Nicole Grote of Louisville, KY – Makeup 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 certified makeup artist through Estee Lauder Companies, and continue to attend educational seminars and training schools to “stay current” on trends etc. I am also a Regional Makeup Artist for Estee Lauder.
Q: Do you think going to school for make-up artistry is important to excel in the business later on?
A: Definitely. I think that the knowledge gained through training enables you to be that much more creative once you have learned the basics.
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 loved makeup since I was very young, but I stumbled into the career while trying to become a manager at Dillard’s. They had a Counter Manager position at Estee Lauder, and I took it. Within just a few days, I knew what I wanted to do with the rest of my life :) I can’t imagine doing anything else now.
Q: What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?
A: I love the challenge of each new face, and watching the transformation. I love enhancing natural beauty and watching women “glow” as they look at themselves in the mirror after the makeup application.
Q: What surprises you most about working as a makeup artist?
A: I love that there are so many ways to apply makeup. The possibilities are endless!
Q: Describe your “Classic Approach to Beauty.” how do you define beauty?
A: I think “beauty” is something from within, and that my job is to help reflect that “beauty” through custom makeup application by enhancing each unique feature of the face.
Q: What individual products and brands you’re “addicted” to at the moment and you use on a daily basis?
A: Estee Lauder ReNutriv Transparent Loose Face Powder, Mineral Based Airbrush Foundation, Estee Lauder Ideal Light Concealer, Illamasqua Cream Blushers, Revlon ColorBurst Glosses
Q: What are some of the most basic but effective skin care tips in general that you have, that are really important?
A: Water! Drink lots and lots of water, and you will see some dramatic differences in the way your skin looks and feels. Use a great moisturizer, and exfoliate once or twice a week to help with cell turnover.
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: Personally, I used an expired moisturizer under my foundation.. It “pilled” up under the makeup, and looked terrible. Just because it still smells and looks good, doesn’t mean it still works after expiration…
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: Wearing the wrong shade of foundation.. Not wearing a long lasting eyeliner.. Over exfoliate or strip their skin by removing makeup with rubbing alcohol..
Q: What do you think are best/worst trends in the makeup / skin care industry right now?
A: Best: Gorgeous Lashes – Love Lancome’s “doll eyes” campaign Worst: Super wide black wings on the eye lid
Q: Do teenage girls need to splurge on high-priced makeup products, or are drugstore items are just as satisfactory?
A: I always vote for department store foundations, but things like mascara and lipsticks can be purchased at the drugstore..i.e. Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion mascara and L’oreal Infallible Rouge lipsticks
Q: What feature(s) do you love to accentuate and why?
A: Always the eyes. I love the challenge of each person’s unique lid space and eye shape. They always offer the most noticeable transformation.
Q: What are your steps for the perfect, flawless, natural look?
A: Prep the skin with a repair and moisturizer product. Use a high quality foundation. Apply Blush and top with powder. Wet tissue and dab on top of the powder/blush combo..Will give a natural glow. Apply matte white shadow and some mascara. Add gloss. Done.
Q: What is a really quick way to change a day look to a special occasion or nighttime face?
A: Add more intense eyeshadow shades and touch up liner and lipstick.
Q: What are the differences between applying makeup on models and on real women?
A: You can mix things up a little more with real women, while models at runway shows have a pre-planned face chart.
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: When applying to myself, I love Lauder’s Double Wear eye pencils. When applying to clients, I love Lauder’s Double Wear Gel Liners..They look amazing, but are harder to apply with a brush on yourself.. I’m a perfectionist, and have an easier time using a pencil on myself, and it’s easier for me to use the gel on clients..Plus, I can continue sanitizing the brush with the gel liner and the effect looks like liquid. Liquid is impossible to use from client to client (no way to keep sanitary).
Q: Lip gloss or Lipstick. Which product is best? Why?
A: Lipstick with gloss over it. I like both.
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: Ideal Light Concealers..The perfect amount of coverage :) (Estee Lauder Brand)
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: The finish you get from airbrush foundation is phenomenal. I’m a complete convert. They are easier to use, faster, and cleaning is a cinch.
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: I always want to strive to learn and stay current on trends. I never want to get stuck in a makeup rut, and I want to be known for the ability to give exactly the look my clients are going for. I want every woman that I work with to feel her most beautiful when she sees herself in the mirror.
Q: What tips and advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists just starting out?
A: Make sure to take as many makeup courses as possible. Watch youtube videos and learn from other artists. Always strive to learn and never be afraid to try new things. If it doesn’t look good, it washes off! Try, try again. :)
Connect with Nicole via her website: Airbrush Makeup for High Definition Photography
