We don’t usually spend a lot of time talking about lipsticks and bronzers but we thought it was critical to share this public service announcement.
There is no easy way to say this, but more times than not, your makeup artist is creating a problemed look rather than a beautiful one. It’s en epidemic! Every day we see pictures of beautiful young girls who have been fashioned to look like the social media celebrities they see ‘Instagram’ or ‘YouTube.’ It doesn’t translate well in a three-dimentional context.
For this reason, we enlisted Dustin Lujan and asked him a few key questions to help you properly instruct your makeup artist. Dustin’s editorial work and knowledge have graced assorted glossy magazines and the runways and videos of Versace, Oscar De Le Renta, Akris, Marchesa, Reem Acra, Douglas Hannant, Kim Hicks, Erin Featherston, Misha Nanoo, Victor De Souza and other esteemed fashion houses.
Below are some tips and pointers that we hope will inspire your next makeup application:
What are the most important instructions to give your makeup artist?
The most important instructions to give an artist are to give a specific idea of what you want or may need. Be specific, like how long you need the makeup to last or if you want light coverage foundation. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard women say they want a “natural look” and then they are shocked that they don’t have a smokey eye and red lips. What they meant was ‘go light on the foundation’. Remember, your makeup artist is not a mind reader and the more information about your likes and dislikes result in a better consultation. If you cant verbalize what you like, share pictures of examples of things that you are drawn to.
What are the most common mistakes makeup artists make?
One of the biggest missteps of makeup artists are not staying current and relevant to the present day. If you are stuck in the past, and are not willing to stay updated and educated, the entire industry will leave you behind.
What are the most common misdirection’s clients give?
One of the biggest client misdirection’s I have seen is poor communication. Specifically, there are three miscommunications I have seen: #1 Smokey Eye – What is a smokey eye to you? It falls between smudged eyeliner to full on black goth shadow. Find out your smokey eye. #2 Red Lip – What is your red lip? For most clients this can range from a sheer fuchsia gloss to a dark plum matte lip. Know your colors and your comfort level.
Penciled brows and crazy long lashes? Is too much ever too much?
I believe everything in moderation and blending can take you a long way. I also would like to let people know that “Instagram Makeup” and “YouTube Makeup” are not realistic in daily life. The extreme looks are meant to show up under extreme lighting and the techniques used a lot of times are to sensationalize the audience as not to loose the viewers’ interest.
You’re not fully dressed unless you’re using these products…
You are not fully dressed until you are using your skincare!!! Even the best makeup artist cant correct neglected skin. The must own products are eye cream, moisturizer and SPF. Three simple items will do wonders for the skin. Remember if you do not have a great canvas how can you paint a beautiful picture?
