06/27/12 - 0 Comments
Exclusive Interview with Makeup Artist Rochelle Huynh of Mahal Style
Here at Dual Show, we are just as interested in what goes on behind the scenes as we are with what we ultimately see on the big screen. We know that beauty comes at a price, but it also comes at the hands of some of the most talented makeup artists (MUA’s) the globe-over.
Meet Rochelle Sunglao Huynh, a multi-talented San Diego-based hairstylist and MUA. Huynh is also the Creative Director of the popular fashion site MahalStyle.com.
Having received her beauty training at Paul Mitchell School San Diego, Rochelle lends her skills to Carlton Hair International as well as working for both runway and editorial pieces.
Wanting to know more about what fuels her passion for beauty, we chatted with Huynh about her work.
How did you get into doing makeup?
My fascination with makeup started when I was a little girl doing beauty pageants. It was amazing to me how makeup can completely transform one’s face. From then on, I knew I wanted to play with it.
Who are some of your favorite makeup artists?
I’m really inspired by makeup artists who do a lot of runway shows because they are setting trends. However, if I have to name some names, I really love the work of Francois Nars, Charlotte Tilbury, Kabuki and Tom Pecheux.
What’s your favorite makeup style and why?
For work, I typically do bridal, catalog and editorial makeup. My favorite type of makeup style is editorial because the scope is so broad. For any given photo shoot you can either go really commercial and approachable, or push it far into creative boundaries.
Who is your ideal makeup client?
Much like when I do hair, I’m really excited to have the everyday woman as a client. I love to teach them tips and tricks that make them feel like they’re projecting their best image. Knowing that I helped that person feel confident is the most fulfilling part of the process.
A lot of artists incorporate their own personal style in their work. Do you ever do this? If so, how would you describe your style?
Doing a lot of photo work really pushes me to make makeup look as polished as possible. I tend to be a bit of a chameleon as far as styles go, but I really pride myself in attempting to give the photographer a flawless makeup look to capture. I try to give them as little work to do as possible in post production.
What’s your favorite brand of makeup to use?
I don’t have a particular brand loyalty in terms of makeup. I like to find the best product for what I need. I spend a lot of time in my local Sephora. There are so many great products from all different brands. I use a lot of Urban Decay, Make Up For Ever, Smashbox and NARS.
You’re based in California. Anything unique about the MUA scene out on the west coast?
I have to say that I feel like the scene is really varied. You can find a MUA for any project. I find that, because so many women (and sometimes men) are really into makeup, this market is great for artists to find a platform to showcase their talents.
Any advice for aspiring makeup artists?
The best advice I can give to any type of artist is to just get out there and practice, practice, practice. The more face shapes, eye shapes and lip shapes you can work on, the better. Every makeup application is your opportunity to be a better artist and to challenge your craft.
What has been your favorite project as a MUA?
My favorite project to date is a time lapse video that we put together for Halloween. I was asked by one of my MahalStyle.com teammates to paint her face as a sugar skull inspired by Dia de los Muertos. I got to use fun colors and really prepare her for a fun night of Halloween debauchery! If you want to check out the behind the scenes footage to this beautiful shoot, you can view our video here.
As a makeup artist, where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself working behind the scenes in more video-based work. I see video really taking a firm hold in web media over the course of the next few years!
What’s the most challenging part of being a MUA?
Something really challenging is admitting when an idea for a look just isn’t panning out. I’ve had to humble myself and really scrap some looks because they didn’t capture the essence of the overall mood we were trying to achieve. It’s in those moments that I’ve grown the most.
Huynh is definitely a breath of fresh air in the industry and there is no mistaking her love for sharing her talent and passion with others. We certainly wish her the best in all her future endeavors and are quite sure that there are many more fun things to come.
Photo credit: MahalStyle.com
