Backstage Pass Into NYFW Glam With Celebrity Makeup Artist Nydia Figueroa - Skin Anarchy

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[00:02]
A
Hey, guys. Welcome back to another episode of Skin Anarchy. I'm really, really excited about our guest today because she is a renowned celebrity makeup artist. She has over 18 years of experience in the beauty industry, and she's literally worked for some of the best of the best, I mean, including Mac Cosmetics. She's, you know, worked behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week and just so many different amazing events. So without further ado, I want to introduce you guys to Nydia Figueroa. Welcome, Nydia. I'm so excited to host you.
[00:29]
B
Thank you so much for having me. I'm so excited to be here.
[00:32]
A
No, it's. It's truly amazing to be able to talk to you, because I feel like we rarely get to have, like, insights, you know, in makeup and, like, artistry, especially, like, what, you know, what's going on with all of the stuff that's, like, cultural. So it's really exciting to have this opportunity. I want to get started, though, and learn more about you because I know you have an amazing background in beauty, and you, you know, really kind of worked with the best. The best. So I'd love to learn more about your journey.
[00:57]
B
Absolutely. Yes. So I have been doing makeup. Wow. Since I was a few months after 18 years old.
[01:04]
A
Quick.
[01:05]
B
I really. I actually have a really cool story how I became a makeup artist. It was by accident. I didn't dream of doing makeup or having a career makeup at all. Growing up, I just loved beauty, and I saw that with my mother, my grandmother. To me, they were the, like, epitome of, like, gorgeous beauty. Like, forget the movie stars, forget the celebrities. My mother and my grandmother were the most beautiful people in the world to me, and they always wore makeup and red light lipstick. And if you see me, I always have my red lipstick on. And I have to give a homage to my beautiful. The beautiful women in my life that I grew up with because of that. But I grew up like, a little bit of a tomboy in the sense. I used to go fishing a lot with my dad that. And I found a gift card to, like, bounce Barnes and Nobles in the sand. Very random. And my dad is a very intelligent man. He, like, graduated top of his class in the university, and he's like, go buy a book. And I'm like, all right, sure, I'll buy a book. Whatever I can read. And I went and I saw a book. The first book that caught my eye was by an author. Her name was Eve Pearl, and she had a book about plastic surgery without the surgery. And it was Makeup techniques And how we know to highlight, contour. All those great things that are very mainstream weren't as mainstream back then in the early 2000s. And I was fascinated. So I had a job at the mall and I would spend all my time buying makeup with my paycheck and I discovered Mac. And I would go in there and. And shop. And you know, I was born very, very, like, underprivileged. I had a beautiful family, but I didn't know anything about makeup and Mac and I just didn't know that world. So I started practicing in all my friends and family. Eventually, I became a very loyal client of Mac Cosmetics and they recruited me. They're like, hey, do you. Do you do makeup? And for some reason I said a little fib and I was like, yeah, I'm a makeup artist. Sure, I know how to do makeup. And I totally did. And I just love makeup. Long story short, my personality, my. I was so bubbly and personable. They were like, hey, let's give you a chance. And I ended up working for the company for 12 years.
[03:06]
A
Wow.
[03:07]
B
So, yeah, it was definitely, I say it's fate. And just a kind of a full circle moment is after I left the company because back then there wasn't any social media. So when celebrity clients wanted to find you, they would find you at the counter. And I left Mac because I got really busy working with my celebrity cl. I still love the author of the book, which Eve Pearl. She's New York City based, so anytime she would be in town, I would watch her and they reached out to me and I ended up assisting her at IBS International Beauty show. And we connected and I ended up being her executive assistant. So it was so interesting how I started off as like teenager straight out of high school, buying her book, and then I ended up working for her. So it was pretty cool.
[03:51]
A
That's really cool. I love that. I love that you went and bought the book. I remember, like, when I first saw, like, Kevin Aquan's book and I remember just being like, oh, my God, this is the coolest thing ever. You know, like, it was. It was so cool. And, you know, I know Ray Morris has this amazing book out and I look at it all the time. Yeah. Love Ray. You know, it's interesting that you mentioned that because I feel like with makeup artistry, we don't really hear that. You know what I mean? Like, that component of it where it's really just this, like, sheer curiosity. I feel like people just start nowadays. So I wanted to ask you about that you know, how was that for you in terms of, like, learning and, like, I'm sure there were certain techniques that you had to train yourself in, especially as you moved up the ladder with, like, different events that you were, you know, going to. How was that?
[04:34]
B
Oh, absolutely. It was. It was rough. You know, it wasn't easy. I know many people probably look at me and say, wow, she does all these cool things. And they might think that I was probably born with a brush in my hand, but I definitely was not. A lot of growing a lot of tough love from people that I met in the industry who took me under their wing, and I'm so grateful for that. Who really showed me the proper way to do makeup. I couldn't afford makeup school at all. I was really, like, in the middle class family, so I couldn't do financial aid, and I also couldn't afford out of pocket. So working at counter and being a part of the Mac team and learning from, like, people that started off in the company helped me so much. So I really always tell people the best way that I learned was through other artists and the way that they inspired me and they poured into me. You know, this is before YouTube, before social media. We didn't have any of that. And just really putting myself out there and just doing the work really helped.
[05:30]
A
Yeah, no, I feel like that's. That's why I asked you, because we live in a time right now and, you know, you tell me if I'm wrong with this, because I, I always, like, see where young people are going with their careers. You know, it's just like. And wonder, like, how they're getting there now compared to, like, I'm a millennial, so how did we do it? And I just wonder. I'm like, you know, where is that hard work? Because unfortunately, I just don't see it. You know, it's just like, you have to put hard work in, you know, to do, like, even if you think you're an amazing artist, like, you have to do it right. And I'd love for you to speak on that. Is this concept of, like, what it actually takes now, you know, to be a really great artist in this industry? Because I feel like no one's talking about that.
[06:09]
B
Oh, absolutely. That's such a great point that you made. Because this generation, I am an elder millennial. This generation of makeup artists, I don't want to use a harsh word like entitlement, but we're going to keep it real here. Right at your fingertips. You have tutorials, you have reels you have everything. You have. I mean, you have ChatGPT to create emails for. You have everything. And we had nothing like we really had to start. I remember when I wanted to work with specific celebrities or I wanted to get my name out there. I would have my hardcover portfolio and I would go to modeling agencies, I would knock on the doors of record agencies and I would be like, hey, can I test with you? And I would get the door closed in my face. So many times. I heard so many notes before I saw I. Yes. And this is the age of like the yes, right? So if you have a certain amount of followers, you will probably get the yes over someone that doesn't have as many followers but has the skill. And I'm going to tell you how you're going to be able to stand out in a crowd like that, because at the end of the day, followers matter. But in the long run, what's going to help you is being humble, being hardworking and being consistent. And the major part of that is being humble because, I mean, there's so many ways that our equals could be fed in this industry, but all that's temporary. You can have a great run and then everything could collapse in a blink of an eye. Just like what happened during the pandemic. So many people had these amazing highs and just had this busy, buzzing business in person. But then the pandemic hit and swiped everything away. So what are you gonna do to be resilient and to keep pushing forward? So, you know, definitely those things is going to help, not only now, but in the long run. And it's helped me in my career. I always say I may not be, you know, have the biggest following, or I may not look a certain way, or I may not be a certain age or have a certain type of skin, but people are always going to remember me for how I treated them, how I made them feel and how professional I was.
[08:17]
A
Yeah, no, I love that. I love that you said that. Because it's not about, you know, the way I look at it. Everything you said resonates with me. I'm not even in your profession, but I resonate with it because at the end of the day, like, I think whenever you're going into any professional track, you have to have the sense of like, why am I doing this? You know, and that's what I. When I look around and I see a lot of young people, I feel like that's what they're struggling with is this idea of because, you know, I'll be. I'll be real. You know, I see it every day on social media. A lot of the makeup artists right now compared to, like, who I was watching, you know, even on YouTube, like, I'm. I'm looking at them, and all they do is endorse brands. Like, that's all they do. Like, it's like a brand endorsement after brand endorsement, and that's it. And it's like, where's the artistry? You know what I mean? Like, where is it? I want to learn how to do my eyeshadow. I want to learn how to do, you know, my blush, my foundation as I'm aging. Like, I want techniques, and it's like, you don't get that same quality anymore. And I can't help but wonder, like, it has to come down to something. You know what I mean? Like, of. It's. It's your work ethic, you know, and it's. It's what you put out there. So, yeah, I mean, without me ranting too much, like, that's.
[09:22]
B
I love it. I agree. I agree. Education, too, is key. Not only, you know, learning, but also being able to teach us as makeup artists or people in the beauty industry, we are the experts. This is a luxury service. This is something that not everyone could do. So we should be able to teach effectively, but also learn effectively. There's so many makeup artists who unfortunately don't know how to match every skin tone, don't know color theory, don't know eye shapes, Just the basics of makeup artistry that are essential to not only, you know, help your career and to help service your client better, but to also help inspire and to help the future generations. Because, you know, I'm an elder millennial, and then they have, you know, gen zers. But eventually those people, those artists are going to need to teach others as well. So we have to continue helping people learn how to grow in this industries for that it can continue to thrive.
[10:18]
A
I agree. I completely agree. And I want to actually ask you, because I know a lot of artists, they struggle, you know, to break into, like, high profile opportunities. Like, you know, Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, VMAs, NY Fashion Week. What was the first major industry door that opened for you? And how did that, you know, how did you really seize that opportunity and make the most of it?
[10:38]
B
Yes. So the very first opportunity I had when I was very young in my career was the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. I have to say, the best way to get these opportunities is by building community. We are not meant to do life alone. And we are definitely not meant to be in this industry alone. So I have been a part of a group called the Powder Group, which is a network of makeup artists, pro makeup artists from all over the country. And at the time, Facebook was just launching, it was brand new, and it was.
[11:09]
A
Remember those days?
[11:10]
B
Yes, right? Like MySpace, Facebook. Oh, goodness. And there was a post on one of the groups, the community groups that I was a part of, and they were like, hey, we're looking for some makeup artists. They didn't say what it was for, but I was so hungry. I just wanted to do something. I wanted to succeed. I didn't care what it was. I really didn't. I just wanted people to know my name and I wanted to have experience. So I humbled myself. I wasn't like, oh, what is it? What's the rate? I was. I was still pretty new in that realm. So I signed up, got the job, and they were like, hey, it's for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. And I was like, what?
[11:46]
A
What?
[11:46]
B
What? I was in shock. And I went. And it completely changed my life. Like, completely changed the path of my life. Because once I did that, I did it for 10 seasons, down to not this past show, the last big show they had. It was honestly the best moments of my life, and it opened so many doors for me. So that was like the turning point career. And that's because I took a chance. I put myself out there. I wasn't afraid to fail. And I was also not afraid to ask for help and not afraid to meet new people. You know, again, we're not meant to do this by ourselves. The most amazing opportunities I've had were from people that I met when we were just starting off doing free jobs. You know, we were doing this together and that one interaction. And that's why I say, anytime you do a job, you a hundred percent be who you are, but be professional. You know, don't overstep. You know, there's. There's etiquette when it comes to being in this industry and leave a lasting impression that's positive and that you know, that if someone calls you, they know that you're going to make them look good, you're not going to make them look bad. So that's how I got the opportunities that I did, because I was loyal, and they knew that if they called me for a job, that I was going to do the job effectively and not overstep or not. You know, know the etiquette on how to perform that job the way that I should.
[13:16]
A
Absolutely. That's. I love that. And I love that you. I love what you said where you're like, I just. I did it. You know, even if it was free, I did it. And I think that really shows, Like, I mean, I feel like when someone does that, it's not about money, it's not about fame. It's not about anything but the true. Like, you want to do this. Like, this is what you want in your life. And I think that's when the most beautiful things are created in the world, you know? Well, whether that's artist, artistry, whether that's science, whatever it is, that's when it happens. You know what I mean? So, yeah, that's really cool. I would love to talk more about your recent. You know, I know you were backstage in the New York Fashion Week with Ardell. Can you kind of take us behind the scenes and describe what. What that was like?
[13:57]
B
Oh, it was electrifying. That is the one word that I can think of when I think of that experience. We were with Alice and Olivia, which as, as you know, is one of the top tier shows at Fashion Week. It is fabulous. And it was electrifying. It was inspiring. You know, besides the beautiful clothing, which. The clothing, I mean, and the setup and everything was. The production was incredible. But to see the artists work backstage and to see them work together to create these beautiful looks, especially seeing, you know, the Ardell underlash extensions is something that is my kit must have. And it was the star of the show at New York Fashion Week. It truly was. Because what's trending right now during that Fashion Week season was not that big corner cat eye, like lash, but just more of a subtle lift. You know, that under lash extensions was great because I was able to see on different models the transformation it created for the look and how it enhanced the look. So to be able to see the artists working. And, you know, when I saw these artists, it was cool for me because I'm usually the one that's in the chair doing the makeup. And I was the ambassador for Ardell, so I was really kind of stepping back and seeing everyone work together. It was so magical. Was beautiful. You can really see the artists, like, just being happy and being just so grateful to be in that space. Everyone there was so. It was like something that. Almost like a dream come true for so many, including me, you know, to be able to be a part of that environment. I've done so many seasons of Fashion Week, but this was one of the first times that I actually had to step back, and I was overseeing, you know, with Ardell and speaking to different journalists and just sharing the color story and the inspiration on why those lashes were used and the trends. And it was just. It was so, like, such a pivotal and a life changing moment for me. And just to kind of step back and see the room and read the room and just see, like, the. The vibes in there. It was so beautiful. It truly was. And honestly, the looks were amazing. The glossy lips and the blush and the satin skin, which is really trending. And it was so intentional, which I like. You know, it didn't look like they were wearing tons of makeup. It just looked like they just had this beautiful glow. And the way that it looked with the clothing, it was. It was stunning. It truly was.
[16:29]
A
I feel like that's, like, my favorite part of fashion week is seeing these looks that are very natural because it's so, like, it's such in contrast with what we see on social media. Like, you know what I mean? Like, you look at high fashion and you're like, okay, yeah. You know what I mean? Like, that makeup style look makes sense to me. You know, with the clothes they're wearing, like, it's so beautiful to watch. And I'm just. I mean, I was gonna ask you about the trends. I know you pointed out a few of them, but do you feel like natural beauty is coming back? Like, do you think that is up and coming in, like, mainstream makeup artistry?
[16:57]
B
Like, in terms of trends, 100%. The natural skin is natural skin. That's. That's intentional, right? So it's not just, you know, skincare and then just putting a few dots of concealer. It's makeup that doesn't look like makeup, but also has that look of skin care, which is really important. So last season, and we saw a lot of glass skin. We saw that glowing, high shine skin. Right now what we're seeing is more of that satin texture. We saw a lot at Alice Olivia. We're seeing a lot on the red carpet with celebrities, because celebrities still have that, like, red carpet glow. Like we see on Selena Gomez a lot on Zendaya, where they have that glow, but it's intentional glow. It's not all over the face. It's just on the cheekbones. It's not, you know, a high, frosty shine. It's almost that lit from within look. And skin. Skin is back, you know, like, this is not, you know, 2017, where people are pounding on the makeup to cover up what's underneath. It's actually looking at the face and saying, yeah, she has a really clean, beautiful makeup look, but her skin is looking. Whatever her skincare routine is, it is top notch. And that could be created. Yeah, it could be created with skincare, or honestly, it's being created with makeup.
[18:14]
A
Yeah, no, that's what I was gonna ask you is, like, what are. Like, what is a way that we can kind of achieve that? Because I know, like, for me, you know, I'm 38. I'm getting to that point where it's like, you know, the texture and, like, there's so many things that you have to, like, keep in mind. And I feel like makeup for me, has always been difficult, you know, Like, I've been in that group of people where I'm like, makeup. I love makeup. I think it's so much fun. But, like, I've always gravitated towards natural. You know, like, I want the natural look. But then, like, for example, highlighter was always a problem for me because I never used highlighter. I was like, I can't do it, you know, because I look like a clown when I do this, you know, And I just want to know, like, what are. What is a good trick if you do want to get that, like, lit from within, you know, natural skin kind of glow without using, like, a heavy highlighter?
[18:59]
B
Yeah. So the easiest way is by putting, like, a liquid highlighter underneath your makeup. Right. So just using it almost like a very light moisturizer, I take in between my hands, I rub my fingers together, and I press it on the high planes of my face. Like my cheekbones, the ball of my nose. I do a little bit above my brow, wherever the. The light usually naturally hits the face. And then I put my foundation over it, and it just looks like it's lit from within. I don't have to pound on tons of powder, highlight. I can even take whatever is left over my fingertips and just very lightly pat it over my cheekbones where it doesn't look like it's, you know, overstated or there's lines on my face. It literally just looks like I have juicy skin.
[19:48]
A
Yeah. Oh, that's. I'm gonna try that because I've never. I've never tried that, and because I'm scared of it, honestly, like, I love that look, but it's like, for me, it's so scary. I know. Recently, like, when I saw. I. I'm sure you caught this. Pat. Pat McGrath just came out with her, like, you know, like, that beautiful product that everyone's been raving about. And I'm I love it, but it's like. It kind of like, brings out this idea of, like, getting a look that's like, truly, like, a glowy skin. You know what I mean? Like, just beautiful, wet, glass skin vibes. It's so difficult, especially if you don't have a hand for artistry. You know, it's. It can be very difficult.
[20:22]
B
Keep it. As I always say with makeup, just keep it simple. Even with, you know, like, the blush. Right. People are using a lot of cream blush. I feel like powder blush is coming back. Just putting it on. Even with eyes, you know, there was used to be so much structure with eyeshadow where it's like corner color crease.
[20:40]
A
Yeah.
[20:40]
B
Like, really. And right now, what we're seeing is, like, bare eye or just a metallic. Even the same highlight that you're popping on your cheek, pop a little bit on your eyes. And then the best tip I can give you for, like, an overall polished look is by doing a soft lash. Now, what I'm seeing also a lot with celebrity. With my celebrity clients is they're not using strip lashes. They're not doing lash extensions anymore. That was something that was being done, you know, post pandemic, because everyone could got go out and get their eyes done again. Right. What we're seeing now are, like, the. Those really soft lashes. That's why I like the under lash extensions that we've used at Alice and Olivia, because they're so easy for someone at you that. That struggles with makeup and wants to make things just super easy. Just take. Take the bond, take the underlash extension, Put a little bit on the corner, and it looks like you have 10 coats of mascara without sitting there with a mascara tube. And to me, I am an elder millennial. I do not have time to, you know, pack on the mascara. I want to take, like, five minutes in my makeup. So if I can do that and be out the door, I'll be happy.
[21:49]
A
Yeah, 100%. I'm with you. Like, honestly, it's. It's like I want it, but I'm like, I do not have the two hours.
[21:55]
B
Me neither.
[21:56]
A
To spend struggling, you know, with myself trying to get this look. I mean, it's really cool, though, that we are kind of rounding this corner, though, and coming back to this natural style of makeup. Because I won't lie to you. You know, Nydia, for a long time, I would watch. I mean, I think we all did, like, YouTube, Instagram, you know, we're all always looking for tutorials, and it was so hard because I would never be able to relate. You know, it was like, I love what you're doing, you know, I love that you're like, you guys are pouring in all this effort to get these eye looks and stuff, but I will never be able to do that. You know, it was like a struggle for me and it was like, like, you know, kind of disheartening because I'd watch it and I'd almost like go and buy the products just to buy them and convince myself that at some point in life I'm going to sit down and create this look, you know, and it never happened. So, like on my clock, like when you look at my makeup collection, it's like, it's really just like, you know, riddled with products that I will, I've never used and I will probably never use, you know, because of that. And I would like to. I mean, the reason I'm saying all this is like, I want to ask you what are some things that are on your radar right now and maybe in your kit that you think are just makeup essentials for people like myself or anyone that just wants to do, you know, something great for themselves when they're doing their makeup but doesn't need all the frills?
[23:12]
B
Yes, absolutely. Besides, you know, what we've spoken about already with the under highlight, like the glowing lotion and the under lash extensions, I honestly think something like a clear lip gloss, you know, something just simple just to brighten up your face. You know, I would say even with, with blush, a really cool trick is when you apply the blush, put a little bit in your crease, like with the same brush, just take the brush, put a little bit on your cheekbones and just pop a little bit on your crease. And for some reason, it just gives you such a finished look. So I would say blush for sure. Powder blush is something that you can use so many different ways. You can even pop a little bit on your lips because before you put the lip gloss just to give a little bit of color and give it more of a monochromatic look. Definitely. A good hydrating moisturizer is really important. The one thing I always tell people is that your makeup is not going to look good if your skin, your skin care is not on point. So right now, I mean, I'm in New Jersey and we have a serious hard water problem here. So the water is wreaking havoc on our skins. So keeping it hydrated, drinking lots of water is really important. But multi use products is something that I cannot be without in my care, especially with my celebrity clients, but also with my everyday clients because there's times where I don't have much. I have 20 minutes to do a full face on all my. So what, what, what is one product that I can use multiple ways? So instead of us buying tons of makeup like you say you have so much makeup that you don't use, let's learn how to use one product multiple ways.
[24:50]
A
Yeah, I love that. I think that's so important. I mean, what is, what do you think is like one, like go to like multi use product that you really love?
[24:58]
B
I, I have to say I love the Tartelette blush is so good from Tarte Cosmetics. It is fabulous. So what it is, it has that pigment and it has really good skin loving ingredients that can be applied on the cheeks and on the eyes. Not every ingredient, every company could say that they can do that. That for sure. I love, love, love a good lip liner. Mac Cosmetics has a beautiful lip liner in the shade whirl. That lip liner I can use to line my lips, I could use to fill my lips in. And that, you know, with mascara is like a game changer. And also, back to the lash extensions. The reason why I like those, because those are customizable. So if I'm gonna do something every day, I can put a little bit on the ends. But if I'm going out, I can build. So that's something that I always have in my kit because I don't know what people are going to want to do with their lashes, what outfit they're going to wear. So that way, if it's customizable, I'm able to do more with it.
[25:59]
A
Okay. I love that I'm going to have to buy these like things that you've.
[26:02]
B
Suggested under lash extensions. The Tartelette blush and the Mac Cosmetics lip pencils are like three of my favorites. If you're looking for a really good glow product, there's a company called Limelight by Alcone and they have a perfect glow drop and they come in different shades. And those are a game changer because you could put them under your makeup, you can put them over your face because it dries down. I throw some in my eyes, I put some on my body. I even mix them in my lotion to put some on my legs. It's like you can use it so many different ways.
[26:36]
A
I love that. Oh my gosh. Yeah, I'm gonna definitely get all of this stuff because that's, that's amazing. And I always wonder because I feel like all the Pros, like, you guys have, like, these little, like, products, you know what I mean? And you guys kind of. We don't ever learn, you know, like, what? Ye.
[26:50]
B
Yes. Oh, I. Listen, I would love to teach you. I promise. It's. It's something I. Education is my life. I love to teach. So if you ever need help, any tips or tricks, we can jump on a zoom call and I will show you step by step how to use them.
[27:03]
A
I love that. Thank you so much. No, I'll probably take you up on that. I'm not going to lie. I can use all the help I can get. But I want to. I want to actually ask you, you know, about the future of beauty, because I feel like this is such a. It's so important for me, you know, as a consumer, to understand. I know right now, for example, AI is huge. You know, AI is everywhere. We're using it for pretty much everything. I recently, like, contributed to an article where I was like, I feel like in skincare, it can definitely be a thing, but I think also in makeup, it's up and coming. So, like, what are your thoughts around that? Like, what. What do you think is coming up for us in the beauty and the makeup industry? That's going to kind of revolutionize the space.
[27:39]
B
Yes. So I actually am a big fan of technology and beauty. As someone that's an elder millennial, I know many times it's like, oh, my gosh, it's going to take over the world. It's going to mess up the industry. But think back, back on, like, when Instagram showed up.
[27:55]
A
Yeah.
[27:56]
B
So many beauty brands, so many makeup artists. Like, I'm not doing Instagram looks. There's no way. And a lot of these beauty brands missed the train on social media, and they're struggling now as a company to catch up to creators and influencers. So what I'm seeing with technology is, especially with AI, I think it's such a great tool to help our clients. You know, what is a great lipstick color to go with olive skin tones or just to use those tools when we're not sure on what to use, I think is awesome. I'm seeing a lot of really cool beauty tech products, you know, like, different jade rollers and different machines that scan the skin to be able to know the skin type. And I even see the machines at Sephora to help with, you know, matching skin tones. I think any tool that is being used to advance our industry is amazing. I'm also seeing those that lipstick machines from ysl. It makes your Own customized lipstick. I think that is the coolest machine ever. So you can literally, you know, scan a color or download a color and it'll create a lipstick shade for you.
[29:05]
A
Oh my God. No way. I haven't seen that.
[29:07]
B
It is so cool. It is the coolest thing. It's like a, a tube and then you can just make your own customized lipstick. I think it's revolutionary. Yeah. To this industry because it's like, why did you have to go to, you know, buy 100 tubes lipstick when you can make your own lipstick or nude matching.
[29:26]
A
Like nude lipsticks were like the base of my existence.
[29:30]
B
Yes, yes, absolutely. I mean, I love, I love beauty type. I'm not gonna say I love AI because I don't think anyone loves AI, but I'm willing to use AI to help in any way. I mean, I use it sometimes, you know, with chat GPT. And I think that's just the beginning. I don't, I don't ever think that it's going replace live makeup artists. Like, I know a lot of people are saying that because we have that personal collect connection and that, that, that cannot be replaced. That's irreplaceable, truly. Like our clients love us, they need us. You know, we have that one on one human connection that just cannot be duplicated. So, you know, those are the ones.
[30:10]
A
That push the boundaries. I mean, you're the ones that like tell us what's actually up and coming, you know, or what's like the new thing. I don't think AI can ever replace that. You know, the part of all of.
[30:20]
B
This, especially the creative part, we're creatives, you know, we're here being innovative and. Yeah, that cannot be replaced.
[30:27]
A
Absolutely. No, I, I completely agree. But I think it's a great tool and you know, I have to check that out. That lipstick, I need a really.
[30:33]
B
YSL has it. Yeah, it's ysl. It's really cool.
[30:36]
A
I love ysl. I've always loved her. Yeah.
[30:39]
B
Right.
[30:40]
A
So I wanna, I wanna ask you like kind of a round out question because I think that, you know, I know we spoke about this pretty early in the call, but just to kind of go back on this is advice, you know, I think that we can never have enough advice from, you know, individuals who've been there, they've succeeded. I mean, what is your advice to up and coming makeup artists or anybody that's even wanting to come into this industry, how to approach it, how to like make themselves truly unforgettable? You know, anything that you can offer.
[31:08]
B
Words of wisdom, yes, for sure, is don't stop learning. Keep learning. Keep learning no matter what. Listen, I'm 37 years old. I've been in the industry for almost 20 years, and I'm still learning. I'm still, you know, taking classes and I'm still watching videos and I'm still learning from my peers. And it's so important to not stop learning, to not give up when it gets hard. Being an entrepreneur, being a makeup artist is hard. Don't give up. And please, please do not compare yourself to other people. Everybody's journey is different. Your journey and my journey will be completely different journeys. So once you realize that, you to stop comparing yourself, because social media will make you do that, the follower count will make you do that. Once you stop doing that, your life is going to change. Just stay in your lane, stay focused, don't be so hard on yourself, but just know what you want and go for it. Even if you fail, you may fail a few times. Just keep pushing through that. Because in order for you to go over the fire, you have to go through fire. And that's something that I've been through a lot in my career. Like, I have failed so many times. I have had so many nos, and. But all of those nos turn into yeses eventually. You know, I never thought that I would, you know, do the things that I'm doing today. Still, you know, I'm surprised that I'm a part of different things. And I'm like, wow, me. And I'm like, yeah, me. And a really good tip that I learned by a makeup artist friend, her name is Angelique Velez, is even if you're just starting, just know that that someone that is in this industry will work their entire life to do what you've already done their entire life for that one thing that you did. So a great thing that she taught me was to make a list of things that you've done in your career. Even if you're in year one, make a list and read that list back to yourself. You're going to say, wow, I forgot that I did that. And it's going to remind you that this is your journey and that this is something that, you know is still growing. And something my dad, my dad always told me is that if I, you know, God forbid, lost a job tomorrow, no one could take away what I've done already in my life. That's going to stick with me forever. And that's really something to be proud of.
[33:29]
A
Yeah. Oh, my God, I love that. I love that. That's. I'm going to do the same thing, actually, you know, because I feel like we. We lose track a lot of times of everything we've done. You know, that's. That's so real. I love that. Well, thank you so much, Nadia. This has been such a pleasure chatting with you and learning from you. I'd love to do that, you know, like kind of a walkthrough of makeup sometime. I really love that we reconnect.
[33:51]
B
Absolutely. Yeah, I would love to. And speaking of education, I'm going to be doing something really exciting in New York City in March. I'm going to be teaching at the iecsc was the International Aesthetic Cosmetics and Spa Conference. I'll be teaching a class on Fifth Avenue Bridal. So I'm really excited about that. And as well as I am a speaker at ibs, the first show that I worked at with Eve Pearl, and that changed my life. I'm going to be. Be a speaker there for the first time in my career.
[34:20]
A
Oh, my gosh. That's amazing. Congratulations.
[34:24]
B
Thank you.
[34:24]
A
That's huge. What is, like, full circle moment?
[34:27]
B
It is such a full circle moment. Amazing.
[34:30]
A
That's awesome. I mean, can we attend? Like, can people, like, get tickets?
[34:34]
B
You can buy tickets. Tickets are still available on the website. It's going to be in late March, and there's tons of education. If you're estician, if you're a hairstylist, I will be doing the makeup artist artist part. Like, I'm going to be teaching some different classes on Fifth Avenue Bridal, how to get to work with celebrities as well as, you know, quick services for people that are in the industry. My goal is to help grow this industry, and that's why I'm so blessed to be a part of these conferences, because I'm not only reaching makeup artists, but I'm reaching estheticians, I'm reaching hairstylists. We're all in the beauty industry. Why aren't we doing more things? You know, we have. We have the capacity to learn because we've learned how to do our specific skill. Let's continue to grow, grow together.
[35:17]
A
I love that. I love your attitude and your life philosophy. No, genuinely, it's like. It's magnetic. I love it. So thank you so much for this interview and for anyone listening, if you guys are interested. Definitely. We'll be linking everything in the show, notes about where you can get tickets. So definitely check that out. And Nydia, thank you so much. It was so wonderful chatting.
[35:35]
B
Thank you so much. This was great. Thank you.

Summary5 min read

Skin Anarchy: Backstage Pass Into NYFW Glam With Celebrity Makeup Artist Nydia Figueroa

Release Date: February 19, 2025

In this compelling episode of Skin Anarchy, host Dr. Ekta engages in an insightful conversation with renowned celebrity makeup artist Nydia Figueroa. With over 18 years of experience in the beauty industry, Nydia shares her remarkable journey, industry insights, and invaluable advice for aspiring makeup artists. Below is a detailed summary capturing the essence of their discussion.

1. Introduction to Nydia Figueroa

Dr. Ekta opens the episode by expressing her excitement about hosting Nydia, highlighting her extensive experience and prestigious affiliations, including her work with MAC Cosmetics and backstage roles at New York Fashion Week.

[00:02] A: "She has over 18 years of experience in the beauty industry... just so many different amazing events. So without further ado, I want to introduce you guys to Nydia Figueroa."

2. Nydia’s Journey into Makeup Artistry

Nydia recounts her accidental entry into the makeup industry. Unlike many who dream of a beauty career from a young age, her path was serendipitous, influenced by her admiration for her mother and grandmother's beauty routines.

[00:56] B: "I have been doing makeup since I was a few months after 18 years old... it was by accident."

She describes how discovering a book by Eve Pearl about makeup techniques sparked her fascination. Working at a mall job, she saved her earnings to purchase makeup from MAC, practicing on friends and family until MAC recruited her, leading to a 12-year tenure with the company.

[02:00] B: "I ended up working for the company for 12 years."

3. Overcoming Challenges Without Formal Education

Nydia emphasizes the difficulty of learning makeup artistry without formal education. Financial constraints prevented her from attending makeup school, but mentorship within MAC provided her with the necessary skills and knowledge.

[04:34] B: "I couldn't afford makeup school at all... working at counter and being a part of the Mac team and learning from, like, people that started off in the company helped me so much."

4. The Importance of Hard Work and Building Community

The conversation shifts to the stark differences between her generation and the current one, particularly regarding access to resources and the reliance on social media. Nydia stresses the importance of hard work, humility, and consistency over merely accruing followers.

[06:09] B: "Being humble, being hardworking and being consistent... those things are going to help, not only now, but in the long run."

5. Breakthrough Opportunities: The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

Nydia shares her breakthrough moment when she unknowingly landed a role at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show through a community group on Facebook. Her willingness to take chances and her professional attitude led to a decade-long association with the show, significantly elevating her career.

[11:46] B: "And I went. And it completely changed my life... I was loyal, and they knew that if they called me for a job, that I was going to do the job effectively."

6. Backstage Experience at New York Fashion Week with Alice + Olivia

Delving into her recent experience, Nydia describes the electrifying atmosphere backstage at New York Fashion Week, particularly with the Alice + Olivia show. She highlights the collaborative efforts of artists and the trend of subtle, natural beauty looks that complement high fashion.

[13:57] B: "It was electrifying... the production was incredible... it's amazing to see the artists, like, just being happy and being just so grateful to be in that space."

7. Trends in Natural Beauty and Makeup Techniques

Nydia discusses the resurgence of natural beauty trends, emphasizing the importance of skin health and intentional glow over heavy makeup. She provides practical tips for achieving a "lit from within" look without overusing highlighter.

[16:57] B: "Skin is back... it's being created with makeup... you can put a liquid highlighter underneath your makeup to achieve a natural glow."

8. Makeup Essentials for a Polished Look

Addressing listeners' concerns about maintaining a natural yet polished look, Nydia recommends versatile products and techniques that simplify makeup routines. She underscores the value of multi-use products and minimalistic approaches.

[23:12] B: "A clear lip gloss... powder blush... a good hydrating moisturizer... multi-use products are a must."

9. Embracing Technology in the Beauty Industry

The dialogue transitions to the role of technology, particularly AI, in revolutionizing the beauty industry. Nydia shares her enthusiasm for beauty tech innovations, such as customized lipstick machines and skin-scanning tools, while asserting that the human creative touch remains irreplaceable.

[27:38] B: "I think any tool that is being used to advance our industry is amazing... AI cannot replace the personal human connection we have with clients."

10. Advice for Aspiring Makeup Artists

Concluding the episode, Nydia imparts heartfelt advice to those entering the beauty industry. She emphasizes continuous learning, resilience, and the importance of not comparing oneself to others. Maintaining a personal journey and celebrating individual achievements are key to sustained success.

[31:07] B: "Don't stop learning... don't compare yourself to other people... just know what you want and go for it."

11. Upcoming Educational Endeavors

Nydia shares her upcoming participation as a speaker and instructor at the International Aesthetic Cosmetics and Spa Conference (IECASC) and IBS International Beauty Show in New York City. She highlights her commitment to education and community-building within the beauty industry.

[34:24] B: "I'll be teaching a class on Fifth Avenue Bridal... I will be a speaker... to help grow this industry."

Conclusion

This episode of Skin Anarchy offers a rich tapestry of experiences and insights from Nydia Figueroa, illustrating the blend of passion, perseverance, and professionalism required to thrive in the competitive beauty industry. Listeners gain valuable perspectives on navigating career challenges, embracing industry trends, and the enduring significance of personal connections and continuous learning.

For those interested in Nydia’s upcoming classes and events, details and ticket information are available in the show notes.

Notable Quotes:

Nydia Figueroa [00:56]: "I have been doing makeup since I was a few months after 18 years old... it was by accident."
Dr. Ekta [06:09]: "I'm sure there were certain techniques that you had to train yourself in... how was that?"
Nydia Figueroa [27:38]: "AI cannot replace the personal human connection we have with clients."

Connect with Skin Anarchy:

Instagram: @skincareanarchy
Hosted on: Acast (Privacy Policy)

Disclaimer: This podcast provides non-legal and non-medical opinions. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice.

Loading summary

Transcript66 lines

[00:02]
A
Hey, guys. Welcome back to another episode of Skin Anarchy. I'm really, really excited about our guest today because she is a renowned celebrity makeup artist. She has over 18 years of experience in the beauty industry, and she's literally worked for some of the best of the best, I mean, including Mac Cosmetics. She's, you know, worked behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week and just so many different amazing events. So without further ado, I want to introduce you guys to Nydia Figueroa. Welcome, Nydia. I'm so excited to host you.
[00:29]
B
Thank you so much for having me. I'm so excited to be here.
[00:32]
A
No, it's. It's truly amazing to be able to talk to you, because I feel like we rarely get to have, like, insights, you know, in makeup and, like, artistry, especially, like, what, you know, what's going on with all of the stuff that's, like, cultural. So it's really exciting to have this opportunity. I want to get started, though, and learn more about you because I know you have an amazing background in beauty, and you, you know, really kind of worked with the best. The best. So I'd love to learn more about your journey.
[00:57]
B
Absolutely. Yes. So I have been doing makeup. Wow. Since I was a few months after 18 years old.
[01:04]
A
Quick.
[01:05]
B
I really. I actually have a really cool story how I became a makeup artist. It was by accident. I didn't dream of doing makeup or having a career makeup at all. Growing up, I just loved beauty, and I saw that with my mother, my grandmother. To me, they were the, like, epitome of, like, gorgeous beauty. Like, forget the movie stars, forget the celebrities. My mother and my grandmother were the most beautiful people in the world to me, and they always wore makeup and red light lipstick. And if you see me, I always have my red lipstick on. And I have to give a homage to my beautiful. The beautiful women in my life that I grew up with because of that. But I grew up like, a little bit of a tomboy in the sense. I used to go fishing a lot with my dad that. And I found a gift card to, like, bounce Barnes and Nobles in the sand. Very random. And my dad is a very intelligent man. He, like, graduated top of his class in the university, and he's like, go buy a book. And I'm like, all right, sure, I'll buy a book. Whatever I can read. And I went and I saw a book. The first book that caught my eye was by an author. Her name was Eve Pearl, and she had a book about plastic surgery without the surgery. And it was Makeup techniques And how we know to highlight, contour. All those great things that are very mainstream weren't as mainstream back then in the early 2000s. And I was fascinated. So I had a job at the mall and I would spend all my time buying makeup with my paycheck and I discovered Mac. And I would go in there and. And shop. And you know, I was born very, very, like, underprivileged. I had a beautiful family, but I didn't know anything about makeup and Mac and I just didn't know that world. So I started practicing in all my friends and family. Eventually, I became a very loyal client of Mac Cosmetics and they recruited me. They're like, hey, do you. Do you do makeup? And for some reason I said a little fib and I was like, yeah, I'm a makeup artist. Sure, I know how to do makeup. And I totally did. And I just love makeup. Long story short, my personality, my. I was so bubbly and personable. They were like, hey, let's give you a chance. And I ended up working for the company for 12 years.
[03:06]
A
Wow.
[03:07]
B
So, yeah, it was definitely, I say it's fate. And just a kind of a full circle moment is after I left the company because back then there wasn't any social media. So when celebrity clients wanted to find you, they would find you at the counter. And I left Mac because I got really busy working with my celebrity cl. I still love the author of the book, which Eve Pearl. She's New York City based, so anytime she would be in town, I would watch her and they reached out to me and I ended up assisting her at IBS International Beauty show. And we connected and I ended up being her executive assistant. So it was so interesting how I started off as like teenager straight out of high school, buying her book, and then I ended up working for her. So it was pretty cool.
[03:51]
A
That's really cool. I love that. I love that you went and bought the book. I remember, like, when I first saw, like, Kevin Aquan's book and I remember just being like, oh, my God, this is the coolest thing ever. You know, like, it was. It was so cool. And, you know, I know Ray Morris has this amazing book out and I look at it all the time. Yeah. Love Ray. You know, it's interesting that you mentioned that because I feel like with makeup artistry, we don't really hear that. You know what I mean? Like, that component of it where it's really just this, like, sheer curiosity. I feel like people just start nowadays. So I wanted to ask you about that you know, how was that for you in terms of, like, learning and, like, I'm sure there were certain techniques that you had to train yourself in, especially as you moved up the ladder with, like, different events that you were, you know, going to. How was that?
[04:34]
B
Oh, absolutely. It was. It was rough. You know, it wasn't easy. I know many people probably look at me and say, wow, she does all these cool things. And they might think that I was probably born with a brush in my hand, but I definitely was not. A lot of growing a lot of tough love from people that I met in the industry who took me under their wing, and I'm so grateful for that. Who really showed me the proper way to do makeup. I couldn't afford makeup school at all. I was really, like, in the middle class family, so I couldn't do financial aid, and I also couldn't afford out of pocket. So working at counter and being a part of the Mac team and learning from, like, people that started off in the company helped me so much. So I really always tell people the best way that I learned was through other artists and the way that they inspired me and they poured into me. You know, this is before YouTube, before social media. We didn't have any of that. And just really putting myself out there and just doing the work really helped.
[05:30]
A
Yeah, no, I feel like that's. That's why I asked you, because we live in a time right now and, you know, you tell me if I'm wrong with this, because I, I always, like, see where young people are going with their careers. You know, it's just like. And wonder, like, how they're getting there now compared to, like, I'm a millennial, so how did we do it? And I just wonder. I'm like, you know, where is that hard work? Because unfortunately, I just don't see it. You know, it's just like, you have to put hard work in, you know, to do, like, even if you think you're an amazing artist, like, you have to do it right. And I'd love for you to speak on that. Is this concept of, like, what it actually takes now, you know, to be a really great artist in this industry? Because I feel like no one's talking about that.
[06:09]
B
Oh, absolutely. That's such a great point that you made. Because this generation, I am an elder millennial. This generation of makeup artists, I don't want to use a harsh word like entitlement, but we're going to keep it real here. Right at your fingertips. You have tutorials, you have reels you have everything. You have. I mean, you have ChatGPT to create emails for. You have everything. And we had nothing like we really had to start. I remember when I wanted to work with specific celebrities or I wanted to get my name out there. I would have my hardcover portfolio and I would go to modeling agencies, I would knock on the doors of record agencies and I would be like, hey, can I test with you? And I would get the door closed in my face. So many times. I heard so many notes before I saw I. Yes. And this is the age of like the yes, right? So if you have a certain amount of followers, you will probably get the yes over someone that doesn't have as many followers but has the skill. And I'm going to tell you how you're going to be able to stand out in a crowd like that, because at the end of the day, followers matter. But in the long run, what's going to help you is being humble, being hardworking and being consistent. And the major part of that is being humble because, I mean, there's so many ways that our equals could be fed in this industry, but all that's temporary. You can have a great run and then everything could collapse in a blink of an eye. Just like what happened during the pandemic. So many people had these amazing highs and just had this busy, buzzing business in person. But then the pandemic hit and swiped everything away. So what are you gonna do to be resilient and to keep pushing forward? So, you know, definitely those things is going to help, not only now, but in the long run. And it's helped me in my career. I always say I may not be, you know, have the biggest following, or I may not look a certain way, or I may not be a certain age or have a certain type of skin, but people are always going to remember me for how I treated them, how I made them feel and how professional I was.
[08:17]
A
Yeah, no, I love that. I love that you said that. Because it's not about, you know, the way I look at it. Everything you said resonates with me. I'm not even in your profession, but I resonate with it because at the end of the day, like, I think whenever you're going into any professional track, you have to have the sense of like, why am I doing this? You know, and that's what I. When I look around and I see a lot of young people, I feel like that's what they're struggling with is this idea of because, you know, I'll be. I'll be real. You know, I see it every day on social media. A lot of the makeup artists right now compared to, like, who I was watching, you know, even on YouTube, like, I'm. I'm looking at them, and all they do is endorse brands. Like, that's all they do. Like, it's like a brand endorsement after brand endorsement, and that's it. And it's like, where's the artistry? You know what I mean? Like, where is it? I want to learn how to do my eyeshadow. I want to learn how to do, you know, my blush, my foundation as I'm aging. Like, I want techniques, and it's like, you don't get that same quality anymore. And I can't help but wonder, like, it has to come down to something. You know what I mean? Like, of. It's. It's your work ethic, you know, and it's. It's what you put out there. So, yeah, I mean, without me ranting too much, like, that's.
[09:22]
B
I love it. I agree. I agree. Education, too, is key. Not only, you know, learning, but also being able to teach us as makeup artists or people in the beauty industry, we are the experts. This is a luxury service. This is something that not everyone could do. So we should be able to teach effectively, but also learn effectively. There's so many makeup artists who unfortunately don't know how to match every skin tone, don't know color theory, don't know eye shapes, Just the basics of makeup artistry that are essential to not only, you know, help your career and to help service your client better, but to also help inspire and to help the future generations. Because, you know, I'm an elder millennial, and then they have, you know, gen zers. But eventually those people, those artists are going to need to teach others as well. So we have to continue helping people learn how to grow in this industries for that it can continue to thrive.
[10:18]
A
I agree. I completely agree. And I want to actually ask you, because I know a lot of artists, they struggle, you know, to break into, like, high profile opportunities. Like, you know, Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, VMAs, NY Fashion Week. What was the first major industry door that opened for you? And how did that, you know, how did you really seize that opportunity and make the most of it?
[10:38]
B
Yes. So the very first opportunity I had when I was very young in my career was the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. I have to say, the best way to get these opportunities is by building community. We are not meant to do life alone. And we are definitely not meant to be in this industry alone. So I have been a part of a group called the Powder Group, which is a network of makeup artists, pro makeup artists from all over the country. And at the time, Facebook was just launching, it was brand new, and it was.
[11:09]
A
Remember those days?
[11:10]
B
Yes, right? Like MySpace, Facebook. Oh, goodness. And there was a post on one of the groups, the community groups that I was a part of, and they were like, hey, we're looking for some makeup artists. They didn't say what it was for, but I was so hungry. I just wanted to do something. I wanted to succeed. I didn't care what it was. I really didn't. I just wanted people to know my name and I wanted to have experience. So I humbled myself. I wasn't like, oh, what is it? What's the rate? I was. I was still pretty new in that realm. So I signed up, got the job, and they were like, hey, it's for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. And I was like, what?
[11:46]
A
What?
[11:46]
B
What? I was in shock. And I went. And it completely changed my life. Like, completely changed the path of my life. Because once I did that, I did it for 10 seasons, down to not this past show, the last big show they had. It was honestly the best moments of my life, and it opened so many doors for me. So that was like the turning point career. And that's because I took a chance. I put myself out there. I wasn't afraid to fail. And I was also not afraid to ask for help and not afraid to meet new people. You know, again, we're not meant to do this by ourselves. The most amazing opportunities I've had were from people that I met when we were just starting off doing free jobs. You know, we were doing this together and that one interaction. And that's why I say, anytime you do a job, you a hundred percent be who you are, but be professional. You know, don't overstep. You know, there's. There's etiquette when it comes to being in this industry and leave a lasting impression that's positive and that you know, that if someone calls you, they know that you're going to make them look good, you're not going to make them look bad. So that's how I got the opportunities that I did, because I was loyal, and they knew that if they called me for a job, that I was going to do the job effectively and not overstep or not. You know, know the etiquette on how to perform that job the way that I should.
[13:16]
A
Absolutely. That's. I love that. And I love that you. I love what you said where you're like, I just. I did it. You know, even if it was free, I did it. And I think that really shows, Like, I mean, I feel like when someone does that, it's not about money, it's not about fame. It's not about anything but the true. Like, you want to do this. Like, this is what you want in your life. And I think that's when the most beautiful things are created in the world, you know? Well, whether that's artist, artistry, whether that's science, whatever it is, that's when it happens. You know what I mean? So, yeah, that's really cool. I would love to talk more about your recent. You know, I know you were backstage in the New York Fashion Week with Ardell. Can you kind of take us behind the scenes and describe what. What that was like?
[13:57]
B
Oh, it was electrifying. That is the one word that I can think of when I think of that experience. We were with Alice and Olivia, which as, as you know, is one of the top tier shows at Fashion Week. It is fabulous. And it was electrifying. It was inspiring. You know, besides the beautiful clothing, which. The clothing, I mean, and the setup and everything was. The production was incredible. But to see the artists work backstage and to see them work together to create these beautiful looks, especially seeing, you know, the Ardell underlash extensions is something that is my kit must have. And it was the star of the show at New York Fashion Week. It truly was. Because what's trending right now during that Fashion Week season was not that big corner cat eye, like lash, but just more of a subtle lift. You know, that under lash extensions was great because I was able to see on different models the transformation it created for the look and how it enhanced the look. So to be able to see the artists working. And, you know, when I saw these artists, it was cool for me because I'm usually the one that's in the chair doing the makeup. And I was the ambassador for Ardell, so I was really kind of stepping back and seeing everyone work together. It was so magical. Was beautiful. You can really see the artists, like, just being happy and being just so grateful to be in that space. Everyone there was so. It was like something that. Almost like a dream come true for so many, including me, you know, to be able to be a part of that environment. I've done so many seasons of Fashion Week, but this was one of the first times that I actually had to step back, and I was overseeing, you know, with Ardell and speaking to different journalists and just sharing the color story and the inspiration on why those lashes were used and the trends. And it was just. It was so, like, such a pivotal and a life changing moment for me. And just to kind of step back and see the room and read the room and just see, like, the. The vibes in there. It was so beautiful. It truly was. And honestly, the looks were amazing. The glossy lips and the blush and the satin skin, which is really trending. And it was so intentional, which I like. You know, it didn't look like they were wearing tons of makeup. It just looked like they just had this beautiful glow. And the way that it looked with the clothing, it was. It was stunning. It truly was.
[16:29]
A
I feel like that's, like, my favorite part of fashion week is seeing these looks that are very natural because it's so, like, it's such in contrast with what we see on social media. Like, you know what I mean? Like, you look at high fashion and you're like, okay, yeah. You know what I mean? Like, that makeup style look makes sense to me. You know, with the clothes they're wearing, like, it's so beautiful to watch. And I'm just. I mean, I was gonna ask you about the trends. I know you pointed out a few of them, but do you feel like natural beauty is coming back? Like, do you think that is up and coming in, like, mainstream makeup artistry?
[16:57]
B
Like, in terms of trends, 100%. The natural skin is natural skin. That's. That's intentional, right? So it's not just, you know, skincare and then just putting a few dots of concealer. It's makeup that doesn't look like makeup, but also has that look of skin care, which is really important. So last season, and we saw a lot of glass skin. We saw that glowing, high shine skin. Right now what we're seeing is more of that satin texture. We saw a lot at Alice Olivia. We're seeing a lot on the red carpet with celebrities, because celebrities still have that, like, red carpet glow. Like we see on Selena Gomez a lot on Zendaya, where they have that glow, but it's intentional glow. It's not all over the face. It's just on the cheekbones. It's not, you know, a high, frosty shine. It's almost that lit from within look. And skin. Skin is back, you know, like, this is not, you know, 2017, where people are pounding on the makeup to cover up what's underneath. It's actually looking at the face and saying, yeah, she has a really clean, beautiful makeup look, but her skin is looking. Whatever her skincare routine is, it is top notch. And that could be created. Yeah, it could be created with skincare, or honestly, it's being created with makeup.
[18:14]
A
Yeah, no, that's what I was gonna ask you is, like, what are. Like, what is a way that we can kind of achieve that? Because I know, like, for me, you know, I'm 38. I'm getting to that point where it's like, you know, the texture and, like, there's so many things that you have to, like, keep in mind. And I feel like makeup for me, has always been difficult, you know, Like, I've been in that group of people where I'm like, makeup. I love makeup. I think it's so much fun. But, like, I've always gravitated towards natural. You know, like, I want the natural look. But then, like, for example, highlighter was always a problem for me because I never used highlighter. I was like, I can't do it, you know, because I look like a clown when I do this, you know, And I just want to know, like, what are. What is a good trick if you do want to get that, like, lit from within, you know, natural skin kind of glow without using, like, a heavy highlighter?
[18:59]
B
Yeah. So the easiest way is by putting, like, a liquid highlighter underneath your makeup. Right. So just using it almost like a very light moisturizer, I take in between my hands, I rub my fingers together, and I press it on the high planes of my face. Like my cheekbones, the ball of my nose. I do a little bit above my brow, wherever the. The light usually naturally hits the face. And then I put my foundation over it, and it just looks like it's lit from within. I don't have to pound on tons of powder, highlight. I can even take whatever is left over my fingertips and just very lightly pat it over my cheekbones where it doesn't look like it's, you know, overstated or there's lines on my face. It literally just looks like I have juicy skin.
[19:48]
A
Yeah. Oh, that's. I'm gonna try that because I've never. I've never tried that, and because I'm scared of it, honestly, like, I love that look, but it's like, for me, it's so scary. I know. Recently, like, when I saw. I. I'm sure you caught this. Pat. Pat McGrath just came out with her, like, you know, like, that beautiful product that everyone's been raving about. And I'm I love it, but it's like. It kind of like, brings out this idea of, like, getting a look that's like, truly, like, a glowy skin. You know what I mean? Like, just beautiful, wet, glass skin vibes. It's so difficult, especially if you don't have a hand for artistry. You know, it's. It can be very difficult.
[20:22]
B
Keep it. As I always say with makeup, just keep it simple. Even with, you know, like, the blush. Right. People are using a lot of cream blush. I feel like powder blush is coming back. Just putting it on. Even with eyes, you know, there was used to be so much structure with eyeshadow where it's like corner color crease.
[20:40]
A
Yeah.
[20:40]
B
Like, really. And right now, what we're seeing is, like, bare eye or just a metallic. Even the same highlight that you're popping on your cheek, pop a little bit on your eyes. And then the best tip I can give you for, like, an overall polished look is by doing a soft lash. Now, what I'm seeing also a lot with celebrity. With my celebrity clients is they're not using strip lashes. They're not doing lash extensions anymore. That was something that was being done, you know, post pandemic, because everyone could got go out and get their eyes done again. Right. What we're seeing now are, like, the. Those really soft lashes. That's why I like the under lash extensions that we've used at Alice and Olivia, because they're so easy for someone at you that. That struggles with makeup and wants to make things just super easy. Just take. Take the bond, take the underlash extension, Put a little bit on the corner, and it looks like you have 10 coats of mascara without sitting there with a mascara tube. And to me, I am an elder millennial. I do not have time to, you know, pack on the mascara. I want to take, like, five minutes in my makeup. So if I can do that and be out the door, I'll be happy.
[21:49]
A
Yeah, 100%. I'm with you. Like, honestly, it's. It's like I want it, but I'm like, I do not have the two hours.
[21:55]
B
Me neither.
[21:56]
A
To spend struggling, you know, with myself trying to get this look. I mean, it's really cool, though, that we are kind of rounding this corner, though, and coming back to this natural style of makeup. Because I won't lie to you. You know, Nydia, for a long time, I would watch. I mean, I think we all did, like, YouTube, Instagram, you know, we're all always looking for tutorials, and it was so hard because I would never be able to relate. You know, it was like, I love what you're doing, you know, I love that you're like, you guys are pouring in all this effort to get these eye looks and stuff, but I will never be able to do that. You know, it was like a struggle for me and it was like, like, you know, kind of disheartening because I'd watch it and I'd almost like go and buy the products just to buy them and convince myself that at some point in life I'm going to sit down and create this look, you know, and it never happened. So, like on my clock, like when you look at my makeup collection, it's like, it's really just like, you know, riddled with products that I will, I've never used and I will probably never use, you know, because of that. And I would like to. I mean, the reason I'm saying all this is like, I want to ask you what are some things that are on your radar right now and maybe in your kit that you think are just makeup essentials for people like myself or anyone that just wants to do, you know, something great for themselves when they're doing their makeup but doesn't need all the frills?
[23:12]
B
Yes, absolutely. Besides, you know, what we've spoken about already with the under highlight, like the glowing lotion and the under lash extensions, I honestly think something like a clear lip gloss, you know, something just simple just to brighten up your face. You know, I would say even with, with blush, a really cool trick is when you apply the blush, put a little bit in your crease, like with the same brush, just take the brush, put a little bit on your cheekbones and just pop a little bit on your crease. And for some reason, it just gives you such a finished look. So I would say blush for sure. Powder blush is something that you can use so many different ways. You can even pop a little bit on your lips because before you put the lip gloss just to give a little bit of color and give it more of a monochromatic look. Definitely. A good hydrating moisturizer is really important. The one thing I always tell people is that your makeup is not going to look good if your skin, your skin care is not on point. So right now, I mean, I'm in New Jersey and we have a serious hard water problem here. So the water is wreaking havoc on our skins. So keeping it hydrated, drinking lots of water is really important. But multi use products is something that I cannot be without in my care, especially with my celebrity clients, but also with my everyday clients because there's times where I don't have much. I have 20 minutes to do a full face on all my. So what, what, what is one product that I can use multiple ways? So instead of us buying tons of makeup like you say you have so much makeup that you don't use, let's learn how to use one product multiple ways.
[24:50]
A
Yeah, I love that. I think that's so important. I mean, what is, what do you think is like one, like go to like multi use product that you really love?
[24:58]
B
I, I have to say I love the Tartelette blush is so good from Tarte Cosmetics. It is fabulous. So what it is, it has that pigment and it has really good skin loving ingredients that can be applied on the cheeks and on the eyes. Not every ingredient, every company could say that they can do that. That for sure. I love, love, love a good lip liner. Mac Cosmetics has a beautiful lip liner in the shade whirl. That lip liner I can use to line my lips, I could use to fill my lips in. And that, you know, with mascara is like a game changer. And also, back to the lash extensions. The reason why I like those, because those are customizable. So if I'm gonna do something every day, I can put a little bit on the ends. But if I'm going out, I can build. So that's something that I always have in my kit because I don't know what people are going to want to do with their lashes, what outfit they're going to wear. So that way, if it's customizable, I'm able to do more with it.
[25:59]
A
Okay. I love that I'm going to have to buy these like things that you've.
[26:02]
B
Suggested under lash extensions. The Tartelette blush and the Mac Cosmetics lip pencils are like three of my favorites. If you're looking for a really good glow product, there's a company called Limelight by Alcone and they have a perfect glow drop and they come in different shades. And those are a game changer because you could put them under your makeup, you can put them over your face because it dries down. I throw some in my eyes, I put some on my body. I even mix them in my lotion to put some on my legs. It's like you can use it so many different ways.
[26:36]
A
I love that. Oh my gosh. Yeah, I'm gonna definitely get all of this stuff because that's, that's amazing. And I always wonder because I feel like all the Pros, like, you guys have, like, these little, like, products, you know what I mean? And you guys kind of. We don't ever learn, you know, like, what? Ye.
[26:50]
B
Yes. Oh, I. Listen, I would love to teach you. I promise. It's. It's something I. Education is my life. I love to teach. So if you ever need help, any tips or tricks, we can jump on a zoom call and I will show you step by step how to use them.
[27:03]
A
I love that. Thank you so much. No, I'll probably take you up on that. I'm not going to lie. I can use all the help I can get. But I want to. I want to actually ask you, you know, about the future of beauty, because I feel like this is such a. It's so important for me, you know, as a consumer, to understand. I know right now, for example, AI is huge. You know, AI is everywhere. We're using it for pretty much everything. I recently, like, contributed to an article where I was like, I feel like in skincare, it can definitely be a thing, but I think also in makeup, it's up and coming. So, like, what are your thoughts around that? Like, what. What do you think is coming up for us in the beauty and the makeup industry? That's going to kind of revolutionize the space.
[27:39]
B
Yes. So I actually am a big fan of technology and beauty. As someone that's an elder millennial, I know many times it's like, oh, my gosh, it's going to take over the world. It's going to mess up the industry. But think back, back on, like, when Instagram showed up.
[27:55]
A
Yeah.
[27:56]
B
So many beauty brands, so many makeup artists. Like, I'm not doing Instagram looks. There's no way. And a lot of these beauty brands missed the train on social media, and they're struggling now as a company to catch up to creators and influencers. So what I'm seeing with technology is, especially with AI, I think it's such a great tool to help our clients. You know, what is a great lipstick color to go with olive skin tones or just to use those tools when we're not sure on what to use, I think is awesome. I'm seeing a lot of really cool beauty tech products, you know, like, different jade rollers and different machines that scan the skin to be able to know the skin type. And I even see the machines at Sephora to help with, you know, matching skin tones. I think any tool that is being used to advance our industry is amazing. I'm also seeing those that lipstick machines from ysl. It makes your Own customized lipstick. I think that is the coolest machine ever. So you can literally, you know, scan a color or download a color and it'll create a lipstick shade for you.
[29:05]
A
Oh my God. No way. I haven't seen that.
[29:07]
B
It is so cool. It is the coolest thing. It's like a, a tube and then you can just make your own customized lipstick. I think it's revolutionary. Yeah. To this industry because it's like, why did you have to go to, you know, buy 100 tubes lipstick when you can make your own lipstick or nude matching.
[29:26]
A
Like nude lipsticks were like the base of my existence.
[29:30]
B
Yes, yes, absolutely. I mean, I love, I love beauty type. I'm not gonna say I love AI because I don't think anyone loves AI, but I'm willing to use AI to help in any way. I mean, I use it sometimes, you know, with chat GPT. And I think that's just the beginning. I don't, I don't ever think that it's going replace live makeup artists. Like, I know a lot of people are saying that because we have that personal collect connection and that, that, that cannot be replaced. That's irreplaceable, truly. Like our clients love us, they need us. You know, we have that one on one human connection that just cannot be duplicated. So, you know, those are the ones.
[30:10]
A
That push the boundaries. I mean, you're the ones that like tell us what's actually up and coming, you know, or what's like the new thing. I don't think AI can ever replace that. You know, the part of all of.
[30:20]
B
This, especially the creative part, we're creatives, you know, we're here being innovative and. Yeah, that cannot be replaced.
[30:27]
A
Absolutely. No, I, I completely agree. But I think it's a great tool and you know, I have to check that out. That lipstick, I need a really.
[30:33]
B
YSL has it. Yeah, it's ysl. It's really cool.
[30:36]
A
I love ysl. I've always loved her. Yeah.
[30:39]
B
Right.
[30:40]
A
So I wanna, I wanna ask you like kind of a round out question because I think that, you know, I know we spoke about this pretty early in the call, but just to kind of go back on this is advice, you know, I think that we can never have enough advice from, you know, individuals who've been there, they've succeeded. I mean, what is your advice to up and coming makeup artists or anybody that's even wanting to come into this industry, how to approach it, how to like make themselves truly unforgettable? You know, anything that you can offer.
[31:08]
B
Words of wisdom, yes, for sure, is don't stop learning. Keep learning. Keep learning no matter what. Listen, I'm 37 years old. I've been in the industry for almost 20 years, and I'm still learning. I'm still, you know, taking classes and I'm still watching videos and I'm still learning from my peers. And it's so important to not stop learning, to not give up when it gets hard. Being an entrepreneur, being a makeup artist is hard. Don't give up. And please, please do not compare yourself to other people. Everybody's journey is different. Your journey and my journey will be completely different journeys. So once you realize that, you to stop comparing yourself, because social media will make you do that, the follower count will make you do that. Once you stop doing that, your life is going to change. Just stay in your lane, stay focused, don't be so hard on yourself, but just know what you want and go for it. Even if you fail, you may fail a few times. Just keep pushing through that. Because in order for you to go over the fire, you have to go through fire. And that's something that I've been through a lot in my career. Like, I have failed so many times. I have had so many nos, and. But all of those nos turn into yeses eventually. You know, I never thought that I would, you know, do the things that I'm doing today. Still, you know, I'm surprised that I'm a part of different things. And I'm like, wow, me. And I'm like, yeah, me. And a really good tip that I learned by a makeup artist friend, her name is Angelique Velez, is even if you're just starting, just know that that someone that is in this industry will work their entire life to do what you've already done their entire life for that one thing that you did. So a great thing that she taught me was to make a list of things that you've done in your career. Even if you're in year one, make a list and read that list back to yourself. You're going to say, wow, I forgot that I did that. And it's going to remind you that this is your journey and that this is something that, you know is still growing. And something my dad, my dad always told me is that if I, you know, God forbid, lost a job tomorrow, no one could take away what I've done already in my life. That's going to stick with me forever. And that's really something to be proud of.
[33:29]
A
Yeah. Oh, my God, I love that. I love that. That's. I'm going to do the same thing, actually, you know, because I feel like we. We lose track a lot of times of everything we've done. You know, that's. That's so real. I love that. Well, thank you so much, Nadia. This has been such a pleasure chatting with you and learning from you. I'd love to do that, you know, like kind of a walkthrough of makeup sometime. I really love that we reconnect.
[33:51]
B
Absolutely. Yeah, I would love to. And speaking of education, I'm going to be doing something really exciting in New York City in March. I'm going to be teaching at the iecsc was the International Aesthetic Cosmetics and Spa Conference. I'll be teaching a class on Fifth Avenue Bridal. So I'm really excited about that. And as well as I am a speaker at ibs, the first show that I worked at with Eve Pearl, and that changed my life. I'm going to be. Be a speaker there for the first time in my career.
[34:20]
A
Oh, my gosh. That's amazing. Congratulations.
[34:24]
B
Thank you.
[34:24]
A
That's huge. What is, like, full circle moment?
[34:27]
B
It is such a full circle moment. Amazing.
[34:30]
A
That's awesome. I mean, can we attend? Like, can people, like, get tickets?
[34:34]
B
You can buy tickets. Tickets are still available on the website. It's going to be in late March, and there's tons of education. If you're estician, if you're a hairstylist, I will be doing the makeup artist artist part. Like, I'm going to be teaching some different classes on Fifth Avenue Bridal, how to get to work with celebrities as well as, you know, quick services for people that are in the industry. My goal is to help grow this industry, and that's why I'm so blessed to be a part of these conferences, because I'm not only reaching makeup artists, but I'm reaching estheticians, I'm reaching hairstylists. We're all in the beauty industry. Why aren't we doing more things? You know, we have. We have the capacity to learn because we've learned how to do our specific skill. Let's continue to grow, grow together.
[35:17]
A
I love that. I love your attitude and your life philosophy. No, genuinely, it's like. It's magnetic. I love it. So thank you so much for this interview and for anyone listening, if you guys are interested. Definitely. We'll be linking everything in the show, notes about where you can get tickets. So definitely check that out. And Nydia, thank you so much. It was so wonderful chatting.
[35:35]
B
Thank you so much. This was great. Thank you.