Neelam Pillay uf Vancouver, Canada – 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: I am a freelance MUA! I would say a female can never have enough best friends, so with that said- makeup should be one of them.
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 knew I wanted to me an artist ever since I could remember. I was always was so fascinated by everything that I saw the older women around me were wearing on their eyes, lips, etc.
Q: Do you think going to school for make-up artistry is important to excel in the business later on?
A: I would say it’s 50-50. School teaches you not only the makeup but also the business and professional side. Being a makeup artist doesn’t only mean that you have to be an artist with the way your hands work but also with your mind. Creativity is key. If you already have creativity as your talent then I believe you are set. There are no right or wrongs, rules or boundaries when it comes to makeup.
Q: What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?
A: Meeting and working with different people all the time is great. I also love transforming my client and letting them know many ways to enhance their beauty.
Q: Describe your “Classic Approach to Beauty.” how do you define beauty?
A: The thing many people don’t understand about makeup is that it should be used in a way to bring your best face forward. It helps you enhance what you already have rather than just splashing and covering your whole face with colors and products that hide who you really are. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes you just have to take the time to show it off!
Q: What individual products and brands you’re “addicted” to at the moment and you use on a daily basis?
A: Well it’s summertime ya’ll! You know what that means, you got to protect your face with some SPF and at the same time find products that will help your look stay in place and last longer. You don’t want your makeup melting.
Currently I’m loving:
1. STILA Prime Pot IN COLOR TAFFY…. which is also WATERPROOF
2. MAC SPF tinted moisturizer IN MEDIUM… This is a MUST for summer. It makes your beauty routine a whole lot quicker as well since you skip the foundation, moisturizer and sunscreen routine.
3. BARE MINERALS FOUNDATION SPF 15 in MEDIUM TAN
4. MAC eyelash curler with MABELLINE GREAT LASH BLACKEST BLACK MASCARA
5. SMASHBOX blush in baked starburst
Q: What are some of the most basic but effective skin care tips in general that you have, that are really important?
A: Wash your face daily, eat healthy, drink lots of water, get a good cleanser, mask, exfoliator and moisturizer. Simple things like this can give your face and body an everlasting glow!
Make up does not do wonders if your face is unhealthy.
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: Sleep with make up.
Q: What do you think are best/worst trends in the makeup / skin care industry right now?
A: The best tends right now I would say are big beautiful eyebrows, since they look natural and not painted on in a skinny arched shape. Red lips, highlighting and cat eyeliner are also great trends. Worst trends are probably super dramatic false lashes that look hideous when you look down. Matching your eyeshadow, lip color and blush are also not very good trends.
Q: Do teenage girls need to splurge on high-priced makeup products, or are drugstore items are just as satisfactory?
A: It’s better to go for drugstore items when you are a teenage girl so you don’t break out with the high end products. Don’t forget your face is still immature at this point.
Q: What feature(s) do you love to accentuate and why?
A: Eyebrows, cheek bones, shape of the lip and contouring into the crease of the eyelid.
Q: What are your steps for the perfect, flawless, natural look?
A: Moisturize. Prep your face eyelids and lips. Concealer & powder. Blush and double coat of mascara. Comb and fill in brows. Done!
Q: What is a really quick way to change a day look to a special occasion or nighttime face?
A: Add some highlight on cheekbones, switch to a darker lip stick, apply eyeliner and wing it out.
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 would recommend airbrushing for weddings only. It takes time and you have to be patient in order to get the finished look. It does a great job creating a flawless coverage but at the same time it doesn’t look as natural as makeup would if you use the delicacy of your own fingers.
