Beauty Tips By Makeup Artist Alondra Excene
February 9, 2010
Q: Tell a little about yourself personally and if you attended school or you are a self taught makeup artist?
A: I am currently a student at Elegance International in Hollywood, California. Throughout high school I was always experimenting with make-up on myself and on others. I love all forms of make-up. So far in school I’ve really enjoyed my theater class and my high-fashion class. My ultimate goal is to do horror films.
Q: What feature(s) do you love to accentuate and why?
A: I am a fan of blush. I always notice good cheek bones.
Q: Do you think going to school for make-up artistry is important to excel in the business later on?
A: I think school is a great way to meet people and help refine your skill, but some of the most famous make-up artists never went to school and taught themselves. I definitely needed school and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
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 wanted to be a make-up artist since freshman year of high school. This was before I really even developed the skill, but I knew it was what I wanted to do.
Q: What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?
A: There are so many things! I love meeting new people, especially people better than me because it makes me challenge myself as an artist plus opens my mind to other idea. I find a lot of inspiration through the people I work with.
Q: What surprises you most about working as a makeup artist?
A: How broad of a field it is. There are so many things you can do with make-up. For example if you know how to make prosthetics, you don’t have to use them for a horror movie, you can make them for hospitals to give to people who are missing body parts, it’s amazing!
Q: What individual products and brands you’re “addicted” to at the moment and you use on a daily basis?
A: I don’t have a particular favorite brand of make-up. Of course I like to drop some money at SEPHORA, but a lot of good make-up is sold at grocery stores and CVS. I like products that work, simple as that.
Q: What are some of the most basic but effective skin care tips in general that you have, that are really important?
A: If I’ve learned anything in school it’s that the heavy make-up takes a toll on your skin. I would recommend Derma Shield to everyone! It puts a barrier on your skin so no make-up can get through to your pores.
Also always wash your make-up off and never leave super heavy make-up on for longer than you have to, especially if you have sensitive skin.
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: Fortunately, I have not had that happen to me. But I have seem girls break out in a rash from being allergic to Spirit Gum and not knowing about it.
Q: What do you think are best/worst trends in the makeup / skin care industry right now?
A: Hmmm…not sure, of course I’m sure I can find something that I think is terrible, but everyone is unique and has the right to try their own thing. I’m sure I will always be a fan of super red lips and black eyeliner. I love the pin-up look!
Q: Do teenage girls needs to splurge on high-priced makeup products, or are drugstore items are just as satisfactory?
A: It’s fun to splurge, but it really isn’t necessary. CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart, and Target all have wonderful products. I usually only go to MAC or SEPHORA when I have gift cards because I just don’t have the money to have all my make-up from there.
Q: What are your steps for the perfect, flawless, natural look?
A: The foundation needs to be perfect! the color cannot be off at all. The contouring of the face is also important. If the foundation is set correctly, the rest of the look should just fall into place.
Q: What is a really quick way to change a day look to a special occasion or nighttime face?
A: Darker lip color and darker eyes, a darker eyeshadow or more eyeliner.
Q: What are the differences between applying makeup on models and on real women?
A: Both have flaws. You have to realize that models are people too haha.
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 like the color of liquid, it comes out very dark, but it’s hard to master. I use pencil most of the time when putting on my own make-up, but that’s just because it’s what I’m most comfortable with.
Q: Lip gloss or Lipstick. Which product is best? Why?
A: I like the colored lip glosses. I am in love with NYX right now. Their red lip gloss is amazing!
Q: What should a client consider before deciding to try permanent makeup? What is the difference between permanent and semi-permanent makeup?
A: Women should consider the way their face will look like in 20+ years. Your skin will sag over time, and your face will most likely not be symmetrical. If you have permanent make-up, your eye brows may end up in two different places, your lips may look un-even. Plus the color will fade over time. I would not recommend 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: My school, E.I. makes excellent concealers.
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 personally have not used an airbrush machine but have friends that do. It makes applying foundation much easier and makes other applications easier too.
Q: What do your clients think of you? What are some individual testimonials?
A: I’ve had people tell me I have a great personality and am easy to get a long with. :)
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 would love to do horror movies someday!!! My is my ultimate goal, but I want to do everything this business has to offer.
Q: What tips and advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists just starting out?
A: Well I am new and aspiring, so if anyone has tips and advice I’d love to hear it!
Visit Alondra’s MySpace and ModelMayhem profiles.
Participating in my make-up 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.
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