The first ever Skin Games Makeup Challenge will take place on August 27-28, 2017 at Skin Inc.'s Face & Body Northern California. This one-of-a-kind of an event will challenge makeup artists in the categories of bridal, corrective and glam/avant-garde.
To prepare for the challenge, Skin Inc. sat down and talked to two of the judges to see what they are looking for at this year's event.
Looking for Natural Beauty With Linda Bertaut
Skin Inc. (SI): Can you give our audience a quick snapshot of your background in esthetics and how you got involved with The Skin Games?
Linda Bertaut (LB): I entered the beauty industry over 30 years ago to be a make-up artist and image consultant. From the first time I applied makeup on someone, I was hooked! I love how our industry allows us to make a positive impact in the lives of our clients, both inside and out.
I see The Skin Games as a real game changer for our industry. It is allowing estheticians to showcase what we really do in our work and the profound impact we make with clients.
I got involved last year to demonstrate how estheticians can incorporate energy healing programs, creating peace within and an inner glow, in addition to the traditional services we offer.
SI: What will you be looking for in contestants at The Skin Games Makeup Challenge? What specific things are you looking for in each category?
LB: In the bridal and corrective categories, I am looking at how well the make-up artist enhances the client's natural features. This means selecting a foundation that matches skin tone, concealer that looks natural and not cakey, blush and shadows that enhance the client's natural coloring and that everything is well blended with no obvious lines of demarcation. Great makeup enhances the windows to our soul and looks natural ... even if they have on a lot of makeup. With glam/avant-garde, I will be looking for creativity, use of color, artistic precision and blending where blending is appropriate.
SI: What are you most excited for at this year’s Skin Inc.'s Face & Body Northern California?
LB: Face & Body and Skin Inc. hold a special place in my heart! Skin Inc. was the first magazine to ask me to write articles for them, and Face & Body was my first trade show as a speaker and exhibitor. I'm excited to be a judge so that I can contribute to the industry and show that has provided so much for me.
Making Your Mark With Mark Lees
SI: Can you give our audience a quick snapshot of your background in esthetics and how you got involved with The Skin Games?
Mark Lees (ML): I have been in practice as a clinical esthetician for over 30 years. I am a licensed master esthetician and hold a CIDESCO Diploma, a master's of science in health, a Ph.D. in health science. I have been a product developer and have been making clinical skin care products for estheticians and dermatologists since 1988.
I also have an undergraduate degree in theatre arts and worked as both a theatrical and fashion makeup artist for many years.
SI: What will you be looking for in contestants at The Skin Games Makeup Challenge? What specific things are you looking for in each category”
ML: I will be judging only the glam/avant-garde category, and will be looking for originality and good execution.
SI: What are you most excited for at this year’s Face & Body Northern California?
ML: I look forward to Skin Inc.'s Face & Body Northern California every year. I love the Advanced Education, and while I often teach a session for it, I also enjoyed getting to sit in on the other classes.
Registration for Face & Body Northern California is currently open, to register for the event click here. Prices will go up at the door.