Hilton Head Island Make-up Artist: Randi Arroyo Interview
August 14, 2009
Enjoy the following interview with Hilton Head Island, South Carolina based make-up artist: Randi Arroyo who was first inspired by Rick Baker’s work in The Making of Michael Jackson’s Thriller.
Q: What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?
A: All the great people I get to work with and the stunning art work that comes out of great team work.
Q: Tell a little about yourself personally and if you attended school or you are a self taught makeup artist?
A: I started doing makeup in high school, but it was more special FX. I do things like give my class mates black eyes, cuts and burns. So that made me think about going to a makeup school. I attended Joe Blasco Hollywood Makeup Center in Los Angeles CA. for both makeup and special FX.
Q: Do you think going to school for make-up artistry is important to excel in the business later on?
A: I do! It give you an idea of what you will be doing and it teaches you other techniques. I think if you have the natural talent you can only make it better by going to school.
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 horror movies and Halloween as a kid…I think the first time that I realized that it was a art form was when I saw Rick Baker on the making Thriller. I was so glued to the TV and fascinated that those zombies could be made by someone. I think then is when I decided to pursue FX makeup.
Q: What surprises you most about working as a makeup artist?
A: The long hours.
Q: Describe your “Classic Approach to Beauty.” how do you define beauty?
A: I think everyone has beauty…its just getting the camera to see it.
Q: What individual products and brands you’re “addicted” to at the moment and you use on a daily basis?
A: I love all makeup!!
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!! You wouldn’t believe how many people don’t wash there face everyday.
Q: What is the biggest skin care dont’s?
A: Mineral Oil and Fragrance
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: Not yet, Thank GOD!
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 orange makeup.
Q: What do you think are best/worst trends in the makeup / skin care industry right now?
A: Im not big on Mineral foundations…I live in the South and the humidity is to high for it.
Q: Do teenage girls needs to splurge on high-priced makeup products, or are drugstore items are just as satisfactory?
A: No, I love finding great buys at the drugstore and the dollar store. An eyeliner an eyeliner.
Q: What feature(s) do you love to accentuate?
A: Eyes.
Q: What are your steps for the perfect, flawless, natural look?
A: Less is more.
Q: What is a really quick way to change a day look to a special occasion or nighttime face?
A: Adding a dark liner to the outside corner of the eye.
Q: What are the differences between applying makeup on models and on real women?
A: Well I use to different types of foundation. I use a foundation with a heavy pigment on models and something a lot lighter on real women. Again less is more.
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 think that depends on the eye itself. If you have a large eye go for the liquid, if you have a small eye or heavy lid I would go for the pencil so you don’t get any transfer. But you can do so much with pencil liners so if I had to pick one or the other I would go with pencil….Kohl of course.
Q: Lip gloss or Lipstick. Which product is best? Why?
A: I like to mix…so both. Just dont go to heavy. A dark color makes your lips look smaller.
Q: What should a client consider before deciding to try permanent makeup? What is the difference between permanent and semi-permanent makeup?
A: Who’s going to do the makeup! Just like tattoos research your artist!!
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: Prep-H and Laura Mericer.
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 do airbrush but I dont think its meant for everyday wear. It looks great on film but to heavy for “real women” to wear.
Q: What do your clients think of you? What are some individual testimonials?
A: I am to humble for this question.
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 am doing what I love and set out to do with my life. But easy to work with … DON’T BE A DIVA! You can be replaced.
Q: What tips and advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists just starting out?
A: It takes a long time but work hard at it and don’t give up. Don’t think your above anyone.
Visit Randi’s makeup artist website, MySpace page and ModelMayhem portfolio.
Participating in my makeup artist interview series is open to members and non-members of my FREE Fashion Industry Directory by way of this makeup artist self interview Q&A form.
Self interview questions are also available for other professionals, visit my Photographer Interview and Hair Stylist Interview pages and use the contact form to submit your answers.
