Edwin Santiago is a 24 year old makeup from Allentown Pennsylvania, currently residing in New York City. He says he is a “Professional Makeup Artist living the life he’s always wanted to live. He is inspired and aims to live every day to the fullest with no regrets.”
Edwin grew up with a very inspired artistic background. From the time he was in elementary classes he was always the top artist in his classes. In Middle school he was offered a scholarship to the balm school of art in Allentown Pennsylvania. He wasn’t able to keep up with that at the time so he had to turn it down. However that does not mean he stopped being an artist. He continued to be noticed for his talents in Makeup Artistry throughout high school. He didn’t pursue makeup artistry right away though. He knew he wanted an artistic career but experimented with things like dance and fashion design. His love of makeup was reinvented when he was working as a vendor for Thierry Mugler where he was selling perfume inside Macy’s herald square.
One shift while working he noticed a tiny 7-10 piece makeup line and found himself playing with it. His manager asked offered him the chance to use the makeup on clients, as long as he could sell them the product after he demonstrated it on them. “I picked up a silver tray, put that line right on that tray and did just that!” says Edwin. This idea was a smashing success and Edwin soon found himself acting as the Thierry Mugler counter makeup artist. From there he became more involved in the makeup industry, moving himself on to other makeup stores including Ulta Beauty.
Edwin muses that while he always had the interest in art some days he still can’t believe he gets to use his art skills to make someone beautiful or to completely change someone’s look in a way that could put a smile on their face and get him recognition and praise in the industry as a professional makeup artist.
Edwin is completely self-taught with no formal education. He purses skills by seeking out creative inspiration and uses the age old adage of “practice, practice, practice.” He keeps up with current trends by networking, reading fashion magazines, and following celebrities. He also loves Instagram and Facebook. “I’ll see a look and twist it. I’ll add my signature touch but still keep it fierce and up to date!”
Some of his biggest inspirations are: “Mathu Andersen , Valerie Vixen , Ariel Alfonzo Diaz, Damion Gerardo, Sutan Raja, Jeffree star and many more!”
If we took a sneak peek into Edwin’s makeup kit we would find a wide variety of products. “I do not stick to just one line, because there’s something different in each line.” His favorite go-to brands include MAC, Makeup Forever, Inglot, Sugarpill Makeup, and Arbonne.
Edwin sets himself apart from other makeup artist by working hard to engage and communicate with each of his clients. “I make sure they get what they want and leave happy.”
He likes to get to know his clients and feel very rewarded when they are comfortable and happy coming back time and time again. He loves the look of an exceptionally satisfied client.
“Making someone feel beautiful, happy and confident gives me extreme honor and is the most rewarding and enjoyable part of the job.”
Edwin has been lucky enough to work with several reality TV show celebrities, agency represented models and countless others who have loved and adored his work.
Outside makeup Edwin is a very family oriented father who loves social mixers, meeting new people, traveling and shopping.
Edwin’s advice for new and aspiring makeup artist is “Be yourself, don’t let go of your dream because this can be a brutal and catty career… Inspire & be inspired! STAY HUMBLE.”
Tumblr: @weeweegaga
My website:
http://write-and-ramble.com/2013/10/30/artist-spotlight-edwin-santiago-makeup-artist-for-tm-blog/
- See original: http://www.tandmmag.com/artist-spotlight-edwin-santiago-makeup-artist/
