Kristie Kennedy of Tallahassee, Florida – Make-up Artist Interview
Q: Tell a little about yourself personally and if you attended school or you are a self taught makeup artist?
A: Originally from Sarasota, Florida I have always been a free and creative spirit but for many years didn’t take it seriously until one day I took courage to follow my dreams and not someone else’s. I am a lifelong learner of many disciplines. I am both self taught and attended beauty school.
Q: Do you think going to school for make-up artistry is important to excel in the business later on?
A: I believe that learners are higher earners over the long haul and one should be committed to studying their craft to remain relevant, fresh and on the cutting edge of greatness. In my textbook for Estheticians I wrote, “learn more, be more, earn more” I strive to live by this concept.
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: For the first half of my life I was very much a tom boy and had no interest in the frills of femininity. I was quite comfy in t-shirts, jeans and sneakers. Initially, I had to learn how to do my own makeup when I was teaching modeling to young girls and then became a makeup and beauty junkie. In 2008 I attended the Aveda Institute in Tallahassee, Fl. for Esthiology and obtained my professional full specialist license.
Q: What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?
A: The “wow” moments when a woman sees herself in a whole new light as a result of a few strokes of a brush to bring out hidden beauty.
Q: What surprises you most about working as a makeup artist?
A: Unsanitary practices!!! Many women suffer from skin issues that could have been prevented if they refuse to neglect to clean makeup brushes, use disposable applicators and discard products after the expiration date.
Q: Describe your “Classic Approach to Beauty.” how do you define beauty?
A: My approach to beauty is first to find out what each one is comfortable with. Minimum, Medium or Maximum makeup application based on current skill level and personality. I define beauty as something unable to be expressed in words yet when it is experienced you cannot deny it.
Q: What individual products and brands you’re “addicted” to at the moment and you use on a daily basis?
A: In my daily routine, I use Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skin tone Illuminator, MAC eye primer, Milani Cream to Powder Foundation for full coverage, Mirabella Blush, Larenim Mineral Eye shadows, Sephora mascara etc…
Q: What are some of the most basic but effective skin care tips in general that you have, that are really important?
A: Cleanse, Tone, Moisture at least twice a day and plenty of water to flush out toxins.
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: After trying a new foundation, I experienced an allergic reaction and could not stop itching. It was a sample product, I asked the company what were the ingredients and I found that it had several chemicals that are known to cause an allergic reaction. I am serious about reading labels.
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: Applying to much makeup on their face creating a very unnatural look. I remember a woman sitting in my chair for an eyebrow service and she appeared ghostly from a masklike makeup application. Makeup should accentuate your natural features not distort them. One of the worst things a woman can do is to sleep in her makeup overnight and not wash her face on a daily basis. This will clog the pores and incite a host of problems that will be a pain to fix.
Q: What do you think are best/worst trends in the makeup / skin care industry right now?
A: Best trends are focusing on natural beauty and celebrating unique facial characteristics from freckles, to that small mole on the outer corner of the nose. Worst trend is the excessive obsession with plastic surgery and the like due to media pressure to flaunt a flawless canvas.
Q: Do teenage girls need to splurge on high-priced makeup products, or are drugstore items are just as satisfactory?
A: It is not necessary for young girls to purchase high priced products what is essential is that they learn how to apply the product. If you have good technique you can use essentially any product high or low priced.
Q: What feature(s) do you love to accentuate and why?
A: Working in an eyebrow salon has given birth to a new love. The eyebrows are the frame of the face. Taking that extra step of grooming the brow allows for the placement of eye color to be more aesthetically appealing.
Q: What are your steps for the perfect, flawless, natural look?
A: light foundation, groomed eyebrows, mascara, single neutral eye color and nude lip gloss.
Q: What is a really quick way to change a day look to a special occasion or nighttime face?
A: Intensify the eye color and add a bold lip. Allow one feature to hold the more dominating role.
Q: What are the differences between applying makeup on models and on real women?
A: When applying on models they may require a heavier application for a nice photo finish. On real women who have busy lifestyles a heavier application would consume exorbitant amounts of time and might find it a bit much. For real women, they want a less is more and get out the door look.
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 generally use a pencil and soften it with a power it is the quickest and least messy for daily application. If I’m creating a photo look, I will go with cream based for a more dramatic effect.
Q: Lip gloss or Lipstick. Which product is best? Why?
A: I believe it all boils down to personal preference. I love glosses the add a hint of youthfulness. We all want to remain forever young.
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: Currently, I am using Tarte The Eraser for under eye circles and Victoria Secrets Camouflage Concealer Palette for blemishes (post acne scarring).
Q: What do your clients think of you? What are some individual testimonials?
A: Kristie Kennedy is a fabulous makeup artist and teacher. Being my first time modeling and didn’t know what I was doing; she made me feel so comfortable. She gave me some great tips about keeping my face clean and radiant. Step by step she showed me how to put make up on the RIGHT way. Looking at each model and mine, her Master Pieces are a true work of art. I’m glad that I had the opportunity to work with her and hopefully in the future I will work with her again. I’ll give Kristie Kennedy two thumbs up!
- Alexis Eady
Working with Kristie was a very comfortable experience….comfort is very important to me. Not only did she help me maintain that feeling of ease but her makeup work was absolutely fabulous and she carried herself in a professional manner. She took her time with “painting my face” ( as I call it) and I walked in front of the camera feeling fierce and sexy!
- Keia
I participated in Kumiko Ming’s Hair Accessory photo shoot and the make-up artist at this photo shoot was Kristie Kennedy. Kristie is very experienced when it comes to make-up. She made myself and the other models at this shoot look absolutely beautiful. Kristie did a great job, she took her time and made sure each model’s make up looked flawless. Thank you Kristie Kennedy for all your hard work and a job well done.
- Lashun Shannon
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: Success doesn’t come to you, you go to it. I plan to keep making a significant impact in the beauty industry by informing, inspiring and igniting women to be their best, look their best and feel their best and never settle for anything less!
Q: What tips and advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists just starting out?
A: Be patient with your growth process. Strive to accomplish personal goals on a daily basis and stay abreast of industry trends as you purposely move forward. Always seek to learn new skills to implement in your business. Attend beauty conferences. Collaborate with other industry professionals. Be a sponge and soak up all you can!
Connect with Kristie via her youtube channel. Also visit her recommended website: Motives® Cosmetics by Loren Ridinger