Red Carpet Regulars Exclusive Interview with Mover and Shaker Renee Lynn Smith, National Makeup Artist Our Coverage Sponsored by ECO SWIM BY AQUA GREEN
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Mover and Shaker Renee Lynn Smith has been a leading Makeup Artist in the cosmetic industry for over 10 years and was featured in our first 100 Movers and Shakers back in 2009. As the sales associate at the first bareMinerals New York boutique, Renee worked there for a year and then got promoted to Regional Artist and a year later to National Artist. Renee loved traveling all over the US meeting so many amazing people: Milou, Landon Donovan, Freddy Adu, Courtney Ann Galiano. "So you think you can dance" Renee says, "There isn't anything more rewarding then making a woman look and feel better about herself. Confidence is beautiful." After 8 years with bareMinerals, she embarked on her next journey as a Freelance Make Up Artist. She started really focusing on her portfolio, networking and started trying other avenues in the business. Throughout the years she has worked on numerous photo shoots: Head shots, Up and coming models, actors and musicians, commercials Lucille Roberts, Oraquick, Oral B with Dr. Levine, short film The Proprietor, music videos, make up tutorials for Daily Candy found on you tube, infomercials, NY Fashion week Lela Rose, VPL, Nail tech for Altuzarra & Band of Outsiders, QVC, and weddings. She now focuses on freelance work and has her own website: www.reneelynnsmith.com
Although she is based out of New York, she does travel out of state for special events and projects. Renee's recent project was designing make up for 11:11 Experiment's plays in LA "Elevator" and "The Playground." We are so pleased to present Renee as our latest Red Carpet Regular. Peachy Deegan interviewed Renee Lynn Smith for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan:
What mistakes do women make most often with makeup?
Renee Lynn Smith: A huge mistake woman make is wearing too much make up. Less is more in so many aspects. Enhancing your natural beauty is key; don't over do it.
How do you know what colors look good on you?
Make up is a very personal thing. If you love the color purple, there is definitely a shade of purple that will work with every individual. It's all about the shade and the placement of the color. If you have dark circles under your eyes, I wouldn't use a purple all over the lid, I would use a little in the outer corner of the eyes.
What beauty brands are you the most impressed by and of these brands, which particular products are must-haves?
I was extremely loyal to bareMinerals for so many years and I still completely believe in and use their products especially their foundation, eye shadows, and I love their Flawless definition mascara, the wand is amazing especially for short eye lashes. The foundation is light weight, great for the skin and photographs flawlessly including HD. I'm loving Tarte's BB creme. Lipsticks I love several brands, Nars: Barbarella, Lip liner: Fantasia, Smashbox Matte Lipsticks :Fushia pink is a gorgeous color, and I love Hour Glass's lip glosses! Did you see Jessica Alba's lips at the Golden Globes? She was wearing Riviera by Hour Glass. It was stunning!
What skincare routine do you subscribe to and which brands offer the best cleansing and moisturizing products?
Even if you are completely low maintenance everyone should be hydrating their face and eye area and use an SPF on daily basis. I love Philosophy's Miracle Worker for a moisturizer, Origins Starting Over eye creme, Dr. Dennis Gross's Daily Alpha Beta Daily Face Peels, and bareMinerals Natural SPF 30 sunscreen and Exfoliating cleanser.
What surprised you most in your travels around the country doing makeup?
What surprised me most about my travels around the country is how endearing and loyal clients can be to a brand or person that gives them great customer service. I had repeat clients in every state that would book appointments with me year after year. There is something very intimate when doing someone's make up. You truly learn so much about a person. I loved hearing their stories. Whether it was about their celebrations, struggles, and/or victories.
What should beauty brands know about you as you embark on the next stage of your career?
I think that beauty brands should know first off that I love what I do and it reflects on my daily performance. I go above and beyond to make every single person that sits in my chair completely comfortable. One of the most important aspects of a successful make up artist is listening to your client. Throughout the years I have heard women complain about make overs they have received. The main conflict was the artist did not listen to the client's needs, and educate them on how to recreate the look they did. That is so important.
What music videos inspired you the most and why?
The music videos that have inspired me are the artists that have fun with their make up and take risks. Katie Perry, Lady Gaga, and Niki Minaj always have really creative make up in their videos.
What or who has had the most influence on your pursuit of excellence?
I think the person that had the most influence on me would be Kevin Aucoin, I remember when I got his "Making Faces" book. I could not believe what a genius he was. His transformation of women was unbelievable. A true talent.
What would you like to do professionally that you have not yet had the opportunity to do?
I would really like to work with celebrities for their red carpet events. One of my goals is to do make up for the Oscars. I love doing glamour beauty make up, it's my favorite! People don't realize how important make up can be. When you look good, your whole demeanor changes. I can't wait for the day when not only are they asking about what designer you're wearing, they are also asking who your make up artist is!
What honors and awards have you received in your profession?
I have received no actual honors or awards in my profession. My personal honor was is many loyal clients I have gained throughout the years. Knowing that my clients all leave with a smile on their face is an award in itself.
What one word best describes you and why?
Passionate. I put my heart and soul into everything that I do.
What is your favorite place to be in Manhattan?
My favorite place to be in Manhattan is Central Park. It's my escape from the hustle and bustle. Whether it's taking a bike ride, taking a walk, exploring, or laying on the great lawn, it is complete therapy for me.
What is your favorite shop in Manhattan?
I don't have a specific shop, but I love looking at vintage shops and little hidden gems that have antiques and artifacts.
What is your favorite drink?
My favorite drink is water with lemon. I dont drink very much, but an occasional Lychee Martini from Tao is extremely yummy.
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you at a cocktail party?
I think the funniest thing that happened to me at a cocktail party would have to be my "Are You Happy" episode. I had a little too much to drink and I started asking everyone if they were happy, and then ended up yelling is "Everybody happy!" Needless to say, I don't drink often.
What is your favorite restaurant in Manhattan?
My favorite restaurant is Buddakan. I love the ambiance and the edamame dumplings are to die for!
Who would you like to be for a day and why?
Although I am a strong believer in "Be yourself everyone else is taken," I would have to say Ellen Degeneres. She has such an amazing energy and spirit. I love what she does for people. She truly loves making people happy and surprising them. You can tell she has a great heart. I would also get to dance everyday at work.
If you could have anything in Manhattan named after you what would it be and why?
If I could have anything named after me in Manhattan it would have to be a park bench in Central Park. It's a place that you can go and forget about all of your worries.
What has been your best Manhattan athletic experience?
My best athletic experience in Manhattan would have to be about 6 years ago I took a bike ride around the central park loop. I hadn't been on a bike in over 10 years!
What is your favorite thing to do in Manhattan that you can do nowhere else?
I am going to have to say there is nothing like seeing a broadway show. Yes you can see theatre all over the world but there is something very special about the theatre district in NYC.
If you could have dinner with any person living or passed, who would it be and why?
I would love to have dinner with Kevin Aucoin. I would love to pick his brain and ask him all of his tips and tricks with his make up artistry. He was the king of contouring and highlighting. I would have loved to have the opportunity of assisting him and watching him work his magic.
What has been your best Manhattan art or music experience?
The best music experience I had in Manhattan was seeing Madonna's Sticky and Sweet tour at MSG. I danced the entire time and felt so alive and inspired when I left. She is a true inspiration.
What do you personally do or what have you done to give back to the world?
I recently just joined the program "Look Good, Feel Better" It's a program that the National Cancer Society offers women who are going through treatment, on how to do their make up. I am extremely looking forward to this opportunity.
Other than Movers and Shakers of course, what is your favorite Whom You Know column and what do you like about it?
Manhattan Tips! Although I live in the greatest city in the world I often take it for granted. It's nice to read this section to find places in NY that I haven't explored.
Have you tried The Peachy Deegan yet and if not, why not?
No I unfortunately I have not tried the Peachy Deegan yet. There is no excuse except it's very rare that I drink alcohol. It is definitely on my list of things to try.
What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
I would like your readers to know that I am extremely professional, dependable and create a very welcoming and stress-free environment when working with clients. I make everyone feel comfortable and at ease. I listen to everyone's needs and concerns. As a make up artist I also believe in impeccable sanitary procedures in application and within my make up kit. I pride myself on listening to a client's vision and creating the look that they desire.
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
I would like to be contacted through my website www.reneelynnsmith.com I look forward to working with you on your next special occasion and/or event. Thank you so much. It's been a pleasure.
