Georgia makeup artists reveals industry tips and kit essentials
Aries Little is a homegrown, certified makeup artist located in Georgia. She grew up in a salon, so beauty has always been an important part of her life. She started doing what she called the “dorm room special” in college, where she would do people’s hair for them. But it was when she kept getting requests for her makeup skills that Little actually found her calling. She would do makeup for people running for class office and other special events. After college, she took a job in Florida but found herself back in Georgia where she pursued her certification. “I wanted to learn the more technical aspect as well as skin,” Little said. She wanted to understand the “why” of beauty.
The Beauty Consultant (TBC): What are some essential products in your kit?
Little: The Evian facial spray is a must-have as well as the Urban Decay Primer Potion and the setting spray. The makeup does not move.
TBC: What does beauty mean to you?
Little: Being who you are. You can always enhance who you are to bring out what you love most about yourself. But that’s all beauty is, being you. We’re all unique.
TBC: What has been your proudest moment as a beauty professional?
Little: Perfecting the smokey eye without looking like I have a black eye or making someone else looking like they have a black eye. It was something that I always shied away from. I was assisting someone at a show, and she was like, “Can you do a smokey eye?” and I’m like, “Uh, maybe, no. I’m scared.” And she told me, “Well, you’re gonna learn today.” And once she showed me, I was like, “Where have you been all my life?” That’s one of my first proudest moments. The second one was when one of my mentors asked me to do work for her. And when I tell you that she’s a stickler for precision and having things looking right, she’s very particular. She’s in the hair industry, and when she trusted me to do work for her brand and her product, that was my second thing. I’ve seen her expectations for her staff, and being able to break out with her has really been something else.
Take the opportunity to assist and learn, because that’s fundamental training that you’re not paying for, so always be open to that.
TBC: What piece of advice would you give to aspiring makeup artists?
Little: Follow your heart, and don’t be afraid to learn. Take the opportunity to assist and learn, because that’s fundamental training that you’re not paying for, so always be open to that. And don’t compare yourself —nothing happens overnight, especially on social media. You don’t know where someone else is on their journey to success.
TBC: Lastly, any other industry tips for our readers?
Little: Take care of your skin. Don’t use makeup to hide things, that’s what skincare is for. When you have that perfect canvas, your whole look will come together. No one thinks about their skin type, and they don’t know what products they should use. My number one is understanding skin and your skin type.
You can catch up with Aries and see her work on Instagram @alittledashofcolor. Images by Krystal Harris, Photojourneys Photography.