All photos by Jessy Plume (unless noted otherwise)
photo by Isaac Madera
Palm Springs native-turned Los Angeles area based Candace Garcia has lent her talents of making people over to various fashion related, commercial, and live performance projects over her course as a make-up artist. Over the month of September she’ll be sharing some insight on the world of make-up and bringing us some of her own beauty tips!
TRAFFIK: How did you get involved with doing make-up and why?
CG: Growing up I always had loved make-up. When I joined my high school dance team I always did my make-up fun and creative. Then a lot of other dance team members and other girls at school liked it. So I often times practiced and did make-up for performances and proms etc. It makes me feel great when I can apply make-up to make someone feel great about they’re look or appearance. I’m proud of the art I do and it’s always seemed to help me express myself.
TRAFFIK:What are some of the various projects/shoots you have done make-up for?
CG: I have done make-up for a range of every day things to more stylized professional projects including: fashion shows, brides, Halloween, commercials, print work, snap shots, prom, as well as personal lessons.
TRAFFIK:What type of scenarios/situations (TV, commercial, fashion show/runway, photo shoots, etc.) do you most like doing make-up for?
CG: I love all make-up in general, but I especially love photo shoots. I admire photography and love being involved in the shoot. It’s great to work with different models & photographers because everyone has their own ideas, styles, amd way of working things.
(models: Marie and Meloni – clothing by: Seed Clothing and Indie Collective)
TRAFFIK: What do you enjoy about doing make-up?
CG:To me make-up is an expression of life at it’s fullest. Its fun to get the reaction oto the results after the make-up is complete! I love that feeling, it-s the best!
TRAFFIK:Do you remember the first make-up item that you purchased or used? What was it?
CG: One of the first makeup products I actually saved up money to get was an eye shadow by Urban Decay called, “Shot Gun.” I still love that shadow!!
TRAFFIK: At what age did you start wearing make-up? What made you start?
CG: I started wearing make-up and experimenting between the ages of 13-14. Although, I wasn’t allowed to wear it until I was about 16ish. :)
When I started messing around with my older sisters make-up I loved it! It came so easy me and then I was sort of hooked on it ever since. It helps me express myself is some strange way. Sometimes I would wear dark shadow or bright lipstick depending on my mood and where I was going.
TRAFFIK: Are you able to tell what colors would work best on someone just by looking at them? How?
CG: Yes, for the most part. I always observe the features immediately like cheek bones, eye shape, and the basic facial structure. Also the coloring of the skin, lips, amd eye color.
TRAFFIK: Is there a make-up look that you feel works for everyone?
CG: Yes, for the most part a basic natural look works for everyone. A little bit of mascara, liner, blush and some type of foundation or concealer and there you go. You can’t complain.
TRAFFIK: What is the biggest or most common mistake that you feel people make when it comes to make-up?
CG: TOO MUCH!!! A lot of people apply too much make-up or their eyebrows too thin. The eyebrows shape the whole face!
TRAFFIK: What would your advice be for someone who has never worn make-up but wants to start?
CG: Well I have a lot of friends and even family that never wear make-up, but wanted to so I always try to give them just a few suggestions. I don’t like to make them feel overwhelmed. So we can start them off slowly such as, always use a moisturizer before applying make-up, get some lip color whether it’s tinted chap stick or gloss, and some type of coverage like concealer or foundation After they get the basics down then I go a little further! :)
photos by Arissa Kim
TRAFFIK:What do you feel makes a great make-up artist?
CG: What makes a great artist, and someone whom I always seem to admire, is someone with a unique creativity, fun personality, and the ability to blend!!
TRAFFIK: What are some of the most common questions you get from women in regards to makeup?
CG: I always seem to get asked: What red looks best on my complexion? How do I apply liquid liner? Oh and I also get asked how to apply lashes as well!
TRAFFIK: Are there any people in your field that you look up to?
CG: I honestly don’t have anyone in particular that I look up to. However I admire a lot of photographers and I’ve met many great make-up artist who have worked in the make-up field for years! Every artist has their oun flair, tips, and touch to applying make-up.
TRAFFIK: Are there any celebrities whose makeup you think always looks great?
CG: I always love Charlize Therion’s makeup! Its always different but classy too.
TRAFFIK: Is there any celebrity (or multiple celebrities) whose makeup you would love to do? Why?
CG: Some celebrity’s make-up I would love to do would be Gwen Stefani because she has such perfect pale glowy skin! I would love to do a smokey eye on her. Also Angelina Jolie. She has such gorgeous eyes and beautiful lips!
TRAFFIK:How would you describe your personal make-up style?
CG: My personal makeup style is very classy! I love to blend eye shadow. I usually never apply too much blush. I love simple liner and sometimes I have to throw on the classy red as well!
TRAFFIK: What is your going out make-up process (either daily morning getting ready or nighttime)?
CG: My daily makeup process starts off with a clean face, moisturizer, foundation, eyes (liner or shadow), concealer, cheeks then some lips!! For night time depending on what the occasion is. I usually apply more eye shadow or liner. Then I always finish with Fix +, from MAC Cosmetics. It helps set the makeup.
TRAFFIK: Is there any product or beauty regimen that you swear by?
CG: One thing that I swear by is ALWAYS wash you’re make up off, then cleanse you’re skin. Its the best thing you can do to prevent from clogged pores and it helps give you’re skin a healthy finish.
TRAFFIK: What is your favorite feature (eyes/lips/face) to do make-up for?
CG: My favorite feature would mostly likely be the eyes and face! I love all different types, colors, shapes of eyes. The skin is always fun since we all have different bone structures and skin textures.
TRAFFIK: How do you feel about permanent make-up?
CG: With permanent makeup I don’t really recommend it. I feel that our faces all change and getting something that’s permanent isn’t necessary.
TRAFFIK: How do you feel about plastic surgery?
CG: I feel that plastic surgery is up to you and if it helps you, then go for it.
TRAFFIK: For someone who is getting their make-up done by you, what kind of experience can they expect?
CG: When I apply make-up I am very friendly and outgoing. I am very confident and I’m open to questions. I love to teach people or help them become a better artist! I can sometimes get carried away with clients. I love it because I am able to meet so many different personalities.
TRAFFIK:If you weren’t a make-up artist what would you be?
CG: If I was not a make-up artist, I most likely would be involved in photography. I enjoy taking pictures, if I could I would be the make-up artist and the photographer. haha
TRAFFIK:Do you have any hobbies? What do you do to unwind?
CG: Some hobbies I enjoy are bike riding, photography, swimming, guitar hero. Other things I enjoy are walking, gazing up at the stars, talking, watching movies, enjoying rainy days, horoscopes, and family always help me wind down and make me smile!
Stay tuned for more from Candace all month long!
To learn more about Candace Garcia click here or contact her at makeupartistcg@aol.com