Monique Tupa – Licensed Cosmetologist Make-up Artist Interview
Q: Tell a little about yourself personally and if you attended school or you are a self taught makeup artist?
A: I am 25 years old. I have been doing hair for the last 6-7 years (self taught), and makeup for the last year. I attended JE Boutique College of Beauty and graduated March of 2009. I became a licensed cosmetologist as of May 4th 2009.
Q: Do you think going to school for make-up artistry is important to excel in the business later on?
A: Yes, there are many techniques that you learn in a classroom that you can not learn on your own. Such as corrective makeup techniques and special effects.
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 always wanted to become a hair stylist. While in school, I decided to go ahead and take the makeup course simply because I was curious. Little did I know, I would discover that I had a true talent!
Q: What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?
A: I absolutely love my client’s reaction to my work. I love the fact that I get the chance to change the way someone looks, for the better. And most times, they love how they look!
Q: What surprises you most about working as a makeup artist?
A: Sometimes, clients have the oddest requests.
Q: Describe your “Classic Approach to Beauty.” how do you define beauty?
A: Beauty to me comes from within. You can make somebody look absolutely beautiful on the outside, but the one thing that will make or break your efforts is that persons personality. Sometimes the most beautiful person is ugly because of their personality.
Q: What individual products and brands you’re “addicted” to at the moment and you use on a daily basis?
A: Sebastian products!
Q: What are some of the most basic but effective skin care tips in general that you have, that are really important?
A: Wash your face daily, use a toner, and a sunscreen. And, only exfoliate your face once a week.
Q: What is the biggest skin care dont’s?
A: Sun damage is a big don’t.
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: Most women do not know how to properly apply foundation or eyeshadows.
Q: Do teenage girls needs to splurge on high-priced makeup products, or are drugstore items are just as satisfactory?
A: Any makeup product is not the best for your skin. Unfortunately, the problem with most products today (even higher priced products) is that they clog your pores. I would say, that any person who can afford it, should invest in a good quality mineral makeup. Not only do they calm most skin diseases/disorders, but they look good on any skin type as well.
Q: What feature(s) do you love to accentuate?
A: I love accentuating eyes and lips because that is where a person that is getting to know you looks first. They are the first thing noticed by anybody you come into contact with.
Q: What are your steps for the perfect, flawless, natural look?
A: Apply moisturizer, pat foundation onto skin, correct any flaws in the skin, lightly apply eyebrow powder, an eye shadow that is close to skin color, a natural brown eye liner (usually done with eyeshadow because it’s a softer look), and then apply cake mascara and a light blush/bronzer to the cheeks, and a light gloss to the lips.
Q: What is a really quick way to change a day look to a special occasion or nighttime face?
A: Darken eyeshadow, lips, and cheeks and apply more mascara or fake eye lashes.
Q: What are the differences between applying makeup on models and on real women?
A: Models need more makeup because they are under different lighting.
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: Cream/gel based because I find that it is easier to apply and looks a lot smoother.
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 one day be able to open my own salon out of my home. I am a mother to three beautiful babies and I am looking to be able to be home when they arrive home from school yet still be able to work. I aspire to give my clients the best experience and give them the opportunity to leave my booth feeling beautiful and in turn, that makes me feel accomplished.
Visit Monique’s MySpace page.