Guys! I am so excited to share this interview I did with one of my favorite people EVER….Melanie Inglessis! Melanie is one of Hollywood’s biggest (and best) makeup artists. She’s worked with all the queen in the industry- Britney Spears, Lea Michelle, Olivia Wilde, and tons more.

Scroll below to read my one-on-one chat with the queen of makeup herself, and don’t forget to give her a follow on Instagram/Twitter!

XO Diva D

 

David: Hey Melanie! Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me for my blog, XO Diva D. So, where did you first get into makeup?

Melanie: I actually started pretty late, in my early 20’s. I went back to college at London College of Fashion in London and studied for 4 years, all aspect of Fashion and specialized in makeup. Whilst at college, I worked an numerous make up counters, such a valuable experience!

 

David: I am an avid follower of who you work with and always love the looks you come up with. From the looks of it, you keep their look very light, timeless, but always on point….I love it! How do you decide what look you’re going to do on your clients for events or just day to day glam?

Melanie: Well Thank you!! With an actress, there is a lot of things you have to keep in mind, very different than working with a model. It generally always starts with the outfit. We discuss and pow-wow. A great team is collaborative and always found a good balance. Sometime you let the hair create something and the makeup take a step back or verse versa. With an actress, you really have to keep their personality into account so they feel like themselves but just a prettier or sexier version of it. Working multiple time with someone is the best way to create great timeless looks!! A consistent team is the key to great red carpet looks!!

 

David: I know your worked with two of my favorite girls ever before, Lea Michele and Britney Spears. Do you remember any of the products you’ve used on them or know any of their personal favorite products?

Melanie:I don’t know any of their personal favorite products because I never use theirs to work with. I have my staples in my kit that I love..

Few essentials are:

Giorgio Armani Luminous Foundation

Chanel Bronze Universal

Eyeko Eyeliner

Kevyn Aucoin Cream Blushers

Cle De Peau concealer

 

David: You work with so many people in the industry, do you have a particular favorite look that you’ve ever done on any of them?

Melanie: I think I am known for my smoky eyes and dewy skin.I am a little rock’n’roll for sure… Olivia Wilde and I did so many great smoky eyes over the years with different colors, I like to think we kind of pushed the envelope a bit on The red carpet.

David: In the makeup world there are always so many new products coming out, how do you pick and chose which products to use on yourself or your clients?

Melanie:  I tend to keep the products that I know work for sure for the lights of red carpet or TV or photo. I have been working for so long and touching products daily that I am very familiar with a texture that will or won’t work. New colors coming in are very important to keep your look modern but I do tend to stick to the same brands.

 

David: You have been doing makeup for quite some time now, what is your favorite part of your job?

Melanie:  Every day is a different day, every day you meet new people. Creating a look and seeing it on the red carpet or in magazine is the best feeling in the world! It’s a great job! Not easy but I feel very bless.

 

David: Your skin always looks so clear and fresh, do you have a morning/nighttime routine? If so, what does it consist of?

Melanie: Ha! Thank you! I NEVER wear make up.. As far as my routine, it’s a little tricky because I do try on so many new products. I can’t use a lot of products so I prefer a short routine. Vitamin C in the day and Retinoln at night with heavy moisturizer! Scrubs and masks at least 3 times a week!
David: What are some of your favorite makeup products/brands to use on yourself and your clients?

Melanie: 

CHANEL

GORGIO ARMANI

TOM FORD

RECHERCHE BIOLOGIQUE

CHANTECAILLE

YSL

TAMMY FENDER

LA CRÈME DE BEAUTÉ

 

David: In your opinion, what’s the best way someone can find their foundation/normal makeup match?

Melanie: Not in the department lights, that for sure! Always go out in the day light with a little sample and a mirror and apply by your jaw line. I would always advice to use a yellow base foundation, very rarely would I recommend a pink/warm base foundation. This is a problem that I found in the cosmetics world.. Most base are pink/rose.. and I don’t know why!

 

David: I love when you do the “no makeup makeup” looks on your clients, how do you manage to make it look so good Melanie?!

Melanie: Thank you! I blend a lot, I try to achieve a flawless finish by layering different textures that mimic the skin texture as close as possible (barely use powder). I use different shades of foundations/ concealers to recreate the different shades and hues in someone’s skin. I use 99% creams for everything, rarely use powders.

 

David: Do you have any tips for aspiring makeup artists?

Melanie: It’s a tough industry now! Persistence is key! Understand the industry you want to succeed at. Always learn, always create. Things were different 15 years ago when I started, there was no social media..It’s a different ball game all together now, you need to be SM savvy..