Delgado – Make-up Artist, Beauty & Skin Care Interview
Our makeup artist interview series continues with this interview of Delgado a Brooklyn, New York based professional makeup artist of 10 years who shares her experience in this super informative beauty and skin care Q&A.
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 wanted to play with makeup, ever since I was a little girl. Pat McGrath is my number one inspiration to become a makeup artist.
Q: Tell a little about yourself personally and if you attended school or you are a self taught makeup artist?
A: I’m 39 yrs old, and I’ve been doing makeup for ten years. I went to school in 1998 to become an aesthetician, and that’s where I started to really get into makeup. The makeup application classes were not really in depth, so I decided to apply my skills in theatrical, crazy, fun makeup.
Q: Do you think going to school for make-up artistry is important to excel in the business later on?
A: Yes! It’s great to go to school to learn the business of makeup artistry. It will get you further in the networking game.
Q: What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?
A: My favorite aspect about my job is creating a new makeup styles.
Q: What surprises you most about working as a makeup artist?
A: I end up with a new look every time I apply makeup.
Q: Describe your “Classic Approach to Beauty.” how do you define beauty?
A: My classic approach to beauty is keep the skin fresh, and only accentuate the eye area, and keep the cheeks and lips a little rosy. The skin must look fresh and radiant.
Q: What individual products and brands you’re “addicted” to at the moment and you use on a daily basis?
A: I always use MAC matte primer in the squeeze tube before makeup application, the Shu Uemura lash curler for perfect eyelashes, Cover FX powder foundation.
Q: What are some of the most basic but effective skin care tips in general that you have, that are really important?
A: Cleanse, use scrub once every three days, and use an effective moisturizer for your skin type. That should keep your skin radiant.
Q: What is the biggest skin care dont’s?
A: Using a scrub everyday is not good. It can cause irritation.
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: One time I used this aromatherapy moisturizer on a client. I asked her if she was allergic to anything; she said no, so I applied it on her skin. Five minutes later her cheeks were red and inflamed. I had her wash her skin thoroughly applied a cold compress on her skin, then I applied Hydrocortizone on her cheeks. Ten minutes later, the swelling went down. Thank goodness I knew what to do.
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 worst thing you can do in your makeup routine, is to buy a foundation that is too pink or too orange on your skin. It looks terrible and people really notice it.
Q: What do you think are best/worst trends in the makeup / skin care industry right now?
A: The best trends in makeup are new colors for the current season, now how they are applied is a different story. Too much cheek contour and too much highlighter is not a flattering look at all.
Q: Do teenage girls needs to splurge on high-priced makeup products, or are drugstore items are just as satisfactory?
A: Teenage girls should find a makeup product that adapts well to the skin. This is all through trial and error though. It’s the experience of finding the right colors for you. If the ladies have sensitive skin, then they should use a mineral based makeup. Drug store brand or high end it depends on what their tastes are.
Q: What feature(s) do you love to accentuate?
A: I love to accentuate the eyes. it’s the first thing people look at on your face.
Q: What are your steps for the perfect, flawless, natural look?
A: 1.) prime the skin
2.) I use Cover FX powder foundation because it feels light and it gives some coverage
3.) I use a rosy blush and lipstick to keep it youthful looking
4.) I use a very pale almost vanilla looking eyeshadow all over the eyelid
5.) I use a malt colored eyeshadow on the crease and blend
6.) I curl the eyelashes, then I put a minimal coat of mascara on top and bottom lashes
7.) I color in the eyebrows very lightly so it looks natural.
That’s my natural flawless makeup technique.
Q: What is a really quick way to change a day look to a special occasion or nighttime face?
A: It’s all in the eyes. I would use a darker eyeshadow to create more depth around the crease and lower outer corner of the eyes. Use a creme liner on the lid and smudge the outer corners.
A couple coats of mascara, and you’re off.
Q: What are the differences between applying makeup on models and on real women?
A: I don’t think there’s any difference at all. Models get their images Photoshopped so their skin can appear flawless.
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 all of them, because it depends on what kind of style I’m looking to achieve.
Q: Lip gloss or Lipstick. Which product is best? Why?
A: I don’t use lip gloss for photos. I don’t like the glare it creates. I use matte lipstick, so I don’t have to touch it up as much. It creates more staying power.
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 love Cover FX powder foundation for under the eyes. It stays put.
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’m a traditional girl, I don’t like the look of airbrush foundation. It doesn’t WOW me.
Q: What do your clients think of you? What are some individual testimonials?
A: Every client I’ve ever had walked away feeling great, at least that’s what they tell me.
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: Always keep your head up high. Never lose your way. I can be difficult sometimes, but a positive mind is a powerful thing.
Q: What tips and advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists just starting out?
A: Always practice your craft! Try something new all the time. That way you know what you’re strong or weak in.
Thanks for your interest in my work,
Delgado Makeup Artist
Here you can visit Delgado’s MySpace and ModelMayhem profiles.
Awesome interview
Thank you for all the beauty tips. I totally agree with him on the point that the foundation is a very important facet of the make up.In fact the skin must look fresh and radiant.
I have a problem by buying beauty products especially make up. I bought expensive many “fond de teint” like Dior and Chanel.Once I applied it, I found out that its color doesn’t match my skin. :(
I am a major fan of Delgado MUA, aside from just being her friend. She and I have worked together on numerous occasions. She has made me up, done my hair, designed my clothes. What a truly talented woman, with an incredible personality to match it. Did I mention she’s gorgeous? Wonderful interview!