how important is the MUA's look?

May 25, 2012

Morena G.

Would you trust a MUA who has a "less than perfect" skin?

I'm studying to become a pro but I have some deep acne scars which cannot be fully covered (even with heavy corrective makeup, you can tell they're underneath, and in daylight I would not go so heavily "masked")...

I'm afraid that clients won't trust my skills if I can't get the perfect look for myself first... What do you think?

May 25, 2012

Carolyn H.

I have bad skin to. And when I do anyones makeup I just do my makeup as usual, and in my experience the client is usually inexperienced in makeup and so amazed by your look and theirs they dont pay attention to skin.

I'd say it's definitely your skill. Don't worry about anything like that, if you're amazing (and I'm sure you are) people wont even notice or care :) 

May 25, 2012

Morena G.

Hey thanx a lot, dear Carolyn! Your words encourage me to feel more confident; you are right though, it's probably more my worry than other people's! Kisses!

May 26, 2012

Soma S.

As difficult as it is to say, your face as an MUA is your living/breathing business card. People tend to trust those more with an appearance that conveys the look they are trying to attain. It is def. difficult for those of us that struggle with skin issues, but this is where the quote "You have to spend $ to make $..." comes in to play. Sometimes, keeping yourself in the best shape possible for clients to trust you is just as much of a full-time job as doing the job itself. If you can REALLY outdo yourself as a MUA, you will already know all the tricks and tips to give the illusion of perfect skin until you are able to achieve perfect skin w/ treatments/etc.  =)

May 27, 2012

Carolyn H.

I'm not sure I agree- I've spent hundreds and my skin just refuses to heal but I don't think one thing really has anything to do with the other. I wouldn't let my acne interfere with my work and While it's true as an artist you will be able to cover your flaws- this issue doesn't equate skill, and your clients should for the most part recognize that.
Just my opinion. 

Team

May 27, 2012

Nils J.

I think the most important thing is the quality of your work and how you work with others and make them feel. Don't let any potential insecurity about your skin get between you and success. Good luck!

May 27, 2012

Morena G.

@Soma S. Thanks for giving your honest opinion, I'm really trying to figure out how other people feel when they first meet me: do they notice the person or the scars? Maybe it just depends on how supeficial the one I meet is: probably some of them will evaluate the whole package, some will stop on the surface of my skin :-)
Of course I have already tried various treatments including laser, but it won't do enough, and yes, as an MUA I have learnt all the tricks to hide my real skin under make-up, the point is I do not really want to wear this mask only because I fear the client's judgment! I've spent years learning to accept this flaw and now I feel confident enough to step outside my door even if I'm wearing no make up... I mean that it is no longer an issue for me in my daily private life, so I'd really hope that the same can be for my working life as well!
Anyway, I have scheduled some glycolic acid peelings for next winter... fingers crossed! 😉 kiss

May 28, 2012

Morena G.

@Nils J. Thank you very much, your reply lifts my spirit up! I really put a lot of dedication on how I make my clients feel: I'm ar their service, wanting to make them feel pretty as ever, especially common people like brides, you know? ☺ I will try to be stronger about my insecurities, thank you again for your words, they are much appreciated. Oh, and I grab the "good luck" and put it in my pocket! Besides perfect skin and high level skills, all of us need some of that, too! Kisses kisses

May 28, 2012

Morena G.

@Carolyn H. I know exactly what you mean.. Spent my teenage years struggling against acne and tried almost everything apart from plastic surgery.. Nothing worked and after acne was gone, it left holes on my cheeks 😖 I am the most accurate person as far as my look is concerned, so I really hope I won't have to pay for something that is none of my fault, like acne scars! 😁 hug you!

May 28, 2012

Autum D.

if someone was doing my makeup, i would look to see how their makeup is too so i kind of see how their work looks. so id definitely say your makeup is important. but things like acne scars arent something you can really help, so that wouldnt really turn me away. as long as how you did your makeup looks great, i think your fine. the condition of your skin is not always your fault. dont worry too much about it :)

May 28, 2012

Shelley W.

I've hired a lot of MUA over the years for various events and for me personally if an artist has bad skin it doesn't bother me. I pay attention to the artistry that they exert with the actually make-up. I can't judge a person's skin condition because for all I know they can be having medical issues that is making them break out or taking meds that cause them to have not such flawless skin. That's just like me making some rude comment about a woman who is overweight. She could have a thyroid condition or going thru chemo (which some do make a person gain weight). Don't judge a book by its cover.

May 31, 2012

Soma S.

Morena G. - no worries, and I'm glad you didn't take offense to my opinion. =]

I was contemplating doing some MUA work as well around the time I had a bad breakout the year prior, and it was really hard to get past the initial reaction from people that saw me up close. It took me forever to clear it up before I could find the motivation to get back on it again, but now it's just a matter or fitting it into my schedule. I feel ur pain though, but if you can practice your sales skills with your clients, that'll def. help you break the ice to get them to give you a chance! Don't forget to make your portfolio work readily available to back up your skills! =]