MUA Monday: Masterpiece FX

Today I wanted to share with you guys a makeup artist I discovered very recently who specialises in wonderfully creative makeup as well as special effects. Beckah who works under the name Masterpiece FX is a freelance mua based in Carmarthen, Wales.

When did you realise you wanted to become a makeup artist?

I’d always loved art at school but it wasn’t until my GCSE’s that I really got into the makeup side of things. I started with special effects makeup, gore and gross stuff like that. For my A Level Art final outcome I turned my sister into a zombie and my love of makeup sprouted from there. I discovered Youtube and the world of the beauty gurus with my favourites being ‘Klaire De Lys Art’, Bubzbeauty and Wayne from Goss Makeup Artist and learned to use makeup on myself. I had a beauty blog for a long time until all my photos got deleted from it and that knock stopped me starting again because I’d spent so much time on it originally. After a time I was asked to do makeup for a photoshoot that a photographer friend of mine was doing and I realised I could actually do it, I could be a makeup artist. That was when I decided to set up Masterpiece FX.

Where did you train and did you enjoy it?

I actually never went to a makeup school, I’ve never had formal training for my makeup work. Everything I know was learned from Youtube and Bloggers; fellow makeup artists willing to share their skills. I really loved it, I’d spend hours watching tutorials, learning ways to apply makeup, how to clean products and brushes, how to maintain my kit...There will always be people who won’t hire me because I have no certificates but I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s their loss.

Was it hard to become established and get regular work?

It’s something I’m still working on. I think I have the same problem as many other artists, I don’t have enough confidence in my own ability. I’m getting there though, the main thing has been to set up a client base. I am the go-to makeup artist for a few photographers and models and that has proved to be invaluable for my portfolio. Without that portfolio, I’d get nowhere.

What is your favourite style of makeup to do?

I love working on creative makeup looks for photoshoots and editorials that tend to tell a story. I find it so rewarding to create something that looks beautiful in its own right.

Is there any style of makeup you hate?

I wouldn’t say I ‘hate’ any style of makeup as such. It’s badly applied makeup that gets me, I like to see a look done well and every style has its place.

What are your future goals in your career?

My main goal at the moment is to be a published makeup artist, I’d love to pick up a magazine in the newsagent and see my work in it, maybe even on the cover! I’d also love to be a makeup artist in a TV show like Doctor Who (my absolute favourite show, seriously, I’m obsessed...) but that’s a long way in the future.

What is your top makeup tip?

Oh I have too many! I think the main thing is to make sure your foundation is the right colour. Even a slight colour difference can make your skin look wrong. Don’t go cheap when it comes to foundation, it’s worth spending out on something that you’ll be using on your skin often. And another tip just quickly, take the time to find the perfect red lip colour. It will do wonders!

What has been your favourite makeup trend in 2012?

I loved the smokey, sultry brown toned makeup trend of Autumn 2012, I always love a good smokey eye with defined brows, perfected skin and a nude lip.

What are your favourite high end and budget brands?

My favourite brand for colour and quality all together is Sleek Makeup, I love their iDivine Eyeshadow Palettes (I have quite a number in my kit), and their Pout Paints which last forever and are hygienic to use. I love Lancome Mascara, and Ben Nye for their setting powder.

You can also find Masterpiece FX in the following places:

Website // Facebook // Purple Port