Diana Rangel of Fierce Make-up & Hair Interview
Q: Do you think going to school for make-up artistry is important to excel in the business later on?
A: Yes, because there are some basic elements a person needs to know and get critiqued on. The rest can be trial and error.
Q: Tell a little about yourself personally and if you attended school or you are a self taught makeup artist?
A: Well, I am an LA Native, I love the hot rod/pinup scene and punk rock /rockabilly music. I went to School in Hollywood inside the Sunset-Gower studios in 03.
They used to film ‘Six Feet Under’ there and I would watch the actors inside their work environment back there. This made me want to be a makeup artist even further!
Q: Did you always want 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 took 4 years of theatre in high school. I got this little Ben Nye kit that I had to learn to use. Then I got cast as 75 year old lady so I really had to use that kit! So I learned how to age myself well, age even my hands and become that person. I’ve always liked musicals, theater and Hollywood in general and admired glamour and make believe.
Q: What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?
A: Changing that person well. Being able to feel the character and portray him to the actor and see the actions taking place
Q: What surprises you most about working as a makeup artist?
A: The things I am able to do with makeup. The final result when I see the result taking place is thrilling.
Q: Describe your “Classic Approach to Beauty.” how do you define beauty?
A: I think beauty exudes from within and once my work is done, I have only enhanced that personality.
Q: What individual products and brands you’re “addicted” to at the moment and you use on a daily basis?
A: Smashbox PhotoFinish primer and Shu Uemura cleansing oil.
Q: What are some of the most basic but effective skin care tips in general that you have, that are really important?
A: Cleanse the face well after wearing makeup. If you are doing a photoshoot, don’t drink alcohol the day before.
Q: What is the biggest skin care dont’s?
A: Never sleep with your makeup on! Stop using that same sponge and clean your brushes frequently!
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: A friend of mine was doing a demo at my house of an exfoliating cleanser and it turned the girls face beet red. That sucked! Otherwise, things have been pretty tame, except for the time I poked Elvis from Left Alone’s eye by accident. I felt really shitty though – he was ok!
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: Over use the same sponges is pretty bad for skin and the worst mistake is the wrong foundation color/foundation consistency.
Q: What do you think are best/worst trends in the makeup / skin care industry right now?
A: Mineral Makeup. It’s another fad. I like that it doesn’t clog pores but I think coverage is minimal. On the other hand it’s making women excited about wearing makeup at all. So I think it’s a plus to our industry in general.
Q: Do teenage girls need to splurge on high-priced makeup products, or are drugstore items are just as satisfactory?
A: Teenage girls should mostly focus on a great skincare, spf regimen in order to avoid wearing too much makeup later on when skin is damaged.
Q: What feature(s) do you love to accentuate?
A: The eyes are my favorite. Everyone loves to look at gorgeous eyes first! Then, I like the lips because they are a true symbol of beauty and youth.
Q: What are your steps for the perfect, flawless, natural look?
A: Cleanse, apply good primer, foundation takes time, powder well!
Q: What is a really quick way to change a day look to a special occasion or nighttime face?
A: Remove lipstick, apply light foundation around the lips, powder whole face, lipliner, then a darker lipstick. Good highlighter on cheeks.
Q: What are the differences between applying makeup on models and on real women?
A: Models have attitude sometimes and have so many suggestions on how I should do my job. I don’t tell them how to do theirs so I figure they don’t take me seriously and at times that takes away my inspiration. Real women can appreciate the changes you make in them more. But I get a lot of great feedback from both sides!
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: Depends on if I need definition, then I would use liquid. For Smudge/smoke you need pencil.
Q: Lip gloss or Lipstick. Which product is best? Why?
A: Both, because they both serve their purpose. Lipstick provides the color and gloss adds the dimension. Lip-gloss is not for everyone and every look though.
Q: What should a client consider before deciding to try permanent makeup? What is the difference between permanent and semi-permanent makeup?
A: I would never recommend permanent makeup unless it is a special circumstance. I knew a lady who didn’t have eyebrows so she had them put in permanently so that’s fine. If you are under 40, I doubt permanent makeup should be considered because trends/looks change so much and you might regret it.
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 like Smasbox concealers and Laura Mercier. Great products made for MUA’s and flawless applications.
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: No, I like the standard sponge. Airbrush equipment tends to clog up, although the application is nice but I am traditional in my ways and prefer the standard application. Then the makeup artist should be called airbrush artist instead. The beauty of having a makeup artist is the hand and application, which reflects our talents.
Q: What do your clients think of you? What are some individual testimonials?
A: “We worked with Diana many times on interview shoots for LowriderPimps.com and she is amazing and always call her first for shoots, she will always be there when you ask her to be there and come with so many ideas that are perfect, she loves her job you can tell. We have not worked with a MUA that puts as much time and effort to make sure it is perfect which what We demand on my site” – LowriderPimps.com
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: Always give your best, and when that’s not good enough, keep going. Love what you do and it will love you back.
Q: What tips and advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists just starting out?
A: Don’t ever give up your dream. But make sure that you’re in it for the right reasons. Don’t get into this business expecting glamour and quick fame/cash. It takes hard work and lots of networking to get in there.
