Carmen Cabrera of Hollywood FL – Make-up Artist Interview
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 always an artist, I did poetry and some song writing since I was very young. I was always drawing and messing around with color. But Make up was a something that I kinda fell into. People always complimented me on how they loved my hair and make up. But the person who really inspired me was a good friend and mentor Danny Morrow he is an amazing hairstylist and make up artist.
Q: Tell a little about yourself personally and if you attended school or you are a self taught makeup artist?
A: I attended Beauty School of America in 2002 I learned some basic’s there, but I was really self taught.
Q: Do you think going to school for make-up artistry is important to excel in the business later on?
A: Yes I think education is important, no matter what type of business you pursue
Q: What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?
A: I love the transformation that is involved. I love to watch that person light up. Once they have there make up done or hair styled. Its make them feel alive and they change. They walk differently and get a little swagger… lol
Q: What surprises you most about working as a makeup artist?
A: The most surprising thing, is that anyone can say they are a make up artist..
Q: Describe your “Classic Approach to Beauty.” how do you define beauty?
A: My classic approach to beauty is natural, women naturally are beautiful… We as make up artist get to enhance that beauty.. What a blessing….
Q: What individual products and brands you’re “addicted” to at the moment and you use on a daily basis?
A: Laura mercier is one my all time favs. I use her foundation daily and love love her tinted moisturizer.. I also just fell in love with Coastel Scents pallettes , inexpensive and great pigment..
Q: What are some of the most basic but effective skin care tips in general that you have, that are really important?
A: Cleans, tone, moisturize.. Especially remember to moisturize under eye area… We all tend to get a little dry in that area.
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: Oh yea there was one time a model got a little red and freaked out from some of the make up, but It was a quick fix, removed and applied a sensitive skin foundation and she was fine…
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 some of the worst mistakes are not most woman’s fault. I think if your in a store and your guessing your foundation shade you may get it off by a few shades. I suggest you go to a beauty store and ask a pro to color match you… So you have a foundation closest to your true color.. The worst thing you can do to your skin is neglect it. SPF is important. We can get a sun damage from driving around for a few minutes and not even realize it.. Use sunblock please!
Q: What do you think are best/worst trends in the makeup / skin care industry right now?
A: I love the new summer pinks and light bronze for cheeks.. I don’t know of a worst trend to add yet? lol
Q: Do teenage girls needs to splurge on high-priced makeup products, or are drugstore items are just as satisfactory?
A: I say whatever fits your wallet? You like high end products go for it? I love drugstore to high end… It just depends…
Q: What feature(s) do you love to accentuate and why?
A: I love to work on the eyes…. There is something that occurs when you change the eyes with either pencil or eyelashes… It transforms the women from simple to vixen in minutes..
Q: What are your steps for the perfect, flawless, natural look?
A: Cleans skin, hydrate or prime… light coverage… or more spot concealing depending on skin???
Q: What is a really quick way to change a day look to a special occasion or nighttime face?
A: Add red lip stick, smoke out eyes, and mascara
Q: What are the differences between applying makeup on models and on real women?
A: There really is no difference to me.. Its all to enhance there beauty..
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 love pencil, cause I can use it in many different ways.. Oh wow I love liquid too and creme? How does a girl choose?
Q: Lip gloss or Lipstick. Which product is best? Why?
A: lipstick is my favorite but all though I love a great lipgloss….. Oh man these are hard questions?? lol
Q: What should a client consider before deciding to try permanent makeup? What is the difference between permanent and semi-permanent makeup?
A: Well permanent make up is something to consider, remember its permanent which means forever! Semi mean temporary it will eventually come off….. I would go for Semi but everyone has different reasons for this type of procedure. Always seek professional consultation…
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 love Nars concealers they are amazing………………..
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: Air brush is amazing and can save MUA alot of time while on set. It gives a flawless coverage… I love love~
Q: What do your clients think of you? What are some individual testimonials?
A: Most clients love my work and have told me that they never looked this good and know idea they could be that sexy???? What a compliment…..
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: some of my future plans are to open a make up school, I teach classes now and I love it. I also plan on making my own cosmetic line…. My life motto is “never give up” and even if you fail try again? Some words are wisdom are “dare to be different.. It will keep you separate! I learned along time ago, never get mad when people are talking about you, get mad when they stop!
Q: What tips and advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists just starting out?
A: My tips are to take as many workshops or jobs you can get… Practice Practice! Volunteer to practice on some faces and keep doing it! Eventually start your portfolio,, but never ever give up!
Visit Carmen’s official Make up Artist & Hairstylist website.
