Marianna Elias – Beauty, Skin Care, Make-up Advice
Q: Tell a little about yourself personally and if you attended school or you are a self taught makeup artist?
A: I consider myself self taught. I went to school to learn techniques on facial hair application, bald cups, character, etc. School taught me what I needed to succeed in the movie and television world.
Q: Do you think going to school for make-up artistry is important to excel in the business later on?
A: No. Going to school is optional in our business. Art is a talent that you either have it or you don’t. However, knowledge is power and the more you know, the better your chances to succeed.
Slash And Perla. Make-up Artist: Marianna Elias
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 was five years old when I first saw my uncle’s makeup kit. I was amused. He started by teaching me how to sketch. He has inspired me in every way in life and art.
Q: What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?
A: Everything about it. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing someone leaving your chair feeling and looking great, even if that was not how they felt when they first sat down.
Q: What surprises you most about working as a makeup artist?
A: What surprises me the most is that not everyone is as happy doing this as I am. I can’t comprehend that, this is a gift. Also, that I am getting paid for doing what I love. I consider myself lucky and I am very thankful, everyday.
Q: Describe your “Classic Approach to Beauty.” how do you define beauty?
A: I define beauty from the inside out. A genuinely kind and sincere person is beautiful to me. Regardless of how the shell looks, I will find the beauty and highlight it with my art. I believe that everyone has something beautiful about them, pay attention and you will find it.
Q: What individual products and brands you’re “addicted” to at the moment and you use on a daily basis?
A: Laura Mercier cream concealer, Yves Saint Laurent “Touche Eclat” a few little dots of this over the darkest spots works miracles, I been using it for years. Kajal,eye pencil, from India. My heated eyelash curler doesn’t pull or break lashes (My clients love it!)
Q: What are some of the most basic but effective skin care tips in general that you have, that are really important?
A: Know your skin type and your sensitivities. Let your makeup artist know on your first meeting. I suggest to all over 20 years of age to use moisturizer, sunblock if they will be in the sun and a non greasy eye cream.
Sleep is very important in how your skin looks, get at least 7 hours.
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: No
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: The most common mistake in makeup is not blending it well. As makeup artists, that is the one thing that distinguishes us from everybody else. Makeup is very personal and it creates individuality. I have a very open mind and find something beautiful in everybody’s look regardless of how the majority may feel about it. Good skin is mostly genes and a little effort. Over tanning your face for several years is probably something you will regret.
Q: What do you think are best/worst trends in the makeup / skin care industry right now?
A: That, there are no trends. This is not an era of a certain look. Everyone can customize their look to their own personality and needs. There is inspiration everywhere and freedom to be who you are.
Q: Do teenage girls need to splurge on high-priced makeup products, or are drugstore items are just as satisfactory?
A: That is exactly why I started my blog two years ago. I realized that as professionals we get gifted or have to buy certain things for work that not everyone can afford to experiment with. So, I put some high end products to the test side by side with some drugstore brands. I posted all my reviews on my blog with the hopes that people will save money and stay beautiful.
On that note, I believe that teenage girls should enhance their natural beauty with as little makeup as possible.
Q: Tell me about your blog, do you give out insider tips?
A: Absolutely. I am very confident in my work and all the knowledge and experience I have gained all these years. I am learning every day too and that is because someone else is sharing their tips. You can checkout my blog at www.theglamreporter.com
Q: What feature(s) do you love to accentuate and why?
A: Everybody’s face is unique. When I first meet with a client I talk to them for a few minutes while we prepare for our session. I study their face, how they smile, how do their facial muscles move. I then pick the feature(s) that will highlight and accentuate their beauty.
Q: What are your steps for the perfect, flawless, natural look?
A: Use a concealer or foundation with a small synthetic brush and spot cover all the little imperfections. Blend well into the skin. Use around your nose, on chin, under eyes. If you need more coverage under your eyes use a highlighter like YSL “touche éclat” (dot it on lightly, work into the skin) Use a cream blush with a synthetic brush or fingers (dub some on your lips, too). Curl your lashes; apply only one coat of black brown mascara. Apply lip balm.
Q: What is a really quick way to change a day look to a special occasion or nighttime face?
A: Pick the feature you want to highlight and go all out. If it is your eyes, then use a soft black pencil (or your favorite shadow) like BAD GAL by Benefit and apply as heavy as you want, blend it with your fingertips for a softer smoky eye. Add more mascara. If it is your lips, use a lip liner, then your favorite bold color and you are done. Add some blush and powder.
Q: What are the differences between applying makeup on models and on real women?
A: Models are used to being made up all the time and they are open to more looks. Real women get more excited with the results.
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: Every single texture of eyeliner is for a specific look, so I would pick accordingly on a situation but to answer your question. If I had to choose, I would choose crème/gel liner because it is the most versatile. You can apply light or heavy, make a clean line or smudge it and usually lasts longer than the other forms.
Q: Lip gloss or Lipstick. Which product is best? Why?
A: That is purely a personal preference. We are talking about two different products here.
Q: What should a client consider before deciding to try permanent makeup? What is the difference between permanent and semi-permanent makeup?
A: There is very few times that I have seen “good” permanent makeup. I think the concept is great for women that want to look like they are wearing makeup all the time. Do your homework as with anything else permanent. Ask for referrals and see with your own eyes. Semi-permanent makeup eventually comes off, usually after 24 to 48 hours, permanent you are stuck with it like it or not.
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: Concealer can only cover so much. It is before the concealer that I believe in. If I have a client that had a bit too much fun the night before, I prep their under eye with either cold cucumber pads or a cold eye cream. Usually when someone has partied, their skin is dehydrated. I use a little La Mer or any moisturizer will do. That will put some of the dewiness back on. For blemishes I use cold visine and that takes care of redness and swelling. The chinto concealers have been makeup artists all time back up plan, this is when I will use them.
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: Airbrushing became a bit of a fad for a few years but it has been around for a while. I like airbrushing; I find it very hygienic, faster and even. You have to know what you are doing. There is an airbrush myth that I would like to bust and that is that airbrushing equals light application. It all depends on how much makeup you shoot out and how many times you go over the same area. Airbrush makeup can be very heavy as well as very light. For a trained professional it is very easy to use the airbrush but sponge application is almost a no brainer for the majority. Finger application is not in my vocabulary, I am a germphobe.
Q: What do your clients think of you? What are some individual testimonials?
A: Here are some notes and cards that I have received, so let me just copy and paste.
“Marianna,
My Nina Simone-pink champagne gal pal! Thanks for making me look “far out” and I wish you the very best”
Anne Leighton (Star Trek)
“Marianna,
Thanks for always making my face pretty and for being an enjoyable person to work with, you are delightful girl!”
Kristina Apgar (Privileged)
“Marianna,
Thank you for making me beautiful. J I love the way you do my face and most definitely keep you in mind for the future. I am so glad we got to work together. Love, Alice”
Alice Greczyn (Prvileged)
“Marianna,
I love how you do my makeup, you make me look so good and I love when you smile at me while you do my blush, so I can smile back.”
Lucy Hale
“Marianna,
You make me look so pretty every day, thank you so much. It is so great working with you.’
Katharine McPhee
“Marianna,
It has been a great pleasure working with you. You make me look pretty every morning at 5am, Ugh!I couldn’t do it without you. Thank you, Thank you!”
Jennifer Morrison
“Marianna.
Thank you so much for making my wife look so beautiful. She looks amazing! Great job.”
Slash (velvet revolver)
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: My motto is “there is beauty in everyone and I have the tools to enhance it”. My future goals are to continue being as successful and more. No one knows this yet, since it is a concept but I am starting my own makeup line, I am very excited and it is very educating so far. I believe that it is easier to stay positive when you are happy. My biggest motivation and reason for my success comes from home and the support, patience and understanding of my beautiful husband and son.
Q: What tips and advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists just starting out?
A: Never lose hope, be persistent. If you love this, it will happen for you. Shoot for the stars. We are always going to need new makeup artists and we are happy to share the wealth. Keep practicing; do everyone’s makeup, which is how you will learn the different structures of the face. Be an individual. Go against the grain sometimes. Art is not about following, is about creating.
Thanks for the interview. Great questions.
Visit Marianna’s professional make-up artist portfolio, Twitter page and, make-up artist blog.
