Lookbooks

Make-up artistry is an art that requires more than the ability to apply blush and shadows. The real beauty of the craft lies within the transformation process. It is the way a perfect smokey eye complete with a subtly illuminated face and a nude lip  can create a smoldering sex kitten out of a mundane stay-at-home mom or how  the proper contouring techniques can create the illusion of  striking cheekbones into the face of just about anyone.

It is this ability to create a new character on one of the most difficult canvases with the right amount of creativity and talent, that MUA Joey Camasta is known for.  Here we talk to him about neon ochres, standing on the side of a road and salmon.

What color is inspiring you the most now?

 With spring in full bloom, I’m currently obsessed with “neon ochre”.  It’s kind of a citric yellow, with warm notes of ochre.

Where or how will you feature these discoveries in your work?

 I’ve been loving this shade swept across the eyelid on lighter skin tones for a punch of saturated color and stepping outside of the box by using it as an unexpected highlight on the face for deeper skin tones.

What is the story behind this color and what inspired you to start using it?

 Growing up, I remember always seeing these yellow flowers on the side of the road. (don’t ask what I was doing on the side of the road) I discovered they were called Spanish Brooms, but I remember them as neon ochre.  The juxtaposition of these delicate flowers amongst the manmade and industrial aspect of the highway was always my inspiration.  Even to this day, whether it’s the way I dress, cook, decorate or choose dates, I find that opposites do attract.  Mixing two different styles is my style.     

Where do you look for inspiration?

As my close friends and family know, the culinary arts is my true passion.   An artistically presented plate, with perfectly balanced colors and textures, inspires me.  Just imagine the bright coral flesh of a salmon pressed against its own silvery-metallic skin; color combinations that mother nature has already provided for us are truly inspiring.  It’s all about how you perceive things in life. 

When you have “ artists” block how do you get your creative juices flowing?

I usually just turn on RuPaul’s Drag Race, which usually brings everything back to life and gets all my juices flowing.

Editorial or Runway ? Why ?

Runway.  I’m totally inspired by the theatrical aspect of a show.  I love all the drama and excitement backstage.  Creating a vision and getting to watch it come to life, seeing everyone’s reaction to your creation is truly rewarding. Also, I find the Express Glamour so amusing. We can have your girl from rags to runway in 30 minutes or less guaranteed!

Any beauty tips?  

Force yourself to try something new and unexpected.   Its incredible how just by sweeping on a red lipstick instantly makes you feel empowered and sexy!

Credit: Joey Camasta and Carley Uttig for MAC Halloween