I recently had the chance to chat with celebrity makeup artist Lauren Napier about all things beauty. The talented and renowned artist and businesswoman has beat the faces (in a minimal way of course) of everyone from Tia and Tamera Mowry and Lady Gaga, to Chanel Iman and Sanaa Lathan. She’s also waved her magic makeup wand on the set of a whole host of TV shows, films, and publications. So how did she get where she is now? Napier shared some great advice with us about the right way to break into the beauty business in case you’re trying to make similar moves. And she also gave us the real deal when it comes to the right and wrong ways to rock makeup. It’s springtime, so before you step out into the sun with every corner of Sephora on your face, let Napier set you straight.
How She Got Started
I got my start in TV and film after years of doing print and lots of editorial and beauty makeup. I think that was one of the things that helped me was that the makeup and work I did translated from magazine covers to red carpet looks and on to TV. Many times, we love makeup, and we start out trying to pile it all on, but in reality, you don’t want to lose your subject beneath the makeup. I got started being a minimalist, not going in with a strong hand. I had a great work ethic, and I think that’s why I was always working. I knew my craft, and then I had a great work ethic. That was something that was always expressed to me: You’re always on time, and you always know what’s going on.
Advice On How To Break Into The Business
I would say if you want to become a successful makeup artist you definitely have to know your craft and know the direction you want to go in. When you get there it’s okay to change course, but in the beginning you just really have to build your skill set and not be afraid to assist people. In the beauty and makeup industry, there’s no roadmap to do it. It’s mostly about talent, skill, and building relationships. And people who assist people not only learn a lot, but when someone can trust you because of your skill level and work ethic, you become the go-to person they call.
Why You Should Stop Going To Sleep With Makeup On
Your skin is resting and rejuvenating at night. Whatever elements or products you have in your skin, your skin absorbs. So if you have makeup on your skin, your skin starts to absorb that makeup. In the morning when it’s recycling, it’s pushing all of that back out. You need to go to sleep with clean skin so that you can wake up with clean skin. And your skin is restoring clean skin. If you’re wearing makeup it’s going to clog your pores, and that’s when you have acne and congestion, and it becomes a revolving door. It’s very important to clean your skin. You only have one set of skin, you only have one face, so you need to take care of it.
The Right Makeup For Women Who Don’t Want To Wear Much At All
When you’re just starting out, less is more. I would definitely say, focus on your best features. Play up your best features. If your eyes are your best feature, play that up. A dark black mascara is great for everyone. That brings attention to your eyes without bringing heavy drama or too much focus. If your lips are your favorite feature, start off with a shimmering nude, something that’s not going to be so overwhelming but draws attention. I actually love a lip and cheek duo too. I actually don’t leave my house without mascara, rouge and a lip and cheek.
Why She’s Not Here For Your Eyeshadow Matching Your Clothes:
Fashion has evolved, and I think makeup should too. I’m a minimalist; so to me, makeup should enhance what’s already there. You shouldn’t lose your subject beneath makeup. When you wear a lot, you see the makeup before you see the person. So I would say, avoid lots of colors at once.
Do You Need To Spend Big Bucks On Makeup Brushes?
The choice is always yours. But in anything you always do, you definitely want to do it with quality. You can have a makeup brush that doesn’t break the bank. As long as they’re clean, they’re going to help. The makeup will apply better when you’re using clean brushes. The quality of the brush is definitely going to enhance the look, but if it’s just an everyday look that you’re able to master with the brush you have, that’s great.
Her Beef With Beauty Blenders
I think those things should be burned! The little sponge applicators, I do not use those things. I don’t know why they make them, period. Not a fan. I think if it’s between a brush and a sponge applicator, definitely go for the brush unless you want a sponge-y desired effect. But with a brush, you have more control over the look that you’re trying to achieve. A sponge just absorbs your makeup and doesn’t give you the coverage you need. You won’t get the most accurate makeup application. It’s not my cup of tea.
Why You Should Think Twice Before You Contour Your Face
I think that contouring right now, is a technique that’s absolutely overused. That’s my opinion. I think you can achieve a beautiful makeup look without wearing 50 different products on your face. There’s a way to create a natural look without contouring, and I think that’s something that can easily be achieved. Contouring is a technique that was originally created for the stage so that people could see your features from far away. So, today, again, I think it’s widely overused, and it’s not necessary. It’s not necessary for everyday makeup wear. If you’re going to a special event where you’re going to be photographed like most celebrities, that makes sense. But if you’re going to the grocery store, girl, what are you doing? I understand why people want to do it, but I think it’s a little more than what every woman needs to do every day. I think it’s unfortunate that we’re putting such a heavy focus on sculpting your face to almost look like a totally different face. There’s beauty in just being you and being an individual in your own clean and beautiful skin.
