The beauty industry is one of the most important fields to work in when it comes to creativity and trendsetting. With 10 years as a makeup artist under my brush belt, I’ve learned many lessons along the way, and the most important things I’ve learned have always been gleaned from other artists. I’ve been privileged to assist some of the top makeup artists in the industry, and the knowledge I have gained from watching and listening is priceless. Of course I could never keep this wisdom to myself, here are the top 5 lessons I have learned from other artists.

1. Blending is Key: When I first started working in makeup, I was nervous to do a smoky eye. The more I assisted artists on photo shoots, the more I learned that blending is the most important thing you can do when it comes to eyes (and face too!). The more I blended, the smoother makeup looked. It took me a long time to perfect my blending techniques, and to this day it remains one of the most important things to practice.

2. Keep Up with the Latest: With a wide range of makeup artists in the beauty industry, everyone is always doing something exciting. The key is to pay attention to detail, and do your research. Stay on top of current trends and what products artists are using to get that look. Know your decades! If you show up to a photo shoot and the photographer says, "we are going with a 60's Twiggy vibe with lots of mascara" you need to know what that means, and re-create it! If you’re not a makeup artist this advice is equally valuable. Staying on top of the latest products and trends is great for inspiration and will help to push you outside your cosmetic comfort zone.

3. Start Slow, and Add as You Go: When doing your makeup, remember to start slowly, with precision, and add textures and pigment as you go along. It's much easier to add then to take away, and if you make a mistake, it's ok! You can always re-adjust and start again. Stay focused!

4. Know Your Shades: It is imperative to know color tones and what looks good with skin undertones and eyes. Just as an artist who paints knows how to mix colors, the same goes for makeup. For instance, purple and deep brown tones can make blue or green eyes look incredible! If you have fair skin, a soft blush undertone in foundation can work better than more yellow tones, and mixing in orange for warmth can make deep skin tones glow. The more you know your color scale, the more creative and confident you’ll be.

5. Check Your Ego at the Door: The most important lesson I have learned in my career is always have a good attitude! Even if you’ve worked with the top magazines in the world and most reputable celebrities around, a positive, professional attitude is really what’s important. This lesson expands far beyond the beauty industry. Good behavior and kindness lead to reward, so don't be late, don't complain, and don't ever say "no" when someone asks you to do something. Offer to get people coffee, offer to clean brushes, check your ego at the door and have fun with it!

What’s the best beauty advice you’ve ever been given? Let me know in the comments below!

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