harness ?? #nyxcosmetics #deandri

A photo posted by IDA EKMAN (@ida_elina) on Oct 23, 2016 at 11:49am PDT

Watercolorrrrr @suvabeauty Sea Nymph & Mural / @limecrimemakeup Black Velvet as the liner & on the brow / @maccosmetics 44 lashes #suvabeauty #limecrime #maccosmetics

A photo posted by IDA EKMAN (@ida_elina) on Sep 11, 2016 at 8:34am PDT