First Look Fridays: The Voice Key Makeup Artist Sherri Simmons

Makeup artist Sherri Simmons has quite the fabulous life. Among other fabulous projects, she's one of the makeup artists for the hit television show, The Voice! Read on to find out how she first became interested in beauty, the eyeliner she can't live without and so much more.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I grew up in a small town in Idaho. You know, the picturesque kind of town with 2 stoplights, beautiful scenery but not a lot of opportunity. I always knew I was a city girl so I packed my things and moved to Los Angeles at the age of 18, not knowing where my path was heading. I worked in the legal field for nearly 10 years before I decided to become a makeup artist.

How did you first become interested in makeup, and what led you to become a makeup artist?
I first became interested in being a makeup artist when my dear friend Melissa invited me to help her prepare for an upcoming burlesque show she was performing in. At the time, Velvet Hammer Burlesque was super hip. I wasn’t happy at my day job so I began assisting her by building her costumes and doing her makeup for photo shoots and shows. One day she turned to me and said, “Why don’t you become a makeup artist? You would be so great at it.” It was like a light turned on and I knew at that moment. Two weeks later I was enrolled in The Makeup Designory (“MUD”) in Burbank, where I attended classes at night. During my time at MUD, I was really lucky when I was offered a position on the film Planet of the Apes as a Makeup Production Assistant for the Special Effects and Prosthetics Team. Best learning experience of my life!

How did you become involved with The Voice? What is it like working on such a fast-paced, high-energy show -- and how do you work with each contestant on his or her makeup looks each week?
I first started on The Voice when the Makeup Department Head, Darcy Gilmore, asked me to come in for the finale on Season 1. I soon became a regular in the makeup department for other seasons. For Season 4, Darcy asked me to be her Key Makeup Artist. The show is exciting and fast paced. There is a lot of energy in what we call our “Glampound” on show days! We spend a lot of time with the contestants during reality days, rehearsals and show days so we learn a lot about their individuality and style. Some are very adventurous and others need to be pushed out of their comfort zone a bit. Our department works closely with the producers and Wardrobe to have each contestant’s looks be cohesive. Live shows are my favorite. I love the energy, the audience, the timing of it all. There is a great sense of satisfaction when you have pulled off a live show! There is no “late” during Live!

I think every good makeup starts with making the skin look healthy and glowing. I am loving flirty lashes with a clean eye makeup and bold, deep or bright colored lips this season.

What are your top 5 favorite beauty products?

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder. Helps blur fine lines and gently bounces light away from blemishes and dark circles under the eyes without looking like shimmer or sparkle. It’s finely milled and feels like satin on the skin.

Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre. This powder gives such a beautiful soft matte finish. Photo-reflective pigments help disguise imperfections. It is lightweight so it doesn’t feel heavy or get cakey.

Inglot Matte Collection AMC Eyeliner Gel in Black. Easy to work with. The blackest black I have found and once it is set it will not move.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Uplight Face Luminizer Gel. For high light and glow to the skin. I love the dewy, fresh, healthy glow it gives the skin.

beautyblender. Reusable, washable. Gives the skin a beautiful blended finish.

What are your top 3 makeup tips?

1) BLEND!!! Blend it all. Blend your foundation past your jawline, blend your blush with your contour and blend your eyeshadow too! Hard lines make you look hard.

2) Wear sunscreen every day. Take good care of your skin. Never pick your face. Nothing can compete with a good complexion.

3) Keep your makeup and your makeup brushes and tools clean.

Being a makeup artist must be fun, but what do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time I love to travel. I try to travel outside the US at least once a year and also in the US as much as my schedule allows. I also love music (surprise!) so I love seeing live shows. If I can travel to see live music it’s a win-win situation in my book.