Richard Munoz Professional Make-up Artist Interview
Sacramento based professional makeup artist Richard Munoz knows a thing or two about beauty and makeup after over 10 years in the business.
The following interview is educational and informative peppered with a few classic lines like: “Waterproof mascara should only be used when you know you’re going to cry” and “Date your makeup but marry your skincare”.
Q: Tell a little about yourself personally and if you attended school or you are a self taught makeup artist?
A: I have been doing makeup for over ten years and have an agent. I have an extensive theater background and that where my initial introduction to makeup began. Over the years I have apprenticed under many makeup artist picking up tricks and tools.
Q: Do you think going to school for make-up artistry is important to excel in the business later on?
A: I think going to school for business would be important because this is a business. If you want to get into the industry most people like myself go to work under an established artist or at a makeup counter. Going to a school to me is a waste of time and money. But that’s just my opinion. I would never fault anyone for wanting to gain knowledge.
Q: Did you always wanted to be an artist, or did you stumble upon your talent by chance? Who or what inspired you to become a makeup artist?
A: I’ve always painted and drawn. I was a Theatre major in college. Dance minor. I injured myself and in my downtime began helping friends with their hair and makeup for their comp cards and head shot shoots. Next thing I knew I was in the industry. Total accident, but the best thing that ever happened to me.
Q: What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?
A: Working with different people constantly. Being able to use my creativity and constantly learning and growing.
Q: What surprises you most about working as a makeup artist?
A: That there is A LOT of due paying, and it takes a lot of patience. If you don’t absolutely love the industry, you should leave it. It can be expensive and take up a lot of time from your life if you wish to be good and recognized for your work. You will NEVER learn everything.
Any artist that says they know it all about this craft, probably knows very little.
Q: Describe your “Classic Approach to Beauty.” how do you define beauty?
A: Beauty knows no social or economic boundary. It is never fleeting but sometimes simply needs to be rediscovered. She can be found in any age, race, color, size and gender. These differences are celebrated at Richard Munoz Makeup. I truly believe everyone is capable of being beautiful, as long as their heart is not ugly.
Q: What individual products and brands you’re “addicted” to at the moment and you use on a daily basis?
A: Ben Nye Foundations, Dior Show mascara, Estee Lauders Bronze Goddess.
Q: What are some of the most basic but effective skin care tips in general that you have, that are really important?
A: USE SUNSCREEN- no matter what color you are. Drink a lot of water. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.
Q: What is the biggest skin care dont’s?
A: Not using an SPF! Body soap for face soap, over exfoliation, and sleeping in makeup.
Q: Have you had an extreme, crazy or bad experience with a skin care product or during a makeup session? If so, what happened?
A: No
Q: What do you find to be the most common mistakes women make with makeup? What’s the worst thing a woman can do to her skin?
A: The biggest mistake is not updating their look. If you find you have the ‘same face’ picture after picture year after year its probably time for a change. Don’t be afraid to be subtle and your foundation should not look any different than your neck. If you think you are too fair, use a creme or powder bronzer.
Waterproof mascara should only be used when you know you’re going to cry, using it too often kills lashes! Skin care-if you’ve achieved puberty you should use a moisturizer for your eyes and face(two separate products the skin is very different).
Q: What do you think are best/worst trends in the makeup / skin care industry right now?
A: The best is that its a do what you want trend, everything goes. The worst is the same thing. I always encourage clients to experiment with colors, to mix it up a little, but just because a mag tells you blue may be in, doesn’t mean its for everyone. My biggest issue with skincare is that they have models that are about 20 advertising anti-aging products. That kills me!
Q: Do teenage girls needs to splurge on high-priced makeup products, or are drugstore items are just as satisfactory?
A: Date your makeup but marry your skincare. Spend a little more money on keeping the canvas lovely and less coins on decorating it.
Q: What feature(s) do you love to accentuate?
A: Depends on the woman-always.
Q: What are your steps for the perfect, flawless, natural look?
A: Moisturizer, concealer, foundation if needed, eyeliner on the upper lid, mascara on the upper lid and a nice clean lip gloss. Concealer on the eyelid can be more clean and eye opening than eyeshadow, but be certain to follow with liner and mascara.
Q: What is a really quick way to change a day look to a special occasion or nighttime face?
A: Desk to Dance floor – Widen and darken the eyeliner, beef up your mascara and remove lip gloss and replace with a bold lipstick and lipliner. To top it off if your fragrance has worn off throughout the day use a different one to change your mood and get ready for nighttime!
Q: What are the differences between applying makeup on models and on real women?
A: Models require much more. MUCH MORE. There is more contouring highlighting and smoke and mirrors. Real women are much easier and much more fun but I love both.
Q: In terms of eyeliner, if you had to choose between a pencil, liquid, or creme/gel based, which one would you choose? Why?
A: Creme/gel for sure. Pencil pulls too much on the delicate skin around the eyes. Liquid is not too user friendly especially if you are on the go and can look too heavy for daytime. Creme/Gel can be nice and understated or beefed u depending on mood or event.
Q: Lip gloss or Lipstick. Which product is best? Why?
A: Depends on the woman. I think too often younger women think that lipstick is too ‘like their Mother’. Formulas however have come a long way, from creamy to barely there sheer make all the difference. Many now have an SPF which is so important. With either use a lipliner.
Q: What should a client consider before deciding to try permanent makeup? What is the difference between permanent and semi-permanent makeup?
A: They could consider whether or not they do not mind living with someones error on their face, and the cost of upkeep and correction. I’m not a fan never have been.
Q: What brand/type of concealer is your favorite for covering up the after effects of a late night out i.e. under-eye circles, blemishes?
A: Salmon concealer- for everyone! Ben Nye. The ‘pinky’ color neutralizes yellows and reds. If you have time pop your eyecreme in the freezer for a few and put that on and let it sit while you do your hair or brush your
teeth. The puffiness will lessen dramatically.
Q: How about airbrush spray makeup trend? Are these products better or easier to use than standard sponge or finger application? If yes when would you recommend using them?
A: I do not care for airbrush I think it takes the ‘art’ out of artistry. I like to feel my brush glide along the contours of the face. Sponges harbor bacteria and should rarely if ever be used. You wouldn’t paint a wall with your hands, so why do it to your face? Use a brush, you use LESS product and it looks cleaner.
Q: What do your clients think of you? What are some individual testimonials?
A: ‘Richard is the makeup artist who takes your look and career to the next level. It is hard to just call him a makeup artist. His contributions go so much further than just hair and makeup. Before a photo shoot he creates looks and concepts that are always ahead of the curve.
When working with him, you know that your going to get one of the best, if not THE best photo in your portfolio. Richard covers everything from clean and beautiful, to the extreme looks that have that ‘Wow’ factor.
The consummate professional, Richard is always on time, and helps a model get her look and shot no matter what obstacles are thrown his way. Richard has done my makeup in some less than desirable places with the worst lighting you could imagine, and the photos still came out looking flawless.
(He now carries his own lights HaHa) This artist has been a miracle to my career. Richard is very easy to work with, and one of the few in the industry that will always tell you the truth and not let you look bad in a
shot.
Involved with the shoot from the first to the last frame, with Richard on set I know I will be taken care of. For Richard it is about the art, and his craft, as well as making certain that all parties involved walk away pleased with the end result. His passion shows in every aspect of his work.
You can’t help but love Richard. PROJECT + RICHARD MUNOZ = SUCCESS. Nickell Lusk’
Q: Would you share some of your future goals, your life motto, any words of wisdom that get you by in life and professional career?
A: My goal is to empower every person I came across in this business.
MOTTO: I believe every person is capable of being beautiful, as long as their heart is not ugly. Every problem has a solution,when in doubt take a deep breath.
Q: What tips and advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists just starting out?
A: Learn as much as you can, you will never know it all. You will never be a perfect artist, they do not exist. Don’t take yourself too seriously, its makeup we aren’t running a hospital here! =-)