Working As A Makeup Artist
Do you work long hours?
I think it depends what job you're doing at that time. If you're working on fashion week, you'll be up at 3 o'clock in the morning and you'll start work at 5, and you'll be there most of the day clearing up afterwards as well. Obviously, bridal work, most of it is at weekends, so your social life does stop for a bit in the wedding season. It just depends really what you're doing at the time.
Is the money good?
It can be. Again, it depends what job you're doing. If you do the front cover of Vogue magazine, you won't be paid for it, because they'll expect you to just ride off the credit of doing the front cover of Vogue. If you work for an agency, they take a large percentage for the privilege of putting you in work. If you work for yourself, you will have to start off earning very little money at the beginning to get a good client base. And obviously, as an assistant, you don't earn much money at all, but eventually you will do all right.
Do you have a preferred kind of makeup you use?
I don't have a favorite brand, I think different brands work very well for different products. Chanel makes great eyeliner. Nars makes great eye shadows and blushes. MAC are great for lipsticks. It just depends what you need at that time.
What's the weirdest thing that's ever happened on a job?
The weirdest thing that ever happened to me was when a model passed out while I was working on her. I thought she had gone to sleep but she was actually unconscious, she was so exhausted. That was the weirdest thing.
Have you done makeup for anyone famous?
Yes, I have, but I'm not allowed to say who. You sign a confidentiality contract.
As a freelancer do you ever worry that the work might dry up?
Not any more. I've got used to the fact that knowing the work will turn up. But in the past, yes, of course you do. You worry when there's a quiet period.
Do you have to network' to get jobs?
Very much so, you can't be lazy about it and you can't except anyone to come to you, you have to find them and make yourself known.
Would you say your job is glamorous?
I say my job is glamorous because I love it and it feels glamorous to be working within the makeup industry, using lovely products. I don't think it's a glamorous job per se, particularly in the beginning you're really making tea and assisting a glamorous makeup artist and working with very difficult models. As time goes by, and you get higher up, it becomes more glamorous.
What's the most satisfying thing about your job?
For me, it's the transformation of seeing somebody who's never worn makeup before, seeing herself in a completely different light and gaining a lot of confidence from wearing makeup. It can literally transform someone's life.
What's the worst thing about your job?
I'd say the hours are the worst thing about the job. You're up very early and you do work weekends, and especially on a shoot it can be a very long day from beginning to end.
