Randi Arroyo of Hilton Head Island – Make-up Artist Interview
Enjoy the following interview with Hilton Head Island, South Carolina based make-up artist: Randi Arroyo who was first inspired by Rick Baker’s work in The Making of Michael Jackson’s Thriller.
Q: What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?
A: All the great people I get to work with and the stunning art work that comes out of great team work.
Q: Tell a little about yourself personally and if you attended school or you are a self taught makeup artist?
A: I started doing makeup in high school, but it was more special FX. I do things like give my class mates black eyes, cuts and burns. So that made me think about going to a makeup school. I attended Joe Blasco Hollywood Makeup Center in Los Angeles CA. for both makeup and special FX.
Q: Do you think going to school for make-up artistry is important to excel in the business later on?
A: I do! It give you an idea of what you will be doing and it teaches you other techniques. I think if you have the natural talent you can only make it better by going to school.
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 loved horror movies and Halloween as a kid…I think the first time that I realized that it was a art form was when I saw Rick Baker on the making Thriller. I was so glued to the TV and fascinated that those zombies could be made by someone. I think then is when I decided to pursue FX makeup.
Q: What surprises you most about working as a makeup artist?
A: The long hours.
Q: Describe your “Classic Approach to Beauty.” how do you define beauty?
A: I think everyone has beauty…its just getting the camera to see it.
Q: What individual products and brands you’re “addicted” to at the moment and you use on a daily basis?
A: I love all makeup!!
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!! You wouldn’t believe how many people don’t wash there face everyday.
Q: What is the biggest skin care dont’s?
A: Mineral Oil and Fragrance
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, Thank GOD!
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: Wearing orange makeup.
Q: What do you think are best/worst trends in the makeup / skin care industry right now?
A: Im not big on Mineral foundations…I live in the South and the humidity is to high for it.
Q: Do teenage girls needs to splurge on high-priced makeup products, or are drugstore items are just as satisfactory?
A: No, I love finding great buys at the drugstore and the dollar store. An eyeliner an eyeliner.
Q: What feature(s) do you love to accentuate?
A: Eyes.
Q: What are your steps for the perfect, flawless, natural look?
A: Less is more.
Q: What is a really quick way to change a day look to a special occasion or nighttime face?
A: Adding a dark liner to the outside corner of the eye.
Q: What are the differences between applying makeup on models and on real women?
A: Well I use to different types of foundation. I use a foundation with a heavy pigment on models and something a lot lighter on real women. Again less is more.
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 think that depends on the eye itself. If you have a large eye go for the liquid, if you have a small eye or heavy lid I would go for the pencil so you don’t get any transfer. But you can do so much with pencil liners so if I had to pick one or the other I would go with pencil….Kohl of course.
Q: Lip gloss or Lipstick. Which product is best? Why?
A: I like to mix…so both. Just dont go to heavy. A dark color makes your lips look smaller.
Q: What should a client consider before deciding to try permanent makeup? What is the difference between permanent and semi-permanent makeup?
A: Who’s going to do the makeup! Just like tattoos research your artist!!
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: Prep-H and Laura Mericer.
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 airbrush but I dont think its meant for everyday wear. It looks great on film but to heavy for “real women” to wear.
Q: What do your clients think of you? What are some individual testimonials?
A: I am to humble for this question.
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: I am doing what I love and set out to do with my life. But easy to work with … DON’T BE A DIVA! You can be replaced.
Q: What tips and advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists just starting out?
A: It takes a long time but work hard at it and don’t give up. Don’t think your above anyone.
Visit Randi’s makeup artist website, MySpace page and ModelMayhem portfolio.