First Look Fridays: Makeup Artist Victoria Stiles

I'm thrilled to bring you this week's edition of First Look Fridays, featuring the fabulous makeup artist Victoria Stiles. With work on celebs ranging from Jordin Sparks to Olivia Thrilby and tons of magazine and television credits, Stiles has got some real amazing stuff under her belt! Read on to discover her favorite products, one of her most inspirational moments and so much more.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I was born in Fairfax, Virginia and grew up in a small community known for 70's style homes and horse farms. I stayed in the area for college and attended George Mason University where I majored in Communications.

How did you first become interested in makeup, and what led you to become a makeup artist?
I've been interested in makeup since I can remember! Actually it was mainly fashion magazines that got me into makeup. I would sit in my bathroom and try to copy looks I saw in the editorials. I also was active in theater and dance so stage makeup became routine for me. In high school, a friend's mother took notice of the way I would apply my makeup and encouraged me to pursue a career in the field.

Have you worked with any makeup artists who inspired you? What did they teach you?
During New York Fashion Week Fall 2009, I worked with Hung Vanngo. His work is creative but it is also very clean and crisp. The look he designed was completely flawless skin and nothing else. The look complimented the designer, Rad Hourani, perfectly. I would say he taught me how to make a dramatic statement with minimal makeup.

What are some of the moments that have stood out as highlights in your career?
I worked with a talented young singer in Paris, Melody Gardot, for the cover of her debut album under Universal Music Group -- My One And Only Thrill.

What are the products and brands you simply can't live without?
Face Atelier Foundation
Keromask Concealer
Billy B Foundation Brush
My new favorite, OCC's Lip Tar in NSFW.

What are your top 3 makeup tips?
1) Take care of your skin.

2) Moisturize.

3) Make sure your foundation blends and matches perfectly to your neck color.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
Giving my client that extra boost of confidence when they walk out the door!

Being a makeup artist must be fun -- but what do you do for fun when you're not playing with makeup?
Travel. My husband and I love to travel -- especially when it is cold, we'll head to a warm destination like Hawaii or the Caribbean (love St. Lucia and Barbados!). Locally, we enjoy a small German restaurant that has good eats and a friendly atmosphere. When we visit, it's like going home to family!