Rachel Rae, Erica Ann Of Rouge Artistry – Make-up Artist Interview
Enjoy this 100th Q&A of my artist interview series with some informative answers from a duo of make-up artists: Bay Area and Central Valley, California based wedding, glamour, high fashion, pin-up, and natural make-up artists Rachel Rae and Erica Ann.
Q: Do you think going to school for make-up artistry is important to excel in the business later on?
A: We feel any type of education is important. Although, we are both professional and successful MUA’s without any formal schooling for Makeup Artistry. As long as you put 110% of effort into your work, you will always be successful.
Q: Tell a little about yourself personally and if you attended school or you are a self taught makeup artist?
A: We are both self taught Makeup Artists and we have professional experience in the cosmetic industry.
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: Rachel Rae: I’ve always been into makeup and fashion for as far back as I can remember, during high school I was always the “go to” girl for makeup and sometimes hair. My mom always was so stunning to me when she would carefully and tastefully apply her makeup and I knew from watching her I wanted to do just that but to everyone.
Erica Ann: I didn’t stumble upon my talent, I’ve been interested in Makeup from the time I was really young. Kevin Aucoin was the first makeup artistry book I bought and seeing the transformation he could do on different and diverse faces really pushed me to pursue my dream.
Q: What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?
A: Rachel Rae: The most gratifying aspect of my job is seeing what different changes and looks one persons face can undergo with just a few flicks of the wrist. Also, when a client leaves with not just the knowledge but confidence they imagine they have when they’re at home in front of the mirror.
Erica Ann: The most exciting part of my job is visualizing a concept and seeing myself transform it not just on to ones face but inflicting it into their confidence.
Q: What surprises you most about working as a makeup artist?
A: Rachel Rae: What surprises me the most is how many different looks, concepts and ideas you come up with everyday objects around, and being able to express it with different faces.
Erica Ann: Being able to emphasize someones features to really show something unique and beautiful about them.
Q: Describe your “Classic Approach to Beauty.” how do you define beauty?
A: Rachel Rae & Erica Ann: Beauty is how you feel on the inside and are able to reflect it on the outside for everyone to enjoy.
Q: What individual products and brands you’re “addicted” to at the moment and you use on a daily basis?
A: Rachel Rae: Makeup Forever’s HD foundations set with MAC studio fix powder, NARS Orgasm blush and Laguna Bronzer, Guerlain Le 2 de mascara and all shadows from MAC, NARS, and MUFE. Roman Holiday from NARS is also the perfect touch to any look!
Erica Ann: Makeup Forever’s HD foundation, NARS blushes especially “Outlaw”, “Angelica” and “Taos,” Laura Mercier’s setting powder, Boujois Liquid Liner, Mac eyeshadows, Urban Decay eyeshadow pallets and Makeup Forever’s eyeshadows as well.
Q: What are some of the most basic but effective skin care tips in general that you have, that are really important?
A: Rachel Rae & Erica Ann: SUNBLOCK SUNBLOCK SUNBLOCK! Moisturizer is a must for all types of skin. Falling asleep with your makeup on is a no-no in our book, and always treat yourself to a facial every once in a while!
Q: What is the biggest skin care dont’s?
A: Forgetting your sunblock and not moisturizing (even if you have oily skin, it still needs hydration!). And leave those pimples alone!
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: Rachel Rae: well.. I’ll let Erica Ann explain this one..
Erica Ann: Never use overly abrasive skin care products, ALWAYS read labels and don’t try to use too many products at once because, a chemical burn is possible.
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: We feel the most common mistake a woman can make with her makeup is an improper color match (too dark or too light of a foundation) and when bronzer is applied all over the face. Bronzer is made as a contouring tool.
Q: What do you think are best/worst trends in the makeup / skin care industry right now?
A: The worst trend would have to be the Amy Winehouse eyeliner. It’s a little extreme, you want to accentuate your features, not add negative ones. As far as skin care goes you don’t want to use a product that is geared for “everyone” you want an customized skin care regimen. Any trend is good, as long as it’s done tastefully.
Q: Do teenage girls needs to splurge on high-priced makeup products, or are drugstore items are just as satisfactory?
A: In any case, regardless of age, you get what you pay for.
Q: What feature(s) do you love to accentuate?
A: Rachel Rae: Love contouring cheek bones with bronzer, eyes, and lips Erica Ann: Eyes, cheek bones, eyebrows, lips.
Q: What are your steps for the perfect, flawless, natural look?
A:
1) MOISTURIZER! preferably with an SPF in it
2) A face primer for a flawless application of foundation
3) Medium coverage liquid foundation
4) Concealer under eye and around nose
5) setting powder all over the face
6) blush/bronzer
7) a neutral shadow all over the lid
8) finish with mascara and a little gloss for that natural everyday look
Q: What is a really quick way to change a day look to a special occasion or nighttime face?
A: Adding a pop of color to either eyes, cheeks or lips, but never all 3.
Q: What are the differences between applying makeup on models and on real women?
A: Typically makeup application on real women is not as heavy, and dramatic. Models are under hot lights and flashes so the excess of makeup is necessary to achieve the right look.
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: Rachel Rae: I prefer to work with pencil for a smokey look and a creme/gel when I want a more defined look.
Erica Ann: I feel that with liquid you get a more solid of defined line.
Q: Lip gloss or Lipstick. Which product is best? Why?
A: Lip Liner and Gloss! You can create many different looks and who doesn’t like a little shine on the lip?!
Q: What should a client consider before deciding to try permanent makeup? What is the difference between permanent and semi-permanent makeup?
A: Always consider that trends change, so if you’re going to permanently have makeup applied then make sure you’re going to want the same look for a very, very long time.
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: Rachel Rae: Benefit’s erase paste and MAC potted concealer.
Erica Ann: MAC potted concealer.
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: You will more than likely get a better result with airbrush, however, if you’re doing for as an everyday makeup we recommend using your standard foundation application, whichever that may be. Airbrush is typically used for photos hoots, professional pictures or special occasions.
Q: What do your clients think of you? What are some individual testimonials?
A: Clients warm up to us very easily. We have never gotten a negative feedback from work we have done and are always looking to never meet your expectation, but to exceed it.
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: Our goals as makeup artists is none other than to eventually come out with our own high-end product line that every woman can use, no matter what age, race or skin type. As MUA’s, just knowing that we’re instilling confidence and education to each client we work with it keeps us remembering that achieving any goal we put our mind to.
Q: What tips and advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists just starting out?
A: Never be afraid to try new things and practice, practice, practice! Never turn down any opportunity presented to you and always be willing to work for free.
Visit their business: Rouge Artistry’s MySpace page and Model Mayhem portfolio!