Interview with Makeup Geek

Finally, after all the drama the wait is over! I got an exclusive interview with Marlena aka the Makeup Geek. You may have seen her excellent videos on You Tube but I got the rundown on the lady who turns geek into chic.

1.) What got you interested in the world of make-up techniques?
MG: I’ve loved makeup my whole life- even used to practice on my barbie head doll when I was little   Since I’m a “girly girl”, the idea of wearing makeup has always appealed to me, plus I love the artistic side of it.  I love experimenting with different colors and “painting” my creations on my face. The great thing is if you do not like your art, just wash your face and start over!

2.) When did you decide to focus on the website?

MG:When I started taping tutorials on youtube, the audience grew pretty quickly, but I felt I needed to offer them more than just videos.  So, I started the website in hopes to provide more information through articles, reviews of products, and even have an interactive community through the forum.

3.) You mentioned that you have been the “fat” girl throughout your life. How do you feel about how plus-size women in the makeup industry?

MG:I TRULY feel that women of all sizes, ages, and colors are beautiful!  As a bigger girl, I know that my focus tends to be on my face as I feel that is my best feature, so I love playing it up with different makeup looks.
It does not matter what size you are when it comes to being a makeup artist- it is all in how creative you are and how much hard work you are willing to invest in your career.

3A.) Tell me about some of the discriminations that you have faced being a bigger person in the industry?

MG:I get told fairly often that I need to lose weight or that my face is too chubby to be on camera. But I believe that it is a sign of success when you have opposition from others- what you are able to handle just makes you stronger.  It is not easy by any means, but I have to rely on my own confidence in my beauty and skills- not on what others may say about me.

4.) Many people use make-up as an escape to cover their flaws. What makes your techniques positive for women?

MG: My techniques are all about bringing out your best features.  We all have something that we focus on most- eyes, lips, cheekbones, etc.  So, why not apply makeup to enhance the natural features you already have?

For me, makeup is not just about looking pretty, but is something creative and fun that I enjoy and that makes me happy.  It is no different than sitting down to paint a picture or write a song- art is art.  It’s that creative outlet that is so positive and beneficial for our overall well being.

5.) Within the last couple of years men have also become a part of the make-up revolution. Do you think it is necessary to have product lines for men? Have you worked on men before?

MG: I do believe that it’s necessary to have product lines for men as they are getting more interested in bringing out their facial features as well.  Men may not want to wear a full face of makeup, but may want to hide a blemish or cover those dark circles from lack of the sleep the night before.

I have worked on men- not nearly as often as women, but is still part of the job.  For men’s makeup, it is about looking as natural as possible while enhancing certain features such as the eyes or lips.  Using the least amount of product as possible is key!

6.) Now there are some people who would think that it is crazy to spend lots of money on make-up and accessories. What is the difference between professional make-up and over the counter makeups?

MG: In some cases, professional makeup and over the counter makeup doesn’t differ too much in quality.  You can find some great products over the counter that won’t break your wallet.  On the other hand, professional makeup tends to be more vivid and long lasting as it is meant to hold up to hours of wear. I would invest my money in good concealers, foundations, and face powders as those tend to wear off the quickest.  Buy less expensive brands for eyeshadows, blushes, or lipsticks as those work well in just about any brand.

7.) What other hobbies are you involved in?

MG: I love to scrapbook!  It is another artistic outlet that relieves stress and is fun to do with my mom or a friend.  I also love to play the piano and flute since I miss teaching music!  Traveling is always fun as long as I can have some down time at home

8.) Do you also do private consultations as well?

MG: Most of the time, but it depends on when I am actually home in between seminars and other travel.

9.) If you could give anyone a full-blown makeover who would it be and why?

MG: Rihanna!  She has such beautiful eyes, but always wears black eyeliner all around the eye.  I would love to soften her look with less eyeliner and a beautiful gold shimmery shadow on the lid- something natural but still eye catching. Rihanna, put that black liner down!

10.) Are there some events or happenings on the site that people should be aware about?

MG: Every week there is a weekly challenge where I encourage people to try a new makeup technique or get inspired by a certain theme- I think it’s important to think outside the box and try things you wouldn’t normally do

There are also seminars that take place around the US- just keep checking the main page of the site for locations near you!

11.) How can people get in touch with you?

MG: The contact form on the site is the easiest- just go to www.makeupgeek.com and click on the contact button on the bottom of the main page.