I interviewed the make up artist, Geraldine Shaker, and gave her a selection of my reader questions and my burning make up queries!
Geraldine’s client list includes Sharon Stone, Kiera Knightley, Drew Barrymore, Teri Hatcher, Raquel Welch, as well as some of Hollywood’s hottest men including Bruce Willis, Vin Diesel, Sean Bean and Gary Barlow amongst others. She is also Founder and Creative Director of Kitten Vixen, the organic and cruelty free cosmetics range with a cult celebrity following in Los Angeles.
1. What do you think are the essential products for the party season?
Invest in a purple or plum nail polish and black eyeliner.
Autumn Winter 2010 trends are perfect for the party season. It’s the cat’s eye liquid liner, or if you can’t make it so precise opt for liquid/gel liner smudged into the eye line, add a touch of clear gloss for a rock and roll edge. Nails are deep plum or very dark purple. Keep lips subtle when making the eyes the star!
2. What’s the best way to make sure your make up – foundation, eyeshadow – stay in place for as long as possible?
Use a primer. There are so many on the market but my favorites are: Gosh velvet touch foundation primer & Mac prep & prime for eyes.
3. Do you use a mixture of high-end expensive make up brands and high street brands? Do you have a preference?
I love to try new products on the market, I am constantly searching for new and undiscovered products that perform well, but I also have my old faithful brands that are a staple in my kit.
4. What is the correct way to match yourself to foundation? Some people say match to your face, some say to the neck, some says to the chest…
I always match to the jaw line. No one is the same colour in the face neck and décolleté so opt for jaw and use a non-sparkly bronzer to even out all areas.
5. Do you have any tips on how to make straight eyelashes hold curl?
This is going to sound really dated, but eyelash perms really work. It’s one of those really subtle changes to the face that make a big impact, especially if you tint the lashes really dark at the same time.
If you are going to use an eyelash curler, try not to use it every day, as the eyelashes are really delicate. To hold the eye lashes in place spray a little hairspray on a disposable wand and apply gently to the lashes for maximum hold.
6. Do you have any beauty no-nos or do you think anything goes?
I think the biggest beauty no-no is to get stuck in a make-up rut. What looked good on your face when you were in your twenties isn’t going to be the best choice for you in your thirties. Don’t be afraid to try new products – if you don’t want to commit to the splurge ask the lady at the make-up counter for a sample.
7. Can you tell me what your top 5 beauty products are when working on a client?
The products in my kit constantly change with the trends. This season I added temporary tattoos from Chanel and Betsy Johnson, a lot of really dark nail polishes in various shades. Staple brands include products from Kevyn Aucoin, Yves Saint Laurent and of course Kitten Vixen.
8. What are your essential make up brushes?
Mac brushes last forever if they are looked after properly, I also love the Kevyn Aucoin brushes – they are a splurge but well worth it.
9. What beauty products do you personally carry around with you in your handbag?
I’m a lazy bones and never usually carry anything bigger than a clutch, so I only ever pack my lip-gloss and oil blotting papers.
10. Do you have any favourite make up books?
The make-up books I find most inspirational are by Francois Nars and Kevyn Aucoin. [Mine too! - Ed]
11. Who are your make up inspirations?
Kevyn Aucoin & Francois Nars
12. What do you think will be the big trends for Spring 2011?
The beauty trends that came from the Spring Summer 2011 collections were inspired by the seventies. Bright blue and green eye shadow was taken right up to the brow line.
Lips were vibrant too, in shades of red orange and fuchsia. Obviously these looks will be watered down before they reach street level, but Spring Summer 2011 is looking bright for make-up. Hair was loosely braided with a slept in feel, or sculpted into a low bun.
13. Finally, What tips do you have for someone who wants to become a make up artist?
Invest in the best make-up course you can find and then call as many agents in your area and ask to assist established make-up artists. Be prepared to work long hours for almost no money, but the training you absorb whilst assisting will prepare you for a long and exciting career.
Hope you enjoyed the Q&A guys and thanks to Geraldine for her time.
P.S. Look out for a fab giveaway next week featuring a Kitten Vixen prize for 10 ladies (or men)!
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Thank you for the interview. I always love reading about differents MUAs x
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