Hi Everyone-
I’m pleased to report that I have recently been featured on Devin DeVasquez’ fantastic new site WomanToWoman. Following is a description of what the site is all about. From WomanToWoman.tv:
“Women today are more powerful than ever. We are constantly evolving sensitive beings that love deeply. Some may say we can be complicated, but only women can truly understand what women want and need. As a mature woman who has lived and loved, sharing our experiences with other women is something that only helps us all a whole. I want to share the many dynamic, beautiful women I know in my life with you here on Woman to Woman so that it becomes a place that you visit often.”
I was honored when Devin asked me to do an interview with her for her site. I’ve worked with Devin as her makeup artist and hair stylist on numerous shoots and events and I have a tremendous amount of respect for her. She is an incredibly accomplished model, entrepreneur and activist- I am blessed to have her in my life. I am honored to have been featured on her site along with Vanna White, celebrity makeup artist Alexis Vogel and all of the other wonderful people Devin has contributing to the site.
Interview With Makeup Artist Brittany Renee
1. What are some of your makeup products that you use?
I use a wide variety of makeup products- what I use really depends on the job. Some of the products that I’m obsessed with right now that I use on myself and just about every client are Maybelline’s Colossal Volum’ Express water poof mascara, Laura Mercier’s secret brightening powder for under the eyes, Bobbi Brown’s Pale Pink Blush and Make Up Forever’s HD foundation.
2. What kinds of looks do you prefer doing?
My favorite kind of looks to create are beauty, editorial and high fashion. Attached are some examples of the type of beauty looks that I love to create. One is an example of a very natural fresh and clean Covergirl-esque beauty look that I recently did and the other is a beauty shot with more dramatic makeup. I really like doing clean beauty looks because you get to focus on bringing out the clients unique and beautiful features.
I love doing high fashion looks because I get to be super creative, use bold bright colors and dramatic crazy long lashes.
3. You look like a model but you’re a makeup artist, does photographers ask you to get in front of their lenses?
Devin you are too sweet! Photographers ask me all the time to get in front of the camera but most of the time I laugh and graciously decline. I’m a behind the scenes kinda girl! I’m actually very shy in front of the camera (don’t tell anyone!) ;p
4. Any aspirations for your own makeup line?
Absolutely! It has been a dream of mine since I started my company Elite Makeup Designs. With 10 years of experience as a makeup artist there are all kinds of products that either don’t exist or I feel could be perfected. This is something I’m going to be focusing on in 2014.
5. Who have you worked for and who would you like to work for in the future?
I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to work with a number of different celebrities, events and photographers. I’ve done everything from working with beautiful you, Devin DeVasquez, to doing Jackie Johnson’s makeup for the movie Battleship 2012 to being one of the makeup artists for TED (an event that features the most brilliant minds in the world). I’ve also been a makeup artist at L.A. Fashion Week, have had my work featured in Los Angeles Magazine and have won The Knot’s “Best of Weddings” award a few years in a row for my bridal work. At this point in my career I’ve done a little bit of everything!
I’m excited to report that I’m currently in discussions with several major makeup artist agencies here in L.A. (keeping my fingers crossed!). My dream is to travel the world and be a part of major fashion shoots, shows and events. Another goal of mine is to have my work featured on the cover of Vogue magazine.
6. Any makeup tips you’d like to share with us?
Ohhh I could talk for hours about this but here are a few:
The less powder the better. The more powder you put on the more it looks like your wearing a lot of makeup. Only wear where need be, the t-zone area (forehead, nose, chin).
Must moisturize daily! The more hydrated your skin is the less makeup you’ll need. This will keep your face looking clean, fresh, soft and vibrant and be a great primer for any makeup application. I can’t emphasize this enough!
Use that eyelash curler. Keep one of these in your purse. Don’t be afraid of it- just be gentle on those lashes and you’ll see your eyes open up. Do a before and after photo and you’ll be shocked at the difference you see!
Chizel down that face. Bronzer will make your cheek bones pop. I like to make the analogy that foundation sucks the life out of us, bronzer brings us back! Apply bronzer to the top of your forehead, down the sides of the temples, on your cheek bones (can do fishy face to find the hollows of the cheeks) and down the neck. Build up color gradually to achieve the shade you are looking for.
Fill in those brows. The eyebrows completely shape your face. Any matte eye shadow can be used to fill them in as long as it matches or is a little bit lighter than your natural eyebrow color. Never go darker! Even with no makeup filling in the eyebrows can enhance your look.
YouTube is a great teacher. If you ever want to know how to achieve a look that you saw on someone YouTube is the place to go. Chances are someone has done a tutorial on how to recreate a look. Even to this day I spend at least an hour a day watching other makeup gurus do their thing. Some people to look for to get you started are Kandee Johnson and Tanya Burr.
Feel free to tweet at me @Elite_Makeup with any questions you might have! Always happy to help!!
