Makeup Artist Story

Your Name: Andie Sleeman

Tell a little about yourself personally and if you attended school or you are a self taught makeup artist? I’m a sister, a daughter, a friend, a lover, an artist, a student. Real world experience is my classroom.

Do you think going to school for make-up artistry is important to excel in the business later on? I don’t. I think having the drive, heart, talent and a little bit of luck is needed to excel in this industry.

Did you always want to be an artist, or did you stumble upon your talent by chance? I’ve always been an artist. Transitioning into makeup was a natural progression for me.

What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job? Being inspired by new personalities with every project is what excites me.

What challenges you most about working as a makeup artist? Becoming a business woman is challenging me at the moment.

Describe your “Classic Approach to Beauty.” How do you define beauty? I think beauty makeup is clean and not over done. Every woman is an individual who has her own unique quirks that makes her truly beautiful. I use makeup to enhance this not hide it.

What individual products and brands you're "addicted" to at the moment and you use on a daily basis? RCMA foundations are my go to when creating a flawless canvas for photography.

What are some of the most basic but effective skin care tips in general that you have, that are really important? Keep your routine simple and be consistent with it.

What are the biggest skin care don’ts? Leaving your home without SPF!!

Have you had an extreme, crazy or bad experience with a skin care product or during a makeup session? A model and I found out she was allergic to latex on the set of a project. These are things women should be aware of.

What do you find to be the most common mistakes women make with makeup? Not blending enough. When you think you’ve blended enough double it.

What do you think are best/worst trends in the makeup / skin care industry right now? Best: Beautiful Skin. Worst: Too much makeup applied with little technique.

Do teenage girls needs to splurge on high-priced makeup products, or are drugstore items are just as satisfactory? There are tons of awesome products you can purchase at the drugstore. A little advice to the little ladies is to stop using foundation, a good moisturizer will go a long way.

What feature(s) do you love to accentuate? Cheekbones.

What are your steps for the perfect, flawless, natural look? Moisturize, conceal (where needed), blend, add a few highlights and shadows, then blend again.

What is a really quick way to change a day look to a special occasion or nighttime face? Punch up your cheeks and add a bold lip or eye.

What are the differences between applying makeup on models and on real women? Models are generally genetically blessed young ladies that need fewer corrections. Real women have skin that is affected by their lifestyle. I can learn a lot about a woman by the condition of her skin.

In terms of eyeliner, if you had to choose between a pencil, liquid, or creme/gel based, which one would you choose? Pencil. Liquid is too difficult for most women to manipulate. I only use liquid on myself.

Lip gloss or lipstick. Why? Lip gloss or Vaseline applied over a lip pencil. More control and a more natural look with a lip pencil.

What should a client consider before deciding to try permanent makeup? All I’m going to say about this is I can usually tell right away when a woman's makeup is tattooed on.

What brand/type of concealer is your favorite for covering up the after effects of a late night out i.e. under-eye circles, blemishes? Joe Blasco Orange Highlighter for dark circles under the eyes. Foundation is usually enough to conceal blemishes.

How about the airbrush makeup trend? Are these products better or easier to use than standard sponge? As an artist my favorite means of applying makeup is with my brushes in hand.

What do your clients think of you? They come back and refer me often, they like me. :)

Would you share some of your future goals, your life motto, any words of wisdom that get you by in life and professional career? I hope to see a change in women's opinions of themselves and their definition of beauty. My goal is to live a happy healthy life surrounded by people who inspire and encourage me.

What tips and advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists just starting out? Eat, dream and breath makeup. Every no is one step closer to a yes. Continue learning.