DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO BE A MAKEUP ARTIST?
Becoming a makeup artist was never a thought of mine when I was younger. I started taking dance lessons at the age of 2 and continued up until Junior year of high school, so I was always determined to be a professional dancer with dreams of making it in New York City either becoming a Rockette or dancing on Broadway. Growing up, dance competitions and recitals were really the only times I ever wore makeup! I always loved the process of makeup application and quickly found I had an eye for it. It wasn't until the end of high school that I began to have interest in working in the beauty industry.
WHAT WAS YOUR START IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY?
After graduating high school, I was accepted into the Fashion Institute of Technology and initially studied Advertising and Marketing Communications. I had always loved writing and journalism, so my goal was to work for a beauty magazine. However, everything changed for me after being referred to FIT's Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing program.
The Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing program at FIT is the only major of its kind in the country and is extremely intensive and selective. They only accept about 35 students each year, so I was just as (if not more) anxious and nervous about accepting my coveted spot in the program as I was grateful and excited. Here I learned everything from advertising, to packaging, to manufacturing and formulating of fragrances and cosmetics. Armed with my knowledge, I soon craved for a more artistic avenue and started working at Sephora.
WHERE DID YOU LEARN HOW TO APPLY MAKEUP?
I learned a lot working at Sephora! Years ago, the company used to fly their artists all over the country for week-long training courses and I was lucky enough to attend multiple trainings. Working with Sephora provided me an in-depth education of beauty products/brands and the opportunity of learning makeup application on every age, skin type, and ethnicity.
Wanting to elevate my makeup skills, I decided to attend the Make Up For Ever Academy in NYC. I focused my attention in Beauty and Fashion makeup; ideal for bridal, runway, print or television application. Learning from respected, working professionals in the makeup industry was invaluable and their mentorship helped shaped the makeup aesthetic I have today.
WHO DO YOU LOOK UP TO AS AN ARTIST?
There are so many amazing artists that I admire. One who I probably look up to the most is London-based makeup artist James Molloy. Not only is he insanely skilled and creative, but he has also started his own makeup school and product brand of brushes, bags and accessories for artists called MYKITCO. Honestly, I could listen to him talk and watch him apply makeup all day, everyday!
Other popular favorite artists of mine include Katie Jane Hughes, Danessa Myricks, Jordan Liberty, Natasha Denona, and Rae Morris. Find them on instagram and you'll be inspired, too!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MAKEUP BRAND?
As a makeup artist, I deal with a very diverse clientele and need my kit needs to accommodate a variety of makeup looks, skin tones and skin types! With so many, different product formulations out there, it's almost impossible to pick just one brand as a favorite. Popular brands I gravitate towards are Make Up For Ever, MAC, Glossier, Smashbox and Nars. A few pro-community favorites include Viseart, Face Atelier and Cinema Secrets.
