This
past week I had the wonderful opportunity to meet and have a late
lunch with an amazing person and friend of mine Sebastien Tardif. We
met up in Colombus Circle and had great conversation about life,
what's new in our careers and go over the questions I had prepared
for the interview. This interview for me is very special because
Sebastien, has played an important role for me in my career. I will
explain how further into the interview, but I will always remain
thankful to Sebastien for a great opportunity and friendship because
although he has plenty of years of experience as a makeup artist, he
is one of the most humble creatives you will ever meet. Just ask
anyone who has ever met him. Read along!
Sebastien Tardif
1)
How did your makeup journey begin?
Having
always loved fine arts in school, I ended up obtaining my bachelor's
degree with a major in Studio Arts. I always painted human faces
loving to add more of an abstract feel to them using lots of light
vs. shadow contrast and texture. During my studies, I also developed
a keen interest for fashion, specifically runway shows and
editorials. It all dawned on me upon graduating: faces on canvas +
fashion = Makeup! That was 17 years ago and never looked back since.
2)
Do you think that the makeup industry has changed from when you first
began?
Absolutely.
That is one of the main reasons why I like the industry so much, it
is in constant evolution.
3)How
do you think it has changed?
Easier
access to professional makeup. Pro makeup trade shows did not exist
at the time I began doing makeup and there are a lot more brands to
choose from now as well. Textures have improved immensely in regards
to cosmetic products, which I personally always deplored when I first
began playing with makeup i.e. pancake and stick makeup were the way
to go and now it’s all about HD and real looking skin which I love.
4)What
key factors contributed to your success?
Coming
from a small town and only speaking French, I knew from the get go I
would have to export myself and learn English, and that’s exactly
what I did at the age of eighteen. Additionally, hard work ethics is
a must, never taking no for an answer.
5)Many
makeup artists feel that they must live in cities such as NYC, Los
Angeles, London, Milan, Paris to become successful...do you feel that
is true?
It’s
all relative to the scale and size of your dreams. All I knew is that
I was going to travel for work and that’s exactly what I did.
Careful what you wish for cause if you believe in yourself, it will
happen.
6)What
has been your biggest challenge or obstacle in your career? Myself.
7)Did
you ever feel stumped or discouraged, possibly even contemplate
quitting makeup? NEVER, not for one second.
8)What
is your most memorable moment as a makeup artist? Certainly the
launch of my makeup line Veil Cosmetics at New York Fashion Week.
9)Have
you made any sacrifices to pursue your career? I worked doing
makeup, traveling around the world for 13 years straight, I
certainly missed out on a lot of family and friends events and
gatherings.
10)What
advice would you give to makeup artists that really want to make it
in the industry? Believe in yourself, keep an open mind and be
curious; if you ever think you “have arrived”, that’s when
your star will start to fade and die.
I
personally am a true fan of your cosmetic line, Veil Cosmetics. It's
funny because we met during your launch of Veil during NYFW a few
seasons ago. I was fortunate to be part of your team at the Falguni
and Shane Peacock show at Lincoln Center and it was instant
attraction and love for the complexion fix pen. Now, they form
staples in my kit for makeup on set, everyday women and men's
grooming for television, print and special events. Tell us more about
Veil Cosmetics:
Veil Cosmetics
1)How
did the idea of Veil come to be?
I
developed a passion for skin, weightless makeup and refined textures
while living in Asia for over 5 years. I was also inspired by how
much women loved their skin care regimen (especially in Japan and
Korea), and it made me want to fuse that with all of my makeup.
2)What
separates Veil from the vast array of cosmetics out for purchase?
Weightless
textures, staying power, and our fast beauty approach to makeup.
(there are WAY TO MANY MAKEUP STEPS OUT THERE).
3)Where
can it be purchased?
Mostly
professional use like makeup studios, salons, spas, medi-spas, and
of course www.veilcosmetics.com (see the location tab for more
details) Can it be shipped outside of the US? We ship world wide!
4)Is
it only for makeup artists or can the everyday woman use it?
We
are loved by both makeup pros and enthusiasts.
5)Animal
testing? NO
6)Any
unique qualities or benefits from using complexion fix pen?
COMPLEXION
FIX can be used as Concealer, Corrector, and Highlighter. Plus, it
has skin treatment in it making it ideal for all skin types being
hypoallergenic, oil free, non-comedogenic, and non-irritating.
Completely build able, you can achieve a seamless application no
matter how much or little you use. It always looks like skin since
we have 12 amazing colors: from porcelain to tan, in Neutral, Pink,
or Gold undertones.
8)Since
a lot of professional makeup artists can make great use of these
magical Complexion Fix Pens, do you offer a pro artist program or a
discount?
Yes,
for the occasion, I would like to extend to all your readers the
chance to join our Pro Artists Discount Program exclusively offering
40% off at all times on our website. Simply email us at
info@veilcosmetics.com and we will honor your existing pro status
with any other brands, just send us a picture or scan of the
card!!!!
I
will always be thankful to Sebastien and Veil Cosmetics as well as
the artist that referred me via Twitter to be on the Veil Cosmetics
team during the launch at NYFW. It was my first show for MBFW at
Lincoln Center and it was definitely a memorable moment in my career
as an artist! I am a loyal fan of Veil Cosmetics and the Complexion Fix Pens form staples in my pro kit. I think this is a great addition to pro artists kits as well as for beginners and any hair stylist wanting to get into grooming or basic makeup. I use the Complexion Fix Pen in 3N as a light concealer under my eyes because I love how it feels and makes me look super natural. So what are you waiting for, go sign up for the pro discount!
