Questions & Answers:
Whether you are a mature woman looking for skin care tips; a newly licensed Esthetician wanting to know more about working as a Freelance Makeup Artist; a teenager wanting to know basic makeup tips; or just curious . . .
If you have a question for Kat? Click here to email your question.
Previous questions are answered below:
Question:
Hi Kat,
I'm back in Cosmetology school and scheduled to graduate soon. I am so excited about begining my career as a Professional Cosmetologist and a Freelance Makeup Artist. Thanks to your
"Basic Beauty Makeup" class I feel very confident about my traditional makeup applications. However, I did not take your "Makeup for Television" yet and you mentioned that you include an "airbrush demonstration" in that class. Do you do airbrush when you do makeup for television?
Shelly D
Answer:
Hi Shelly,
Yes, when doing makeup for hi-definition I prefer to airbrush at least the foundation for a more "true skin" appearance under the hi-def cameras which show everything. When applying the foundation with airbrush you can easily control how much you apply to the little blemishes that will need more coverage than the rest of the face. Click on Kett's banner to the right here and then click on the link to "Kett TV" on their website to view videos that will explain much better than I can in the small space I have here. Also, plan to take their next "Basic Airbrush" taught by Roque Cozzette, Director of Makeup, Kett Cosmetics (see their website for class details).
Love,
Kat
Question:
Hi Kat!
I am a makeup artist from New York and I was so excited to see your site! You look beautiful and confident in what you do. I recently became a licensed esthetician due to the demands of the small business I had. (I will give you the link to my site and you will see I run the gamut of other services b/c that is how it all began and just snow balled from there). I am giving my first official makeup lesson this Wednesday, and I am set up to work on call w/ 2 photographers in my area, so the makeup artistry is officially "open for business". I am also a single mom of 4 and age 35, and my question is simple (I hope). Do you have any good advice about being successful starting at my age?
Thank you,
Gretchen in New York
http://makeupartistrylongisland.com/
Answer:
Hi Gretchen,
Even though I started doing makeup (for pay) in 1993 at 29 years old; I was doing Saturdays only until 2002 when I decided to get licensed as an Esthetician and turn my weekend business into full-time. I was 38 years old when I finally made that decision – that this is what I wanted as my full-time career. Age is only a number but if life begins at 40 then you are just getting a head start. It is never too late to follow your dream. Go confidently in the direction of your dream. Live the life you’ve imagined. And maybe even give your children little “jobs” that make them feel a part of your business too. My daughter cleans my kit and brushes every day when I get home – and – she is my demo model for the makeup classes when school is out for summer – and – on some jobs I even take her as my assistant. I pay her so it is a great opportunity to teach her about handling money as well as spending time together even though I’m working; and it’s a tax deduction (ask your accountant about amounts allowable as deduction when paying your children – you will love it). Stay in touch!! and your website looks awesome!!
Love,
Kat
Question:
Hi Kat,
You mentioned that you use mostly CHANEL on your face. Is that also the product line you use in your Makeup Kit as a professional, freelance makeup artist? I'm a licensed Cosmetologist and looking to put together a basic makeup kit in order to provide makeup touch-ups for my hair clients.
Sherry in Jefferson, GA
Answer:
Hi Sherry,
I do love CHANEL for my face but no, that is not the only product line I use in my professional kit. First, I can not afford to. But also, there are products I use on my face that might not be as suitable for photography as the other products I choose. Example: Poudre Cristalline which tends to reflect more light than the other setting powder (Ben Nye Neutral Set Colorless Face Powder) I use for weddings and fashion photography . Also, the same goes for my Mat Lumiere Foundation which has a hint of luminosity. At my age - the hint of light reflection or luminosity is a great benefit (anti-aging in appearance) but in photography might reflect the light and sometimes (depending on light / angle) may cause "hot spots" in photos. However, CHANEL does have a foundation I find suitable for photography (Pro Lumiere Professional Finish Makeup); but again that little thing called price when purchasing every shade (for kit) instead of just one (for me). I find the MAC Studio Fix Fluid is matte and excellent for photo shoots (and weddings) at about half the price (plus professional makeup artist get discount with MAC Pro Card). I do have some CHANEL in my makeup kit (pencils, lipsticks, etc...) but the majority is MAC and then some Bobbi Brown (love their lip balm in pot), Laura Mercier (my favorite brow definer), Shu Uemura, Sephora, and so many more. As you can see - quality is important but so is affordability; constantly restocking your professional kit can start to add up. Click here for list of websites to each of these products mentioned.
Love,
Kat
Question:
Hi Kat,
I turned 40 this year, and my skin has changed dramatically. I've always taken care of my skin, stayed out of the sun and have used Bobbi Brown make up for years, but it no longer looks good. Because my skin is dry, the concealer and foundation are settling into the cracks in my skin under my eyes and around my mouth. The make-up goes on unevenly and appears flaky/blotchy. I use the liquid foundation w/moisturizer and eye cream, and I still have this issue. I'm thinking about using Bare Minerals, but I've always heard if you have dry skin, liquid is better. What do you suggest? Would you do an individual make up consultation/application lesson with me?
Julie in Roswell, GA
Answer:
Hi Julie,
I know how you feel. I turned 45 earlier this week and as we age our skin changes so it is important to adjust your skin care regimen accordingly. Without proper skin care your makeup will not look good no matter what makeup you use. I would recommend first that you choose a good regimen that includes cleanser, toner, serum, and day moisturizer at the very least and add eye cream, night cream, exfoliater, and mask if your budget allows for it. You will want all of your skin care products from one brand (different “ranges” within same brand are usually ok to mix but all same brand) to insure that the ingredients are compatible and will not counteract each other. Next, within that line you will want to choose your cleanser and toner based on your skin type (dry, normal, combination, t-zone, oily, or blemish prone). Your treatment products (serum, moisturizer, eye cream) should be based on your age prevention level. Lastly your 2x per week treatments (exfoliater and mask) depending on skin condition (dehydrated, or dull vs. radiant). Example: I have combination skin that becomes dehydrated very easily and also looses radiance quickly in addition to the fact that I want to fight the signs of aging. And yes, I do offer private makeup lessons as well – click here for all the details!! I will look forward to serving you.
Love,
Kat
Question:
Hi Kat,
My makeup brushes have become dirty and worn out. Do you have any tips on replacing or taking care of them?
Chris in Dacula, GA
Answer:
Hi Chris,
I would recommend that you invest in high-quality brushes. They will be able to hold up to frequent use and cleaning and will last you longer. You can find high-quality brushes at Sephora, Chanel, MAC, Bobby Brown, or click here for the makeup brushes that I love most. When it comes to your makeup, tools and brushes, hygiene is of the utmost importance. Not only should your makeup be clean but the brushes you use to apply it should be cleaned on a regular basis as well. Your brushes collect makeup residue, oil, dirt, and bacteria which can cause blemishes. You are less likely to experience problems with blemishes if you keep them clean. I clean my professional set of brushes in between each client and my personal set of brushes weekly using Brush Cleanser by MAC. The Brush Cleanser by MAC will clean, disinfect and condition the brush fibers so that your brushes will last longer.
Love,
Kat
Question:
Hi Kat,
I’m getting married in the fall and need your expertise making decisions for my wedding makeup. First I would love to know what concealer you recommend for covering the dark circles around the eyes. Also, I hear a lot of people say I should be careful not to wear SPF for my photos because the photographer will have difficulty shooting it. Is this true? And why?
Tammy in Dacula, GA
Answer:
Hi Tammy,
When choosing concealer to cover dark circles under eyes I prefer a concealer that is not too thick and therefore less likely to crease under the eyes and go with one just slightly lighter than your foundation. My personal favorite is Correcteur Perfection by Chanel. Simply brush on under eyes and pat gently with fingertip to blend; and be sure to set with a colorless setting powder to prevent creasing. In regards to SPF and other products that reflect light – it is very important that you discuss lighting with your photographer. If he/she is shooting in natural light or with large soft boxes then it should not be a problem. However, if the photographer is using an on-camera flash then anything “reflective” in your makeup (such as an SPF) can cause “hot spots” on the skin. For more information about photography lighting for weddings you could contact one of the professional wedding photographers that I love to work with.
Love,
Kat
Question:
Hi Kat,
I have sooo many questions for you Kat but I will hold it to only one today. How do I achieve that airbrush quality of makeup application that I see on some women? Once in a while I will be at the mall or walking down the street and see someone whose makeup color just blends so well with their skin and hair. It is a very soft look. Thank you so much for providing your expertise!
Mary in Buford, GA
Answer:
Hi Mary,
For soft, flawless foundation coverage you will want to start by taking the very best care of the canvas - your skin. Use a high quality skin care program. In the evening use a skin care regimen that includes cleanser, toner, eye cream, lip balm, serum, and night cream. Then next morning continue with cleanser, toner, eye cream, serum, and a light weight day time moisturizer with SPF. And once or twice per week - exfoliate to remove dead skin cells. I love the Force Vital Mild Exfoliating Refiner by Swiss Line and it is gentle even on sensitive skin. High quality ingredients are crucial for beneficial results so choose a quality skin care line. After you have completed your morning skin care regimen - the next thing you will do is apply a small amount of concealer only where needed; less is best. Then you will use a lightning concealer under the eyes or inner corners if needed; for this I personally use Pro Lumiere Correcteur by Chanel. Then you are ready for your foundation. For the finish you desire - you will want to choose a foundation that will dry to a matte finish such as Mat Lumiere Long-Lasting Soft Matte Makeup SPF 15 by Chanel or Studio Fix Fluid by MAC. While choice of foundation is extremely important so is the application technique. Always use a foundation brush to apply your foundation. Until you have perfected the technique then try using a wedge sponge to blend away any excess (after application) but do not use the sponge for application. You will see much better coverage with the brush. The sponge soaks up most of the product and then you throw it away. The money you save on foundation when using a brush will more than pay for the brush. Click here for my favorite makeup brushes. Once you've applied your foundation - next, you will want to set it. A good quality product that is very inexpensive is the colorless setting powder by Ben Nye with enough setting power to set even the heaviest theatrical makeup. Also, Chanel has a wonderful product Poudre Cristalline which is an ultra-fine, colorless, translucent powder with light reflective value which is great for minimizing fine lines or imperfections, perfect for every day wear; however I do not recommend light reflective properties for a photo shoot. With these steps you have achieved that soft, flawless finish you were looking for and it will probably last you throughout the entire day. If you do feel the need for touchups then I recommend the Double Perfection Compact by Chanel - the only product in my purse other than lipstick and gloss.
Love,
Kat
