Kristen & Beau Nelson talk about working together

Red carpet magic

In a world filled with online bullies and worst-dressed list, it can be daunting to break the mold when you're in the spotlight. That is, unless you've got a trusted friend by your side behind the scenes.

Kristen Stewart, Young Hollywood's crown jewel, is anything but play-it-safe when it comes to her beauty looks - and that's in large part thanks to makeup artist turned close friend Beau Nelson. "Kristen has a rebellious spirit. She doesn't want to look like everyone else - she wants to do it better," he says of his longtime client.

"I know when I work with [Beau] that he's excited to show people something they've never seen before," Kristen tells Teen Vogue. "It's not a job to him. It really is his art." When the pair do venture into more conventional Old Hollywood beauty territory, it's always with a clever twist. At this year's Cannes Film Festival, at left, Kristen rocked electric-red lips paired with a dewy taupe shimmer on her eyes. And Beau made sure to showcase her favorite feature: "Kristen loves her freckles," he says. "I taught her how to apply foundation with a damp sponge so it won't cover them up."

Now in their fourth year of working together, the duo seem to have the most fun when the makeup comes off. "One time we stayed out all night singing karaoke," Beau says with a laugh. "I feel like she's a little sister to me."

Far from the public eye, the starlet taught him the most important beauty lesson of all: "I've learned from her that as much as we play with makeup, she's the most beautiful naturally," Beau says. "She knows who she is. I respect and love that about her."

From 'Teen Vogue' October 2013 issue.

Scan thanks to @epnebelle via itsoktobeyou.org