Darlings, I had the chance to engage in some girl talk with Carlene K. She and I chatted about her amazing [California-based] career as a professional makeup artist, among other things. Carlene K’s track record includes glamorizing top celebrities such as, Eva Longoria, Meagan Good, Paris Hilton, Prima J, Scarlett Johansson, The Pussycat Dolls, and R&B songstress Vivian Green. The makeup artist extraordinaire also did some work with Cosmo Girl, Elle, Jewel, People, Vanity Fair, and Zink, in addition to styling for ad campaigns, fashion runway shows, music videos, and television/film. To describe her resume as 'impressive’ is an understatement--Carlene K's makeup artistry is the epitome of fabulousness.
I am so humbled to have interviewed such a remarkable talent. Carlene K has illustrated an entrepreneurial spirit from the age of 17, which landed her in, what I call, surreal situations styling the most beautiful people in the entertainment industry. And guess what? Throughout the interview, I even picked up a few makeup tricks ... you may too!
Nikki: Hi, Carlene K! Let’s begin this interview by you telling me where you’re originally from.
Carlene K: I was born in Hawaii and lived there for a few years, but mostly grew up in Huntington Beach, California. Beach girl all the way!
N: What inspired you to become a makeup artist?
C: I started out by modeling a bit in high school; I did a job for a small cosmetics company and the makeup artist put crazy bright colors on my eyes. I was in love from that point on!
N: You’ve done makeup for notable celebrities—from Meagan Good to Paris Hilton to Scarlett Johansson. Additionally, you worked your makeup magic for ad campaigns and magazines publications, such as Vogue. What particular project (or client) gave you your big break in the makeup industry?
C: Definitely working with The Pussycat Dolls gave me my big break. I started (working) with them in 2001 at 21 years old; at the time they were a Burlesque Dance Group with celebrity guest stars. I got the chance to really build my resume and meet a ton of people. Working with them definitely took me to the next level.
N: Former lead singer of The Pussycat Dolls, Nicole Scherzinger, is absolutely gorgeous. I understand that you were one of the responsible darlings for doing her makeup for various projects. What are some of Nicole’s finest facial features that you enjoy working with?
C: Nicole has skin like I’ve never seen before. She doesn’t have a single pore or blemish on her face---no dark circles, no wrinkles, no nothing. It’s perfect! (laughing) It boggles my mind. She has the skin of an infant, and has never had a facial—a naturally gorgeous girl.
N: I have to ask: Did you also do Nicole’s makeup for her appearances on this season of Dancing with the Stars?
C: I don’t do Nicole’s makeup for Dancing with the Stars. I do, however, do her makeup for all the master interviews for the show (which you see before she dances each week), and I‘ve been doing all her press for the show—George Lopez, the Us Weekly shoot, etc.
N: I loved Jewel magazine, and to this day, I still have the (May ‘07) print issue with Meagan Good on the cover. And I saw that very cover in your portfolio! Did you do her makeup for the cover shoot? How was it working with Meagan?
C: I did do Meagan for the cover and inside spread. She’s another naturally gorgeous one with perfect skin—and beautiful on the inside, too! I really love working with her.
N: Meagan’s skin always looks so healthy and flawlessly bronzed. What’s the beauty secret there?
C: I’ve been in the process of launching my own body bronzer for a long time; it’s called CARLENE K- Shine Bronzer. I created it on The Pussycat Dolls years ago, and have been using it on all my celeb clients for years. Meagan is wearing it on her body in the Jewel mag shoot!
N: What are some other makeup techniques you used on Meagan for the Jewel cover? And please don’t forget to mention Meagan’s eyebrows—that woman has got to have the best-shaped brows on this planet. So do tell, Miss Carlene K…
C: Meagan is very particular about her eyebrows, so we really take the time to get them perfect. For one of the looks we did a bronzy eye gloss on her eyelids; it was super sexy on her!
N. Speaking of eyebrows, what’s the best technique for giving them shape and a finished look? (i.e. waxing, threading, tweezing)
C. I’m not a big fan of waxing, I know a lot of people that break out from it, and it pulls the skin and wears down the elasticity around the eyes. I suggest getting them waxed or threaded every so often, and then keeping up the shape by plucking. I love VanityMark Eyebrow Pencils, and I love Urban Decay Eyebrow Boxes. They (both) come with two shades, wax to seal the brow, and mini tweezers.
N: I have a confession: I have no talent for applying foundation what so ever. Any tips for me and the other non-inclined foundation appliers?
C: If you go to a makeup counter they’ll usually match the color to your jaw line; I match the foundation to the shoulders. A lot of people wear SPF in their face products so naturally their bodies are darker. It’s super important to make sure your face blends with your body. I also apply foundation, and then apply concealer to the little spots that still need covering after---instead of applying heavy foundation all over.
N: What are your Top 5 Makeup Trends for spring 2010?
C: (1) Bronzed Skin, Face, and Body (2) Bright Lips (3) Cream Blush (4) Love Thick “Piecy” Lashes and (5) Always a Great Bronzy Smokey Eye for Evening.
N: Any new projects in the pipeline that you would like to share?
C: The launch of Carlene K-Shine Bronzer with a celeb endorsement is pretty exciting! I’ve got Kristin Cavallari, Danica Patrick, and Nicole Shcherzinger all this week.
N: Before we wrap up this interview, we’re going to play a little game. Tell me the first word that comes to mind when you hear the following:
- Fall 2010 - Dark Purple
- Lady Gaga - Inspired
- CoverGirl - Rihanna (laughing)
- Eyelash Curler - Shu Uemura
- Twitter - Obsessed!
- Billy B - Genius!!!
N: Thank you for taking the time to do this interview. You rock! I wish you continued success!
C: Thank you, it was fun!!! xoxoxo
SHOP CARLENE K COSMETICS HERE.
Photo Credit: Carlene K, Select Artist Management
