I got the chance to catch up with Maria Barreda,a 24 year old, Guatemala native, makeup artist, whose work ranges from editorials to commercial shoots. She is a wonderful makeup artist based out of New Orleans (but also works in other cities), with an impressive resume. Maria gave her professional advice on makeup tricks, trends, and industry related secrets!
Q: How did you get start as a makeup artist?
Maria: I started doing makeup just as a hobby. My friends in high school always complimented my makeup and that turned into me doing makeup for them for proms etc. I applied for a job at MAC at the age of 19, but didn’t get hired until I was 20. I would say seriously… I started to do makeup professionally at 20-21. I gained a lot of knowledge working at various retail makeup counters about makeup and artistry.
Q: Do you have a style icon that you admire?
Maria: There’s so many iconic makeup figures that have inspired me and that I admire. The first would have to be the iconic family of Hollywood makeup, which is the Westmore family. My main beauty and artist admirations are Path Mcgrath, Alex Box, Ve Neil, Sam Fine, Reggie Wells, Var Garland, Romero Jennings, the list goes on.
Q: Your resume shows that you work in all forms of media- runway, print, TV, film, do you have a preference in a specific forum?
Maria: I love every aspect of the beauty industry!! I can’t say I have a preference honestly, but if I had to pick I would say beauty and editorial because I have the chance to be creative. I also love doing the ordinary woman and brides because their expression when I’m finished is so refreshing and fulfilling. To see someone feel so beautiful and confident, and to know I was responsible for that feeling is honestly the best feeling ever!!
Q: Personally, what is the one cosmetic item you would never go without?
Maria: Oh WOW!!! I love everything!!!!! But personally I don’t use much makeup. If only one, then MASCARA would be the #1, but if I can sneak anything else in it would be tinted moisturizer, blush, and lip balm
Q: Do you have any secret beauty tips you are willing to share?
Maria: I would have to say one beauty secret would be to use primer! Especially on the eyes it makes your eye shadow last!!
Q: What is the one piece of advice you would give to someone who isn’t knowledgeable within makeup?
Maria: This is an interesting question! Most people that aren’t knowledgeable about makeup tend to be very intimated by it. I always suggest to my clients and new clients that when doing your own makeup, you don’t have to necessarily touch every part of your face. Pick your best feature and put that forward. For example: if you have great skin, instead of putting foundation on use a tinted moisturizer.
Q: What are your favorite spring/summer looks?
Maria: Flawless skin, light liner and a nice pink on the lips. I also love the trend with blue hues on the lid and a nude lip. Its all about healthy looking skin.
Q: With summer coming up, what is the key to achieving the “natural” look?
Maria: The Key to achieving the natural look almost always comes from within….That means having a well balanced diet with a lot of Vitamin E,C, fruits, veggies and omega oils. However, with our busy schedules, we can’t worry about our diets all the time. The most important thing is to stay hydrated and to exfoliate. If you have a hard time with skin, it’s important to keep it moisturized and to use a foundation that isn’t heavy, but that has buildable coverage. If you have good skin I always suggest a tinted moisturizer
Q: What are the specific color trends coming up in makeup?
Maria: The color trends for fall will be smoky, bold colors. Whether you choose to play up the eyes or lips, you can have fun with it!! The key colors will be grey, blues, purples, and my all time favorite, red!!
Q:What is the most common mistake you see women making with their makeup?
Maria: The biggest mistake I see is over drawn eye brows! Brows should be soft in the front and a little sharp at the ends, but not extending to your temples. Another thing I have seen is one color from lid to brow with shimmer all over the lid!! The trick to eye shadow is to be well blended; you want to be able to see the transition of color and most importantly, definition!
Q: Do you have any events coming up, where we can follow your work?
Maria: In New Orleans it seems like we always have something going on. My upcoming projects or events are some films and commercials, but my favorite is ESSENCE FEST. I’ll keep you updated.
To see Maria’s resume or check out her work you can go to her website www.mariabarreda.com. Follow her on twitter @MariaB_MUA.
