Makeup Color Optimization

About Erica Carr

Ms. Erica Carr has been a freelance makeup artist for almost two decades, working in makeup artistry for film, television, print, and runway shows. She also is a teacher of makeup application for women of all ages and ethnicities and also owns her own bridal beauty business.

Having started out as a photographer's assistant in St. Louis, MO, she has worked extensively with other professionals and began teaching the Cosmetic Artist Training Program. She now owns a studio called The Bedroom at Chateau 1508, a private salon 15 floors above the gorgeous views of San Francisco's famous Union Square. Besides the typical salon services, Carr's customer's almost always depart with their makeup done for the day, leaving them with more self-confidence and a smile they otherwise would not have.

Lovetoknow recently asked Carr about her life as a makeup artist and the importance of makeup color optimization. If you are interested in learning more about this dynamic makeup artist, consider visiting her Official Website, as well as her work portfolio.

About Makeup Color Optimization with Erica Carr

Exclusive Interview

What first interested you in the makeup industry and how has it remained your passion?

My love for makeup first started when I was about 12. I got into my mother's makeup bag and began mimicking what she did and tried to wear it to school. I got a lot of attention and loved it. I found out later it wasn’t for my expert application but for the bright blue and orange colors I chose. Once I realized that one only needed a little here and there to enhance or change the appearance, I started to read all I could about the makeup industry. I saw how just a swipe of eye shadow and a bit of lip color made someone really look confident, stand taller and just feel better about themselves. The feeling I get from someone else once I have applied makeup to the naked skin is hard to describe. It is a moment in time that they can look in the mirror and see that they are beautiful no matter what. This is what drives my passion to the next level everyday I get to work.

Is skin type an important consideration when choosing makeup?

Yes absolutely. If a person has very dry skin the base of the makeup should have more moisture and on the contrary if someone has oily skin, they should stay away from oil based makeup. A lot of times, women have to go through trial and error to find a makeup brand that works for them. Skin type is often determined from the inside – i.e. diet, water consumption and genetics.

How can a person optimize their makeup through color and style?

Erica applies makeup to a client

First you have to look at what your style is: minimalist, glamorous, dramatic, etc. If you don’t have or don’t want to take the time to apply a full face everyday, you can get away with grooming your eyebrows, applying a bit of concealer where needed, mascara and lip color. If you have the time and it is in your routine, you can play with color depending on what you wear, where you are going and of course your personality. For instance, if you are going out and you are wearing black, try a smoky eye and a light lip – or in reverse, a light eye and a strong lip.

What is a simple way to determine what shades of makeup a person should purchase?

Again once you determine what your style is, or what you want it to be, you can get a few staple pieces of makeup to use daily and then a few pieces for “going out” so you can change your look when needed. Shades of color depend on your personality – at least I think so. If you are outgoing, you probably can get away with not only natural colors, but strong colors as well. If you are very natural and you don’t tend to go outside of your comfort zone, maybe stick with the basics. You can have very light skin or very dark skin and wear just about any shade, as long as it compliments your true skin undertones and also if you can really “own that look” when you leave the house.

Do you have any favorite brands of cosmetics you believe help to enhance people's features?

I do have my favorite brands, but I think enhancing someone’s features is all in the application. You can go to a drugstore and purchase a brand like Revlon or Cover Girl and have great application technique or you can go get MAC or NARS and bad technique and not get anywhere. I can work with any brand and enhance someone’s features.

What colors are appropriate for accentuating the eyes?

Think of the color wheel and the primary colors – Blue, Red and Yellow. Then look at the secondary colors – Green, Orange, and Purple. I try to go to the opposite (tertiary colors – i.e. opposite of blue if orange etc) of the eye color in order to make the eyes “pop.” For example, most people who have blue eyes think that brown or tan will work, which it can. But I recommend trying a dark peach and watch the blue jump out. Green eyes should try plums and brown can go to either end of the spectrum. The thing about eyes is that each one is so different and has so many different colors within the iris that just playing around with colors you may not normally wear, may just surprise you. Contour is also really important when accentuating the eyes. Color can be a factor, but eye shape and where you put that color is the biggest factor in my experience.

Are there any shades that people should avoid?

The only color I really try to avoid is red on the eyes. Unless you are doing special effects for film or photography, all that usually does is make you look tired and hung over. Foundation or powder shades that don’t exactly match your skin tone should also be avoided. Nobody likes a line of demarcation under the chin!

Any advice for those looking to improve their look through makeup color optimization?

I think anyone who wants to improve their look should consult a professional. I don’t mean going to a makeup counter in the mall and asking someone who is on commission. Go to a salon where a professional artist works. Or ask someone whose makeup you like and where they go. You can also buy one of my favorite makeup books called “Making Faces” by Kevin Aucoin. He was one of the best makeup artists and has a great step by step of looks that are really easy to follow. Finally, don’t be afraid of color, go to wear your eyes take you and try different things, that is how I learn and that is how I think you can make the most of your makeup experience.