Angela Hall of Chicago, llinois – 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’ve been doing makeup since high school. I’ve attended training courses with celebrity makeup artists like Sam Fine, Orlando Santiago and Candace Corey. I’ve recently been accepted and will be training with Emmy Award winning makeup artist Kevin James Bennett in 2012.
Q: Do you think going to school for make-up artistry is important to excel in the business later on?
A: School is not for everyone. If the school is up to date with techniques it can be great, but many aren’t. The best way to learn (for me) has been through mentorship, assisting and workshopping with successful artists.
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’ve been obsessed with makeup since I was 4. I loved the smells and colors and girliness. As I got older I loved watching makeovers and Kevyn Aucoin’s work really fanned the flame.
Q: What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?
A: The moment when someone sees himself or herself in the mirror after a transformation and they are thrilled with how they look.
Q: What surprises you most about working as a makeup artist?
A: I’m surprised sometimes that models haven’t been taught more about makeup and skin care.
Q: Describe your “Classic Approach to Beauty.” how do you define beauty?
A: Beauty is really mathematical. Symmetry is beautiful. There are certain ratios between facial features that humans identify as beautiful even across cultural lines. Outside of that I think wisdom is beautiful.
Q: What individual products and brands you’re “addicted” to at the moment and you use on a daily basis?
A: I have a product crush on Inglot eye shadows right now. They are so rich and pigmented. They are amazing.
Q: What are some of the most basic but effective skin care tips in general that you have, that are really important?
A: Clean your face, moisturize and wear sunscreen. Simple.
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: No. I hope that doesn’t mean I’m overdue…yikes
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 too much or not enough, not adapting makeup routine as our faces mature, wearing too much shimmer. Worse thing you can do to your skin ….smoke and not wear sunscreen
Q: What do you think are best/worst trends in the makeup / skin care industry right now?
A: Best trends…. No blush Bright Lips Worst trends color blocking
Q: Do teenage girls need to splurge on high-priced makeup products, or are drugstore items are just as satisfactory?
A: First, no one NEEDS expensive makeup for every day. Drugstore products can be just fine HOWEVER not all drugstore products are created equally. My favorite drugstore brands are Revlon, L’Oreal and Iman. For photos or for troubled skin though… it might be a good idea to buy a higher end foundation and I’d probably recommend Make Up For Ever.
Q: What feature(s) do you love to accentuate and why?
A: Eyes of course, but I also LOVE cheekbones. Your eyes are what “talk” to people and where the attention is focused. Cheekbones are what make you look great in pictures
Q: What are your steps for the perfect, flawless, natural look?
A: Moisturize, prime and or mattify. Fill in brows. Sheer nude shadow accent crease, correct and conceal and perfect skin with foundation. Powder as needed . Add mascara and lipgloss.Easy !
Q: What is a really quick way to change a day look to a special occasion or nighttime face?
A: Black liner on waterline and red lipstick. Takes 3 minutes and definitely amps up a look
Q: What are the differences between applying makeup on models and on real women?
A: “Real” women sometimes need some help to achieve those proportions and ratios I mentioned earlier. Most models at a certain level of the industry were born with them.
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: If I had to choose I’d fling myself off Navy Pier..lol If I HAD to choose I’d probably choose pencil. They are easy to transport and easy to sanitize. I can use them as is or a can use them with a brush too.
Q: Lip gloss or Lipstick. Which product is best? Why?
A: I rarely use lipstick on my clients. I use lip liner and gloss. I don’t see the point of adding another layer of product.
Q: What should a client consider before deciding to try permanent makeup? What is the difference between permanent and semi-permanent makeup?
A: I don’t do this type of makeup, but tattooing on your eyebrows just SOUNDS like a bad idea doesn’t it?
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: Under eye circle. Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer. Blemishes… it all depends I love Kryolan Dermacolor its kinda old school but it works. I also use Keromask and Colortration for situations that require long lasting waterproof coverage.
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: Airbrush results depend entirely on the skill of the artist. I’m trained in airbrush and traditional and I have to say I prefer traditional. I can feel the bone structure as I’m working and it helps me to shape the face and provide a more contour appearance.
Q: What do your clients think of you? What are some individual testimonials?
A: They think I’m nuts, but in a good way. I’m sassy and snarky and keep my clients laughing. Our time is up before they realize it.
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: Goals for 2012 Include doing more work with agencies and doing more print work. My life motto… Cowboy Up and Git ‘er Done.
Q: What tips and advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists just starting out?
A: Don’t buy any “colored” makeup for 6 months. Don’t look new. Do makeup, everywhere, on anyone all the time.
Connect with Angela via her Chicago make-up artist homepage and Make-up Artist Facebook profile.
