MAKEUP ARTISTRY BY CHINWE OWHORJI


A lot of makeup artists in Nigeria are known for their beautiful bridal and engagement makeup, some also specializes in creating beautiful red carpet looks for their dazzling clients. However, there is more to the art of makeup than making one look beautiful. Let us look at who a makeup artist is first of all. A makeup artist is a painter whose canvas is the human anatomy. I used the word ‘anatomy’ because the canvas is not just restricted to the face but could also include the entire body as a whole. Some makeup artists are capable of transforming a young lady into an old woman and vice versa using makeup products and prosthetics.
 The areas of specialization for a makeup artist are quite vast. You would find some makeup artists who strictly work with brides alone, some focus on theatrical/special effects makeup others do body painting while others tackle the dazzling world of high fashion/runway makeup. Makeup artists can also choose to work freelance or work for a cosmetics company, helping customers choose and buy products that are suitable for their complexion and various skin types.
 A couple of makeup artists work strictly for media houses especially those that work in film and television getting the broadcasters and on air personalities ready for their close ups. Makeup artists generally lead exciting lives, it is not uncommon to see a makeup artist travel to various exotic locations around the world for work or on the set of a high budget film with A-list actors some simply derive pleasure in being a part of the happiest day of a couple’s life. 
 However there is a tone of work that goes into being a makeup artist. One has to make sure that one’s professional kit includes various products for different complexions and various skin tones. Some videos of film production are shot in the dark of night and a makeup artist has to be on call for the duration of the shoot. They have to put up with less than comfortable accommodations while on location, check and recheck their tools and products to make sure that they do not carry anything that can cause an allergic reaction to their clients. Despite all these, the makeup industry has come to stay and over the years has shown rapid growth in almost every sector from retail to practice. 
To survive in this industry it is necessary to possess a certain level of creativity that can be and must be improved on with each passing season. One has to have the necessary patience and stamina to work with customers who are easily irritated and for long hours at a time, mostly on their feet. If this is a profession you are considering then it is important to get the right training, choose an area you would want to specialize in and then build your portfolio around it and with this I welcome you to the beautiful world of makeup.
 

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