Artist Interview

This week Kensington Artist, Samantha M, dishes about every woman's must have makeup product and her favorite makeup look as an artist.


KM: Did you always know you wanted to become a makeup artist? If not then at what point in your life did you have an interest in the industry?

S: I actually had no interest in makeup growing up! I needed a job while I was in college studying architecture, so I took a retail cosmetics position and it was there that I realized my love for makeup artistry.

KM: There's not a girl/woman I know that doesn't like to have fun with makeup. What do you like best about being an artist?

S: That's exactly what I love most...being an artist! I think there is more "art" in beauty than most people realize. As cheesy as it sounds, I see each client as a new canvas per se.

KM: In your opinion, what is a must have makeup product that woman should always have and where can they buy it?

S: Aside from mascara, I have to say a good tinted moisturizer. It is the simplest way to even your skin tone, giving your complexion a fresh, healthy glow. My favorite is by Stila: the Oil Free Sheer Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 30 which can be found in Sephora stores or Sehpora.com

KM: What is one thing women should NOT do when applying their own makeup?

S: Use their fingers! It is always best to apply products with appropriate brushes, using less product than you would if you used your fingers... and also keeping the bacteria and oils from your hands off of your face.

KM: Lastly, what is your favorite makeup "look" to do?

S: I am a natural girl at heart therefore my favorite "look" is too, natural. I think women are surprised at how great they can look with very little time and very few products!

Artists Favorite Products

MAC is on top of the list in this weeks artists favorite products.

MAC Strobe Cream

Apply before foundation or mix a little bit with foundation to give your skin a glow.

- Lauren C.

MAC Lightful Charged Essence Serum

Available at MAC stores

Use as a primer by spreading evenly over face after using an SPF moisturizer then wait for it to dry.

- Jessica A.

Strawberry Fizz lip gloss by Victoria Secret

Leaves lips shinny, glossy and moist. Can wear with lipstick or without and still gives lips a nice natural look.

-Tanya D.

Rockaholic Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo by TIGI

Washing your hair everyday can damage your hair overtime. So keeping your hair down and straight for an extra day helps the oils on your scalp replenish your strands. Shake well and spray on roots then work through strands with your fingers. It gives hair the little refresher it needs and it's great for those who wake up late.

About $12 at Toni & Guy salons, Sally's and Cosmo Prof.

-Lauren D.

Major Lash Mascara by Stila

Available at Stila.com, Sephora or Ulta

This is my personal mascara and I also use it in my kit. It's a great one coat buildable mascara. Not clumpy!

-Sam M.

Lanza Powered-Up Texturizer

Available at Mesha Salon in Scottsdale, Maka Beauty Supply and anywhere Lanza is sold.

Gives volume and texture. Sprinkle lightly

-Amy

Lanza Neem Serum

Available at Mesha Salon

Light weight anti aging drops. Only a few drops needed then blow dry hair in sections.

- Mesha

Kenra Volume Hairspray

Available at Ulta or any salon that sells Kenra products.

All day hold, humidity resistant, helps give volume, and it smells great.

MAC Lightful Charged Essence Serum

Available at MAC stores

Primer that's good for any skin tone. Apply on fingertips and massage over skin.

- Dana H.

Artist Interview

In this weeks interview kensi artist, Paloma, shares with us her passion for makeup.

KM: You have such a creative and trendy style when it comes to makeup, how did that steer you towards this industry?

Paloma: The way that I steered myself into the industry is in a way sort of funny, I started doing event makeup in high school and from then on I said to myself "this is it.... I want to be a makeup artist!" Ive always found it fascinating the way that you can express beauty through the world of color and shapes on a face and in a way it defines me as a person.

KM: What style of makeup do you like doing the most?

Paloma: My favorite kind of style of makeup would have to be avante-garde or theater, it is absolutely AMAZING and WILD you can be so creative with it and bring out a little part of you in details. This is your time to show your personality that screams creativity!!!

KM: Do you have a fun or interesting story to tell from your experiences working in the field?

Paloma: I do, I remember the first time I ever did a fashion show it was crazy!!! It was my first huge event and all I remember is that I had to do like four models in like 20min and then change their style of makeup in 2min. It was absolutely nerve wrecking, but I love the rush its awesome!

KM: What is your biggest makeup pet peeve?

Paloma: My biggest pet peeve would be crusty eye lashes. It is horrible, once you realize that your mascara is old, please throw it away! You want your eyelashes to look marvelous.. this is the finishing touch of the eye! It makes it pop!


KM: If you had to choose a pro-artist you admire, who would it be and why?

Paloma: I think that the pro-artist that I admire the most would be Leslie Delvin she is absolutely phenomenal!!! She is the key makeup artist for the new film "Alice In Wonderland" she has also done all of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" films and is Mr. Johny Depps personal :). Delvin has a very creative side to her... it yells artistic, she combines colors and fantasy and makes it come to life and look incredible!!! She has worked so hard in every film that she has put out as well as won Oscars for them.