Meet Crisanto Jr Banuelos of Las Vegas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Crisanto Jr Banuelos.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Growing up, I was always drawn to anything creative. Music, dancing, acting — being artistic just came naturally to me. After high school, I decided to go to cosmetology school, and even though that journey didn’t completely fulfill me the way I expected, it still helped guide me toward what I was truly passionate about.

I started doing makeup on the side, practicing on friends and family who believed in me from the very beginning. Little by little, I continued building my skills and finding my own style as an artist. Eventually, I landed a job with Sephora, and that’s really where everything started to shift for me. Working in Beverly Hills introduced me to a whole new world — constantly being surrounded by celebrities, actors, models, and producers inspired me to think bigger and push myself even harder creatively.

One of the biggest turning points in my career came through my close friend Kristinia DeBarge while she was filming the hit series Growing Up Hip Hop. That opportunity opened so many doors for me within the entertainment industry, from working with artists and doing TV cameos to freelance opportunities and even magazine covers.

Looking back, every experience helped shape the path I’m on today. From Los Angeles to Las Vegas and everywhere in between, this journey has continued to grow into something bigger than I ever imagined — and I’m still evolving with it.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I want people to understand that this journey came with a lot of sacrifices, setbacks, and moments where I had to push through even when things felt uncertain. There have been plenty of ups and downs along the way, from dealing with health concerns and going through two knee surgeries to navigating the challenges that came with the pandemic. Around 2020, I even had my entire makeup kit stolen, which was devastating because as an artist, those tools are a part of your livelihood.

There were also many sleepless nights, long hours, and moments where things didn’t always feel glamorous or rewarding. This industry can look beautiful on the outside, but behind the scenes there’s a lot of hard work, resilience, and persistence that people don’t always see.

At the same time, every challenge taught me something valuable. I’ve learned that not every opportunity will come with the perfect paycheck or ideal circumstances, but sometimes those opportunities are what open bigger doors later on. In the long run, being able to live out your passion, grow creatively, and continue building your dream makes all the struggles worth it.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a celebrity makeup artist, hairstylist, content creator, and songwriter, but overall, I consider myself a creative at heart. My main passion has always been beauty and helping people not only look good, but truly feel confident in themselves. I specialize in enhancing natural beauty rather than masking it, and I take pride in creating looks that make my clients feel elevated, empowered, and seen.

What makes my work different is that I’m not just focused on makeup alone. I see myself as an image consultant as well — someone who understands beauty, fashion, styling, and the overall vision. I love helping clients put everything together so they can show up as the best version of themselves, whether it’s for a red carpet event, a photoshoot, television, or everyday confidence. Very grateful for what I do , specially to have been part of the American music awards with Jennifer Lopez team & Latin Grammys with Karol G’s TEAM . Definitely dreams do come true .

I think what truly sets me apart is how multi-skilled and creatively driven I am. My background in beauty, fashion, music, and the arts allows me to connect with people on a deeper level and bring a more complete creative perspective to my work. I’m very passionate about what I do, and I hold myself to a high standard when it comes to professionalism, artistry, and delivering the best possible experience for every client.

What I’m most proud of is simply not giving up. This journey hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve continued to believe in myself and keep pushing forward while also inspiring others to do the same. Being able to share special moments and accomplishments with my parents, family, and friends means everything to me because they’ve witnessed the growth, sacrifices, and hard work firsthand. More than anything, I’m proud of the person I’ve become, the person I am today, and the person I’m continuing to grow into

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I’ve learned that this industry can have a lot of gatekeeping, especially in the world we live in today, which is why networking is so important. One thing I truly believe is that your network is your net worth. Sometimes you simply have to show up, put yourself in those rooms, introduce yourself, and let people know who you are and what you do. Opportunities don’t always come to you — sometimes you have to go where they are.

Not everyone you meet is going to become a close friend, and I’ve learned that a lot of relationships in this industry can be transactional. Some connections grow into genuine relationships, while others are simply part of the journey and help guide you toward your next opportunity. Either way, every interaction can teach you something or open another door.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that closed mouths don’t get fed. You can’t be afraid to speak up, ask questions, reach out, or knock on doors that may have opportunities waiting on the other side. Confidence, consistency, and putting yourself out there can take you a long way.

At the same time, I believe it’s important to always stay authentic to who you are. Be respectful, professional, and genuine in every room you walk into. Talent matters, but people also remember your energy, your attitude, and how you make them feel

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @jr._el_artist