Consider it my Winter Hibernation!

Happy Friday my peeps! I'm back with a whole new attitude! I've been gone for a while from the blogging scene due to my increase in my workload as well as my insane schedule with working out and all that jazz. I really missed you all so now I'm going to try and post at least twice a week. I plan on getting posts out to all my loyal readers because I love you all so much! I wanted to share the last makeup I did. It was for my younger cousin, Jenella and she was on her way to a wedding. She was wearing neutral colors so she wanted to do a fun smokey eye using colors. I ALWAYS tend to dip in my pinks and purples. I used a purple shadow from MAC...totally forgot the name but I remember it was from the Starflash launch. The light pink used was MAC's Mink Pink. If you have any questions regarding products used, ask me!


Below is an interview that I was a part of for my brother's friend, Brandy. She had to interview someone in the field she'd like to get into and she chose me! I felt so special and was so happy to do it! It really got my thinking about why I do what I do and rectified (RECT-ified..hehe) my reasons for doing makeup. Read all about it!

1. How did you get into make-up artistry?

- I was always interested in the technique and art behind makeup so I applied at MAC. I didn't get it the first time and tried at a different location and was hired on the spot.

2. Would you say working behind-the-counter is just as knowledgeable as going to a make-up school?

- I can't really say because I didn't go to makeup school but the training I received was amazing. The company I worked for paid lots of money for our extensive trainings and certifications. But the thing you have to remember is behind-the-counter makeup is different from makeup artistry because when you work for a counter, you only know of YOUR own product. So you are oblivious to other brands and types.

3. Why make-up?

-Makeup for me is great because it allows me to express myself in ways I cannot in an office. I have my 8-4PM job and makeup let's me tap into more of a creative side. I love how it makes my clients look and feel. I've never had a person get out of my chair and not feel beautiful. It brings a sense of confidence out of people even if it's just mascara and a gloss.

4. How long have you worked in this field? Did you hold any other positions while working in this field?

- I've been doing makeup for about 7 years now! It started my senior year in high school. My cheer squad and I were in a competition and I gave everyone a smokey eye and red lip! I work for a corporate company in SF now and freelance.

5. Would you say you have your own style when it comes to being a make-up artist? If so, how would you describe it?

- I guess you can say that I love softer more blended looks. I love colors that bring features out but editorial looks are always fun to do too. It really depends on what my client expects out of me. My style is to please the client or photographer. Don't get me wrong, I love a electric teal eye shadow just like everyone else, but I think there's a time and a place for that.

6. What skill sets are necessary in your opinion to

succeed in this career?

- I think you need to be the type of person to work well under pressure. Imagine having 30 minutes to get a bride ready! Multi tasking is another good trait to have as well because you'll find yourself moving 150 mph. You definately have to have a friendly approach as well. Clients want you to be honest and not tell them everything looks great when it really doesn't. You want to make them feel you can be trusted. After all, you are in their face!

7. What are key characteristics of successful people in this industry?

- Theres one artist that I've been following and that's Eve Pearl. She does makeup various tv shows and has her own makeup line. I've taken a lecture class with her and she talks about how she never stopped and how her passion kept her going. You just have to want it and know that if you work hard enough, you could be really successful! Another thing is listening. You need to listen to your clients needs and wants.

8. What is a typical day of work for you?

-When I am working with a client, it's pretty much hauling my kit full of great products and making people feel beautiful!

9. How secure is this field?

- If you're a freelancer like myself, it's not very secure at all. People these days don't have the money to pay for the services. There are peak times like wedding, prom, and holiday seasons but nothing is guranteed unless youre getting paid by a retailer.

10. How competitive is this field? How could I prepare and/or get an edge on others?

- This field is pretty competitive because there are so many aspiring makeup artists. You need to be ahead of the curve at all times and make sure you know of different products out there. From high end to low end products, there are a lot of great tools out there for all clients. You can get ahead by doing your homework and knowing of different techniques for different shapes and colors of faces. Start building your kit with the essentials you'd use on your clients. Beauty blogs and forums are a great way to learn techniques and products.

11. What are some of the pitfalls of this profession? What about the perks?

- Some of the pitfalls are that the work isn't constant, sometimes you get picky clients, and some people don't take us too seriously. They don't see the need for someone like me. Some perks are that I get to work on my own time and write my own schedule.

12. What keeps you motivated when doing your job?

- Not many people can say that the do what they love. I love making people feel great and making people smile. I love how makeup can be so innovative but also so simple and classic. Makeup trends are always changing just like fashion.

13. What is your favorite part about being a make-up artist?

- I love making people feel special for their special occasions. It's really rewarding and an honor to be a part of people's big days.

14.Do you have any inspirations when it comes to doing make-up?

- Pat mcgrath, Eve Pearl, MAC senior artist Victor C. (whom I've had the pleasure of working with), and anyone else who is innovative, isn't afraid to take risks, and loves what they do.

15. What kind of salary could I expect as an entry-level?

- It really depends on what you are trying to accomplish. If you freelance on your own, you become your own boss and determine how much you will make. I'd recommend starting at a counter to get more product knowledge and learn how to deal with clients.

16. Is there someone else you could recommend I contact?

- I'd look out for beauty bloggers and youtubers. Makeupbyrenren has become one of my good makeup freelancing friends and she has a popular channel on YouTube.

17. In what direction do you see this field going in five to ten years?

- There is always a demand for makeup. People will always be looking for a better product and new things. It will definately always be booming.

18. Would you recommend this profession?

- If you have a passion for it, then o highly recommend it!

19. Any advice to aspiring make-up artists?

- No matter how discouraged you get, don't give up. There have been times where I wanted to give it up for a lack of clients. I just thought about how much I loved doing what I do and it kept me going. Market yourself and put yourself out there even if it's for free at first. Your going to do a LOT of free makeup before you get paying clients. Go on craigslist and look for aspiring photographers to work with. Build relationships and networking is a big thing in our industry as well.

I'm back everyone! Don't you worry your pretty little heads.....