Beauty Store Business

JUN 2016

For beauty business news, beauty store owners turn to Beauty Store Business. Beauty business trends, beauty business profiles and more!

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42 June 2016 | beautystorebusiness.com then, it comes together. When they pop in halfway through, and they have a worried look on their face, it's almost comical, because you're thinking, just wait, I am about to blow your mind." While it requires a challenging skill set to both learn and master special-effects artistry, the niche offers a payoff like none other, says Turpen. "It's a totally dif- ferent high and sense of accomplishment to see your [finished] work in front of you," she says. "It's hard. It's time-consuming. It's messy. But if you're into it, it might be the most fulfilling job." More than just her special-effects expertise, Turpen says having specific niche services in one's arsenal can go a long way in setting an artist apart. "I think a great niche service that most regular cli- ents look for is airbrushing. It's definitely something that every artist should have under their belt. And I recommend really learning it the right way," she says. For Turpen, however, the beauty of being a freelance artist is the ability to dabble in all kinds of artistry—and it's this range of services that helps to further set her apart in the business, she says. Currently, she works in South- ern California as a freelance makeup artist, as well as for MAC Cosmetics. The combination offers her a blend of experiences that continue to hone her craft. Working at MAC, for example, has garnered her experience working with a variety of skin types, skin tones and personalities, she says. "I definitely rec- ommend that an artist starting out work at a makeup counter to get some fast- paced experience," she says. "I have definitely seen myself and others around me grow in skills, artistry and knowledge over the past year." It also has its perks, which can be a major benefit for a new artist. "In retail, you know it's consistent, and you almost always get gratis [products], which is a tremendous help in building your kit. I think [a salon setting] works if you are an established artist who is constantly booked," she explains. "When you are first starting out, it might not be the best option because of the [cost of] rent on top of everything else you need to purchase as a freelancer. When you're just starting out, you don't have the high turnover to keep a consistent cash flow." In the end, working for someone else can be limiting, Turpen says. "It's a great place to help start out a freelanc- ing career, but it also sometimes makes it hard to take those freelancing gigs. Your busy days are almost always the days that someone needs you outside of work. It's a give-and-take." BENEFITS Playing by your own rules. "There is definitely a wonderful freedom about freelancing," she says. "It's a different world. When you freelance, you are able to create your own rules and your own schedule. You can take your time with someone, and you don't have to worry about your next appointment or your sales goal. It's just you and your cli- ent, and the products you really know and love." Your flexibility appeals to clients. "Being a freelancer is defi- nitely appealing to clients. Whether it's when I am at work and some- one asks if I freelance, or I have just met someone who finds out what I do, people always love to hear that you can travel to them. It makes life so much easier for the client, and it helps you to develop a personal relationship with them. You can make a lifelong client with just one visit, and they will almost always recommend you to their family and friends which is so helpful." The opportunities are endless. "You get to meet so many different people when you travel for jobs. Sometimes, you go in for one job, and leave with a new one for the next day or the next week. I have learned to expect the unexpected when showing up for a new job. You might think you have the day off, and a last-minute, awesome opportunity will just fall into your lap, and you have to take it! Some of the greatest opportunities I have had have come with only hours notice, and those have been the best memories." It's easier to make a name for yourself. When you're in freelance, your SPECIAL EFFECTS MUST-HAVES Ever peek into the makeup kit of a special-effects artist? It's not what you'd expect. Beyond the everyday makeup staples, professional makeup artist Brittany Turpen reaches for a few heavy-duty products to create her Hollywood-worthy looks. ZÜCA Pro Artist A heavy-duty case is needed for carting around tools (which Turpen says may even include power tools). This kit is part of ZÜCA's professional artist line and features a solid, durable frame and individual utility pouches for ultimate organization. Suggested retail price: $305 zuca.com The Masters Brush Cleaner The paints and products special-effects artists use require something strong to keep brushes clean and ready for the next application. Turpen goes for this heavy-duty brush cleaner, which is inexpensive and strong enough to break down acrylic paints and watercolors. SRP: $32-24 oz. generalpencil.com Mist & Fix Sealer Whether setting a full face of makeup for a wedding or keeping an actor in character, a strong setting spray is a must. Turpen sticks to her roots with this long-lasting moisturizing sealer. SRP: $30 makeupforever.com Mel Gel Prosthetic Cream Turpen says there's a lot more that goes into creating a special effect than meets the eye. Turpen loves Mel Gel's cream, which comes in four colors and is designed to not only transfer cream, but also to refine edges and build 3D material with a flexible finish. SRPs: $55-4 oz., $30-2 oz., $17-1 oz. melproductsusa.com Images courtesy of Brittany Turpen

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