The Make-up of Make-up Artists
Shawntel Webster has been in the beauty biz for almost two decades. With resume credits that include working for major beauty brands like Charlotte Tilbury and MAC Cosmetics, Shawntel has truly done it all. Her work has been featured in fashion shows, beauty pageants, and styled shoots with literally thousands of faces in her portfolio. She has also served as a mentor and coach to many up-and-coming artists because of her extensive educational background and love of teaching.
As the owner, stylist, and head make-up artist at Beauty Topix Mobile Glam Salon, Shawntel’s services include make-up application, hairstyling, bridal styling, one-on-one make-up lessons and group classes.
I was first introduced to Beauty Topix Mobile Glam Salon about two years ago and was immediately impressed with the concept— a shuttle that could deliver full hair and make-up application services to clients either at the most remote, non-ideal photo shoot and set locations or at the most convenient location of all, at the client’s own home. Clients are literally able to step outside their front door and into an air conditioned luxury spa, get glammed, and immediately step back into the logistics of their everyday life. I immediately saw this as a win-win for my bridal clients!
With Shawntel’s keen eye for color matching, an average of 30+ bridal group clients per year, and numerous years of experience with some of the biggest names in cosmetics, I thought she’d be the perfect go-to person for this blog.
Below you will find three Q&A sections in which Shawntel has been kind enough to share her expertise:
Great Expectations
The “Blank Canvas”
Make-up Removal and Skin Maintenance
GREAT EXPECTATIONS: WHAT A MAKE-UP ARTIST CAN AND CANNOT DO
Q: Typically, what types of skin conditions can easily be covered or masked with make-up?
A: With the proper application techniques, redness and broken capillaries can easily be remedied with make-up.
Q: What types of skin conditions cannot be covered by make-up?
A: Make-up can definitely give us confidence and improve our appearance by masking any discoloration in the skin; however, it can’t change the texture of the skin. Common skin texture issues that are more difficult to work with include wrinkles or any sort of skin issue where the skin has lost firmness or tightness.
Q: How do you want your wedding clients to feel once you’ve completed their make-up application?
A: I want to make sure that they leave my chair feeling like the most beautiful versions of themselves. While all clients want a beautiful, polished look, which I can always deliver, I think that it’s also important for them to understand that social media filters are not real life and should not be the end goal.
I really like to explain what is possible to my clients before I begin because I want them to have realistic expectations about their transformations. My ultimate goal is to enhance the client’s own natural beauty and for them to be 100% satisfied with their end results.
Q: How long is your make-up application intended to last?
A: My make-up application is intended to last for anywhere between 16-18 hours of wear.
For scheduling purposes, I typically, recommend that the bride’s make-up is completed at least 2 hours before the ceremony start time to allow for pre-event photos.
Q: What should clients expect with airbrush make-up applications?
A: Airbrush make-up can be a great option for some; however, it is not ideal for aged, wrinkled, or sagging skin because the product will not “lay well” on the surface of the skin.
Additionally, dry skin should be properly hydrated and oily skin should be primed to allow for long wear. If you are considering the use of airbrush make-up, I would highly recommend a trial service so that you can determine well in advance if this is right for you and your skin type.
THE “BLANK CANVAS”
Q: The “blank canvas” refers to prepped, natural skin before make-up has been applied. In your own words, what is the best state for a “blank canvas” to which make-up can be applied?
A: Ideally, it’s best for a client to have a fresh, clean face with minimal product. Additionally, it is imperative that stubborn leftover cosmetics like mascara and other waterproof cosmetics are completely removed.
Q: How long before a make-up application should clients wash their face? What should their skin prep routine be?
A: Clients can cleanse their skin up to 15 minutes prior to the make-up application. My priority is always on the cleanliness of the skin and the lack of things like mascara residue and layers of heavy moisturizers, serums, and primers. Not having a fresh, clean face causes significant delays in starting the actual make-up application process, ultimately interfering with the client’s total application time and the overall event day schedule.
In terms of the exact skin prep routine, I highly advise my clients to consult with their esthetician on the best products and treatments specific to their skin type.
Q: What types of products should clients avoid applying to their skin right before a make-up application?
A: Any oils; however, a pea sized amount of moisturizer is fine.
Q: What foods, drinks, and/or habits should brides avoid before applying make-up to get the best results?
A: I’ve noticed that clients who eat junk food or drink alcohol the night before the wedding have the most difficulties. Doing so can cause dehydration and bloating which is not ideal for make-up application. So my best advice (even though it may be hard to do) is to get plenty of rest and drink lots of water before a big event.
Careful with your alcohol consumption right before your big day
MAKE-UP REMOVAL AND SKIN MAINTENANCE
Q: Are your make-up application services meant to be worn or ”repurposed” for multiple days of use?
A: NEVER! I do not recommend sleeping in make-up, EVER!
Q: What are some of the best practices for minimizing breakouts after a make-up application?
A: Properly cleansing the skin is essential to preventing breakouts. My preferred method is a “double cleanse” method in which a balm or oil is first used to break down mascara and other waterproof makeup before using a cleanser.
While we all know that sleep is essential to the skin’s natural regenerative process, how you sleep is also a factor. Of course you should never sleep in your makeup, but you should also make sure that all makeup is completely removed before applying nightly skincare productions. Additionally, pillowcases should be changed at least twice a week to prevent cross contamination and silk pillowcases should be used to allow for the proper absorption of your nighttime skincare products that are working and repairing your skin while you sleep.
Q: What is the best way for clients to remove your make-up after an application?
A: First, start with removing lashes by pulling from the outside of the eye to the inner corner. Then remove the top layer of makeup by using a makeup wipe. Follow up with an oil or balm to break down the waterproof products. Lastly, use a facial cleanser followed up with a toner, serum, and moisturizer.
Q: How does sunblock factor into your make-up application and maintenance processes?
A: While every day sunblock use is preferred, it can be somewhat tricky when combined with make-up application and the final outcome for photos and videos. The preference is to use a foundation with an SPF that does not cause a white cast or “flashback.” Additionally, there are products designed for application after make-up has already been completed. These are typically aerosol sprays that, when used properly, will not disturb the make-up.
Q: How important is “leaving the skin in a better state than you found it” after a make-up application to you?
A: I really try to take the time to explain how to properly remove makeup to my clients. I also emphasize the importance of a good skincare routine. This includes being under the care of a skilled esthetician and receiving monthly facials.
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