Casual Q&A With Karisa Figueroa Make-up Artist
April 7, 2009
The idea behind these makeup artist interviews is the provide an information rich, personal and inspiring look at the passionate men and women who are experts when it comes to skin and hair care.
The articles are great reading material for professionals, aspiring makeup artists and hairstylists or everyday women interested in quality, ready to apply information.
Q: Tell a little about yourself personally and if you attended school or you are a self taught makeup artist?
A: I grew up with an older sister who took cosmetology. I have always loved and adored making people feel wonderful about themselves. I have not attended school for cosmetology, I am self taught.
Q: Do you think going to school for make-up artistry is important to excel in the business later on?
A: I think it is always best to get your foot in when you have an opportunity. School is a very good tool to have on your belt. Because I am self taught I am trying to get in now, and attend school as soon as possible.
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 have always wanted to be a makeup artist for “the stars!” Ever since I can remember. I just so happen to be “not so shabby” at it.
Q: What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?
A: If I WERE a makeup artist the most exciting aspect would be, that people are counting on you for your skills as a makeup artist, and also the fact you make that person feel better about themselves.
Q: What surprises you most about working as a makeup artist?
A: Since I am not employed, I guess how few clients I have.
Q: Describe your “Classic Approach to Beauty.” how do you define beauty?
A: With makeup I think when it is exaggerated it can be just as beautiful when it is barley visible.
Q: What individual products and brands you’re “addicted” to at the moment and you use on a daily basis?
A: MAC’s Studio Fix, Liquid BLACK eyeliner, and Cover Girl’s Lash Blast Mascara.
Q: What are some of the most basic but effective skin care tips in general that you have, that are really important?
A: Just making sure to wash your face day and night, tone, and moisturize!
Q: What is the biggest skin care dont’s?
A: Leave makeup on overnight, which I have done, now I have a small breakout =(
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
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: The most common mistake would be the women who put foundation only on their face and don’t blend it into their neckline. The worst thing a woman can to do to her skin would be not to take care of it by cleansing, toning, and moisturizing.
Q: What do you think are best/worst trends in the makeup / skin care industry right now?
A: The best trend is the black liquid eyeliner. While the worst trend would be, well I cant think of any.
Q: Do teenage girls needs to splurge on high-priced makeup products, or are drugstore items are just as satisfactory?
A: Depending on the drugstore item, some work just as good as any other.
Q: What feature(s) do you love to accentuate?
A: A feature I ALWAYS accentuate would be the eyes. BEAUTIFUL.
Q: What are your steps for the perfect, flawless, natural look?
A: Concealer, Foundation, Light Powder, and a tiny bit of Blush to bring out a little cheekiness.
Q: What is a really quick way to change a day look to a special occasion or nighttime face?
A: Add darker eye shadow, maybe some eyeliner.
Q: What are the differences between applying makeup on models and on real women?
A: The models make up is always so wild, and exotic. While “real women” don’t need to apply make up in that tone because they are not Putting on a show.
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 LIQUID LIQUID! I love liquid eyeliner because it doesn’t smudge when your eyelid gets oily! And it always makes a statement!
Q: Lip gloss or Lipstick. Which product is best? Why?
A: Lip Gloss, I just think the more natural approach should stay on the lips, Do up the eyes instead!
Q: What should a client consider before deciding to try permanent makeup? What is the difference between permanent and semi-permanent makeup?
A: Something to consider would be when they get tired of it then what? Permanent make up will stay for ever and Semi-permanent will wash off.
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: Cover Girl’s Lipstick concealer.
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 have never tried that to be honest.
Q: What do your clients think of you? What are some individual testimonials?
A: The clients I have had have loved my work. No complaints.
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: My goals are to be doing what I want, forever. I tell myself everyday it will happen, just have to practice, and get in where you can!
Q: What tips and advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists just starting out?
A: To keep trying because I am!
Participating in my makeup artist Q&A 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.
