Certified Makeup Artist - Airbrush Specialist

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. The thing I feel that customers should be the most curious about is: Is this Make-up Artist using the proper hygiene procedures? I see a lot of unsanitary make-up applications going on and it makes me concerned for the person getting the make-over. When in doubt, walk away.

My favorite "trade secret" is if your mascara gets under your eye or on your lid while you are doing your makeup, don't wipe it away. It will smear. Instead continue doing your makeup and let it dry, then you will be able to scrape it off gently with your nail, leaving no mark.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. I would like my prospective clients to know that there are a lot of Makeup Artists out there who simply woke up one day and decided to be a Makeup Artist. Some of them have a natural gift for it, but for many, the case is they think it will just be easy and fun. I've trained for two years to be a Make-up Artist and while it is fun, it's a lot of hard work as well. I feel that customers should know that Make-up Artists are service professionals and should expect to pay us as they would any other service professional. In my experience, you often get what you pay for. None of this is to say that I am over-priced or will charge you an arm and a leg, simply that my charges are fair (excellent, actually) for the level of service I provide.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. Two of the main reasons I stand out from my competition are my great ability to choose the right colors for any client and my advanced knowledge and techniques with regards to airbrush make-up. Additionally, I really care that my clients are truly happy with how they look and I love making women feel more confident.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. Seeing my clients go to their events more confident for what I've done for them is my favorite part. And, oh yes, the make-up!

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. "What color do you think suits me?" I usually ask them what colors they like best and take it from there. It's all about what makes each person feel good about themselves.

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. The other day I was doing makeovers for a charity event and a little boy came up to where I was doing his mother's make-up, saw me mixing a brown toned foundation and asked, "Why is she going to put fudge on your face?". I was hysterical! That particular makeover was very rewarding because the mother didn't believe I would be able to match her color. Not only did I do so to her delight, I taught her how to hide the dark circles under her eyes. She had tried everything! She was so happy with the result that I applied setting spray and gave her some lipstick so she could go out that evening in the make-up. It makes me happy to make others happy with my make-up.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. There are several things I would like people to know about myself and the profession of Make-up Artistry; one thing I would like them to know about me is that I do this because I love to do it. I had my choice of careers to switch to as I have lots of other skills. I chose to be a Make-up Artist because I have a passion for it. I would also like them to know that I pride myself on my positive attitude.
Something I would like them to know about Make-up Artistry is that when you are looking to hire someone like myself, please keep in mind that I am a Professional. I've spent countless hours in classes and at trade shows making sure I know the best make-up for any purpose and that I know the latest techniques as well as what suits whom. As with any Professional, you will generally get what you pay for; please don't contact me with the thought that anyone can do make-up. I have trained, researched and studied to ensure I am bringing you the best make-up application possible. If you use a non-professional Make-up Artist, the results will show that.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. I've always had a passion for make-up, but four years ago I started my blog. Myself and my five co-editors review beauty products- be it make-up, haircare or bodycare. This is what really started th ball rolling. Eventually I started answering ads for Make-up Artists to do photo shoots on Craigslist. I had some really great experiences but I wanted to learn more. I applied for a grant to attend the Makeup Designory in SOHO, NYC and after a year of taking classes anywhere I could, the grant came through and I enrolled full-time in school. I absolutely loved school and I learned so much more than I had hoped for. After school, I hung out my shingle and became a freelance Make-up Artist/ Hairstylist. You may see my entire resume at my website, HillaryWehrle.com.