We go behind the scenes with some of the makeup artists on set to get to the nitty gritty of the make up world, the tricks of the trade, and some juicy info about the best and worst parts of being in the industry.
Amy Park is makeup artist living and working between in LA and NYC. She began studying make up at a young age, in South Korea and went on to master her skills in France, where she graduated from Christian Chauveau make up school. After working with several well known photographers, models and at fashion shows in France, she came to America with the simple goal of making people look beautiful. She varies her make up styles and techniques depending on the needs of the client and, being a perfectionist, all of her work is flawless.
Why did you take on this particular shoot? What was it about the night that drew you in?
I have always loved the photographer (Ben)’s work and the stylist, Sasha. They are an amazing combo and with the supermodels, it was a DREAM team!!
Who is your favorite model to work with and why?
Xiao Wen Ju. She has most adorable eyes and personality.
Who is your dream model to work with and why?
Miranda Kerr. Not just because she’s famous, I’m a big fan of her!
Do you think there’s a hierarchy in the fashion crew when shooting, and if so, what’s the order?
Definitely art director, then stylist or photographer, then model and lastly, hair and makeup
Which model did you work on for Dining In The Spotlight?
Sara Sampaio
What products did you use?
– Skin care: Avene USA
– Foundation: Koh Gen Do Aqua foundation, SPF 15
– Concealer: Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage
– Eye: Tom Ford eyeshadow quad in ‘Cognac Sable’
– Tom Ford Brow Sculptor
– Diorshow Mascara
– Kevyn Aucoin’s The Sculpting Powder (Medium)
– Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette
– Yves Saint Laurent stain in ‘Rose Vinyl’
– Powder : Laura Mercier Mineral Finishing Powder
What is your number one beauty secret / tip?
My favorite beauty tip is one I use: cleansing oil. Oil is a very gentle way to clean off your makeup, along with eye makeup and lip. Oil cleansing leads to much more nourished and moisturized skin. And drink a lot of water!
What do you think is the biggest misconception about models?
I would say the biggest misconception about models is they are naturally a good shape, which isn’t always true. I’ve met so many models struggling with their weight. They have to watch what they are eating and work out. They work out so hard to be in good shape all the time.
Janice is currently the lead makeup stylist for NARS cosmetics. She’s part of the pro artistry team that travels the world making appearances at events, working backstage at runway shows, and on set productions.
The most interesting job you’ve done?
The Don Giovanni opera production with fashion designers, Rodarte.
The worst job you’ve ever worked on?
Lips are sealed on this one, sorry! 🙂
What’s the hardest thing about being a make-up artist?
Not seeing your vision come to life. Artists are perfectionists and sometimes it’s never good enough for us.
Why did you take on this particular shoot, what was it about the night that drew you in?
I was very excited to work with Ben Watts, as I love his photography. The model line up was gooood too. A combination of everything, I guess.
What was it like at the salon, with all the girls and the hair and makeup team?
Just like it is backstage at a show. Loud, fast, and fun. Just magical.
Who is your favorite model to work with and why?
I always love working on Joan Smalls. She’s perfection in my eyes…in everyone’s eyes, I’m sure.
Who is your dream model to work with and why?
I’ve worked with many of the current models, so I have to take it back to an original, Linda Evangelista.
How much say do you, as a makeup artist, get over the model’s opinion and the photographer’s?
Depends on who you’re working with, but usually all ideas are welcomed and appreciated by all involved.
Do you think there’s a hierarchy in the fashion crew when shooting, and if so, what’s the order?
It probably starts off that way but it takes a village to make it happen, so the crew becomes one, somewhere along the shoot.
What’s the worst experience you’ve had with a model?
Backstage during New York Fashion Week. It’s hard to do the graphic liner look when the model won’t stop crying because she’s tired.
Which model did you work on for Dining In The Spotlight?
Bambi Northwood Blyth. #swoon.
What products did you use?
All NARS Cosmetics. Didn’t have to use anything in her brows. Her eyebrows are everything!
What’s your number one beauty secret / tip?
With black eyeliner, line the inside of the upper lash line for a fuller lash look.
What do you think is the biggest misconception about models?
That they don’t eat. The ones that I know, eat and eat and eat.
Misha is a bi-coastal makeup artist, based in NYC. She has worked with publications such as Vogue Latin America, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, Glamour, i-D and I LOVE FAKE. Celebrity canvases include Milla Jovovich, Kelly Rutherford, Lake Bell, Holland Roden and Kendall Jenner.
What’s the most interesting job you’ve done?
I was travelling for a job and my kit, which I checked in (never again!), got lost. I had no makeup! So I went to a 24 hour pharmacy and bought the basics, because my call time was 5am and it was the only store open. It ended up being one of my favorite shoots!
The worst job you’ve ever worked on?
The only time a job is terrible, is if I’m working with people who are rude or extremely difficult. I like to surround myself with pleasant people, but unfortunately, we can’t always control who we work with!
What’s the hardest thing about being a make-up artist?
These days there are so many makeup artists. There’s YouTube, Pinterest and social media sites to promote newcomers and emerging artists. It used to be mainly about talent but lately it’s become more about how many followers you have on Instagram.
Why did you take on this particular shoot, what was it about the night that drew you in?
I got to know the stylist, Sasha–who I think is very lovely! The whole concept of the shoot, from the photographer to the models, was great and I couldn’t wait to be a part of it.
What was it like at the salon, with all the girls and the hair and makeup team?
Very busy! But I’m used to that.
Who’s your favorite model to work with and why?
I love Milla Jovovich. She’s a beautiful person, inside and out.
Who’s your dream model to work with and why?
Christy Turlington! I love her face and have followed her career most of my life. I also love that she’s such a humanitarian. She has been able to create an amazing life outside this industry and I find that very admirable.
How much say do you, as a makeup artist, get over the model’s opinion and the photographer’s?
This depends on many things. Usually there’s already art direction in place, so the makeup artist follows that direction. If it’s a creative shoot, using more makeup, then the makeup artist typically has a strong voice in the collaboration.
Do you think there’s a hierarchy in the fashion crew when shooting, and if so, what’s the order?
Not necessarily, but sometimes, yes. I always view the team as equals, but not everyone sees it that way.
What’s the worst experience you’ve had with a model?
I worked with a model once, who insisted on applying her mascara herself (about six layers of clumpy application) and decided to get it all over the place and ruined the rest of her makeup. I had to clean her face and start from scratch–I had 15 minutes to re-do the entire thing. She never even apologized.
Which model did you work on for Dining In The Spotlight?
Cat McNeil
What products did you use?
Sisley Skincare and NARS makeup.
What’s your number one beauty secret / tip?
Don’t depend on Photoshop!!! Make sure the makeup and skin is perfect from the start.
What do you think is the biggest misconception about models?
That they don’t eat, they use drugs and they’re stupid. But actually, some of the most intelligent, well rounded and sophisticated people I’ve met, have been models.
With deep roots in the creative arts, Lily has studied photography, video, sculpture, painting and drawing and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from NYU.
Lily had a natural transition from working behind the camera, for Saks.com, to becoming a makeup artist, collaborating on set in the fashion world. It is her artist’s eye, her love of art history and her perspective as a born and bred New Yorker that most influence her work. Years of working on set in the fashion industry have given her an understanding of timing and true teamwork. Creative collaboration is a key ingredient in her process.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever worked on?
I’m always happy to be working, but it can definitely be a bummer when a crew or person in charge is disorganized, has a bad attitude or doesn’t appreciate your artistry.
What’s the hardest thing about being a make-up artist?
Lugging my big, heavy kit on the New York City subway!!! Especially during rush hour!
Why did you take on this particular shoot, what was it about the night that drew you in?
I was instantly sold. Everyone on board just reeks of talent and style! Who wouldn’t want to be part of a dream team like that?
What was it like at the salon, with all the girls and the hair and makeup team?
The energy was pulsating and it was very exciting. Gorgeous models running around, clothes that were absolutely to die for, strewn about, photographers and crew bustling back and forth with equipment. It was really a whirlwind but a very exciting and glamorous one!
Who’s your favorite model to work with and why?
I can’t say I have a favorite but I will say I love a model who is energetic, appreciative and a team player. The hours are long, we all travel, have crazy lives and work hard, so it’s nice when you work with someone who appreciates that and doesn’t make it all about them.
Who’s your dream model to work with and why?
Hard to say, since there so many amazing talented models in the world! I think working with an icon like Kate Moss would be amazing. Gisele Bündchen, I’ve heard moves like no other model and I would love to see that, first hand. I also love the features and personality of Cara Delevingne. She can pull off pretty much any look and I imagine, would be a pleasure to be around.
How much say do you, as a makeup artist, get over the model’s opinion and the photographer’s?
It really depends on the job. I’ve worked with some teams that have a set idea and just want me to help execute their vision, while others want my input and collaboration to come up with a concept, theme, pull makeup inspiration, etc. I’ve even been involved to the point where I helped with location scouting, finding hair stylists, models, and wardrobe stylists. So it really all depends on the job and the relationship.
Do you think there’s a hierarchy in the fashion crew when shooting, and if so, what’s the order?
I would say if there’s an art or creative director, they have a lot of say, along with the photographer. And obviously, if there’s a client footing the bill, they definitely have say about what they want the final product to look like.
What’s the worst experience you’ve had with a model?
I’ve been lucky enough to not have any terrible experiences. But there are times when the model isn’t willing to put in as much work as the rest of the team and when that happens, the images and the mood on set really suffer.
Which model did you work on for Dining In The Spotlight?
Cheyenne Tozzi
What products did you use?
If I told you, I’d have to kill you! Haha, no, I use a wide variety of products and names. On Cheyenne, I used:
Bobbi Brown Foundation/Concealer Palette,
mixed with Burberry fluid highlighter, in ‘Fresh Glow,’
Makeup Forever Neutral Flash Palette for cheeks,
Chanel Waterproof Pencil in black for her water line,
Bobbi Brown Long Wear Eyeliner in black, for a cat eye,
Burberry black mascara and a few other secrets here and there too!
What’s your number one beauty secret / tip?
I always mix a bit of cream highlighter in with my foundations. It makes the skin glow!
What do you think is the biggest misconception about models?
That their jobs are easy. I think sometimes we all luck out and have an easy day, here and there but overall, I see models work incredibly hard. They have long hours, do a lot of physical work (standing, contorting, wearing uncomfortable shoes and clothes, etc) travel like crazy and barely have time to for their relationships or personal lives. A lot more goes into it than most people realize.
What is the one stereotype you think holds the most truth?
That most models really are careful and super conscientious about what they eat.
I have been working as a makeup artist now for 10 years, I have worked shows like Victoria Secrets, project runway, Oscar de la Renta, Mara Huffman to name a few. Some of my advertisement
The most interesting job you have done
Working with Mary Kay on a campaign for women that have been through domestic violence. While it wasn’t my normal gigs on high fashion and editorials, it was rewarding in a different way, it made me feel that my makeup can make a difference. Sometimes our work can be taken as vain so it was great to make these women feel appreciated and beautiful.
The worst job you have ever worked on?
Hmmm, I think it would have to be a bitter sweet one. I was really excited to work with this one designer and got to do makeup for an assignment but it was made really difficult by dealing with there PR person that changed the rate, time on me and then tried to make it look like I was in the wrong.
What is the hardest thing about being a make-up artist?
The hardest thing I would say is carrying my heavy kit! lol Sometimes it can be a challenge meeting different people all the time that’s why i love reccurig clients and building relationships.
Why did you take on this particular shoot, what concept about the night drew you in?
The photographer and the caliber of models for sure.
What was it like at the salon with all the girls and h&m there?
While there was some confusing going on behind the scenes. I feel that the shoot was a success for me it’s always madness especially when you have worked fashions shows and stuff.
Who is your dream model to work with and why?
Candice Swanepoel, I have met her backstage working with the body team for Victoria Secrets
How much say do you as a makeup artist get over the models opinion and the photographer?
I think it depends on the shoot and what the shoot is for. Sometimes the project might already be planned out and set by a creative director.
Which model did you get to work on for dining in the spotlight?
Luci Taffs
What products did you use?
I used Chanel makeup
What is your number one beauty secret / tip?
Drinking lots of water, and i also like using dry oils for skincare.
What do you think is the biggest misconception about models?
That they don’t eat
