Professional Makeup Artist Interview - Emily Hawtin

Emily Hawtin of EmMe Makeup Artistry is an on-site bridal and beauty makeup artist based out of Chattanooga Tennessee. I love the way Emily uses bright shades for a 'pop of color' on the cheeks and lips. That flushed, romantic style happens to be one of my personal favorite looks to create on bridal clients as well.

Emily and I connected over instagram and I could tell that she possessed a super sweet soul and would be the perfect kind of artist a bride would want for her wedding day. So all you Tennessee ladies, check her out!

Q: How long have you been a working professional and how did you get started in your career?
A: I’ve been a working professional makeup artist for over six years and I started my company (EmMe Makeup Artistry) three years ago. I started studying makeup in college where I got a B.A. in two subjects because, truth be told, I couldn’t pick just one. However, my favorite major was Theatre with a concentration in makeup artistry and costume design. After graduating, I became a Teaching Artist for schools in the TN and GA area, teaching stage makeup techniques while also working as an Executive Administrative Assistant (which is really just a made up title for secretary). While sitting at my desk one day, cranking out excel sheets, I realized I hated this job and I didn’t want 20 years to go by and still find myself sitting in a cubicle. So, with not a lot of money and a huge nudge from my husband, I started EmMe Makeup Artistry while studying additional makeup techniques at AMUA and MAC Pro and reading through a giant stack of business textbooks every night. Three years later, I’ve never been more grateful for that nudge.

Q: When did you know that you wanted to be a makeup artist?
A: My dad, a beautiful artist, inspired me to be artistic in my career pursuits. I’ve always been drawn to makeup, even as a little girl. So, naturally, I fell in love with makeup artistry as a career path. I remember being mesmerized as I watched my mother apply her makeup each morning; playing with her empty compacts when she got through with each product. When I was 12 she took me to MAC and got me my very first makeup brush (which I still carry in my brush belt today). It was then that I realized being a makeup artist was an actual job you could have. Every birthday and holiday, I would always ask for makeup (something that still holds true today).
 
Q: What do you love most about makeup and about your job?
A: I love that makeup is always changing and evolving. Each season has different trends and each brand is coming out with innovative ways to apply and wear makeup. Being a makeup artist means you always have something to learn whether from fellow artists or clients. I love that each job is different and that I never feel stagnant; I’m always growing and moving. It’s one of the few jobs that I think pushes you to constantly keep learning and developing.

Q: What is your signature makeup style and what trends/looks have you been loving?
A: My signature makeup style is to enhance, not hide. I believe that makeup should be used to highlight and accentuate each person’s natural beauty, not diminish it. We are each individually made and wonderfully beautiful; so let's celebrate that! My favorite trends of the moment are bright, satin/matte lips, dewy/highlighted skin and a full, natural brow.
 
Q: What are some of your go to, must have, all time favorite kit products?

Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Cream
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
BECCA Backlight Priming Filter
Stila Convertible Cheek & Lip Color (all colors)
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle
MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack and Dip Down
MAC Lipsticks
 

Q: What products have you recently discovered and can’t live without?

Colour Pop Ultra Satin lips (all the bright colors)
Too Faced Natural Matte Palette
Tartelette In Bloom Palette
Clinique Cheek Pops
Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder Highlighter

Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
A: I find inspiration in everything: other artists, film, books, the seasons... Most recently I’ve fallen down the rabbit hole of Netflix binging and I’ve been watching a show called Phryne Fisher that’s set in the 1920’s so I’ve been obsessing over twenties makeup and finding inspiration there.

Q: Who are some people that have inspired or influenced you throughout your career?
A: The people that have inspired me along the way and made the biggest influence on the way I view my art and my business is other makeup artists. To name just a few: Harriet Hadfield, Sanni Sorma and Lisa Eldridge (of course).


Q: What is your most important piece of beauty advice and/or makeup tip for women?
A: Spend time and money on your skincare and base products (i.e. foundation, concealer) and everything else can be lower priced (i.e. lipstick, mascara). I realize not everyone wants or can buy the $50 tube of lipstick so spending time and money on your base products will make all the difference in how your makeup looks and feels.

Q: What is your most important piece of advice for aspiring professionals?
A: Practice, practice, practice! And, say, “Yes,” your first year to every opportunity that comes your way - no matter how small. You never know what that opportunity could gift you with. Always be open minded; you are never too old to learn.

Q: What is one thing you wish you had known starting out?
A: I wish I had gotten a business degree in some capacity because starting a business with no prior knowledge made everything a mountain of learning that I had to scale.

Q: If you weren’t a makeup artist what would you be doing instead?
A: I think I would have been an elementary school teacher. It’s the only other job that I feel I could have fallen into and still been happy. It holds the same draw for me that makeup artistry does: constantly learning and growing.

***

Website: www.EmMeMakeup.com
Blog: http://emmemakeupartistry.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EmMeMakeupArtistry
instagram: @EmMeMakeupArtistry
Twitter: @EmMeMakeupArt
Pinterest: @EmMeMakeupArt

NO KA'OI Photo Shoot

I recently did the makeup for a shoot with NO KA'OI, a fabulous action-couture brand specializing in high performance workout clothes for women. 

I love spicing up this blog with images of my fashion work, and I think it's a ton of fun to find out what products other makeup artists love on set, so I put together a little list of what the key products that I used to create these looks. All info and credits are listed the bottom of the post!

I drew inspiration for the makeup from the graphic lines and colors of the garments to create a fashion conscious eye-look while letting the skin remain fresh and sporty. 

To change from the first to the second look, I extended the liner into a bold ombre wing and punched up the lower lash line with a contrasting color.

Key Products

Face & Body Foundation

Pro Bronze Fusion #20M

Pro Sculpting Duo #1

HD Blushes #210 & #225

Flash Color Palette

Aqua XL Eye Pencils

Pro Sculpting Brow

*all by Make Up For Ever

Production Credits

Photographer: Heidi Bohnenkamp  (@heidibphoto)

Makeup: Nicole Cudzilo  (@nicolecudzilo)

Hair: LaToya Santos  (@arelquintese)

Brunette Model: Bronwyn Jolley  (@bronjol)

Blonde Model: Khrystyana Kaz (@khrystyana)

Professional Makeup Artist Interview - Arel Quintese

I am happy to present LaToya Quintese Santos of Arel Quintese as the first artist in my Pro-Interview series. LaToya is an on-location makeup artist based in Connecticut and travels throughout New England for jobs. She is also a representative for Anastasia Beverly Hills which naturally makes her an eyebrow master! 

I met LaToya when I first started working at Sephora years ago, she was the first person to reach out to me and make me feel welcome. At that point I was still a bit of a newbie, so I would go to her with makeup questions (like how to do a smokey eye on my client who was in her 50's) and she would always have great advice (start by smudging a smokey pencil into the roots of the lashes and blend up). Her passion for her work is so evident, and she was instrumental in helping me to believe enough in myself to pursue makeup artistry as my own career. So without further ado, please enjoy the interview.

Q: How long have you been a working professional and how did you get started in your career?

A: I have been working professionally as a Certified Makeup Artist since 2010. 

Q: When did you know that you wanted to be a makeup artist?

A: Being creative has always come easy to me. Whether it was sculpting, arts and crafts or sketching I HAD to take an art class every year in grade school. As I got older, I discovered that I was interested more in watching the fashion shows on TV or when it was time for people to get a makeover on certain shows, I just loved to watch the expression on their faces when they would reveal their new look. It became clear to me that makeup is an art, whether it is natural or avant garde, it is still art. 

Q: What do you love most about makeup and about your job?

A: I get so lost in doing makeup. It's very therapeutic for me. I love the process from start to finish and discovering how certain products blend and their specific finish. My career is so special to me, whether I'm helping new clients discover how to properly fill in their eyebrows working as a representative for the Anastasia Beverly Hills brand, or sculpting their face with her coveted highlight/contour kits. I love being able to make 'applying and understanding' makeup for people that much easier. I love being able to spend those special moments with my personal clients, their trust in me before their 'big event days' mean so much to me, I wouldn't trade it for the world. My TOP favorite thing about my career would have to be creating looks for shoots, I would wake up and do photo shoots every single day if I could. 

Q: What is your signature makeup style and what trends/looks have you been loving?

A: To be honest I don't know what my signature style is. I would love to one day discover it. I've had people notice my work and mention to me, but I still don't seem to see it (haha). Trends and looks? Trends are forever changing, but I will forever love a nice sculpted smokey bronzed eye. Color trends have been more eye catching to me as of recently; metallics, reflecting sparkles, sea green/blue shades. Color always attracts me! 

Q: What are some of your go to, must have, all time favorite kit products?

A: Okay get ready for my list, these are some of my 'Pro Kit' go to's: 

1. M.A.C MatchMaster Foundation (Great on every skin type, photographs beautifully! NO FLASH BACK!)

2. BECCA Ever-Matte Poreless Primer (This primer is everything! It will keep your makeup on all day.)

3. BEN NYE Banana Powder (I used to hate this product, but I have learned to love it! It isn't as smooth as other loose translucent setting/baking powders, but if you learn to work with it and apply the proper amount in a tapping motion you will learn to love it! It's mainly the color that I'm obsessed with.) 

4. NYX Brow Gel ( I use this on EVERYONE! It's like a dupe for the Make Up For Ever Aqua Brow (Retails $22), but this is cheaper (Retails $7).  

5. ANY brand of liquid lipstick (I have started to only use liquid lipsticks on my clients, I have a few favorite brands: Coloured Raine (my top favorite formula), Anastasia Beverly Hills, Stila, NYX, Milani, BH Cosmetics. Liquid lipsticks stay on the longest so it's less touch up time for my clients, and if they want a creamier glossy lip, all I do is add on a gloss on top and wah la! Long lasting, and customizable to everyone's wants!

Q: What products have you recently discovered and can’t live without?

A: I would say Colourpop Cosmetics, as a whole line. I started buying from them last year and I cannot imagine myself not buying from them in the future. They have innovated a whole new formula of products I have never felt before. They are becoming the HIT brand with very inexpensive products they truly understand pigments like no other 'drugstore brand'. 

Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

A: I draw my inspiration from everywhere, paintings, movies, TV, other artists, scenery and my own imagination.

Q: Who are some people that have inspired or influenced you throughout your career?

A: So many artists inspire me on a daily basis, but two so far in particular; Megan Martinez (IG: @chaosmakeupartist  www.chaosmakeupartist.com) I have been following her for a few years now and she blows me away every time. Her artistry is so inspiring! She has really inspired me to step outside of my comfort zone. The second artist is Camille Thompson (IG: killahcamz http://www.camillethompson.com) Talk about jaw dropping work! I discovered her late last year, and I am so happy I have, she is Art. I've been so moved by her work, I personally sent her a private message to let her know how much of an inspiration she is. I thrive off of artists who think outside the box and understand makeup as an art and who aren't afraid of being 'too creative'.

Q: What is your most important piece of beauty advice and/or makeup tip for women?

A: My best beauty advice for women is to love the skin you're in. Makeup is art and if you're using it as your creativity there is nothing wrong with that. People judge what they cannot understand. Wear what you love!  

Q: What is your most important piece of advice for aspiring professionals?

A: My best beauty advice for aspiring professionals is to stand firm in your gift! Have new goals every time you accomplish the old ones you've made. Stay focused on what YOU want out of life and don't be distracted by everyone else around you. It's never an easy thing to build your business up from scratch, but there is no easy way to be successful except through faith, hard work, dedication, consistency and patience. If your work as an artist isn't built on a solid foundation, when you reach the top it will crumble. Think of the saying, 'the turtle wins the race'.

Q: What is one thing you wish you had known starting out?

A: I honestly wish that someone would have told me through the hard times to stay in love with your passion. There has been quite a few times along this journey that I turned against my gift during hard times when I should have learned to use it as an aid. Be your own encourager, starting this career was never easy, but thankfully I have strong supporters around me lifting me up on a daily basis. Recognize your strong supporters and keep them close, as for everyone else, learn to use them as stepping stones towards your successful future. 

Q: If you weren’t a makeup artist, what would you be doing instead?

A: I get asked this question a lot and I honestly would have loved to be involved in helping the youth somehow. I have such a strong connection with teenagers, specifically the young girls who are growing up with no hope for the future or any confidence for what they want to be in life. There's nothing that lifts me up more than the joy in their eyes when they speak about what they love to do. No one should ever feel like they're nothing in this life. Sometimes growing up in unhealthy situations causes failure in life, and it doesn't have to be that way. I still will find a way to give back to the young girls, to instill confidence in their hearts, so they never have to feel like they're not worth it. 

www.arelquintese.com

IG, PINTREST, FB, TWITTER:  @arelquintese 
***

If you are a professional makeup artist and would like to be a part of this Pro-Interview series, send me an email at nicolemariemakeupartistry(@)gmail(.)com

Behind the Scenes at New York Fashion Week

I just got back from a whirlwind of a time in New York doing makeup for Couture and Style Fashion Week. I went as part of the Voodoo Makeup team which is a brand based out of New Orleans. Their makeup is gluten, corn and soy free which makes it suitable for sensitive skin. I participated in 3 days of shows and got to do some really fun makeup, including a look on 'Miss Asia' Anna Kile.

Check out the links here:
Couture Fashion Week
Style Fashion Week

"Desk to Drinks" Interview & A Look into My Makeup Bag

My interview with Sugar Salon for their series: Beauty from Desk to Drinks is out today! Click on over and have a listen (the password is: Sugar), I let you know what to focus on if you only have 5 minutes to get ready in the morning and share some tips on how to look fresh and natural.

In the video, I mentioned a few of my must-have products, so I thought I'd give you a quick peek at the staple items that never leave my makeup bag!

Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask: This lip mask is great on its own or over lipstick, it is extremely nourishing and smells delicious!
Kat Von D Tattoo Liquid Liner: This is my favorite liquid liner for a cat-eye, its firm tip is precise and the color comes out super black.
Anastasia Brow Wiz: This pencil is the easiest way to fill in brows! It takes only seconds to use and your brows never look overdone.
Caudalie Beauty Elixir: This refreshing mist is a toner, setting spray and serum, it tingles, smells divine and really wakes me up while making my skin glow!
Dior Lip Glow: This tinted balm changes color to suit your skin tone and revives any lipstick shade that has began to wear off. 
Beauty Blender: This sponge is my favorite way to apply foundation and concealer, it gives a flawless, streak-free coverage every time!

What are some of your beauty essentials?

***

And if you are interested in learning how to get out the door with minimal time, effort and products (but still look fresh and pulled together) check out my quick 5 step tutorial for this glowy, natural makeup look HERE.