Calyxta has cover girls every month, but people sometimes forget about the behind-the-scenes crew that makes it all happen! This month’s Sam Sadhwani cover looks were done by none other than At East Jed Root represented make up artist and one of our resident writers, Amanda Padilla. We caught up with her and asked the how’s and why’s of the industry that has embraced her as one of its own.
1. What were you doing before you became a Make Up Artist and why/how did you decide to become one?
I was a copywriter at an ad agency. From day one, I knew that this wasn’t the right place for me but stuck around for a year. It was here that I realized being a makeup artist was actually a job. We would have shoots and I would always be so jealous for the make up artist we booked – I wanted her job. Eventually, I quit and went to makeup school.
2. How many years have you been in the industry?
It’s been nine years since I’ve graduated from make up school. Six years working as a professional make up artist in Manila.
3. What is your most memorable experience so far?
I love it when work is combined with my other passion – travel. Just a couple of months ago I went to New York City to shoot a campaign for a major clothing brand. It was a pretty awesome experience shooting in Central Park in Fall.
4. What is the most important thing you learned in the industry?
Being late is unacceptable. Make up is the first step in the process and if you aren’t on time, or early, the whole shoot is automatically delayed. You will book jobs because clients know that you are reliable and professional.
5. Who are your mentors and who do you look up to in the international scene?
Mathu Anderson, Scott Barns, Kevyn Aucoin, Dick Page. Everything they do is perfection.
6. What is your dream make up job?
Cover of Allure Magazine. And be part of the make up team for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
7. What advice can you give aspiring make up artists?
Don’t get caught up with make up trends. Do make up that makes your client look themselves at their best. Also, doing avant garde makeup is always fun but if you want to book a lot of jobs perfect your beauty makeup.
8. What did you love about working with Sam on our January cover?
She’s an extremely easygoing, nice person. She was up for everything we suggested. It doesn’t hurt that she has perfect skin either!
9. What are the trends for 2016?
My favorite trends are bright lips (tangerine, fuchsia, oxblood, black cherry) paired with a bare face and the partied-all-night-long look which is dewy skin paired with slightly imperfect, smudged eyeliner.
10. What is a Calyxta girl?
A Calyxta girl is smart, modern, independent woman. She wants to look her best but doesn’t take herself too seriously. She is someone who knows how to balance work and play.