Unik Apparel Feature: Bethany Brill
As I mention Thursday, the lovely Bethany Brill had a chat with us at the beginning of this month. Read on as she talks about her career as a make-up & hair stylist, her blog and beauty tips for us!
How did you start in the makeup industry?
You could say, I started in the Make-Up Industry in middle school- applying makeup to friends on the bus ride to school, which their parent didn’t appreciate too much. Then, I was always the go-to help with Prom Makeup or a haircut for my friends. When I saw how I could transform someone and how happy it made them- my love for Make-Up was born.
Did you have an artistic background growing up?
I was always a creative kid. I was raised without a TV until the age of 10 so my siblings and I always found interesting ways to entertain ourselves. I always loved to draw and I still do. Drawing helped trained my eyes and taught me how to control my hand.
Did you have any formal makeup training?
Much of my first training came from my Mom. She was a cosmetologist and always wore beautiful makeup. As far as formal training- I had a stint with Mary Kay Cosmetics and went through their Make-Up Artist training but mostly- I’ve learned as I’ve gone with lots of practice and a few willing test subjects (thanks friends!).
When did your freelance makeup career begin?
My professional career pretty much started when I moved in New York in 2001. I replied to an ad on craigslist for an acting role in a short film by Farhad Parsa (www.FarhadParsa.com) called “Four Weeks”. I had mentioned my background in Fashion when I replied to the ad. The part I was going for was already taken and so they asked if I would be interested in doing Hair, Makeup and Styling for the film instead. That was my first paid job which gave me the confidence to go for more paid Hair & Makeup jobs.
What areas of media do you frequently work in?
I tend to work in Fashion Photoshoots. I’ve found them to be my favorite over Runways or anything else that is more “live”. A still image guides perspective and translates inspiration so that it can be captured by the viewer.
What is your daily routine as a freelance makeup artist going on a job?
If I’m fortunate enough to get photos of the model before the shoot I try to stock my makeup bag with anything I might need. Then I show up on set, get a little more inspiration from the models face (in person) and try to capture the “feeling” of the fashion story through Hair and Make-Up.
When you are booked for a job, do you meet with the photographer and/or designers to find out what kind of look they want? Or do you have full creative freedom?
It really depends on what it is for. If I am working for a specific brand of clothing they normally know the look they are going for based on their style. In editorial , there is a lot more creative freedom given to me. Usually there is already a Fashion Story so it is my job to translate this story with the looks I create but the Photographer and Client always have final word.
If we took a peek in your makeup kit what would we see?
Well my full kit is pretty huge—think Sephora store. It is full of all different brands because I’ve never been able to choose one to like to work with best. I have to be prepared for any face when I get on set so I have a full line of colors in each product. Then I have my “tricks” like whitening strips (they always brighten a dull smile), toothbrushes (I love them for grooming eyebrows), highlighters, etc.
What sets you apart from other makeup artists?
I think most people would picture a MUA as an uber-girl but I’m actually sort of a Tomboy. I really am in love with the shapes and contours of a face and finding what makes each person’s face distinct. Those are the things I try to play up while hiding any imperfections. My “look” would be clean skin, defined brows, contoured facial structure and at least one eye-catching aspect like a bright lip color.
Tell us about your fabulous blog and what other products or services do you offered?
My blog (www.BbrillMUA.blogspot.com) is a look into the life of a Hair & Makeup Artist in New York City. I began as a starving artist and am starting to make a name for myself in the Fashion Industry. Readers see photos from the projects I’ve been working on and get insider tips that can apply to their own Make-Up repertoire. I’m not shy on giving away my “secrets”- everyone deserves to feel beautiful.
Are there any special projects you would like to work on?
I love to work with people who have big ideas… I like things over the top- even if they aren’t always accepted by society. I like to make people think and expand their thinking on what is considered beautiful.
Give Unik Apparel readers your best beauty tips.
1. Baby wipes (fragrance free for sensitive skin) are a great, inexpensive alternative to makeup removal wipes. At the end of a long night, sometimes washing my face is the last thing that I want to do. You never want to sleep in your makeup so I keep a pack of baby wipes right next to my bed!
2. Never apply foundation to your entire face. Apply only where you have your most imperfections (blemishes, discoloration, greasiness, etc.)- for most women this is in and around their T-zone. This will keep your face looking natural and cut down on blending time- especially around the “dead giveaway” area- the jawline.
3. . If you are trying to go “natural”, a touch on concealer under your eyes and in the corners of your nose, can go a long way to even and brightening your entire face. For eyes, dab concealer on the inner corners of your eye and blend outwards towards the temple. For a complete look, add a little blush on the apples of your cheeks and finish with a sweep of mascara.
4. If you have after-work plans and a bad case of shine, try toilet paper to soak up the extra grease. The thinner the toilet paper the better- if you only have 2-ply, pull the sheets apart and use one at a time around your T-zone. Toilet paper can easily remove your makeup so be sure to PAT gently- do NOT rub.
How do you keep up with all the new trends and styles? How do you incorporate them into your makeup repertoire?
I try to be cognizant with the current trends and follow Runway shows and Magazines as a guide. At the same time, I don’t want to be saturated by what everyone else is doing. I want to be the one starting the trends and would rather allow a face, clothing, color or lighting to inspire a look rather than copy one I’ve seen before.
What’s next for you?
I would eventually like to try Art Direction and be the one to inspires entire photoshoots. For now, I like to focus getting to work with the people I admire in the industry and make my fashion fantasies come true through Hair & Makeup.
Check it out Bethany’s blog at www.BbrillMUA.blogspot.com
Thank you Bethany for taking the time to talk to us and sending us all the wonderful pictures of your work!
IMAGES BY Bethany Brill
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