Makeup Artists – Stay In Your Lane!

Ok, rant time!

MUAS, I’M OVER IT! First of all, STOP accepting gigs that you are not at all ready for. Secondly, STOP coming into Facebook groups/online forums with “oh woe is me”, because that gig turned out to be a complete disaster! Don’t try to blame the Stylist, Mother of the Bride, the Photographer, Director, President Obama, or anyone else for YOUR mistake! Whether skill set, managing logistics, contract details, kit supplies/preparedness etc., YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE when things don’t go well.

Many of the online communities that I mentioned above are replete with ANY/ALL of the information you need. In fact, I charge you with FELONY NEGLECT! Neglect of information and resources. Indeed, it would behoove you to strengthen your network of colleagues (ask questions/get help/hire knowledgeable assistants) so that you won’t subject yourself, OR A CLIENT to such unnecessary chaos!

If you get an offer that YOU KNOW you aren’t prepared to execute properly, be a true professional, decline the offer, pass it on OR bring in a colleague.

Reasons hiring an experienced colleague makes sense:
• Your professionalism is solidified
• They can offer you hands on expertise
• You learn and get experience at the same time
• Client is happy because the event/shoot was a success
• More business comes your way because you exemplified “team player”

We all know that even with the most careful planning and forethought, things can go wrong. Still, we should equip ourselves as acutely as possible. MUAs, don’t be the inexperienced “driver speeding into traffic”! Be a smart student of our industry by doing your homework. Honor the legacy within our ranks by respecting those who have gone before us. They paid dues – WE MUST ALSO.

Related blogs:
New Makeup Artist Photo Shoot Checklist
The MUA Q and A

 

Brush Cleansing – Make Them Last Forever…

I use Japonesque, Vincent Longo or MAC brush cleanser while on location to keep brushes clean/sanitized between faces/colors. I tend to shampoo my brushes a couple times a week, depending on how much work I have been doing.

For the deep clean:

>In a large stainless steel mixing bowl (2qt), I put warm (not hot) water, 1/4 cup 99% Alcohol and Aveda Sap Moss shampoo (about a tablespoon)
>In a stainless steel pinch bowl, I put a dollop of same shampoo
Helpers: 1 large empty stainless steel cup (lay on its side), 4-8 solid white sheets of paper towel, 1 clean cotton hand towel

1. I take the clean cotton towel and do a dry wash to remove much of the make-up residue that is there (wipe back and forth)

2. Then I take each brush (one at a time) and swirl in the large bowl, gently pressing it against the side of the bowl to really get it saturated

3. Dip my finger in the pinch bowl to put a little shampoo in my palm to gently swirl the brush in (dip in large bowl and repeat until suds is white)

4. Brush gets one final swirl in the large bowl mixture, then a gentle squeeze to remove excess water. Clean brush is then inserted into the stainless steel cup (remember, lying on its side so the water doesn’t invade the ferrule)

5. Repeat steps 1-4 until every brush is done.

6. Empty large bowl and rinse well. Then refill half way with warm water, 1 tablespoon alcohol and a small amount of Pantene Relaxed & Natural Conditioner. Whisk with a fork to blend. (mixture will be slightly cloudy)

7. Take each brush and rinse under running water for about 10 seconds – a little longer for larger brushes. Squeeze out excess water

8. Swirl brush in water/conditioner mixture for a few seconds, then again squeeze out excess water

Lastly, use the paper towel to gently squeeze out excess water and lay brushes flat to dry overnight. I use solid white paper towel. As you squeeze out water, it is easy to see that you have cleaned the brush thoroughly if no make-up residue stains the paper towel

It takes me about an hour and 20 minutes to do my entire collection (180+ brushes)

Of course you can use whatever shampoo/conditioner you want. This method has worked for me over the years. I have many brushes that are in their teens and still in superb condition.

http://www.jenniferjames-beauty.com