Starting out as a Makeup Artist

Makeup and Beauty

Jul 8

Written By

Everybody has to start with something. So, I wanted to share the first gigs I've done in the Makeup Artistry World. Slowly, though they're a few, these gigs kind of helped me build the basics that a Makeup Artist should have.

Queen of Soul Pageant

Queen of Soul is a yearly Beauty Pageant held during the San Antonio Fiesta Season. From their Facebook page: The purpose of San Antonio Queen of Soul, Incorporated is to develop and promote female representation of African-American descent in the City of San Antonio and surrounding areasThis is officially my first gig as a Makeup Artist. Jasmine of Pure Glam Academy asked me to assist on doing makeup for the girls. I was surprised how it all works. You setup and then the girls will just sit there with their ready-for-makeup game face on. It's like, boom boom boom!After the hair and makeup, we all went to the backstage, and just waited there for powder or retouch for the next segment/s (e.g. Talent, Sportswear, Evening Wear, etc...).I had no idea what we really are supposed to do backstage so I just imitated whatever Jasmine is doing. I actually realized by just seeing how Jasmine does stuff is that I need a "Makeup Belt Bag". It's so convenient to have one when you're chasing the girls and all before they go out of the backstage. Though fast-paced, I enjoyed every bit of the process here. I love pageants! Finally after Q&A we got to rest and enjoy the show a bit.

Dora Vera

I want to recognize the Makeup Artists who mentored and helped me start my career as a Makeup Artist. I am very grateful for meeting Dora Vera, San Antonio Makeup Artist and owner of The Look Hair and Makeup Studio. Dora dragged me along to her gigs and taught me the basics of running (or being in) an assembly line. I see a lot of experience running through her veins and I am very glad to learn some from her.

Bevello Fashion Show

I was nervous going into this Fashion Show because it is another first-time to work behind a runway. I was clueless whether to show that "hey I'm here and I know what I'm doing" or just plainly faint in there. The nerves got into me a little but it felt good seeing the models out of the backroom. And here are some of my muses.The support I got from Dora and the models were phenomenal that time. One of the models reminded me nicely to add mascara. Another one helped me to contour her face better. I also met beautiful people from the other side of the Professional World. I learned something crucial here - First Impressions Matter. This industry is a little judgy (for lack of a better term). Which makes sense, because for example would you allow a "Threader" to thread your brows when he/she has very un-groomed or not-decently-shaped brows? It's not enough that you show your clients that you clean your makeup tools every time. Before you even go there, be sure that you are clean-looking and presentable.

Chloe Rose Boutique

Here, I became part of the Glam Squad for Chloe Rose Boutique's Seasonal Catalog.We spent the whole day doing makeup of girls for their catalogue pictorials. Our photographer, Leah of @EverAfterByLeah, was very kind enough to share us the final photos.My main takeaway from this experience is.. I needed a Makeup Chair! I felt my back hurting with all the bending over. As you can notice if you got at this point, I'm building my supporting tools slowly.

And here are the official shots from the catalog of Chloe Rose Boutique.

Shopzelle Boutique and Fashion Show

Dora endorsed me to do Shopzelle Boutique's makeup for a unique Fashion Show.I thought 5 girls is manageable in 2 hours. But I was wrong. I think I spent 70% of my makeup time on the first girl and the rest is pretty-much cramming.Another lesson learned from Dora here: Time Management. From the makeup workshops I noted down the steps on getting a whole face makeup done (e.g. brows first, then eyes, then concealer, contour, etc.). During fashion shows or maybe during events with assembly lines of sorts, those steps need not to be followed procedurally. There really aren't any cookie cutter steps. The important thing is that the models get out w/ glowing skin so they won't look pale when the lights are on (unless of course if pale is the theme of the show). If you need to skip something, surprisingly, those lovely eyeshadows can be skipped. Skin has to go first. To translate - Foundation, Brows, Cheeks and Lip Color.I thought I was already all good and ready with my new Makeup Bag and Makeup Chair. However, I'm still missing something. I realized I need to bring my own makeup light!