Liquid vs. Cream vs. Powder

There are so many sub categories of foundations!
full coverage, sheer coverage, HD, tinted, SPF, mineral, illuminating, anti-aging, acne, matte, loose, pressed, moisturizing, drying, etc.
Whatever you buy is your preference! But there are some common misconceptions that women do not know or are not told when it comes to finding the right foundation! I am not going to get into brand vs. brand, or dry vs. oily! I am going to discuss what type you should choose for your clients AGE and whether they will be wearing it EVERY DAY!! Of course when your choosing something for a one time look then you are pretty much choosing what works best for the camera and that's totally different!

-Now as a pro artist you should know by now how to find the right color...and if you cant then here is a good tip for you! Foundation is determined in the MOST NATURAL LIGHTING & AT THE JAWLINE! However..for darker complected women...FOUNDATION IS BETTER MATCHED IN THE CENTER OF THE FACE! If this isn't being done then you are not doing it right!!!
-Choosing a foundation type can be difficult for everyone especially when you are only being told what the issues are...but it shouldn't be difficult once you understand what type of foundation is best suited for age. TOO many times i have seen products pushed on customers just to make a sale. You would think that doing right by customers and giving them a product that they would love and tend to come back for would be the best choice for businesses but its apparent that "making the sale" is!
So..here are some pointers on keeping your clients happy and coming back to you!

Yes...choosing whether you use a liquid, cream or powdered foundation is also determined by what kind of coverage you want...BUT Its also determined by how mature your clients skin is! I know that mineral powder foundation is all the rage now...especially in older women! BUT...powdered foundation should NOT be used on older women and ill tell you why:
powder cakes into wrinkles regardless of whether a primer is used...but don't get me wrong...primers are always good to use to help makeup not sink into large pores or to help makeup last longer! But its NOT going to get rid of wrinkles and when you use a powder...all is does is accentuate your maturity!! My best advice for more mature skin is using a liquid foundation! If liquid is too heavy then i would recommend a tinted moisturizer! I'm NOT a big user of cream foundations but if that's what you like then creams would be OK too! If mineral makeup is the only way your client wants to go...they do make it in a liquid!!


Now...i know that sometimes a powder is good to use to help with oily skin regardless of age but i recommend using a pressed powder for mature skin with a flat brush or sponge in just the areas you feel oily and NOT all over the face. Loose powder will tend to sit on top top of the face and may be too cakey!

About My Blog!

 After a lot of contemplating I have decided to make my blog only about my traveled road, tips & tricks, and industry knowledge that will only come from things I've learned, things I've come up with on my own, and my personal views. There are so many other great blogs that talk about product or gives video tutorials so there is no reason that I try to do the same thing. Of course...i will definitely post links to those blogs that i come across that i feel will give my readers good advice!

Everything I've learned that has made me a stronger and more knowledgeable artist has come from a variety of great people. I wouldn't be where I am today without their generosity and the chance they gave me to prove myself. Of course...I'm not by any means more or less than any other artist out there...I've just been very lucky to have met and worked with the pros that i have! I still have a lot to learn and my skill is still being perfected. Though...i really pride myself on differentiating myself from most freelance artists because even though I'm sure we all love our jobs its never been about the money for me. I am quick to accept any job if it will be beneficial to me in the long run! I'm not beyond assisting any awesome artist cause walking away with additional training or experience is worth more than a paycheck!! If i am part of creating amazing work then I'm succeeding!

Just remember that my advice, tips & tricks, and experiences are just that....MINE! They may work for you and they may not! You may get discouraged...i have been plenty of times...but the good is always followed by the bad but if this is your passion as it is mine then don't let anything keep you from it!

The Question Everyone Wants Answered!

How Do I Become A Successful Artist?

That's quite the question & certainly one that I asked when i first started out....and still ask every now and then! I do suggest you read my introduction first. Remember that every artist is different! I don't have the answers to everything so I can only tell you what I've learned in the last 5yrs I've been freelancing. With this said...i hope this helps in one way or another.

1. Find what type of artist you are : Makeup Counters, Wedding, Theatre, TV, Print, Fashion/Beauty! Whatever your strengths...start there and build up! Some of the best advice I received when first starting out was "Find an artist you most admire, study her work and thrive to do better"...this brings us to the next step!

2. Build a portfolio!!! This is an absolute MUST!!! Your portfolio shows you as an artist...its your identity. So having a great one will only put you at the top. You may find yourself doing A LOT of free work in the first year or two but don't fret...it will pay off! Once you have built your portfolio then be sure to send out a mass email to production. PR, Film, Music, and advertising companies in your area to put your work out there. Also look into social networks for industry professionals and sign-up!! This brings us to the 3rd step.

3. NETWORK!!! I cant stress this enough!! You must put yourself & your work out in your community and let people know your here. Never turn down a job if you don't have to. Always remember...YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOU WILL MEET, WHO WILL SEE YOUR WORK OR WHOM THEY MAY KNOW!!

4. Build relationships! Everyone has their favorite artists...the ones they go to first. Whether its someone who is already established or someone working up the ranks...find someone you can build a trusting relationship with. Become their Go to Girl/Guy!

5. BE READY TO INVEST!! starting out in any business takes money to make money. There is no simpler way of doing it. Nashville is only capable of so much...if you seek more then you either A. need to relocate or B. need to travel. Other areas will NOT seek you out if you don't establish yourself in those areas as well.

*My personal opinion*
6. Don't fall into a clique!! Attaching yourself to one group of people is so stupid. Branch out and make friends with everyone...whether they get you work or not...having those relationships is just as important. Never limit yourself!

These steps are just the stepping stones so how far you want it to take you is up to you! Good Luck!!

*Live, Laugh, Love to Look Good*