My Story
The Journey to Makeup Artistry
I was born way before the internet appeared and you could find out everything about anything. These books and the artists behind them shaped my passion and craft from a very young age.
Best of the City — NYC
Named Best Makeup Artist by Bethpage Best of the City
Books & Artists That Inspired Me
Designing Your Face
By Way Bandy
When I found Way Bandy’s book, a famous and talented makeup artist of the times, it pulled me into the world of makeup artistry. I read it over and over again and experimented on my own from what I learned in Way’s book. It really clicked with me that I loved doing this and that I was good at it, too. To me, Way Bandy was a pioneer in makeup artistry for photography. I greatly admired his talent.
The Masters Way to Beauty
by George Masters
Another book that excited me on what it was like to do makeup on celebrities. George Masters wrote a book that had juicy gossip from some of the famous faces he worked on (Marilyn Monroe!) plus he shared great techniques and beauty tricks. It’s another book I’ve read countless times and I’ve had for ages. You can see the cover is quite worn. That’s because it always makes the cut to keep whenever I move or go on a decluttering mission.
Scavullo on Beauty & Scavullo Women
by Francesco Scavullo
Francesco Scavullo was “the” photographer I most admired during my formative years. He shot for Cosmopolitan Magazine and many other magazine covers. I loved his glamorous studio shots. He seemed to bring out a woman’s sexiness and I found that so appealing. He captured women’s beauty. In both of these books, Francesco interviewed his subject and photographed her. The photography is stunning and the women — well let’s say the photos are timeless and beautiful. To be photographed by Scavullo was a dream of mine.
The Art of Makeup, Making Faces & Face Forward
by Kevyn Aucoin
Kevyn expanded on Francesco Scavullo’s art book photography and interview format. Not only did Kevyn ask his personal friends to model for him wearing his makeup designs, he photographed most of them, too. Women trusted him. A-list stars trusted him. They were safe in his capable, talented hands. His work is astoundingly beautiful. He shows you can do makeup many different ways and to change up your look. He gives away his technique. That’s big and very generous. There was only one Kevyn. If you have any desire to become a makeup artist, any of these books will become your baby food for learning the art and what it takes to be a great makeup artist. Having your clients trust you is everything.
Love, Jill
