Dina Tuff of Atlanta, Georgia – 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 was enrolled in the Barbering program when I found my passion for makeup, we learned the basics of makeup application in class however I had a strong foundation as I love to play with my own makeup. I researched numerous Makeup Artistry Programs and decided to self-educate to ensure I learned and perfected the techniques and looks most appealing to the clientele base I desired
Q: Do you think going to school for make-up artistry is important to excel in the business later on?
A: For individuals who have little knowledge of makeup and techniques such as blending and contouring, those who lack discipline or self-motivation or those who are looking to attain a particular job that requires “certification” then attending school will prove beneficial
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: Honestly I never liked makeup! As a child it seemed as though I had to sit and wait over an hour for my mother to apply her makeup for us to go anywhere so I decided early on that I would never wear makeup. It has been almost nearly 3 years to date that I began wearing makeup and it began with me acting as a model for one of my mother’s makeup parties and I fell in love immediately with the look. From there I learned different techniques on myself which I got raving reviews about and one day a friend asked me to do her makeup, I have been an addict since
Q: What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?
A: Having the opportunity to instill confidence in my ladies during the process by acknowledging their best features and teaching them how to enhance them as well as giving advice on skin care
Q: What surprises you most about working as a makeup artist?
A: How many women think “makeup” makes you beautiful rather than understanding that a healthy, radiant canvas is the basis of great makeup
Q: Describe your “Classic Approach to Beauty.” how do you define beauty?
A: Beauty starts within, that consists of your attitude and outlook on life but also what you put into your mouth. Those who eat their share of fruit, veggies & have a large intake of water have the most beautiful radiant skin so once you add makeup to the canvas they are breath taking to say the least
Q: What individual products and brands you’re “addicted” to at the moment and you use on a daily basis?
A: Flori Roberts! I am a Flori girl, I use the Enlightening system which is my cleanser, toner, moisturizer and exfoliator which promotes an even skin tones and removes dark stops, I use cream to powder Flori foundation because its smooth and weightless on my skin plus it gives the most natural look I have seen yet, I love bronzers any time of the year, sensitive eyes mascara, eye pencil and lip gloss. I am more addicted to skin care products rather than makeup
Q: What are some of the most basic but effective skin care tips in general that you have, that are really important?
A: Have a green smoothie at least 4 days a week, through in some cucumber, a handful of spinach, a mango, banana (if you desire more sweetness) and your favorite juice… you will see a difference in your skin, immune system and your energy level. Work up a sweat at least 2-3 days per week, sweat helps to tighten the skin and helps to release toxins from the skin.
You also want to use a cleanser, toner and moisturizer each morning and again at night and exfoliate 2x’s each week. For women of color like myself you really want to research the Flori Roberts Enlightening system or a complete skin care line that helps balance and even your skin tone and removes dark patches/marks
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: Apply too much! It is not cute to appear “made up” in your day to day life. An excellent foundation and powder goes on flawlessly, a women should look as though she only has her eyes & lips done up with a light blush on the cheek unless you are attending an event such as a fashion show where that made up/artificial look is desired. Also sleeping in makeup which I am guilty of at times, when you fall into that rump be sure to cleanse and exfoliate your skin the next day
Q: What do you think are best/worst trends in the makeup / skin care industry right now?
A: I love, love mineral eyeshadows when I desire to ‘POP’, I love bronzers which give a sun kissed look when the light hits you, I love the eyeshadow pallets as well
Q: Do teenage girls need to splurge on high-priced makeup products, or are drugstore items are just as satisfactory?
A: Teenagers definitely need to splurge a little if they are wearing foundation, powders and blush as these products affect their young, tender skin. We do not want to ruin our teens skin by purchasing cheap products that may cause breakouts, they also need to invest in a good skin care system that gives what their skin need as there is no one size fits all skin care product. For items such as eyeshadows, lip glosses, eye pencils and so forth teens can play with those items as they’ll be constantly adding to their collection often
Q: What feature(s) do you love to accentuate and why?
A: The best feature on my client as each woman is different, for some women its their cheeks, some have the lips… I love to play with eyes and that’s with every woman I work with. I love to add depth as the eyes are the gateway to the soul
Q: What are your steps for the perfect, flawless, natural look?
A: Less is more! You want to start with cleansing the skin very well, next lightly apply your cream to powder foundation, lightly brush on your pressed powder, touch the cheeks very lightly with some blush and have fun with your eyes and lips. Don’t forget to go into another room and lightly brush your face in the mirror to ensure you have blended well and that you look flawless in all types of lightening
Q: What is a really quick way to change a day look to a special occasion or nighttime face?
A: Use a concealer under the eyes, lightly brush on bronzer, use a eye makeup remover then redo your eyes, switch lip glosses/lipsticks and be ready in less than 10 minutes
Q: What are the differences between applying makeup on models and on real women?
A: With models you want a very dramatic look that draws attention to the makeup & outfit rather than the individual, with my everyday women you want to bring forth their best features and add incorporate their personality into the look, you also want to create a natural, flawless look that brings attention to their features rather than the makeup
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: Liquid, its quicker, easier to apply in one stroke and last longer, now I will use a pencil on my lower eyelid on myself and clients who have runny eyes which washes the liquid liner down their beautiful cheeks
Q: Lip gloss or Lipstick. Which product is best? Why?
A: Both! Lipstick is a long lasting lip liner and comes in a variety of colors that regular lip pencils are made then lip gloss to bring out the lips
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: Flori Roberts concealer works best for myself and my clients under eyes and to cover blemishes
Q: What do your clients think of you? What are some individual testimonials?
A: My clients feel as though I give well rounded advice, I get that compliment often. Also that I have a fun loving personality and that I’m very creative as I can use the same colors on 5 clients and give each an individual look that they love
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: Future goals include opening a Flori Roberts kiosk in the near future so that I can give more “everyday” women makeovers and help them create a natural, flawless look at home, I will also be adding makeup application classes this Spring for ladies looking to learn a variety of techniques and a training program for aspiring makeup artist.
We will also be launching our Curvy Girl Fitness & Pole Dancing program this summer to keep ladies work up that sweat that necessary for beautiful skin. My motto in life is to take the spiritual approach, do what feels good to your soul and when in doubt ask your heart. Those who believe always achieve!
Q: What tips and advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists just starting out?
A: Start where you are! If you don’t have the funds to invest in school right now visit your local library or Thriftbooks.com and start researching different techniques, skin types and learning how to consult with clients to find out what they desire. Start working on your creativity and just go with your flow as you are nothing more than an artist so let your light shine through on each canvas.
Write down your vision! Do you only want to do makeup, do you want to sell makeup, do you want to do models, brides, everyday women and so forth as that will help determine the path necessary for you to take. Look up the laws in your state as well as those you are considering relocating to.
Start building your portfolio today even if there are only 25 different looks on yourself, you need something to gauge your growth, strengths and weaknesses by and of course to show potential clients.
Be patient yet consistent, be humble yet confident, be professional but have fun and continue to grow in the industry, do not put limits on yourself and know I wish you nothing except the best.
Connect with Dina vie her makeup artist blog
