For my readers out there that love to get “done up” and have a passion for makeup, then you may just want to read on about how I find and work with many makeup artists. Most of my friends in the entertainment business are makeup artists, hairstylist, photographers, fashion stylist etc. It’s just the nature of the beast and I have a MAJOR obsession for the art of makeup, so makeup artists seem to gravitate towards me lol. I have been a huge lover of makeup for YEARS stemming from when I use to sit on the bathroom counter and admire how my mom would apply her makeup and lashes! Now me and my own daughter are addicted to makeup and we LOVE to play in it, get our faces done and time to time, I dibble dabble around with doing my own face. Lord knows, I’m not that good at it but I KNOW for sure what it should look like. With many trial and errors over the years, I have found some AMAZING makeup artists around town and in other cities. How can one find a great makeup artist and work with them? Come inside for some great tips and more!
I would say that first you have to network your butt off! Most people do reach out to me and say they would like to do my makeup and I visit their websites or Instagram, Facebook pages and I then decide if I want to work with them or not. Some I meet out or find online.
Some makeup artists I do a trial run with, if I like them afterwards, then I will use them. I do tell them up front though that I have to be fair and use others I know too. I am not exclusive with anyone right now. I like to spread the love. It’s not that I am not loyal, its just that I love so many different makeup artists. Also, some are good at certain looks while others are just damn good at everything, you know who that is!
Go by their professionalism, personality, performance, resume, achievements etc. See how they follow up with you, how their personal appearance looks, their social media posts are. They can somehow influence or associate with you, so be selective.
You know your face better than anyone else. Whoever can achieve a “look” your going for without making you look completely like someone else, that’s who you should use!
I have A.D.D. I can NOT sit still too long! You have to work fast on me or I get extremely impatient and irritable! If you work slow, you are NOT for me! There are exceptions to the rule if they are that bad like makeup artist Nicole Williams in NYC! She works slow but look at her amazing work! I got up about a million times in between applications because I just can’t sit still that long lol!
Don’t ever walk away after paying and then think later, I really don’t like this! Speak up for heavens sake! It’s your face, time and money. If something needs to be tweaked or fixed tell them while you’re in their chair or they will never know! I like to wear a certain eyelash style. Most times I have my own foundation and lashes with me. Some artists may not know what to use on you, or don’t quite have the right shade for your skin tone, so always come prepared. If they get offended or upset, then you may want to find someone else.
Work out pricing way beforehand so that you are not a deer in the headlights when they tell you their fee after a service. I have seen people go into cardiac arrest when they find out the price! I negotiate all of this upfront. It can be very pricey and in NYC its even more! Yep, you pay for what you get though. It can be a lil bit cheaper if you travel to them but if they have to come to you, travel to your hotel etc be prepared! Makeup artists can range from $150 and up depending.
On another note: Here in Atlanta I use Nyssa Green from The Greenroom Agency. Nyssa is my girl and she knows my personality! She works extremely fast because she works at a news station and it’s split seconds before news anchors have to be on camera. I love her for her speed but some may feel she is not taking enough time to achieve a total look for them but I digress! With my busy schedule she works perfect for me! She can do my hair & makeup in 30 minutes, yes I LOVE her!
Here is my nude look I wanted that Nicole achieved, flawless I must say!
I wanted red lips to compliment my outfit for New York Fashion Week, Nicole did that…yes!
Nicole uses a spray to hold my face still all day!
Nicole pays attention to detail and likes to touch up in between! Love her!
Nicole and I cut up while I get my face down! We crack jokes, talk about so much stuff! We get along great!
Yes hunty, werk!
Images provided by Photography By Leandra Brown
