Las Vegas makeup artist Rose Carriaga talks trends and shares advice for aspiring artists
Makeup artist Rose Carriaga (aka Rose C) has been in the beauty industry for more than a decade, beginning her journey at a MAC Cosmetics counter in Riverside, California. Starting with nothing but a love for color and makeup, she tried relentlessly to get MAC to hire her. “I’ve always had a love for makeup. I definitely consider myself a creative person and needed an outlet to express myself,” Carriaga said.
Upon starting her new career as a makeup artist, she felt like she had found her calling. She moved around to several different MAC locations throughout Los Angeles County before she left the company to move to Las Vegas, Nevada, where her freelance career really began. Carriaga now caters to mostly bridal clientele, but still offers beauty services for special events, photo shoots, and lesson services. The Beauty Consultant recently got a chance to catch up with her to get a little insight into how she got her start and what advice she has for other aspiring and practicing makeup artists.
The Beauty Consultant (TBC): What are some of your favorite trends in makeup right now and why?
Carriaga: Highlighting! Highlighting is my signature when it comes to makeup application. Everyone has natural highlights and contours to the face. I love using different products to accentuate the structure of a woman’s face. You can’t go wrong with glow! I also love neutral glam looks. They’re my go-to. I do mostly bridal makeup, and neutral glam is forever going to be complementary to a woman on her big day! It’s still classic and timeless.
TBC: What is your most game-changing makeup tip?
Carriaga: Customization! I custom blend everything I put on my client’s face, from foundation tone and finish to blush, lip and brow. As an artist, it’s so hard to just use a single product on a canvas. Also, skin preparation is key. Make sure you’re hydrating the skin and priming the skin with the appropriate primer. It’s not a one-size-fits-all. Make sure you understand texture and complement the skin with the appropriate products.
Never give up. Your dreams don’t work hard unless you do!
TBC: What is the thing you most struggled with starting out as a makeup artist, and what advice would you give someone who’s looking to start their own career?
Carriaga: Upon starting my makeup career I struggled with referring to myself as an artist. It took me six years to become comfortable with the term. I started to advertise my services and really felt like I could charge for the service I provided. I think all artists struggle with self-acceptance and feeling confident enough in their craft. The question I ask myself is Am I good enough? What could I have done to make that application better? I go home and study my own work and really try to improve in all ways possible.
I always tell aspiring artists to start at a cosmetic counter, preferably a color-based line. That’s where you really learn and truly grow as an artist, learning safe sanitation practices as well as working with different [skin textures, tones and types], eye shapes, and diverse ethnic backgrounds. It’s so important to be well-rounded as an artist and also with your clientele. Never give up. Your dreams don’t work unless you do!
You can learn more about Rose C at www.makeupbyrosec.com and catch up with her on Instagram @makeupbyrosec.
