Karen Hough of Kansas City – Make-up Artist Interview
Q: Do you think going to school for make-up artistry is important to excel in the business later on?
A: I don’t think so. I think there are many ways to learn. Practice, read books and more practice. Many people gain experience working for a cosmetic line in retail.
I am sure school is very beneficial, but you can get training others ways as well.
Q: Tell a little about yourself personally and if you attended school or you are a self taught makeup artist?
A: I am a Licensed Esthetician since 2004 and a Freelance Makeup Artist based in Kansas City. I took extra training through the Makeup Artist Workshop given by Candace Corey in Chicago, Illinois.
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 have always wanted to, but I really had no idea of how to go about it when I was younger. I wish we went more into makeup artistry when I was in Esthetics school and so after I had a child I felt it was either now or never to try and become a makeup artist and that is when I took the Makeup Artist Workshop in Chicago and started freelancing.
Q: What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?
A: I just get so excited before a job because I love to make someone pretty by bringing out their own beautiful features. I love to create and experiment with color. To me it is all fun.
Q: What surprises you most about working as a makeup artist?
A: Oh, the things I hear when people are in my chair:)
Q: How do you define beauty?
A: I think it is being comfortable in your own skin and having self confidence. I think it is the ability to take what life throws at you and keep your head up and handle it with grace.
Q: What individual products and brands you’re “addicted” to at the moment and you use on a daily basis?
A: I am loving colored mascara. Blue and purple, usually just on them lower lashes.
Q: What are some of the most basic but effective skin care tips in general that you have, that are really important?
A: Keep a daily skincare routine. Wash with an appropriate wash for your skintype and MOISTURIZE! Don’t forget about the lips too. Great makeup begins with great skin.
Q: What is the biggest skin care dont’s?
A: Don’t use too harsh of products that strip your skin.
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 worst is tanning and not keeping it hydrated to where it is really rough.
Q: Do teenage girls needs to splurge on high-priced makeup products, or are drugstore items are just as satisfactory?
A: I think they should splurge on a foundation whether it be liquid or mineral. One that works well for them is worth the price. I think for trendier things like a bright color for the season is ok to use drugstore items.
Q: What feature(s) do you love to accentuate?
A: Eyes
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: If I could just choose one I would probably choose pencil. Because you can use a little and smudge it for more natural look or apply more for more dramatic. You can also use it to line the waterline as well.
Q: Lip gloss or Lipstick. Which product is best? Why?
A: Depends on what you like. I tend to go for lip gloss, but ultimately it doesn’t last as long.
Q: What tips and advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists just starting out?
A: Network and don’t give up.
Visit Karen’s MySpace profile and ModelMayhem portfolio.