Stephanie Mazzeo – Airbrush Make-up Artist Interview
Enjoy the following informative interview with Florida based pro airbrush make-up artist Stephanie Mazzeo, who has this great line in the Q&A below: “I think smokey eyes have run their course and we need to move on”.
Q: What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?
A: I love seeing the beautiful way makeup can transform a person’s self esteem just by making them feel better about themselves.
Q: Tell a little about yourself personally and if you attended school or you are a self taught makeup artist?
A: I’ve been working as a makeup artist since 1990. I began as self-taught but attended Joe Blasco’s Makeup Studio in South Beach, Florida – I’ve since attended numerous workshops, seminars and pro-classes with different companies.
Q: Do you think going to school for make-up artistry is important to excel in the business later on?
A: I believe attending a makeup school or classes will often show you some very helpful hints. It never hurts to have schooling behind you.
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 makeup since I was a little girl. I used colored chalk as makeup but realized it doesn’t easily wash off. I attended John Casablanca’s Model Management and learned makeup application. In 1990, I was asked to assist a Kiss tribute rock band with their stage makeup. After that I began doing makeup as more than a hobby.
Q: What surprises you most about working as a makeup artist?
A: Competition is very cut-throat. More so now then when I first started in the business.
Q: Describe your “Classic Approach to Beauty.” how do you define beauty?
A: Enhancing one’s natural features to the point of gorgeous.
Q: What individual products and brands you’re “addicted” to at the moment and you use on a daily basis?
A: I don’t have any one specific brand but I do adore any mattifying gels or primers
Q: What are some of the most basic but effective skin care tips in general that you have, that are really important?
A: Drink lots of water, wear sunscreen, be cautious of the foods you eat, treat it delicately, always wash off makeup before bed.
Q: What is the biggest skin care dont’s?
A: Don’t stretch or pull on your skin, do not pick at blemishes, avoid harsh products.
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: I have never personally had any model, bride or other have any adverse reaction to any makeup application or skin product.
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: Tanning is really not healthy for the skin and can show signs of aging much sooner. Not blending the makeup or using the incorrect colors.
Q: What do you think are best/worst trends in the makeup / skin care industry right now?
A: I think smokey eyes have run their course and we need to move on, I like natural beauty the best.
Q: Do teenage girls needs to splurge on high-priced makeup products, or are drugstore items are just as satisfactory?
A: You get what you pay for. It depends on the use. For everyday, going to school, shopping, etc. drugstore brands are fine. If you want makeup to last and look good on photos, than some sort of monetary investment is required.
Q: What feature(s) do you love to accentuate?
A: My favorite is the cheeks.
Q: What are your steps for the perfect, flawless, natural look?
A: Clean, healthy skin.
Q: What is a really quick way to change a day look to a special occasion or nighttime face?
A: Darken the eyes and lips. Add some shimmer.
Q: What are the differences between applying makeup on models and on real women?
A: All makeup should be applied beautifully but knowing which medium makes a difference on the type of makeup used. For example: HD would not suit well with anything that has glitter but a woman going out to a fun party may want the sparkle.
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 prefer to use powder eye shadow as a liner because I find it gives a softer blend, but otherwise a pencil is preferred.
Q: Lip gloss or Lipstick. Which product is best? Why?
A: I prefer lipstick with gloss over it. Lipstick for the opacity of the color and gloss for the added shine
Q: What should a client consider before deciding to try permanent makeup? What is the difference between permanent and semi-permanent makeup?
A: I am one who likes to try different color combination and change things up so I am not fond of permanent makeup. Anyone who is should be sure to seek out a true professional. It is after all, 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 use several brands for different situations. Makeup Forever, MAC, Smashbox, the list is endless…
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 have used an airbrush and can recommend it for specific situations. The same look can still be acheived by hand. I prefer water based cosmetics for airbrushing so as not to breathe in harsh chemicals.
Q: What do your clients think of you? What are some individual testimonials?
A: My clients seem to find me friendly and professional – I am easy to get along with. Very sociable.
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: Live, laugh, love – it covers all aspects….
Q: What tips and advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists just starting out?
A: Practice, practice, practice
Visit Stephanie’s make-up artist website and Model Mayhem portfolio.
