Daniel Martin on His Life as a Celebrity Makeup Artist
Photo: courtesy of Eva Chen1/5How did you break into the beauty industry?
About eight years ago, when I left the world of corporate beauty at Aveda, I really focused on my career as a makeup artist. Ever since I was a kid, I knew I wanted to live in New York City. Now, thirteen years later, I'm living my dream and doing what I love! I'm grateful everyday that I have this opportunity.
What was it like working with your very first A-list client?
The first time I ever got star struck was with Molly Ringwald. My friend owns a salon in New York City's East Village where Molly gets her hair done and she introduced us years ago. I grew up in the eighties watching every John Hughes film, so working with her was awesome. She was so sweet and down-to-earth. Pretty in Pink, to this day, is still one of my favorite movies.
Daniel Martin working on a model backstage.
Photo: courtesy of NARS2/5What prep work do you do before meeting with a client?
My assistant, Jessica, is really good about replenishing my kit with staples and new things I need to try. If it's a new client, I research their latest looks online to get a feeling of how they like to wear their makeup. Thank goodness for the Internet!
**What is it like doing a celebrity's makeup for a big event? **
I always try to be aware of how the cameras will see them at different angles. I also need to make sure that any exposed skin also has the same coverage and texture as the face because you'll see the difference in HD! Big events in Los Angeles are easier when I'm out there for the Oscars or Golden Globes. Because LA is so spread out geographically, its hard to do multiple clients in one day, unless they're staying in the same hotel or neighborhood. Here, in New York, its a different story. For the Met Ball, I did makeup for four girls. I was able to do this because they were all generally near one another.
Daniel always carries NARS Blush with him in his personal kit. Try NARS Blush in Angelika, a perky pink shade.
Photo: courtesy of Tatcha3/5What products do you usually recommend a client take with them after they get their makeup done?
I always send my girls off with Tatcha Evening Blotting Papers and the lipstick they're wearing for the night. For the Met Ball, I did emergency beauty kits for all my girls. The small bags were from Marc Jacobs and in them were blotting papers, mints or gum, little single pack Q-tips from Muji, and a travel pack of Kleenex.
What is your beauty philosophy?
Respect the skin and use color as an embellishment to dress up the face.
Tatcha Evening Aburatorigami Japenese Blotting Papers.
Photo: courtesy of Clarisonic4/5What makeup trends do you think readers should try for summer?
I was recently in the Bahamas for work and I was inspired by the bright eye shadows and liners the Bahamian women were wearing in ninty degree weather. Colorful opaque liners on dewy skin looks really beautiful and modern.
What is the number one beauty sin teens commit?
Not removing their makeup before bed! Skin is very vulnerable as a teenager. You must be diligent about cleansing properly.
Cleanse with one of Daniel's favorite beauty tools, the Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System.
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Photo: courtesy of Koh Gen Do5/5What qualities do you think make a beauty product great?
Color payoff and versatility. Color payoff means the product retains well on the skin and versatility means I can use something in more ways than one—for example, a cream blush used as a lipstick or an eyeshadow.
What products are always in your kit?
What products are always in your kit? You will always find complexion products from Koh Gen Do, Lancôme, Shu Uemura, and Chanel. NARS shadows and blushes, foundation brushes from Paris Berlin Professional, a range of Touche Éclats from YSL, and the Clarisonic Opal.
Koh Gen Do UV Care Milk SPF 30.
