Nice to meet you. I’m Jacques.
Born into a world infused with art, music, and fashion, I was destined for a life of creative expression.
My father, renowned Abstract-Constructivist sculptor Jean-Jacques Besner, instilled in me a love for history, culture, and etiquette.
My mother, a gifted seamstress and couturière, introduced me to the elegance of fashion and the transformative power of beauty.
From a young age, I was drawn to color, performance, and self-expression. A single issue of Vogue and the allure of silver screen icons ignited a lifelong passion for makeup.
What began with experimental, gender-bending looks in Montreal’s club scene soon evolved into a thriving career working with powerhouse brands like MAC Cosmetics, Versace Cosmetics, Benefit Cosmetics, Estée Lauder, and Make Up For Ever.
My years as a senior educator at LaSalle College—nearly two decades—cemented my reputation as a master of the craft.
I created and led foundational makeup programs and designed The Master Class, a course dedicated to elevating artistic expression and preparing students for the worlds of editorial work and historical beauty interpretation.
Alongside teaching, I served as Beauty Editor for Magistrale magazine and later as Head Beauty Writer for Best Kept MTL. My writing and industry insight helped shape beauty conversations across platforms.
I now continue this journey at the esteemed Académie Édith Serei and as a guest educator at Laurier MacDonald Vocational Center.
My love for theatricality extends to the stage, where I regularly lead makeup direction for LaSalle College’s fashion shows and collaborate with the Opéra de Montréal. Whether it's models, designers, performers, or directors—I thrive in creative synergy.
Over the years, I’ve worked across every facet of the beauty industry, from backstage to bridal, corporate to couture.
My approach blends deep product knowledge, artistry, and storytelling to help every client, collaborator, and student bring their vision to life.
Let’s create something unforgettable.