Makeup artist chat: What do I need to succeed?

March 11th, 2013

Dear LMM,

I am just starting out in makeup artistry and have got a basic kit together, but wondered if I should invest in a special chair, makeup station and my own lights. What are your thoughts?

Thanks, Sarah. 

Dear Sarah,

I think it depends on what type of makeup work you will be doing, and where. Personally, on the jobs I do, I never take a chair, table or lights with me.

Most of my work is studio based, and all those things are supplied.

Makeup set up in a studio Makeup artist chat: What do I need to succeed?

Inside an uptown studio.

Similarly, when a shoot is outdoors on location, a “location van” is usually provided. These vehicles are equipped with everything you need (apart from the makeup), and the model sits inside to have her face made up.

On trips abroad, I make the best of what is available. Generally, on overseas jobs there is a production team that helps out with any equipment requests, which is a bonus. It is their job to make the creative team’s job easier, and they usually do.

Occasionally I work on a client in a hotel room, and this can sometimes require a little bit of improvisation.

Makeup in hotel Makeup artist chat: What do I need to succeed?

In this downtown hotel room, an armchair dressed in a towel doubled as my makeup station.

I think most makeup artist’s would agree that it is difficult to apply good makeup in the dark. Admittedly, there have been times when I have found myself confronted with poor lighting (at location houses, for example) and have borrowed spare lights from the photographer. In my experience, they are always more than happy to help out.


This season’s cue? Pick a high-vis hue!

March 4th, 2013

For maximum impact, wear a bold lip and keep the rest of your makeup to a minimum.

Orange lipstick This seasons cue? Pick a high vis hue!

To prolong the “shout” in your pout on a night out, drink through a straw!

To recreate this look, follow the five steps below.

1. Complexion:
To create a flawless canvas, start by applying a primer (which improves the wear-time of makeup) and then follow up with foundation to even out the skin tone. Use concealer to disguise dark under-eye circles and blemishes. Set the base with a layer of loose powder.

2. Eyes:
To draw more attention to the lips, keep the eyes simple. Blend a wash of neutral-colored eyeshadow over the eyelids and also take it beneath the eye to softly define the lower lash line. Curl the top lashes with an eyelash curler and apply a coat of black mascara.


Hot pink lipstick. Hot trend!

February 25th, 2013

The color on everyone’s lips is . . . bright! Hot pink, ruby red, and everything either side and in between. Don’t just wear it. Own it!

 

Bright lipstick Hot pink lipstick. Hot trend!

 

To recreate this loud lip, watch the video tutorial below.

 


A flash of fuchsia!

February 18th, 2013

Le Rouge Lipstick in Fuchsia Irresistible 205 by Givenchy A flash of fuchsia!

Model wearing Le Rouge Lipstick in Fuchsia Irrésistible 205 by Givenchy.

To create a poppin’ pout:

1). Start by exfoliating your lips to remove any dry, flaky skin.

Why exfoliate? Dry skin has a tendency to “grab” lipstick. So, if you don’t want those areas to stand out and appear dark and patchy, ensure the lips are well exfoliated and adequately hydrated before you apply any color.

Makeup artist tip: Want a quick and easy exfoliation technique? Rub a dry, soft-bristled baby’s toothbrush over your lips.

2). To hydrate your lips, apply a good lip balm.

Makeup artist tip: I love The Lip Balm by Crème De La Mer. There are many reasons why I like this product, and one of them is its matte texture. When I’m applying color on top, I usually prefer a lip balm with a flat finish, because it doesn’t seem to alter the look and texture of the lipstick as much as shiny balms can.

3). Outline your lips with lipliner.

Why use lipliner? When applied correctly, lipliner shapes and defines the lips. It also helps lipstick last longer and prevents dark/bright colors bleeding.

Makeup artist tip: For a seamless finish, choose a lipliner in a shade that closely matches the color of your lipstick.

4). For a precise and even application of color, apply your lipstick with a lip brush, or apply it straight from the bullet and pat your lips together to blend.

Makeup artist tip: Want to make your teeth look whiter and brighter? Choose a blue-based lipstick.

5). To make your pout appear fuller, add a touch of gloss to the middle of the top and bottom lips.

Makeup artist tip: For this look, after applying the hot pink lipstick, I added an orangey-red lipgloss to the center of the mouth only. For an even plumper-looking pout, choose a gloss in a lighter shade.


Top ten tips for eyes

February 11th, 2013

Mascara.

Mascara application  300x166 Top ten tips for eyes

1. To make your top lashes look longer and prettier (which in turn will make your eyes appear bigger and more wide open), curl them with an eyelash curler before applying mascara.

2. For larger-looking eyes, apply mascara to both the top and bottom lashes.

3. Sick of getting black marks on your eyelids when you apply mascara? To prevent it happening, hold a mirror horizontally at chest height in one hand and hold the mascara wand in the other, and look down into the mirror to apply it. This method will help stop you blinking, meaning you will be less likely to get mascara on your eyelids. If this doesn’t help, try a different mascara. The shape, size and type of brush can influence the ease of application, as can the consistency of the formulation.