Makeup Artist

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Look for honesty, reliability, professionalism, someone who listens to their client to help them achieve their desired look for the special occasion. Don't be afraid to ask questions, bring photos of any specific looks you have in mind and always feel free to give your input throughout the process. This is your day...your look! Makeup should be fun and transform you into anything you envision...whether it be soft and natural or glammed up and sexy. Talk to your makeup artist...express your opinions and areas of concern, or perhaps areas you'd like to play up. The collaboration is the best part!

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

A. I feel it's important for a person to know their personal makeup style...some like smokey and defined, others like natural and soft. Knowing the look you're going for will help the artist not only create that very look, but teach you techniques to use on a daily basis. Ask your artist questions...tricks of the trade for any specific area you'd like to focus on. Schedule an appointment for a lesson to learn the basics, and how to enhance them into a different look. This is our passion, as artists, so we love to talk about it and teach.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. I would ask for a technique trial...test their service out. Feel their touch, notice their use of color and whether or not you're comfortable with their choice(s). The point is not to critique the artist, but rather work with them to create your ideal look. Give them feedback...work together. It's a vision, so make it happen! A good makeup artist will ask you about the color scheme you're working with, the overall look you have in mind, and at what point can the artist and model work together to achieve this look.