Louise Z. & Me

This past weekend I went to one of the three MAC PRO Master Classes that I signed up for this spring. When living in NYC, I never was in a position to take advantage of these, so when I saw that three upcoming classes worked with my schedule, I was game! Plus the fee for your class is completely refundable in MAC product. Win win, right?

Louise Z., Senior Makeup Artist, was conducting the class. The theme was Eras Reinterpreted. During the course of the class, we discussed makeup and cultural icons of three different decades: 1920's, 1940's and 1960's.

Many of the MAC PROs attending the class worked as makeup artists, but it seemed that the majority of students in the class had little experience with editorial makeup. I try to do what I can at home, but of course, I'm still just a beginner. It was great to see a master in action. I regret not being able to take advantage of these classes more while I was in NYC, but that's life eh? Thank you Louise for an inspiring class. I learned a lot from your notes and also loved your attitude on makeup.

Here were some of Louise's tips on editorial makeup:

Do your research - know the references, know the designers/photographers/models/icons/movies/culture/experience... Everything! Immerse yourself! Knowledge is power, so doing your homework will help you see eye to eye with the designer, stylist, client, whoever you are working with to get that special look.
Editorial doesn't always mean literal - A reference can be just that... a reference. A nod to a certain idea. Not a carbon copy.
Editorial can be wearable - Just because it's titled as editorial doesn't mean that it can't be wearable. See Louise's 1960's inspired look as an example. A nod to mega lashes and nude lips of the era without being a straight-up Bardot clone.