Candice Jackson of NY, CT – Make-up Artist, Hair Stylist Interview
Enjoy this informative interview with New York and Connecticut based makeup artists and hairstylist Candice Jackson who has over 15 years experience in the beauty industry.
Quick excerpt: when asked about her professional roots she answered “I started doing makeup and hair because I used to get in trouble for painting on my walls as a kid.”
Q: Tell a little about yourself personally and if you attended school or you are a self taught makeup artist?
A: I have over 15 years experience in hair and makeup. I attended school for hairdressing and barbering. I am a licensed cosmetologist in both NY & CT. You have seen my work in music videos and film, on magazine covers, the runway, in fashion shoots, on makeover shows, and a few celebrities. I travel quite often for models, magazines and personal clients.
Q: Do you think going to school for make-up artistry is important to excel in the business later on?
A: Not necessarily. It’s a personal choice.
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 was always an artist. I started doing makeup and hair because I used to get in trouble for painting on my walls as a kid.
Q: What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?
A: Making people not just look great but feel great.
Q: What surprises you most about working as a makeup artist?
A: How insecure “beautiful” people are.
Q: Describe your “Classic Approach to Beauty.” how do you define beauty?
A: My classic approach to beauty would to be treat every person or gig individually. Beauty is being yourself at all times.
Q: What individual products and brands you’re “addicted” to at the moment and you use on a daily basis?
A: Smashbox – Photo Finish, Wet n’ Wild Mega Plump mascara, For hair – Moroccan Oil.
Q: What are some of the most basic but effective skin care tips in general that you have, that are really important?
A: Use a cleanser and moisturizer for YOUR skin not the celebrity of the moments skin! Always moisturize!!!
Q: What is the biggest skin care dont’s?
A: Don’t neglect your skin. Protect it so it can protect you!
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: I’ve had models get irritated by makeup wipes on occasion but nothing ever serious.
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 most common mistake women make is using too much makeup! Less is more unless you’re doing drag. The worst thing a woman can do to her skin is neglect it.
Q: What do you think are best/worst trends in the makeup / skin care industry right now?
A: The best thing now is the focus on skin care. The worst thing is recommending the wrong skin care just to sell a product. Your skin is as individual as you, treat it that way.
Q: Do teenage girls needs to splurge on high-priced makeup products, or are drugstore items are just as satisfactory?
A: Whether you’re a teenager or not you should use products that work. Always spend on skin care and foundation. Drug store products can’t be customized to each individual and first time users will need guidance from a pro. If you want to experiment with color than save some money. Some of my favorite mascaras are from the drug store!
Q: What feature(s) do you love to accentuate?
A: That depends on who I’m working with. Everyone has their own best feature(s).
Q: What are your steps for the perfect, flawless, natural look?
A: Each face is flawless in it’s own way. So I can’t really say I have “steps” to create a look. I would approach each client individually. But I would start all my applications by prepping the skin.
Q: What is a really quick way to change a day look to a special occasion or nighttime face?
A: Black or grey eyeliner on the inner rim of the eye. Put it on, squeeze your eyes shut and BAM! Instant smoky eye!
Q: What are the differences between applying makeup on models and on real women?
A: Models are real women too! Everyone has their best feature and I like to focus on that.
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: I would choose them all. They all have a different texture to achieve different looks.
Q: Lip gloss or Lipstick. Which product is best? Why?
A: That depends on the look you’re going for. For everyday I like gloss with a hint of colour. It’s quick, easy and natural. For a more “finished” look I like lipstick. It has more pigment and has some staying power.
Q: What should a client consider before deciding to try permanent makeup? What is the difference between permanent and semi-permanent makeup?
A: I would not recommend permanent makeup to a client.
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: I like an oil based concealer for under the eye. It will add a bit of sheen to dark circles and make the eyes appear brighter. For blemishes less is more and I would recommend a concealer that is not too matte or too
shiny but that has a very natural finish.
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: All application styles and techniques have a purpose. I wouldn’t choose just one technique. The application just has to fit the medium. I like airbrushing for priming or foundation and large areas (like legs and
body). And I like my brushes for detailed work on eyes, lips etc. Even when I airbrush I always use a traditional brush afterward to fine tune my application.
Q: What do your clients think of you? What are some individual testimonials?
A: My clients often say I listen to them. Whether it’s a photographer, art director or personal client I always like to listen to their vision so I can make it a reality for them.
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: Be true to yourself and your art!
Q: What tips and advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists just starting out?
A: Be humble and learn from those around you. Stay inspired!