We got the scoop from celebrity makeup artist, Sharon Gault, on her best makeup practices and favorite brands to work with.
Celebrity makeup artist, Sharon Gault, known to many as “Mama Makeup” reconceptualized the fashion and beauty industry with her iconic makeup looks for some of the biggest names Hollywood. A photographer turned hair stylist, turned makeup artist, Sharon found her true calling to the makeup industry and has become a beauty sensation to the world ever since. Her career took off when she toured with Madonna on the “Blonde Ambition” tour and was featured in the documentary “Madonna: Truth or Dare.” It was there she got the nickname “Mama Makeup” from the dancers on tour.
Sharon’s work is constantly in demand by the biggest Hollywood celebrities and artists who need to look their best for red carpet awards shows, interviews, music videos and photo shoots. Her celebrity client roster includes Uma Thurman, Lady Gaga, Julia Ormond, Alicia Keys, Amber Tamblyn, Jennifer Garner, Rachel Griffiths, Charlize Theron, Madonna, Renee Zellweger, Cameron Diaz, Robert Downey Jr., Britney Spears, Demi Moore, Rihanna, Johnny Depp, Daphne Guinness, Enrique Iglesias, Cindy Crawford, Hilary Swank, Kate Bosworth, Gwen Stefani, and many more.
Q: How did you get started as a makeup artist?
I did Madonna’s hair on her Blonde Ambition tour. I was in her documentary film Truth or Dare back in the day doing hair, and my career really took off from there. I also did all the beginning makeup for Lady Gaga – I love her evolving style. I think she’s getting more creative and daring.
Q: What is your fail-safe makeup look for clients?
For a night out I like doing a sultry smoky eye on my clients. Using green and blue eye shadows to create a smoky eye adds the perfect pop of color and is a fun alternative to the original smoky eye. Another fail-safe makeup look is a cat-eye paired with a bold lipstick. I recently did M.I.A’s makeup, where I created a cat-eye and used an orange Tom Ford lipstick – the result was phenomenal.
Q: If you could choose just one makeup style to wear both day and night what would it be?
I would suggest doing a natural makeup look, with a slight edge like a cat-eye. It’s office-appropriate and perfect for a night out. To turn up your look even more for night, just apply a bold lipstick. I just did this kind of makeup for the Chinese edition of Harper’s Bazaar. It’s such a great look because you can make it as dramatic as you want to.
Q: I snoozed my alarm clock and have ten minutes to get ready! Next steps, please?
If you’re short on time to get ready in the morning, just apply some eyeliner, mascara and a bold lipstick to turn your look from drab to fab. Bold lipsticks are perfect when you’re in a rush because they pack a major punch.
Q: What are three of your go-to makeup products? Why?
My favorite foundations are probably Laura Mercier and Bobbi Brown. I use the Beauty Blender sponge to apply foundation to my celeb clients. It gives an airbrushed finish and makes skin look like skin for a flawless foundation application. NARS Multiple Sticks for the eyes, lips and cheeks are great as a contour/highlighter. They give off a healthy, dewy, natural look. For eye shadows I love Dior eye shadow palettes and Tom Ford eye shadow palettes. They apply with a beautiful luminosity and a subtle sparkle.
Q: What is your favorite technique for applying for foundation?
I can’t stress this enough – it’s always best when skin actually looks like skin. Beauty Blender sponges are so great to achieve that. It is a great tool for blending foundation, especially around crease areas and evening out concealer. I would use Beauty Blender on any skin type because it always leaves behind a flawless-looking complexion. I also like to use Skindinavia Finishing spray before and after applying makeup. It works as the perfect primer for pre-makeup application and really sets the makeup with a dewy finish after.
Q: Who is your favorite celebrity to draw beauty inspiration from? Why?
I love a very vintage Hollywood glamour look like Bridget Bardot. I also love Gaga – She’s an amazing fashion icon and I like to be able to play with color and have fun with makeup. I love working with people who are really into their fashion and it’s nice to work on great artists who know truly know themselves and aren’t afraid to try new things.
Q: Forecasting time: what do you think will be super “in” this Spring?
People are usually more daring with makeup in the fall and winter months where you see a lot of dark, bold lips and lots of color. Spring makeup is typically more natural, but this year, I think you’ll see a bit more of color. Bright lipsticks were very in last spring and I think that will play out again even more this year.
Sharon’s work can be seen on OpusBeauty.com To follow her at Fashion Week check out FashionNewslive.com.