Basic Interview Questions On Makeup Artist
Q – 1 Tell me what do you love most about make up?
Ans- The never ending boundless options – making someone look so different. Changing people’s image to suit their mood or moment. It’s endless.
Q – 2 Tell me what’s your favorite part of the job?
Ans- The reveal! After the service is complete and I hand the mirror over, the A-HA moment happens. I get a little choked up every time. It makes me so happy to see my clients feeling beautiful, confident and sexy!
Q – 3 Tell me do you have any experience in cosmetic retails?
Ans- I spent a year in cosmetic retails where I was responsible for selling the company’s cosmetics products. I exceeded the annual sales target by 30% through effective promotion and product demonstrations to clients.
Q – 4 Do you know what are some common beauty mistakes that women make?
Ans- I often see great dabs of shimmery bronzer. It looks great on shoots and in very specific areas but some people circle it all over and you end up looking like an orange bauble. Not good! Less is more.
Q – 5 Tell me what is the one product you can’t work without?
Ans- I use it with everything. Apply it on clean skin before your moisturizer, mix it with your foundation and blush. It makes any makeup look more like real skin.
Q – 6 What is your favorite quote?
Ans- My fav quote is “Beauty Fades but Dumb is Forever”
Q – 7 Tell me what three makeup item should no woman leave home without?
Ans- Concealer, lip gloss, mascara!
Q – 8 Tell me when did you know a career in beauty was for you?
Ans- It was one of those things that was kind of always in the back of my mind! When I was younger, I was obsessed with makeup! I couldn’t wait to head down to the drugstore to buy the newest eyeshadow and lip stick. Only thing was, I never really realized you could actually have a career in beauty! Once I got my first taste of makeup in the “professional world,” during fashion week, I was hooked.
Q – 9 Tell us can I wear foundation every day? How do I stop it from slipping off?
Ans- You can always wear foundation just make sure to wear PRIMER! You can customize the primer for your skin concern as there are so many different kinds. This is the easiest way to wear foundation so it stays put.
Q – 10 Tell me how old were you when you became obsessed with make up?
Ans- One of my first memories when I was about 4 years old was me climbing up my mothers dresser to grab her lipstick, I smeared it all along the drawers as I climbed my way down then continued to smush it all over my face … I’ve been a makeup addict ever since.
Q – 11 Do you know who are some people that have inspired you throughout your career?
Ans- Steven Meisel, photographer, Helmut Newton and strong images of powerful women.
Q – 12 How to prepare dry and oily skin for foundation makeup application?
Ans- Oily skin has to be toned before makeup application so that the pores are closed and makeup stays longer while dry skin has to be moisturized before makeup application to avoid cracks in foundation layer.
Q – 13 Tell me how do I get rid of wrinkles?
Ans- Makeup is magical. It can help conceal imperfections, but it’s not the answer to every beauty issue. Being educated on the right skincare routine is important to maintain your skin. Great makeup starts with great skin, so make sure to stock up on moisturizers that contain retinol for anti aging and hyaluronic acid for intense moisture.
Q – 14 Tell me what has been the biggest challenge of your career?
Ans- The biggest challenge of my career has been wanting to do EVERYTHING! I always say I wish I could clone myself so that I could do everything for work and be a full-time mommy at the same time, and I know that so many women feel the same way. It has been a challenge for me to step back, take a moment to breathe, and to accept the fact that I logistically just cannot do everything and be everywhere at the same time.
Q – 15 Please explain about your experience as a makeup artist?
Ans- I started my career at MAC Cosmetics in capacity of a Makeup assistant. After completing a diploma course in makeup art with American Association of cosmeticians, I joined CBR where I currently apply makeup for TV shoots and special events. I also have experience in wedding makeup application, fashion show makeup and product promotional makeovers.
Q – 16 Suppose you’ve done such beautiful work on so many celebrities. Who have you not worked on that you’d kill to get into your chair?
Ans- There are SO many! I would LOVE to get my hands on ABC! Not only is she absolutely gorgeous, but she has this incredible confidence, and this beautiful energy! Together, we could definitely have some fun!
Q – 17 Tell me any great stories from working with a client?
Ans- I have several so it’s hard to choose, but I think one of my favorites would have to be from when I was recently in New York City. My team and I were brought in to do hair and makeup at an event called Beautiful Me. The event was focused on young women ages 11-17 and helping them build confidence and inner beauty. One of the young ladies that I did makeup on was so sweet & kind.
We had a lot of fun picking out makeup colors she liked and creating a personalized look just for her. When I finished I handed her the mirror, she gasped, started crying and said “ I have never looked or felt this beautiful ever in my life!” I of course started to cry too. It was one of the most rewarding moments in my career. Those are the moments I live for.
Q – 18 Explain me how much of your input do you add to achieve the results the photographer is looking for?
Ans- I’ve been in the business over 17 years and have worked on all ends of the spectrum so I give a lot of input, but more in the finished result rather than talking about it too much because a lot can happen in the process of creativity.
Q – 19 Suppose if you could pick one unique product or service offering, which would be your favorite, and why?
Ans- The day of appointment schedules that we create for our clients is something unique that we offer and is one of the many tools that has made our weddings successful. The schedule not only ensures that everyone will be done on time, but we build in extra time on the back end to account for any unforeseen instances that may arise that day.
Weddings are days to expect the unexpected so we try to plan for that the best we can; aka a bridesmaid gets lost or oversleeps her alarm. Another benefit to the schedule we create is that the bride can simply forward the schedule to the rest of her wedding party.
That way she doesn’t have all 8 of her bridesmaids asking her a million times what time their hair & makeup appointment is, where they need to be, or how to prepare for the appointment(s). We include all of that information in the schedule for her.
Q – 20 As you know today’s woman is busier than ever. What is the easiest/quickest way to turn a day/work look into something that works for night out?
Ans- Lining your inner rim with a dark eyeliner is something I do to add “instant fierceness.” Black of course is a go-to, but you can also go for a great navy or plum to really brighten the eyes! Just make sure it’s waterproof and is approved for use on the inner rim!
Q – 21 Tell me how long have you been a makeup artist and how did you get your start in the industry?
Ans- 15 years, I started in London on the runway shows and knee deep in fashion editorials working every job I was offered for free.
Q – 22 Explain me what makes you a good fit for this particular makeup artist position with the competition being so tough?
Ans- I do not consider myself run-of-the-mill. Where most makeup artists are now trying to do something “different” with every project hence compromising the simplicity of a face or a body, I believe in going back to the basics. For me, the basics are now the “new” thing. So I have the capacity to do both different and old school and this diversity makes me a good fit.
Q – 23 Tell us how do you determine a client’s undertone before you decide what makeup technique to use?
Ans- I always look at the back of clients’ wrists before I decide an undertone. If their veins appear blue / purple, they are a cool undertone; if the veins are blue / green, they have a warm undertone.
Q – 24 Tell me how do you communicate with the photographer you’re working with on a shoot to achieve his or her goals?
Ans- It’s really important for a photographer when communicating with a makeup artist to have trust in the artist he or she is working with. If I am hired it’s because he/she trusts in my skill but also it’s important for the photographer to give as many visual and verbal descriptions for the shoot that we are working on. It’s great if I can be given a detailed “brief” of what the shoot is about and what it’s for.
The makeup I would do on a model for a teen marketed magazine is very different for a European very edgy fashion magazine. Mood boards and tear sheets of ideas are good but I’m not into ripping off another artists’ makeup and I always add my own personal flair and stamp on the look.
Q – 25 Tell me what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned, and would pass along to others just getting started in your field?
Ans- Contracts are key!! They protect you and your client and keep everyone on the same page. In the event something goes wrong you have your policies in writing and a track record of the client agreeing to them. Also never, I repeat NEVER skip the trial appointment, even if it’s a friend or family member. Include the trial price into a package for the bride so she doesn’t have the option not to have one.
It will save you so many headaches on the day of. I mean, can you imagine trying to pick out the perfect shade of lipstick on the day of your wedding? I don’t think so. Make a trial required and schedule it 4-6 weeks prior to the wedding. You and the bride will be so much happier.
Q – 26 As you know some trends can feel a bit out-there for the average woman. Especially style-conscious women of “a certain age” who wish to remain current but fear looking as if they’re trying too hard. What are some comfort-zone-friendly ways to rock the latest trends?
Ans- In my opinion, there are no rules! If you want to rock a trend, I say go for it, and just know that you are fierce enough to pull it off! Still, I totally understand that sometimes, it can take some time to get used to seeing yourself with different makeup than you usually wear.
Here’s a quick tip: If you want to try a bold color on your eye, but aren’t ready to do it as a full shadow, try using a fun colored eyeliner! When you blink, you’ll just show off a hint of that gorgeous color, which will really help to brighten the face! You can also try using a colored mascara on the bottom lashes only (use your black mascara on the top lashes to keep from looking too 1983!), which will help open the eyes!
Q – 27 Explain me what were the early days of your career like? Did you have to test a lot in the beginning to build your book?
Ans- My early days of my career were hard. I did every crap job out there. I face painted at fairs to pick up my speed. I worked on no budget music videos and short films. I sold beauty products at beauty exhibitions and then for beauty brands like MAC. I assisted established makeup artists I met who came into the MAC shop. I started off cleaning brushes and getting coffee and THEN I tested like crazy.
I made a lot of mistakes but learned from them quickly. I went in from the ground up… If you can make a 45 year old with bad skin look good then when you get your hands on a young model with gorgeous skin your task at hand is a breeze. Too many makeup artists today come straight out of school thinking they’re gonna’ be working on Victoria Secret Models after graduation. However, it’s better for makeup artists to hone their skills by working on every face shape and skin tone and problem possible, so they really know how to solve them.
Q – 28 Explain me what is the difference between applying makeup for a TV shoot and applying makeup for a live appearance party?
Ans- Makeup for TV shoots is usually thematic and has to be applied as per preferences of the director. Thick base, sharper colors and massive skin foundation is needed for TV shoot makeup. Live party makeup has more finesse. It is kept as light as possible and the goal is to highlight the clients’ naturally appealing features and conceal the non appealing ones.
Q – 29 Role-specific Makeup Artist Job Interview Questions:
Ans- ☛ May I see your portfolio?
☛ What fascinates you about this line of work?
☛ Tell me about two season makeup trends you find interesting
☛ How would you rate your knowledge of the color wheel? How about skintones?
☛ Do you have any sales experience?
☛ What cosmetic products do you use on a regular basis?
☛ When and how do you clean your tools?
☛ Do you have experience with FX prosthetics?
Q – 30 Operational and Situational Makeup Artist Job Interview Questions:
Ans- ☛ How do you prepare different skin types before applying make up?
☛ If a customer asked you what’s the most suitable foundation tone for them, how would you help?
☛ Imagine a customer asked you for a makeup style that was unsuitable for them. How do you handle it?
☛ Choose your favorite cosmetic product and sell it to me
☛ What would be the effect of analogous/complimentary colors in makeup?
☛ Imagine you make a mistake while you apply makeup to a customer. How do you handle it?
☛ If you had to choose makeup according to lighting, how would you go about it?
Q – 31 Behavioral Makeup Artist Job Interview Questions:
Ans- ☛ Tell me about a time you had a very stressful day at work and how did you handle it?
☛ Recall a time you had to face a frustrated customer who wasn’t satisfied with the hair or makeup services you provided. How did you handle it?
☛ Have you ever had a conflict with a coworker/supervisor? How did you resolve it?
☛ Recall a time you gave advice to a customer on how to take care of their makeup
Q – 32 Suppose a customer asks for a style that you are sure would not suit them, how do you convince the customer to go otherwise?
Ans- When a customer comes for makeup and hairstyling first of all I analyze their skin and hair. In case they are asking for an unsuitable style or makeup, I convince them why it will not suit them by sharing my analysis of their face cut, skin type and hair texture.
Q – 33 Tell me how often do you clean your makeup tools such as brushes and combs? How does it affect the wear and tear of your tools and how do you feel about the associated expense?
Ans- I wash and disinfect them before I use them on a different client which means I sometimes wash them several times a day. It is true that makeup tools spoil quickly if you wash them too often but I cannot take a risk where clients’ health is concerned. I am willing to pay for the extra cost of buying more sets of brushes and combs.
Q – 34 Tell me how would you describe your signature look and what is it about your style that sets you apart from other makeup artists?
Ans- I like to make a face pop on the red carpet. I like skin to sing and look healthy and I rarely send anyone out of my chair without careful and light, appropriate contouring.
Q – 35 Do you know which foundation works best?
Ans- Foundation creates the illusion of a flawless complexion. First, you need to determine what type of coverage you want to achieve: sheer, medium, or full. Next, decide on the finish: matte, natural, or dewy. Estée Lauder has a huge variety, so they’re usually my favorite. -Victor Henao, Global Makeup Artist, Estée Lauder
Q – 36 Tell me when did you decide “okay, this is it, I’m going to be a professional make up artist?”
Ans- Growing up I had a big costume box and I was always into dressing up. I went to art school for a little while in high school then studied theatre in college at Penn State. My favorite courses were the costuming and stage makeup classes, so after I graduated I moved to London and studied at a professional makeup school taught by ex BBC artists…, It wasn’t a career I really thought of when I was younger but more of a natural progression of something I fell into. I feel so lucky that I can have a career that is combined by my love of art, dressing up and dramatics.
Q – 37 Tell me what are the three tools in your make up kit that you can never, ever be without?
Ans- The three tools I can never be with out are 1: a contour brush. I use them for everything from shadow to powder to concealor 2: a sharp pair of slanted tweezers from Tweezerman, and 3: my eye lash comb (because I like rock and roll but not clumpy lashes).
Q – 38 As you know speaking of age appropriateness, let’s consider the flip-side. In this day and age of Toddlers & Tiaras and 20-something-looking tweens, is there an age you, as a makeup-artist and mom, consider too soon for girls to begin wearing makeup on a regular basis?
Ans- We have a lifetime of wearing makeup, so while it’s fun for girls to play, I think it’s better that we wait until we’re older to wear makeup!
Q – 39 Tell me how did you get into the business?
Ans- I have been a lover of makeup since I was a little girl. I always played with makeup, which sometimes annoyed my older sister because I was always breaking into her room to put on her crimson pink lipstick and blue mascara (gotta love the 80’s!). When I got old enough to start wearing makeup my mom took me to the Clinque counter at Macy’s, I was instantly in love.
From that point on I knew I wanted to be a professional makeup artist. However, I didn’t get my start professionally until I was 20 and got my first makeup job as a counter manager for Benefit cosmetics at a Macy’s store. Kind of ironic. 😉 After 2 years of working in what I call the retail trap, I left in search of bigger and better opportunities. I wound up working at a salon with the intent of going to beauty school.
Soon after starting in the salon world I realized that it was a pretty toxic, negative and caddy aspect of the industry and it wasn’t for me. I know all salons aren’t like this but I soon realized that I didn’t want to “work for the man” and be constrained to where my creativity took me. Around that time was when I met my now husband who recognized my talent and pushed me to pursue starting my own makeup artistry business and thus WarPaint International was born!
Q – 40 Tell me what makes you different from others in your field?
Ans- It’s simple. We don’t do drama. We do not tolerate toxic, negative or catty behavior and these standards have attracted the right type of artisans to us. Like attracts like. The way we conduct business is always professional. We treat our artisans and clients with the utmost respect. We are responsive, consistent, talented and reliable.
Q – 41 Tell me what are your favorite Fall/Winter 2011 beauty trends?
Ans- I have to say, usually, I always wear a smoky eye and a pink lip. Always. But, lately, I have been branching out and doing a red lip! There’s something so classic, yet so modern about it! And with today’s amazing innovations, you don’t have to worry about it traveling all over your face!
Q – 42 Tell me what a dream job is for you?
Ans- My “Dream Job” would be Ellen Von Unwerth as the photographer, Grace Coddington styling, Sam McKnight on hair, Baz Lurman doing the art direction and Raquel Welch circa 1970 modeling (she is my muse) But any job with a sassy creative director and a decent pay rate is always an awesome second LOL.
Q – 43 Suppose I have 5 minutes to do my makeup-what can I do that would make the most difference?
Ans- A little concealer under the eyes is the easiest way to look more awake and bright-eyed. Or sunglasses and a bright lip always do the trick.
Q – 44 Explain me how do I contour my face?
Ans- Contouring seems like a daunting task if you’ve never done it. The reality is it’s easier than you may think. The simplest way to understand contouring is to imagine a light over your head. The areas of the face that the light will illuminate are the highlights and the areas cast in shadows are the contours.
Finding the right products is easy, and may already be in your makeup collection. Use a foundation or concealer one shade darker than you skintone (the one you purchased after that last beach vacation), or a bronzer can do the trick. -Blair Patterson, Director of Global Makeup Artistry, Estée Lauder
Q – 45 Tell me what is the most important beauty advice that you can give to women?
Ans- Invest in your mind, body and soul. Shoes come and go, but your skin needs more than a yearly check-up. Invest in a good regular facial and nurture yourself with massages and quiet rest from time to time.
Q – 46 Tell me what experiences do you have apart from making up characters apart from using typical makeup techniques?
Ans- I am trained in molding prosthetics, wigs and extensions on clients to help them get into character.
Q – 47 Tell me do you apply makeup for special events? Name some you have covered?
Ans- Yes, I am a special events makeup artist by profession. I have covered wedding makeup, party makeup, funeral makeup, makeover makeup, theatre performance makeup and makeup for TV shootings
Q – 48 Tell me what are the biggest challenge makeup artists have to face?
Ans- The biggest challenge I think is that makeup artists are required to remain up to date with new trends and fashion. The fashion industry evolves on daily basis and the expertise has to be upgraded accordingly.
Q – 49 Explain me are there any trends that you absolutely love or would love to see brides leave behind?
Ans- I love that brides are going back to more color on the lip. It got to be way too nude there for a while, so I love seeing the red, pink and berry shades coming back. The one trend that I would love to see left behind for makeup across the board is the harsh contouring! Just don’t do it ladies!!
Q – 50 Explain me what are your hobbies or non-work-related activities?
Ans- I also love to take walks with my husband Sam and dog Vincent. Sam and I love to travel and explore new places. I enjoy reading books and I’m also a lover of wine.
Q – 51 Tell me how did your career begin in the world of beauty?
Ans- My career with fashion and celebrities began when photographer Steven Meisel saw my work and booked me for the cover of Italian Vogue. I was very lucky that he gave me such an amazing opportunity to prove myself. It was the first booking I had. He is the defining reason that I have a career. He changed my life.
Q – 52 Explain me how girls can achieve a look that is both “cool” and parent-friendly?
Ans- Again, you don’t have to go overboard! Try those fun colored eyeliners, but keep the line skinny and close to the lash line. Try that fun, bright lip, but do it as a pretty sheer gloss. Balance is also so important, and something that a girl is never too young to learn about. What I mean by that is, if you do a smokier, or heavier eye, do a nude lip. If you’re doing a bold lip, go for a lighter eye.
Q – 53 Explain me what prompted you to launch your own line of cosmetics?
Ans- As a celebrity makeup artist, I literally had every single line of cosmetics at my finger tips. Everything from the 99 cent drugstore brands, to the most prestigious luxury brands, and still there was nothing out there that I was 100% happy with! My assistant and I would spend hours playing “chemist,” mixing together several different products to create something that we could use on my clients. I thought to myself, there has to be a better way! I wanted something that my clients, my friends, my family, and I could all trust to make us look and feel as fierce as we deserve!
Q – 54 Tell me what are the benefits of being represented by an agency as opposed to being on your own?
Ans- A good agent can protect you. They’re a great barrier between you and the client to make sure things like proper pay, kit fees and transport are all arranged for you. Also you’re not hassling a client for money. They also can guide your career in the right direction for your talent.
A good agent should market you right and open up doors to new clients you never would have met on your own. I love my agency, Artists By Timothy Priano- they “get me” and how I like to work, I’m obsessed with my booker Christina there- she’s amazing! Even when I bring in my own clients she always gets me a better deal then I could have arranged for myself, plus she is super sweet and all my clients compliment how lovely she is-which is very important to me, I like to be professional but nice.
Q – 55 Tell me what is the most memorable job you’ve done?
Ans- Whenever I work with a celebrity, it’s always very special. I recently spent the day with Kendall Jenner on an Estée Lauder shoot and got to experience first-hand, the “Kendall Jenner Effect.” It’s great to be with a celebrity who is surrounded by so much positive light.
Q – 56 Tell me how do I pick the perfect red lipstick?
Ans- Women are always on the prowl for this. Choose cooler “true” red tones with a bit of blue if you have pink in your skin or are super fair-skinned. A warmer orange-red tone works best for olive-skinned women. -Lori Taylor-Davis, Smashbox Global Pro Artist
Q – 57 Tell me what’s your favorite makeup brush?
Ans- My fave makeup brush is actually an eyebrow brush. It’s a giant soft version of the tiny hard angled ones you usually see and it works great creating a full, luscious natural looking brow in one swipe.
Q – 58 Explain me if you weren’t a makeup artist, what else would you do?
Ans- I don’t know how to answer this as I have never taken my mind off being a makeup artist. My focus has been a constant for most of my life. This is what I was born to do.
Q – 59 Tell me where do you get your inspiration from?
Ans- I get my inspiration from so many different things: fashion, travel, history, different cultures, plants and nature.
Q – 60 Why did you choose this profession as Makeup Artist?
Ans- I love to play with colors. I found this profession suitable for myself since it allows a lot of creativity and complements my inborn knack for fashion and glamour. My eye hand dexterity is also very good which supports me a lot in the role.