Friday, June 5, 2009

First Look Fridays: Makeup Artist Lucky Bromhead

Lucky Bromhead, MTV makeup artist, makeup, makeup artist, beauty, interview, beauty interview, makeup artist interview, First Look Fridays, Canadian makeup artist, MTV
Ever wondered about the makeup artists for MTV? Well, Lucky Bromhead is one of the Key Makeup Artists for MTV in Canada. Such a cool gig, right? Originally from British Columbia, she spent years as a makeup artist with M.A.C before making the switch to MTV, where she spends her days on set getting to do some pretty fabulous things. Read on to discover more about Lucky!

How did you first become interested in makeup, and what led you to become a makeup artist?
I’ve always been visually inspired, from a very young age. As a teenager I collected fashion and music magazines and would try to recreate the looks on myself and my friends, and that’s when I realized that makeup is not only an outward transformation, but can be an inward one, too. I went to a performing arts school and learned makeup as a back-up ... and ended up loving it more than being in the spotlight. I love to learn and keep an open mind, and this industry forces me to do that ... I believe the minute you think you know everything is the moment you know nothing. Also, my mother is always well put-together ... when she was younger she was so fashionable! I’m sure that influenced me in many ways as well.

Have you worked with any makeup artists who inspired you? What did they teach you?
Almost every artist I work with inspires me in some shape or form. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to surround myself with amazing artists who also turned out to be mentors, like Melissa Gibson, Jane McKay and Gordon Espinet [Editor's note: this beauty chick LOVES Gordon!] from M.A.C, who are such inspiring artists and always encouraged me to follow my own artistic vision. M.A.C taught me that an artist’s communication and social skills are tantamount to their technical skills.

I also worked with the amazing Francis Hathaway, who taught me to work with/toward a feeling rather than a mental end result.

I love artists like Kabuki, for thinking outside the box, and Billy B, Sharon Dowsett, Val Garland and Kate Best for their sheer skill. Fran Levin shed a new light on special effects for me. I also love watching teenagers do their makeup; they don’t care about rules.

What are some of the moments that have stood out as highlights in your career?
1) The first time I was chosen to be a key for Fashion Cares meant a lot to me. When I was a trainer, it was always inspiring to watch someone’s skill or knowledge excel.

2) The first time seeing your name in print for an editorial is pretty thrilling.

3) Working here at MTV has also provided me with countless memorable moments, working with rock icons like The Cult, Cyndi Lauper, Motley Crue, The New York Dolls and Elvis Costello to current stars like Rihanna, Kanye West, Adele, M.I.A., and actors such as Jeff Goldblum, Zooey Deschanel, Claire Danes and Kevin Zeegers. A lot of fun (and bizarre) moments happen in the makeup room ... singing a 3-part harmony with Megadeth, Gene Simmons demonstrating his “buns of steel," Zooey Deschanel doing my hair, and Cheech and Chong singing “Luck Be A Lady” to me are some that stand out!

What are the products and brands you simply can't live without?

1) For makeup, without a question, M.A.C. They are the most consistent across the board and continue to be innovators with texture, color and longevity. I love their Fluidline eyeliner, Paint eyeshadows, Select Cover Up concealers, their multitude of lip and eye colors and textures, and their new Prep and Prime loose powder is indisposable on set.

Dermalogica, Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, Dermalogica skincare, Dermalogica skin care, Dermalogica exfoliator, Dermalogica face scrub, exfoliator, face scrub, skin, skincare, skin care

2) For skincare, I’m in love with Mereadesso and Dermalogica. I also really love the bar soap from Tval as I wash my hands so many times a day!


3) FusionBeauty LipFusion glosses.

4) I also like many of the products from NARS, Shu Uemura, Armani and Smashbox.

5) My arsenal of M.A.C brushes!!

What are your top 3 makeup tips?
1) Take care of your skin!! It is the canvas upon which everything is built. Protect your skin from the sun, and exfoliate and moisturize, please!

2) Have fun with it. It’s just makeup, it’s not a tattoo. Try new things, if you don’t like it, it washes off!

3) After you’ve applied your makeup, try to check yourself in a few different lighting sources ... and blend, blend, blend!!!

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
Making someone feel more confident and beautiful. Whether it be in a character, going on television, about to do a music video or photo shoot or to pick up their kids from school. Helping someone see a beauty or uniqueness in themselves they hadn’t seen before.

Being a makeup artist must be fun -- but what do you do for fun when you're not playing with makeup?
I love to travel whenever I have the opportunity. I also like to take advantage of what my own city has to offer, like seeing live music, plays, going to art galleries, trying new restaurants, riding my bike, seeing movies, spending time with friends. Many of my friends are writers, artists, designers, other makeup artists and musicians, so I’m constantly surrounded by inspiration. The odd little shopping excursion to NYC never hurts either!

8 comments:

  1. Lucky, you are one of the best at what you do in life. you have the talent to make people feel good about themselves inside and out, effortlessly. You are a GEM! xo

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  3. Lucky, is crazy lucky?!
    best pun i could come up with at this time.

    Crazy cool. you make it seem so effortless.

    jealous!

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  4. "and their new Prep and Prime loose powder is indisposable on set."

    DAMN RIGHT GIRL !

    shine will be the death of me.

    loved the article betch, xx

    d

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  5. Incredible product! I really impressed with this product and i will try to use this product for me.

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  6. omg! i have loved reading this article, and following you on twitter! you are such an inspiration for doing what you love, and doing it well!!!!
    i took a class on makeup artistry and i don't do makeup as my fulltime job, but always wonder what it takes to be successful, and what products the 'pros' use :)

    greaaat job!
    xoxo

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