Interview WITH
Celebrity Makeup Artist Orietta LevA
Q: Your name and country/town of your business please:
A: Orietta Leva, United States NYC/NJ
Q: Do you have any website(s) you would like me to link to from this interview?
A: Yes! I sure do.
Homepage/blog: (you can also find my blog on there)
Facebook:Orietta Leva
Twitter:
Q: Tell us little about yourself personally and if you attended school or you are a self taught makeup artist?
A: I am a Self Taught Makeup Artist, but I did attend Cosmetology school to learn the business aspect of the Beauty industry and to learn hair and skin.
Q: Do you think going to school for make-up artistry or cosmetology is important to excel in the business later on?
A: I think Makeup Schools are great for those who love the art of makeup and need to still learn the basics. They also teach Special Effects which is great. It really depends what area of makeup you want to excel in.
As for cosmetology schools they are great if you have an interest in hair because they go very thorough in it. And are great for learning the business aspect. But I strongly suggest that young artists do their research on what Cosmetology school is best for them. Talk to the students on your own specially the ones that are about to graduate. Because if your a currently working artist. You can incur a lot of fees. It can become more expensive then you think:(
Q: Did you always wanted to be an artist, or did you stumble upon your talent by chance? Who or what inspired you to become a makeup artist?
A: I always wanted to become an Artist just didn't know how to go about it. That's where Cosmetology school came into play:)
Q: What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?
A: It's always exciting to me on how a person can be transformed into different looks whether it be making some dark circles disappear. Or a complete makeover from plain Jane to Glamor Queen. I live for it!
Q: What surprises you most about working as a makeup artist?
A: The amount of Q-Tips and Face Wipes I go through lol
Q: Describe your "Classic Approach to Beauty." how do you define beauty?
A: My approach to beauty plays off of the client I'm working on. My definition is always. Beautiful natural glowing skin, a soft natural translucent blush on the cheek. Soft bronzy eyes a strong but clean brow, Mildy contoured cheeks for definition. And a natural pink lip stain. I guess you can say I have a very “Natural” Classic Approach to Beauty. Very clean, defined but natural.
Q: What individual products and brands you're "addicted" to at the moment and you use on a daily basis?
A: I am addicted to Kryolan and of course MAC. Oh and I'm in love with Smashbox Cream Blushes<3
Q: What are some of the most basic but effective skin care tips in general that you have, that are really important?
A: My most basic skincare tip would be to wash your face daily with a soft cleanser, Use a mild face exfoliater in the morning to remove dead skin. And moisturize properly everyday especially under the eyes. But as always check with your dermatologist before starting any new skincare regime.
Q: Have you had an extreme, crazy or bad experience with a skin care product or during a makeup session? If so, what happened?
A: I haven't really had a bad experience with any of my products. I always test products on myself or a friend and before they join my kit and are safe to use on clients. Also I research the ingredients to make sure they aren't highly allergic. About 95% of my products are Hypo-Allergenic. Though I tested out a primer one time on my younger sister and she broke out exactly where I put it. Sorry sis:/
Q: What do you find to be the most common mistakes women make with makeup? What's the worst thing a woman can do to her skin?
A: Go to sleep with their makeup. And washing their face with a regular body Soap Bar..NoNo
Q: What do you think are best/worst trends in the makeup / skin care industry right now?
A: The makeup Trends right now are actually very fun and colorful perfect for the summer. But I saw a lack of blush. I feel that they can use just a pinch of color to bring it together since their looking colorful. But that’s just my 2cents because I hate looking flushed.
Q: Do teenage girls need to splurge on high-priced makeup products, or are drugstore items are just as satisfactory?
A: Teenage girls definitely don't need to splurge if they don't want to. There is sooo much quality drugstore makeup out there for young girls to play around with and practice.
Q: What feature(s) do you love to accentuate and why?
A: Depends on the client. I love to accentuate whatever their best feature is to make them look their best.
Q: What are your steps for the perfect, flawless, natural look?
A: Skin preparation is key to perfecting a Flawless, Natural Look.
Q: What is a really quick way to change a day look to a special occasion or nighttime face?
A: Depends on the look that you already have. But I would think just a bit of dropdown eyeshadow and a deeper shade of lipstick. Usually does the trick for just about everyone.
Q: What are the differences between applying makeup on models and on real women?
A: When your applying makeup on models you create a look on the model that the designer wants or magazine. It's not catering to what the model personally might want to see herself as. With real women you cater to what the individual feels comfortable in and what makes her feel her best.
Q: In terms of eyeliner, if you had to choose between a pencil, liquid, or creme/gel based, which one would you choose? Why?
A: I would choose gel because it is simpler in my opinion and is water resistant.
Q: Lip gloss or Lipstick. Which product is best? Why?
A: Lipstick. The color pigment is just always much more richer:)
Q: 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?
A: My favorite type is cream and my favorite brand is MAC's Studio Finish
Q: What do your clients think of you? What are some individual testimonials?
A: I think Clients always say that I am very nice, patient and funny. I guess think I'm goofy lol
Q: Would you share some of your future goals, your life motto, any words of wisdom that get you by in life and professional career?
A: I realize that the saying “if you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life” is so true. I'm truly blessed.
Q: What tips and advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists just starting out?
A: Don't let anyone tell you any different. If being a Makeup Artist is truly what you want to do. “Do it and never look back”! Everything will fall in place, when you do something that you truly have a passion for.