Makeup artist Amit Lall, was born and raised in the eastern part of Trinidad and has been involved in makeup artistry and hair styling for the past six years.
While attending secondary school one of his teachers noticed his passion for art and encouraged him to pursue make up artistry. With some more encouragement he decided to take the advice and has admitted that it is the best decision he ever made.
Amit has several clients and when asked about his schedule he said he is either busy or extremely busy.
CEM got a chance to do a Q &A with this talented makeup artist...........
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A MAKEUP ARTIST AND HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START IN THE INDUSTRY?
I have been in the makeup industry for the past eight years. I have done it professionally for six years.
I began in the industry while working at a cosmetic counter in a department store. At work customers would always commend my knowledge and ability to match products with different skin tones by simply looking without testing. I started doing makeup professionally on the job that followed, at another makeup counter at a mall. I got a lot of exposure because of that job. While doing applications, women would come and look on in amazement as I would enhance a person`s natural features and not mask them to the extent of them being unrecognizable. I remember having clients who came from very far to have their makeup done by me. At this point I realized my worth and decided that this was going to be my future and I was destined to be a makeup artist. Makeup applications never felt like work, even though I would stand for several hours. I always remember the saying "Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life!"
WHO ARE SOME PEOPLE THAT HAVE INSPIRED YOU THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER?
Definitely, I would have to say various YouTube gurus whom I look up to and wish to aspire to be alike. Such artists are Nickie Tutorials, Manny Mua and my absolute favorite Patrick Starr. The reason I chose these artists is because of their journey. How they started and where there are now, while forever remaining humble.
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION FROM?
My inspiration for makeup is constant, as I gather ideas from nature, magazines, videos and most of all other internationally recognized Makeup artists.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE OF YOUR CAREER?
I would have to say mature skin. Makeup application is certainly different for all ages and one technique should never be used. My challenge was loose skin, wrinkles and fine lines. I must admit I did struggle with this aspect for months, and often shied away from the mature crowd until I decided that in order to be a professional and provide a service I had to be able to do any age group. Today I can safely say I’ve mastered mature skin. I learnt with mature skin, less is definitely more.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT MAKE UP?
There are so many things that I love about makeup, however, I must admit I love the power makeup has to change a person`s personal outlook. I love being able to show people how beautiful they are. Everyone is beautiful, but people often forget that when someone doesn't see their inner light. A touch of makeup can often be all that it takes for someone to see their own beauty for the first time, or all over again. The confidence a person portrays after a makeup application with me is amazing, and gives me a feeling of satisfaction that I have not only made this person even more beautiful, but I`ve made them confident to take on anything in life!
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SIGNATURE LOOK AND WHAT IS IT ABOUT YOUR STYLE THAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER MAKEUP ARTISTS?
A waterline full of color! My clients request this the most from me, which is usually flawless skin, well structured face, neutral or bold lips with neutral eyes and a pop of color be it green, blue, purple etc. on the waterline. For this reason, I made it my signature look.
In my opinion, what makes me stand out in a crowd of makeup artists would be my ability to deliver what a client may ask for, My level of professionalism, my hygienic practices, which is ever important and definitely my ability to make a client comfortable and feel as though they've known me for years with my humble personality.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT BEAUTY ADVICE THAT YOU CAN GIVE TO WOMEN?
"Beauty is skin deep". This is so true! The best advice I can give to anyone is that your skin is your most prized possession. A healthy, acne free canvas is every makeup artist`s dream to work on. I cannot stress enough how important is it to ensure you cleanse, tone and moisturize. Make sure you get the right products for your skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive etc.) Other things that are beneficial to skin health would be gentle exfoliating to remove dead skin and revitalize cell rejuvenation, masking for firming and tightening skin and always remember to use sun block. There are many options available at skin care counters.
WHAT ARE SOME COMMON BEAUTY MISTAKES THAT WOMEN MAKE?
The list of beauty mistakes can go on and on! The following are some of the most prevalent ones.
Foundation mismatching.
Please go to the beauty counter and get matched by a professional.
Leaving makeup on overnight.
As much as this is safe it is also unsafe as this can clog your pores and promote breakouts.
Pulling and tugging at the delicate area under and around your eyes
The skin around your eyes is very delicate. The only finger that should be used around this area is the ring finger as this finger applies the least pressure. Pulling and tugging can create premature wrinkles and fine lines and I am certain no woman wants that! Investing in an eye cream is a good option to keep the area hydrated.
Wearing eye shadow and foundation without a primer-
An eye shadow primer extends the longevity of the application and decreases creasing and promotes full color pay off.
A foundation primer ensures longevity and protects the skin and acts like a barrier between your skin and foundation.
Wearing lipstick on chapped lips.
Lipstick on chapped lips not only looks bad, but it feels bad as well. Proper moisturizing should be done daily and exfoliation should be done three times a week. It`s as simple as honey and brown sugar granules with your finger, this takes away dead akin and leaves a subtle canvas for lipstick application minus the caking and cracking.
WHAT PRODUCTS DO YOU THINK SHOULD BE A STAPLE IN EVERY WOMAN'S PURSE?
I`d have to say Lipstick, Mascara, eyeliner and face powder. I chose these products because they can create a look while on the go.
WHAT ARE THE THREE TOOLS IN YOUR MAKEUP KIT THAT YOU CAN NEVER EVER BE WITHOUT?
Makeup brushes – as I use these tools to create a beautiful application.
Sanitizing wipes/spray as sanitizing is very important in makeup application.
Makeup blending sponge - Sponges for me are essential for a flawless foundation application.
TODAY’S WOMAN IS BUSIER THAN EVER. WHAT IS THE EASIEST/QUICKEST WAY TO TURN A DAY/WORK LOOK INTO SOMETHING THAT WORKS A FOR NIGHT OUT?
Mascara, eyeliner, lipstick and highlighter and a couple cotton swabs! You are enhancing the look you already have on, so you are running the eyeliner in black along your waterline, and tight line which will help to draw attention to the eyes. You use a cotton swab to smear the liner a tad to create a smokey effect. Use a lot of mascara to add length and volume. A shimmering highlighter on the strategic points of the face to attract light. Finally, a change in lipstick color can change your look from a day to night look in a matter of minutes.
YOU ALSO DO HAIR. HOW DID THAT CAME ABOUT?
Due to the requests of my customers I got into hair styling and today I provide another service which is full bridal dressing from head to toe, from accessories to shoes.
ANY OTHER TALENT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?
I am also dabbling in photography and clients are now asking me about becoming an image consultant because they always ask my advice regarding attire for various occasions.
ANYTHIG THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?
I recently started doing workshops about the fundamentals in makeup application and will soon be offering for eyebrow sculpting. I also do live video demonstrations.
DO YOU HAVE ANY BIG CAREER DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE?
To be internationally recognized with my own makeup line, but we`ll just have to wait and see what the future has in store for Amit Makeup Artistry.
WHAT YOUR ADVICE FOR SOMEONE WANTING TO BECOME A MAKEUP ARTIST?
My advice to anyone wanting to enter the beauty industry is to keep afloat of the trends, stay focused, get certified, practice as much as possible and find something that would make you stand out.
Amit can be contacted
Instagram@ amitmakeupartistry
Facebook @ Amit Makeup Artistry
Facebook @ The East Indian bride make up and bridal dressing by Amit Lall
Whatsapp @ 868 - 352 - 2429
YouTube @ Amitmakeupartistry
Snapchat @ Amitlall