Genn Shaughnessy – Make-up Artist, Hair Designer Interview
Enjoy this Q&A with professional makeup artist and hair designer Genn Shaughnessy of Upstate New York.
Loved her clever answer to my question:
Q: What are the differences between applying makeup on models and on real women?
A: Real women are usually nicer and actually eat. ;)
Q: Do you think going to school for make-up artistry is important to excel in the business later on?
A: I think education is VERY important in all fields.
Q: Tell a little about yourself personally and if you attended school or you are a self taught makeup artist?
A: I have always been an Art Enthusiast. Since I was a kid, I was very hyper so my mom always shoved markers, paints and what have you in my face to keep me occupied.
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 kind of stumbled upon it. I never really knew what I wanted to be until I became a MUA, then I knew it was my destiny.
Q: What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?
A: That it never feels like work and no matter what is going on in my personal life, it’s also kind of like therapy.
Q: What surprises you most about working as a makeup artist?
A: Nothing surprises me anymore, I feel like I’ve seen way too much already!
Q: Describe your “Classic Approach to Beauty.” how do you define beauty?
A: Everything is beautiful! I can appreciate all sorts of beauty. Women never know how beautiful they are and it’s such a shame.
Q: What individual products and brands you’re “addicted” to at the moment and you use on a daily basis?
A: I’m obsessed with MUFE High Def. Setting powder.
Q: What are some of the most basic but effective skin care tips in general that you have, that are really important?
A: Simple, take care of your skin, every morning and night. Come up with a regimen that works for you and take care of yourself.
Q: What is the biggest skin care dont’s?
A: DON’T SLEEP WITH YOUR MAKEUP ON!
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: Not yet!
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: I think the most common mistake is too much black eyeliner! I see these girls/women that looked like they applied black eyeliner on in a crazy frenzied trance! it ends up taking over their entire eye area and you just end up staring at that! UGH that and when women don’t take care of their acne.
Q: What do you think are best/worst trends in the makeup / skin care industry right now?
A: I think now it’s just to each his own, I think that’s great. all trends are is marketing anyways.
Q: Do teenage girls needs to splurge on high-priced makeup products, or are drugstore items are just as satisfactory?
A: Not at all. Work within your budget. There is no need to starve yourself or go broke trying to live outside your means. There are always ways to work around it!
Q: What feature(s) do you love to accentuate?
A: Ahh eyes, cheekbones and lips!
Q: What are your steps for the perfect, flawless, natural look?
A: Complexion, lashes and lips…. a little foundation, cream blush, mascara and gloss…. comb your eyebrows neatly and that’s a good start.
Q: What is a really quick way to change a day look to a special occasion or nighttime face?
A: Keep a tapered blending brush and a black shadows in your bag, along with a daring red lipstick! That’s all you ever really need. If your even more daring, throw on a pair of Faux lashes and your all set!
Q: What are the differences between applying makeup on models and on real women?
A: Real women are usually nicer and actually eat. ;)
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: Neither. I always use a powder…. If I had to choose for myself, well that’s easy, I wear a liquid liner almost every day.
Q: Lip gloss or Lipstick. Which product is best? Why?
A: It really depends on what the client is looking for… They are both wonderful products but a very personal choice.
Q: What should a client consider before deciding to try permanent makeup? What is the difference between permanent and semi-permanent makeup?
A: Permanent make up is going to fade, period. I am very skeptical of anything cosmetic that is supposed to be permanent.
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 am obsessed with Lancome Effacernes right now. It’s waterproof!
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 only use airbrush for special efx. I am a master with a brush and am not giving that up anytime soon.
Q: What do your clients think of you? What are some individual testimonials?
A: That I am a very positive person to be around and they feel special every time they get their makeup / hair done by 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: In 5 years I hope to be in California working on movie sets in Special EFX. I always remember that hard work does pay off. There is also “an ass for every seat” NO matter what line of work you are in, there is something for everyone. Competition is healthy and should never hinder or hurt your progress, it should only make you work harder.
Q: What tips and advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists just starting out?
A: It’s not about you, so make sure you make it about your clients. ALWAYS
Genn has a long and impressive list of professional credits, visit her Make-Up Artist – Hair Designer – Fashion Stylist homepage as well as her: Model Mayhem profile.