Is judging a book by its cover ok when it comes to makeup?

Aug 15, 2014

Caitriona H.

I was watching a Jacqlyn Hill video because people seem to rave about her on here and about a 1 minute in I clicked 'x' because I was sick of looking at her, in my personal opinion, extreme highlight and muddy blush and 'contour'. A few minutes later it made me think 'Caitriona, she may have some good tips, you shouldn't judge her by her current makeup' but I decided that yes, yes I can judge her by the makeup she's wearing, she's a makeup artist and her face should be a demonstration of her ability, style and skill of makeup, which I personally didn't like.
So what do YOU think? Do you think its wrong to judge a makeup artist by the makeup on their face?
I think in a job that is centered on appearance its fine, just like you wouldn't go to a personal trainer if they weren't in shape.

Aug 15, 2014

Hannah E.

There are several make up styles and I can honestly say that even if they are professional, I don't like every muas style. I don't personally like her style of makeup either but she's skilled in her own way.

Aug 15, 2014

Hannah K.

I would concur. I can't watch her either, for the exact same reason. The same way that I wouldn't go to a facialist with bad skin; it's their calling card.

Aug 15, 2014

Caitriona H.

But if you were finding an MUA for an event would you choose one based on the makeup they're wearing?

Aug 15, 2014

Caitriona H.

I feel exactly the same way Hannah. To me, if you're in a appearance based profession you need to be a representation of your brand when in the public.

Aug 15, 2014

Caitriona H.

I'm glad I'm not the only one that feels this way! Yep, totally agree Alexis, if she doesn't know what will look good on her own face that she sees all day, everyday, how is she going to give advice to the rest of us?

Aug 15, 2014

Aseel S.

I didnt like that she put a lot of highlight and too much itnt beauty

Aug 15, 2014

Amanda V.

I'll start off by saying that I really love Jaclyn Hill and I love her style of makeup. But to each their own; it's not going to be everyone's cup of tea.

Of course one is going to judge a MUA based on their makeup. It's just a normal reaction. However, keep in mind that the client will probably not leave looking like the MUA. It's not like someone could say "Jaclyn Hill did her makeup, I can tell." While many of the techniques would be the same, I'm sure any MUA would alter their style or technique to please the client such as: "I prefer a very subtle contour and highlight." Etc. The style of the MUA would always reflect in the work, but I'm sure it could be altered to varying degrees.

I hope that made sense. I was having a hard time describing my thoughts lol!

Aug 15, 2014

Caitriona H.

Yeah, that was me for years. I learned from youtube, but back then (I suppose they still don't really now) nobody explained why they were doing what they were doing so its only in the last 1 and a half I've learned about face shapes, colour theory, etc.
I was just blindly copying their instructions. You can guess I looked a mess for a very long time :P
I wish there was more MUA (real ones) on youtube. I have around 4 I like to watch but it would nice to have more.


I learned from people like this lol (I was an emo. Not kidding haha)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Od3rU5KET9Y&list=UUsXWkO9mnDxlfXVTk7ORKkg&index=264

Aug 15, 2014

Caitriona H.

This wasn't meant to be about Jacqyln Hill but oh well lol

Robert Jones (I love that his videos are 20-30 minutes long, I like watching the application haha)
Lisa Eldridge
Joseph Harwood
Jordan Liberty
Charlotte Tilsbury
Sometimes Billy B but I personally think he can over apply sometimes
and if you like SFX Pinkstylist is really good.
Themakeupchair is nice for beginners
AlisonLovesJb isn't a professional but shes amazing at blending eyeshadows
Oh and Rae Morris
That makes perfect sense Amanda and I do agree with you, my thought process is that whatever a makeup artist's style (the way they were their makeup) is going to be the thing they practice most and in turn be best at, so if I like natural makeup my logic would to be to go to someone who also likes natural makeup (which you'd assume would be their forte) 

Aug 15, 2014

Caitriona H.

Hopefully you'll like them! I'm addicted to Pinkstylist right now, he's great and really awkward, I find it adorable haha
I forgot Bonnie Corban for SFX too

Aug 15, 2014

Lizzy W.

I think you can judge their application, but not their style preferences. For instance, if they have things like orange foundation, products that aren't blended enough, etc. I would not trust them. However, if they're just wearing a bold eye look that's not to my taste, or more highlighter than I would like for myself, I think I'd be better off looking at their portfolio. While they may prefer certain looks for themselves, it doesn't mean they're incapable of doing something else on you if you so requested.

Aug 15, 2014

Rissa G.

I'm not a fan of her either..just something about her bothers me, and it's not her makeup or anything. lol I don't know. Anyways; it's different strokes for different folks. I know tattoo artists who look like they'd NEVER be able to tattoo, but are amazing..yet I also see others tatted up but have a horrible technique/style for my personal liking. It's all preference. I don't think you should judge any artist by how they look, until you see the work in their portfolio..then you could be like "oh wow..she really doesn't know what she's talking about" or be completely caught off guard and think "wow, her face is completely different than this. Her work with others is impeccable". Lol I'm rambling and probably don't make sense, but I just woke up from a nap. Lol.

Aug 15, 2014

Lara C.

I agree caitriona. I think its acceptable to judge muas (and other people in beauty or appearance industries) based on what they look like. for example when I go to mac or sephora I always pick the person who I think has good makeup and stuff. but I must say that sometimes you can be pleasantly surprised by someones true talents.

Aug 15, 2014

Caitriona H.

Jacqueline: That made perfect sense. I try to not judge anyone's makeup who doesn't call themselves an MUA (Or 'Guru'), if they do, in my mind, its fair game for me to make judgements on how they apply. I'm afraid that over applied style has transferred into reality and I see that kind of makeup ALL the time over here. Instagram and youtube has taken over society.
What would you say are good things to look for when acessing a professionals makeup?

Renay: I agree that looking through the portfolio should be done before snap judgements are made, and if possible ask others on how they found the person but sometimes it just takes one look to know you won't like something haha

Lizzy: Sorry I should have explained better! That's what I meant. I wouldn't write someone off because they have a cut crease on and I hate cut creases haha If everything is applied nicely I'd be happy to go with them.
I go by things like if their foundation doesn't match, if the concealer doesn't match the foundation, if the blush/foundation/concealer etc.is over applied, if the eye look isn't blended/over blended/ looks muddy.

Aug 15, 2014

Mahy M.

I wouldn't.. Actually one the best artists that ever did my makeup doesn't wear makeup herself.

Aug 15, 2014

Hannah K.

Well said, Jackie. I do so adore that response, and I wholeheartedly agree.

Aug 15, 2014

Amanda V.

Jacqueline, I'm intrigued by what you said about self proclaimed gurus or enthusiasts. What do you consider for lack of better words, "normal" or
"correct" makeup application, coming from a MUA perspective? If that makes sense haha! Do you have any examples or pictures? I'm quite curious!

Do you have any picture

Aug 15, 2014

Amanda V.

Don't know why "do you have any pictures" posted twice lol my bad! 😂

Aug 15, 2014

Rissa G.

Lol Capuchin Monkey.

Aug 15, 2014

Amanda V.

Ahhhh awesome! Thank you so much! :) would mind showing me an example of closed banana style eyeshadow? And could you tell me the difference between setting and finishing powder? Can't say I've ever really thought about it before. Sorry I'm asking so much! I'd rather be informed than misinformed!

Aug 15, 2014

Caitriona H.

That is extremely helpful. I would have never thought to test them on eye type and undertone but I definitely will now haha
Without being disrespectful and generalising a whole island, the MUA's in my area are awful. I honestly don't know who gave them certificates because they definitely didn't deserve to pass. Most of the time when I go into cosmetic shops or counters and use the proper terms for things the people just look at me bamboozled. I know not all people behind counters would be Muas but some of them just should not be allowed near makeup

Aug 15, 2014

Caitriona H.

Really random but I love the way Rae Morris does the models eyebrows.

Aug 16, 2014

Marie R.

I agree with Lizzy. "I think you can judge their application but not their style pe references." Couldn't have said it better myself! Yeah it might look really bad but they might like it that way.

Aug 16, 2014

Caitriona H.

Yeah I'm not sure if there are many, if any, diploma programmes available. Most would only get certificates as far as I know anyway (or they could be doing 5 week courses and just calling themselves mua's haha).
Ugh don't even get me started on that subject. Why would they employ someone that has no clue abut makeup? It's like hiring sales men in electronic shops that have never owned a laptop or tv. I try my best to avoid being matched by anyone in store because they're so terrible at it.