Know what you're paying for: Researching before booking

In this day in age, finding a makeup artist is quite a challenge. There are so many different kinds of artists out there with different styles, ideas, and backgrounds. So how do you know which one is the right one for you?

Ashley Watts - Winston-Salem, NC based Makeup Artist

1. Knowing what makes an artist a professional. The term "professional" or "qualified" gets thrown around a lot in the industry. To some, picking up a brush belt is simply enough to use the title, like being professional is guaranteed. But it isn't always the case. Always ask for a list of credentials and references. I always recommend doing a quick Google search on your potential artist, I usually look at the first two pages and look for links from previous clients the artist might not post.
2. What training does the artist have? Always ask for an artist's educational background. Knowing whether they've completed training programs and hold certifications is a plus. There are many ways to get trained/certified/licensed. This is important if you're looking for someone who is certified for lash applications or airbrushing. Ask for proof of the education (degree, license, certification), don't be afraid to press for these items.
3. Do they have Insurance Coverage? It's important that your artist cares for your well being. Having an insurance policy that protects you, and them is very important. What would happen if you had a sensitivity to a certain product and needed medical attention? The artist should have insurance that will covers situations like that.
4. What's their business set-up? Do they have a website, business cards, portfolio?  These items imply that they are serious about their business. Be iffy of an artist that has only low quality photos and a lot of makeup applications on themselves.
5. What's in their kit? Ask about OHS standards and whether or not they keep up with them and cycle their products out. Ask about brands, brush life, etc. We love talking about what's in our kits!
6. Dress/Attire: In the cosmetic industry, most artist will wear all black, professional type clothing that isn't too flashy. I could very well be too picky when it comes to this standard, but I believe all artist should have their armpits covered, and wear close-toed shoes at all points in time, as well as have groomed nails.

With that being said, I think each artist has their own style and personality so finding someone who's a great fit for your event is so important. Talk to your artist, ask for a meet up/consultation so you can see how well you guys get along. The perfect artist is out there for you!

GLOwing the business - A Bou-door into my career

I've been working with Kira from Oh Betty Boudoir for almost a year now. I was fortunate enough to meet her during a fluke where all the Makeup Artist she frequented were unavailable. My friend Meg had shared an S.O.S post by Kira and I replied immediately. At the time I didn't have a website, or any recent work as I had been working only in the retail sector of cosmetics, but I applied anyways with what work I did have. I think back to that moment and realize how big of a risk she took on me, the girl with no portfolio sending random pictures of their work in Facebook messages. But, I am really glad she decided to welcome me into the studio.
 

Ashley Watts Makeup - Winston-Salem, NC Makeup Artist
© Oh Betty Boudoir 2015

Being a Makeup Artist in this area can be a challenge. There's not a lot of competition per say, as most professional/certified artist run in a small group, and we all typically enjoy the company of one another. We pass gigs along the other cannot complete, or we know would make a better fit. I really cannot complain about the so-called competition, I've been lucky enough to know many talented women who impress me every day with their unique, individual styles and methods. I think the challenging part of this industry comes from any "work for yourself" business. You're responsible for building/retaining your clientele, marketing your business/services, and staying up to date with trends(I survived #kyliejennerlip2015). It's a lot of work, and to be successful, you need to be dedicated and passionate about what your business model is, and preserving it.

Ashley Watts Makeup - Winston-Salem, NC Makeup Artist
© Oh Betty Boudoir 2015

When I met Kira, I was striking out on a new chapter of my career. I had just ended my job at Ulta as a Lead Prestige, and knew I wanted to focus on building my own business. Working with Oh Betty Boudoir has giving me the spark I needed to know I can do this full-time. There's so much positivity that comes into the the studio, it truly breathes life into my business and guides me farther down my path to success. I can't imagine ever taking the opportunity that Kira has give to me for granted, or the friendship that we've fallen into (Seriously. I guess sometimes, you don't even realize you've become more than "co-workers" and you've crossed the line into friendship!).

In March, my previous employee turned best friend (Am seeing a trend here?), Glo, was invited to model for Kira for a promotional video. Glo is also a Makeup Artist who serviced the Winston-Salem area, but unfortunately relocated back to Los Angeles, CA. She was looking to flourish her career even farther, or so she says, I believe it was to avoid the humidity North Carolina offers during the summer...but who am I to pass judgement? I remember how excited Glo was to finally get to meet Kira, and even more excited to get to experience what had pulled me away from retail and lit the fire in my soul for embracing beauty of all kinds. It was an empowering shoot to have 4 artists in the studio, all there to create something. I think we all learned a little bit from each other during the shoot, and left with a bond you can only get when creating something of artistic value together.

Sharing that experience, and the afterGLO of it all, really proves that I made the right choice in leaving behind the retail environment. I left confident in the experience I gained, the knowledge and tips I received from a great friend and colleague, ready to engulf myself in empowering women the same way I am always empowered at the Oh Betty Boudoir studio. 

Ashley Watts Makeup - Winston-Salem, NC Makeup Artist
© Oh Betty Boudoir 2015

Making up with your Makeup: Best Foundations for Oily Skin

Today starts the very first edition of "Making up with your Makeup"! I often get asked what advice I have for foundations, skin care, or basically anything relating to the beauty industry. I pride myself on my in-depth knowledge into every aspect in this field, so if you ask me for an opinion, you're sure to get a professional and personal one alike.

In this edition, we're going to focus on our very first question: "What are the best foundations, concealers, and powders for oily skin?" - Kelsey

First off, knowing what skin type you have is the best knowledge you can equip yourself with. So since we've already established that you're dealing with oily skin, now we can focus on how to truly combat it! Contrary to poplar belief, oily skin appears mostly when your skin is actually dehydrated. Weird, right? Every person I tell this tidbit to thinks I am making it up, but thankfully, I have science on my side on this one. When your skin lacks moisture, it tries to balance out the hydration by overproduction of oil. Thus creating the ever-so shiny look you're experiencing! I'll touch more on how to deal with the obstacles in balancing your moisture/oil in a skin care blog post, so keep an eye open for that.

Prime:
1. Stila One Step Correct - Even though Kelsey didn't ask for a primer recommendation, I consider it a must-have with any type of skin for the best results. One Step Correct is my ultimate favorite primer on the market. It's so versatile, it can really work with everyone, with every skin struggle. But, I recommend it for oily skin because it's a balancing act for your dehydrated skin. It's not there for intense hydration, or for mattifying, its sole purpose is to balance the skin. Price: $36

Foundation:
In regards to foundation, things can get kind of tricky when recommending products. You really need to know which kind of finish you're looking for before selecting the right foundation. Do you want a dewy/fresh finish? Full matte coverage? Maybe a good mix of both? I personally like the dewy/fresh finish, but we all have a different preference, and one is no better than the other. Below, I am going to recommend a foundation for each finish:

2. Benefit Cosmetics Big Easy (Dewy/Fresh): My "go-to" foundation for people struggling with moisture balancing accompanied by oily skin. This formula gives you a light weight natural coverage with a velvet/power type finish. I recommend this product for summer use to every single oily skin client because of 35 SPF and self adjusting tone so it can easily fluctuates with your skin kissed cheeks. I will always recommend applying this BB cream type formula with your fingertips and then blending with a beauty blender. Price: $38

3. Stila Stay All Day Foundation & Concealer (Full Coverage): This formula was developed to hydrate and balance the moisture in your skin. It also helps prevent pre-mature aging, which no matter how you embrace your "lines" getting carded at 37 is an amazing feeling. I also love that this foundation comes with the concealer and mirror in the lid and a "paint brush" -- which I am not a big fan of. I prefer to apply this foundation with your fingertips, and working the concealer in with the brush itself. Price: $44

4. Urban Decay Naked Skin (Demi-Matte): Ever wonder where dreams are made? It's at the Urban Decay headquarters, in their product development department to be exact. This foundation gives you all the bang for your buck, including a healthy dose of peptides! It  can be medium, or full coverage depending on the application, both feel lightweight and nourishing. Lychee Fruit extract help make sure your skin's hydration stays balanced all day. Also, my hippie heart (and psoriasis) is very happy about the fact that it's paraben free and fragrance free. Price: $39

Kelsey, I hope this helped answer some of the questions you had about finding the right foundation for oily skin. I feel as though to give you informational answers to each product, I am going to have to separate foundation, concealers, and powders into individual posts. I'll be sure to have the rest up within the week. Thank you again for reaching out to me for advice on products. If you'd like me to answer a question of yours, feel free to contact me.

Hello people of the internet!

Well, I guess the birth of every blog begins just like this -- a lame introduction post. It's kind of a right of passage on your first voyage into the blogosphere. So here goes nothing!

Hi all those who have a reliable internet connection! Welcome! Thank you for taking a moment out of your cat image searching to visit my blog, and even more so -- reading it! Wondering what you can find inside this slice of internet pie? Unfortunately, it isn't apples or blueberries (though I am sure I could find a way to blog only about fruit filled pies, because...food). This blog was started to help cope with my obsession with the cosmetic industry that I've worked in for many years as a professional Makeup Artist. Those poor people closest to me have been subjected to my "cost-metic" downfalls for too long. It's time express my over excitement about the new Mac collection or Urban Decay palette with other people who understand that $225 on the Urban Vault really is a good deal.

So, if you too, understand the struggling lifestyle of a beauty fiend. Welcome to the Jungle, we've got glam and gloss!