Interview With Vanessa Parto Mobile Makeup Artist Of Vancouver BC

Q: Do you think going to school for make-up artistry is important to excel in the business later on?

A: I think that if you have the ability and the talent to do so then you can become a successful MUA without Schooling.

However I must say that Blanche teaches you about Professionalism and they definitely fine tune your skills to the T. They also lead you in the right direction in terms of meeting the write people in the industry. My experience at Blanche was memorable!

Q: Tell a little about yourself personally and if you attended school or you are a self taught makeup artist?
A: I always knew I had a passion for makeup, since I was a young girl I would always read magazine on how to do different looks, My cousin was actually the first person who really introduced me to the higher end brands (not drug store) so since then I’ve always been fascinated by it!
I remembered the first time I step foot into Mac Cosmetics, downtown… I was like a kid in a Candy store. I’ve always loved the whole ambiance of that scene, I was so amazing and I knew I wanted to experience that in my later years!

I was always really artistic in my high school years, so when I graduated I decided that I would go to makeup school. The only school that popped in my mind was the world renowned school for MUA’s Blanche Macdonald here in Vancouver.
So that’s where I attended and took the Freelance Makeup Artist program. Since then, I’ve worked for The beauty boutique at Shoppers Drug Mart, and also Holt Renfrew for three years.

At each place, I received training from all the major cosmetic lines such as Nars, Pout, Jemma Kid, Stila, Laura Mercier, Bobbi Brown…etc. I’m grateful enough that I am able to be busy enough to take this on full time. I love making people look their best and feel their best, and I’m glad that in my work I am able to do that.

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 didn’t always want to be a MUA, It was something that I was good at and so my mom pushed me because she wanted me to do something right after high school. I wanted to get into Music school and Sing but people change, and now I’m glad that my mom pushed me into this industry because who knew that I would be successful in it if I didn’t try! So I’m thankful for that!

Q: What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?
A: The fact I am able to makeup people look their best! It’s amazing what makeup can do! Never underestimate the power of makeup!

Q: Describe your “Classic Approach to Beauty.” how do you define beauty?
A: This is one of my most favorite quotes
“Beauty comes as much from the mind as from the eye.”
-Grey Livingston. enough said.!

Q: What individual products and brands you’re “addicted” to at the moment and you use on a daily basis?
A: It’s always the discontinued products that I get addicted too!! It has to be the most annoying this about this industry! One of my absolute fav’s is Pout After glow! it was an Illuminator, it retailed for $47 it was in a pump tube, and you either mixed it with your foundation or use it as a highlighter on top, There were alot of other products that compared to it, but nothing like that formulation!
It would give anyone that JLO glow! Another amazing product is the Bobbi Brown Color Correctors. They take every ones dark circles away :)

Q: What are some of the most basic but effective skin care tips in general that you have, that are really important?
A: Sleep, Water, and a great skin care routine. Find your price point and find a great cleanser/toner/moisturizer! and STICK TO IT! people change their routine every couple months, I find its best to stick to product your skin likes so you wont break out as much!

Q: What do you find to be the most common mistakes women make with makeup?
A: Mistakes? not so much mistakes. People are very set in the way they do their makeup. All I would say is try something new once in a while. I remember that I was STUCK on having NUDE lips all the time. Then I remember trying on a Bright Coral, and it actually looked wicked in pictures. So now I’m open!

Q: What do you think are best/worst trends in the makeup / skin care industry right now?
A: The BEST is that Thick eyebrows are back in FULL effect!!
I used to be a victim of the pencil thin eyebrows, I have grown them back and they totally changed the look of my face! Eyebrows make the biggest difference. I wouldn’t say their is a worst…. :) i like all the trends right now!

Q: Do teenage girls needs to splurge on high-priced makeup products, or are drugstore items are just as satisfactory?
A: The quality of the higher end products is an obvious! I do think that it isn’t necessary to buy everything from a high end cosmetic store. The only thing I’d recommend getting at a higher end cosmetic store are just your basics!
A great foundation and concealer that is customed to your skin color and type, and a powder to set! Everything else drug store quality is good enough if your not wanting to spend oodles of money!

Q: What feature(s) do you love to accentuate and why?
A: Skin!! because If you’ve got great skin, then everything else will look even better!

Q: What are your steps for the perfect, flawless, natural look?
A: ….. A great mua, will never tell how to create that flawless complexion..that’s my secret!

Q: What is a really quick way to change a day look to a special occasion or nighttime face?
A: Heavier liner, and use a smudge brush, add a bit more blush and mascara and your good to go!

Q: What are the differences between applying makeup on models and on real women?
A: Obviously models are needing makeup for either photo shoots or editorial works so they re makeup needs to be applied a bit heavier!

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 the look! all forms are great, but depending on how dramatic you need the makeup that’s when you make the choice!

Q: Lip gloss or Lipstick. Which product is best? Why?
A: I’m a lipstick girl, I love YSL lipsticks and also Mac lipsticks for their range of color and pigments!

Q: What should a client consider before deciding to try permanent makeup? What is the difference between permanent and semi-permanent makeup?
A: NOOO permanent! that’s all I have to say!

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: Bobbi Brown color corrector! and laura mercier under eye brightening powder!

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 do airbrush makeup as well, but I find your able to control the application more if you do it yourself as opposed to using an airbrush.

Q: What tips and advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists just starting out?
A: HUSTLE!, go out there market your butt off, and the payoff is huge. :)

Connect with Vanessa via her Tumblr profiles.