Take Care Of Your Skin
For 25 years of my life I don’t think I ever owned any lotion or moisturizer. I pretty much use a bar soap from head to toe and call it a day. I know right? Now that I am a makeup artist and after being yelled at by my colleagues, I believe it’s extremely important to take care of your skin, even if it’s just a basic skincare routine such as a moisturizer before you go to bed and when you wake up. I think a lot of men feels like it’s a “girly” thing or it’s too much work; that’s why they avoid it. Stop the nonsense! GO OUT AND BUY SOME SKINCAREN PRODUCTS!
Perspectives
Before I became a makeup artist, I knew nothing about females or the LGBT Community. Looking back, it’s so sad because there is so much more than just two genders. Working in the industry taught me to truly listen and have a good perspective for others and this world. We are not just a makeup artist, we are a also therapist. Most of the time my job is just to listen to my client sharing their life story with me in less than 1 hour. They tell me about their relationship problems, life/career goals, getting plastic surgery, wanting me to feel their brand new set of boobs, and much, much more.
Makeup is Expensive
Yes, it sure is. I remember when I first started out and needed cheap product to play, I went to target and went to the Elf Department. I thought $3 brushes were expensive. Imagine my face when I went to the Mac Store for the first time to buy a lipstick (I almost lost my mind! $16!!!!!). Makeup is almost like your medication, you don't just buy it once. Every couple months, you have to refill your basics such as foundation, concealer, mascara, powder and etc.
Makeup is Not Easy
I think most guys including myself think you can just quickly slap some products on your face and voila, it’s done. Little did I know that it takes a lot of time, patience, practice, struggle and money to even just do a simple makeup look. I hope guys who end up reading this article will listen to me and start to appreciate a little more what women go through on a daily basis - whether its for themselves or their loved ones.
Communications
I was so bad at communication in my past relationships, but now I realize being a makeup artist helped me so much. You have to be really good at communication to be successful in this industry. Most of the time we only have 5 mins before we start the application to learn about someone, what they like or hate, their skin type, where they are going, how much makeup they wear on a daily basis, what they think they want to look like, what they really want to look like, etc. There’s so much discussion that goes into a single look.
Makeup is Art
Listen - it’s not just winged liner. It takes so much practice and patience just to get one eye done, imagine having to do two identical ones! I always hated drawing & painting, but now that I am in the industry, I wish I paid more attention in art class because makeup is art. It is just a different format on a different canvas. Instead of drawing on a piece of paper, we are working on someone’s face.
Theres No Gender, Race or Color in Makeup
Absolutely no gender, anyone can wear makeup. It’s a form of freedom of expression. I wish someone taught me this 25 years earlier; I was always the guy that was all bummed out, sitting on the heater talking to the security guy when my girlfriend would go into Sephora. If you have an important event and have a giant blemish, it’s okay to put concealer on to cover it! I hope all the guys know that most Male News Anchors and Actors wear makeup on a daily basis before they go on air (NOT MATTER IF THEY ARE STRAIGHT OR GAY!)
Don’t Judge
Everyone can express themselves however they want. If they want to put a bright blue eyeshadow from lash to brows, let them be. If they want to wear a black lipstick everyday, they can do so. In no position should anyone tell them they are wrong; keep your opinion to yourself. Everyday I work with so many people ranging from all shapes and forms. Everyone has their own personal issues and battles. Don’t judge a book by it’s cover!
Makeup is A Career
If you told me this 5 years ago, I would have just walked away and laughed. Well guess what, I am in NYC working with some of the biggest brands and designers in this industry. On top of that, work makes me so happy because I get to work with beautiful people (and have amazing food delivered right to my lap #hereforthecatering). For the first time, I can say makeup is my career. I am so thankful.
It Can Change Someone’s Day
Listen, this is what brings me happiness in this industry. You have the ability to shape someone’s feelings. I have people that just went through a divorce, lost their job, got in a car accident, found out their boyfriend is cheating. Once they sit in the chair, I do whatever I can to make them happy or at least try to change their view on things. We have a lot of power as a makeup artist, don’t underestimate!
In conclusion, this is the best industry I could ever ask for. I work with the most stunning people on a daily basis. The only thing i regret is why no one told me about this when I first graduated high school!!!!!!!!!
Follow me on Instagram! @vanmakeupartistry
Shout out to Lauren Granata for helping me proof read this article to make it sound awesome!
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