Can you imagine working as a red-carpet makeup artist, preparing actors and artists for the red carpet. Award ceremonies for some artists can be seen as the pinnacle of their career, with no greater alcoate than the Oscar. The opportunity to create an iconic look, or even set a trend. Many top artists within the industry don’t apply red carpet makeup. Why is this? simply because red carpet makeup is pressure environment for makeup artist. Think about it the makeup is seen in real-time, no filter and is viewed from every angle by the press, editorial, bloggers and us the critical general public.
I recent met with red carpet artist Lisa Eldridge who explained some of the process when working with high end celebrity clients. Lisa discussed some of the important contributes required when working the red-carpet season and how it fits in with her family life.
The process starts with celebrities requesting makeup artists they wish to book. This is negotiated through the artists agency. If a makeup artist has numerous requested, then the actors are ranked in order of preference. First choice, second choice. This can sometimes be a difficult choosing who to work with and is often chosen through loyalty or if the artist is affiliated with a brand that the celebrity indorses.
Personality and ability to adapt your professional behaviour when preparing an actor/artist is a key attribute. Lisa explained that the environment preparing an artist such as Rhianna, who like music and is high energy and fun is different to someone like Kate Winslet who is calm and witty to work worth. Lisa discussed how she changes her working persona to suit the client. That’s not all she changes, her clothes and how she presents herself also changes to suit the job.
“Your personality is 50% of the reason that that you will be booked again.”
Lisa Eldridge
YMC favourite red-carpet artists
Scott Barns for JLO, Scott has been working with JLO for many years and is her absolute go to artist when working the red carpet. YMC adores this classic Smokey eye look created for this year’s Oscars.
Sarah Nicole Tanno for lady Gaga, Sarah has been working with Gaga for the past five years creating her looks for her current Las Vegas show, key makeup artist on “A star is born” movie. Sarah is part of the close nit team that work with Gaga and is the natural choice for her to apply her simplistic Oscar look. Full breakdown of products used can be found on Sarah’s Instagram page.
The makeup artists working within celebrity and red carpet are part of an inner team, you need to fit in, build trust and loyalty, plus be a killer makeup artist with a keen eye for perfection. Be calm and reassuring and create iconic looks that will be admired and recreated ……..wow what a job.
D Flanagan YMC
Wouldn't it be a good idea to create a course?
