I Feel Pretty, Oh So Pretty

I met Sara through one of my calls for “help” which I sent via a community facebook page.  When I asked “Who is interested in teaching me something new?”, Sara was there for me! She is a make-up artist and beauty consultant at a local Walgreens, and I spent part of a recent afternoon having fun being “girly” and having my makeup done.  We kept it simple (this time–I definitely plan to go back) because I knew that I had plans that evening to take a group of 8th graders out to see a nearby high school performance. The full-on glam look would have been overkill for a high school theater production (at least it would be for an audience member).

I quickly realized that trying to take notes during the process, especially without having my glasses on, would be a real challenge.  I figured out that I could best get (and remember) answers to questions by simply sending my questions to Sara and getting her direct responses.

1)  Tell me a little about yourself and you background as a makeup artist.

I started experimenting with makeup in my teens and never stopped. I trained vocationally in high school, then sought out mentors for the rest. I moved to LA in 2005 and began picking up gigs in the movie industry.  I worked in Hollywood for over a decade, honing my craft with some of the best. My work has spanned from commercials to print ads, from short films to feature films. In my downtime, I’m a veteran cosplayer and use my makeup skills to enhance my character embodiment. I also moonlight at Abandoned Haunted House Complex in the fall to bring the monsters to life to scare the hell out of people.

2)  What is the best way to choose a foundation color?

First thing to do is determine your complexion temp so you know where to start. Look at the veins on your underside of your forearms or underarms.  If they are blue or blue purple you have cool undertones. Yellow or green you are warm. If you have both, you are neutral.

Always test your foundation on the side of your jawbone, not your wrist.  And try to check in natural light. Make sure it blends with your face and neck

3)  What is the best way/order/technique to apply foundation, concealer, and powder?

Make sure your skin is clean and moisturized.  Exfoliation is also important if you are dry skinned.  

1. Primer – a little goes a long way! I like to dab mine on and blend with my fingers so it gets into my skin.

2. Foundation – apply product all over face, starting in the center and blending out.  You can use a damp beauty blender in circular motions, or a stippling brush. Try and move the product in a circular or pushing motion to avoid streaks.

3. Concealer – after foundation. Apply a tiny bit to any area that needs some more coverage and blend into your foundation. I like to use a small beauty blender so I don’t smear my foundation.

4. Powder – this will set your makeup so that it lasts.  Apply all over in swirling motions with a fluffy brush. Load up your brush and tap off the excess. Finish up with a setting spray for maximum staying power.

4)  What are some of your recommendations regarding eye make-up:  eyeliner, eyeshadow, mascara? What is the best way to apply them?  How do you determine where to focus the colors?

Have fun with it!  Don’t be afraid to try something new or experiment with colour.  

My current fav products are:

Eyeshadow – Covergirl TruNaked palettes.  Super pigmented. Good mix of matte, shimmer, and metallics.  Very blendable and coordinated colour schemes.

Eyeliner – If you prefer a smudgy eyeliner: Soap & Glory smolder kohl in smokey. For cat eyes, Revlon rolly wheel and Maybelline super skinny felt tip.

Mascara – Maybelline Snapscara is perfect! Good fullness, good length, stays all day but comes off with a makeup wipe.

Makeup is very subjective.  You can use it to enhance what you have, or completely transform yourself. You can never go wrong with neutrals for daytime and a smokey eye at night, but experimentation is key to figuring out your look. If it gets overwhelming, just put on 3 things. (i.e.Eyebrows, mascara, lip gloss)

I also like to focus on one body part at a time.  If I do a super colorful eye, I have a neutral lip. Super dramatic lips, and I have a more neutral eye. It’s easy to go all out, but it helps create a balance while you cultivate your look.

I get a lot of questions about eye makeup.  It can vary based on your eye shape, but there is always a work around. Good rule of thumb is lightest shade on your lid, medium shade in your crease, darkest shade in the outer corner. But, like all rules, they can be broken! I have hooded eyes, so I have to work my makeup a bit differently so I can have more lid space. But it doesn’t stop me; I just have to adapt my technique.  Have fun with it; makeup should always be about feeling good and having fun.

5) What recommendations do you have regarding blush?

I love blush…my fav is Miliani roseblossom which is a pretty close match to the popular Nars Orgasm. I prefer powder, but cream blushes can provide a more dramatic approach and a creamier formula for blending.  Apply to the apples of your cheeks and sweep back towards your temples.

6)  Any recommendations regarding how to apply lip liner and lipstick?

Lip liner is crucial for darker shades, especially mattes which have a tendency to bleed. Make sure your lips are exfoliated and moisturized. I use a clear lip liner from Rimmel and outline my lip. Then I apply my lipstick or liquid lipstick starting from the middle of my bottom lip. Then define my cupids bow. Coloured lip liner is useful if you want to transform or over line your lip for balance.

7)  Do you have any other tips for making a face look fabulous?

Skin care is crucial!  Don’t sleep in your makeup!  Makeup wipes are no excuse. Always make sure you are at least using a cleanser made for your skin, a toner, and good day and night creams.  

I personally use Botanics Rosewater Toner, No7 Protect and Perfect serum, Vichy Mineral 86, and Neutrogena Water Gel moisturizer.   The more work you do on this aspect, the less makeup you’ll need to correct. Also, wear sunscreen! Most makeup and daydreams have them built in nowadays; don’t skimp!  Nothing will damage and age your skin faster than the sun. Take care of your skin. It’s your biggest and most fragile organ.

8)  Where/how can people contact you and/or see your work?

I post most of my makeup/cosplay/tutorials on my instagram:  RogueX23

I am also available at Roguex23@gmail.com if you need makeup services!

Have kit, will travel!

9)  How do you keep the cosmetics clean and sanitary so that infection is not spread?

I monitor them daily and check them.  We go through extremely vigorous training with an emphasis on hygiene and sanitation.  I sanitize and wash my hands constantly throughout the day. I clean every tester daily, check for wear, reorder as necessary. Things I cannot sanitize are locked away for only my use on clients. Things with applicator wands are cut off to deny access. I use disposable brushes for anything that doesn’t touch skin; my brushes are sanitized and shampooed between clients. I also clean every item before it goes on a client And after. Can’t be too safe!

I also recently completed by Oncology beauty training, and the emphasis on sanitation is crucial for those with weakened immune systems. I have a special kit only available for them, and none of the items can be anything where the insides can be contaminated. The Feel More Like You Program was extremely thorough in that aspect.

10)  Any final thought or words of wisdom?

I guess that makeup is for everyone.  Drugstore makeup makes it very easy to recreate a look you see.  Makeup should be accessible to anyone who wants to try it, not cost prohibitive.  

If anyone would like to learn more, come see me at Walgreens (1701 N. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove–corner of Buffalo Grove Road and Aptakisic Road) during business hours or contact me via email if you have questions or need makeup done for an event.

I want to thank Sara again for a fun afternoon of beauty, and I have warned her that I will be back!  Hopefully I will learn how to get myself looking fabulous for a variety of situations and events! (Sara, be ready for more of me!)