featured vendor :: michelle with lipstick & luster
Recently, we had the pleasure to talk to Michelle of Lipstick & Luster, a make-up artist based out of San Diego, CA. Michelle does the make-up for a number of Studio Carre’s intimate photography shoots, so we wanted to highlight her amazing work and her unique background!
Q: How long have you been a make-up artist? What is your background?
A: I began my love affair with make-up 12 years ago when cheering professionally in the NFL, as a Raiderette for the Oakland Raiders. Make-up application was a major staple in our glamorous game-day ritual, and it was rare to see any of our fabulous ladies cheering with less-than-perfect make-up. Make-up not only enhanced the beauty of our performers, but it was also something that set us apart from the rest.
I received make-up training from highly talented make-up artists, as well as from fellow teammates working in the industry.
As a result, the past cheering experience, as well as the lessons learned in workshops and training camps, have enabled me to feel secure with any makeup application. With the formation of Lipstick & Luster, I am able to continue making faces glamorous, which is true passion of mine!
Q: Now that you’re doing what you love, what inspires your work?
A: I love how intricate and creative you can get with make-up! I am fascinated by trends and color, and I feel I am most inspired by watching fellow artists in action. I love online galleries, look-books, etc. It is truly inspiring to see just how creative and talented artists can be.
Q: What kind of make-up do you work with? How do you address a client’s “problem” areas, if any?
A: The products I use are M.A.C., Smashbox and Urban Decay. I have my favorites for certain areas on the face, so I prefer to not stick with one particular line.
If a client communicates that they have a “problem” area on their face, I tailor my application to eliminate/reduce the look of the “problem”. It is always important to listen to the needs and wants of a client, as they are paying for a service. I always want my clients to walk away feeling they received the BEST makeup experience for their money!
Q: How easy or difficult is it to modify one’s make-up during a boudoir photo-shoot?
A: Most clients typically have two looks, sometimes more. I always start the make-up soft, then build up throughout the shoot. It’s really quite easy to transition between looks when done in this way.
Q: What other occasions do you provide make-up services for?
A: I offer make-up services for all occasions: boudoir photography, weddings, editorials, fashion, prom, etc. I so not style hair myself, but I have five hair-stylists that independently contract with Lipstick & Luster on an as-needed basis. Each stylist is published in the industry, and each specializes in a different style. Before going into a shoot or event, I speak with clients about their desired look, so I can determine which stylist I should bring with me.
Q: How do make-up styles differ between boudoir photography and other occasions?
A: Boudoir photography is interesting. Again, it’s always about what the client wants. Often, I see clients want to capture both sides of the good girl | bad girl spectrum. It starts soft and natural, very pure and wholesome. Then by the end, we transition to the cat-eye look. It’s very dramatic.
Q: What are five things people may not know about you?
- I am a mother of two awesome, amazing and hilarious little girls.
- I am a San Diego transplant, and grew up in a farm town in Northern California.
- I ran a half-marathon 3 months pregnant! Trust me, it was exhausting!
- I wanted to be a comedian, but landed this gig instead.
- I own a tequila company!
Q: Why do you like working with Shannon?
She has so many incredible ideas, and I love her creativity! Her work is never cookie cutter, and she is constantly putting her creative wheels in motion. She is genius with her work, excellent with clients and is a true definition of professional. When working with Shannon, I know that every experience will be just as great – if not better than the last!
Why Shannon likes working with Michelle…
“Aside from being super talented and making my clients look gorgeous, Michelle has an incredible sense of humor. She brings this humor and positivity to each shoot and makes it fun and comfortable for the client (and me of course!). She is constantly encouraging them throughout the shoot and making them feel amazing and special. She listens to their needs and wants and makes the best suggestions, based on her experience and what will work best for their coloring…”
