It's always been a dream of mine to become a make-up artist; I just wasn't sure how I was going to get there. Ever since I was little I've been drawing and coloring with different mediums. My hand-written letters to my friends were often covered in illustrations. My sketch books were filled with classmates doing silly things, teachers wearing imaginary costumes, and strangers sleeping on the train. While working as a hostess in a restaurant I frequently got into trouble for drawing all over the seating chart. When family and friends got married and they asked me to do their makeup I was more than happy to! After graduating college with a degree in Illustration, I worked in graphic design for many years until I got burned out from sitting behind a computer all day. I decided it was time for a career change.
With my background in art and enthusiastic attitude, I landed a job working behind the Laura Mercier counter at Macy's in Union Square, San Francisco. It was there that I first learned proper beauty makeup application. I then freelanced for other high end lines such as Armani Cosmetics at Saks Fifth Ave., then Dior, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Shu Uemura, MAC, NARS, and a few other lines at department stores all over the Bay Area. At one point I was working for 5 different companies at once! I gained a lot of experience using a wide array of make-up on every ethnicity one can imagine and started acquiring my own clients. Finally, I was able to happily leave the world of retail.
Q: What make-up products do you use?
On my clients, I use the best products from all the high-end cosmetic lines I have worked for plus other professional grade brands I have personally tried. These include Laura Mercier, Dior, Armani, NARS, M.A.C., Yves Saint Laurent, Shu Uemura, Make Up For Ever, Temptu, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics and more. Hair products I use include Shu Uemura, Chi, Sebastian, Kerastase, KMS, and Kenra. I am constantly doing research and love trying out new products! Because I also use the make-up and hair products personally, I know which products 1) look the best in various lighting, 2) feel the best on, and 3) will last all day (and all night) -- which is very important for people wanting minimal touch-ups! In addition to traditional long lasting makeup, I use professional airbrush for bridal parties and for HD (High Definition) television/film when needed. I also use rub and water-resistant airbrush makeup to camouflage tattoos, scars, birthmarks, and any other imperfection clients want to conceal. Also, If someone is feeling a little pale, I provide airbrush spray tanning for an amazing, natural-looking, sun-kissed glow. And finally, I am happy to announce that I will be starting my own Maria Lee Makeup and skincare line soon so please stay tuned!
Q: Did you go to school to learn how to do makeup, hair and special effects?
I never went to school for beauty make-up, but since I studied painting and drawing in college, I already knew color theory; I just learned beauty techniques and tricks while working for the various cosmetic lines. I was formally trained at the Makeup Designory in Burbank for hairstyling which enabled me to do BOTH makeup and hair for weddings and photoshoots. I wanted to broaden my skills so I became paramedical camouflage certified by Kryolan. I also attended the Makeup Designory in New York City to figure out how to create different characters and special effects. Since then I have clients that book me for theatre, television, film, and Halloween, too.
Not only do I truly enjoy enhancing people's natural beauty by listening carefully and staying close to their personal style but I also love transforming clients into different characters for whatever the occasion calls for. Color and makeup continue to fascinate me because they can make a positive and significant difference in how a person looks and feels. I have worked on young and mature people from all different ethnicities, from three years old to ninety-five years old.
Q: Since you've worked with so many different lines, which one is your favorite?
That's a tough one because so many lines have their great products and their so-so products. If you ask me what is my favorite eyeshadow, lipstick or mascara from high-end or drugstore lines, I can tell you! I am able to create a custom blend of products and colors from different cosmetic lines depending on the person's specific needs. I offer thorough make-up lessons for those seeking to learn how to properly apply makeup that lasts all day in the workplace or all night during a night out on the town. Please contact me today for any of my services. I am committed to my clients and their 100% satisfaction!
Q: How do I book an Agency Artist and also how do I know they are just as competent?
Just contact me and let me know who you'd like to book. All the Agency Artists have gone through a major screening process in order to work with Maria Lee Makeup & Hair. They are all extremely talented, friendly, and dependable people who have assisted me many times with large bridal parties or jobs I am already booked for. It was only natural for me to create their own sections on my site in order to help with the work overflow and promote their amazing talent!
A 50% deposit and signed contract reserves your date with an Agency Artist. I will handle all the business transactions, paperwork and email/phone correspondence. Enjoy browsing their beautiful work and feel free to contact me with questions anytime.
