Getting to know Cindy
Tell me about your background and where you grew up.
I grew up in Liberty, TX, which is a small town east of Houston. My parents still live there. It was a great place to grow up where everyone knows one another- very tight-knit. Growing up there in the '70s & '80s was the best. As a kid, my older brother and I would ride our bikes all over town, hop from one friend's house to the next, and not get home until the street lights came on. In high school, we'd all go to Sonic after school & on weekends cruise up and down Mainstreet blasting music. Friday night football games. Everyone knew one another - quintessential small-town life, nobody locked their doors.
What brought you to Austin, TX?
By the time I reached high school, Liberty was getting a little too small for me! I had a friend who graduated a few years before me and was living in Austin attending UT. I would visit her every chance I got and she took me all over town introducing me to all of the cool clubs, bands, stores, restaurants, Barton Springs, Mt Bonell- everything Austin has to offer. I loved visiting and decided this was where I wanted to be.
What led you to become a makeup artist?
I have loved makeup, skincare, and fashion for as long as I can remember. I am a huge dork when it comes to makeup. From the history, to color theory, tools and techniques I am constantly researching and educating myself. As a little girl, I would intently watch my mom put on her face creams and makeup each day and my grandmother would occasionally give me one of her tiny Avon lipstick samples - I was obsessed. As a teenager, I poured over the pages of Seventeen, Teen, Vogue, Mademoiselle, and Glamour. My mom took a picture of me when I was maybe 4 or 5 years old wearing a pair of her red sandals and holding a red tube of lipstick that I had "skillfully" applied all over my face- it was even on my teeth! I guess you could say makeup is in my blood.
What is one of your favorite parts of being a makeup artist?
Collaborating with clients is one of my favorite parts of being a makeup artist. I like to talk to each client and understand their comfort level surrounding makeup and what type of look they want to achieve. My goal is to help each client look and feel their best and enhance their natural beauty. I like to put people at ease and let them know that they will look like themselves, not look like they are wearing a mask. Less is more is definitely the rule of thumb. We can always add more to enhance certain features, so using a light hand is key for me. I tend to do a more natural style of makeup but will go full glam depending on what the client is looking for. The beauty of makeup is that it isn't permanent. It can be subtle or completely transform someone's appearance and at the end of the day it washes off.
What is your favorite type of session and why?
I like every type of makeup session! Each session is unique because each client is unique. Makeup is a very personal thing. Some people wear it every day and some people never wear it. It can be intimidating to have your makeup done by someone you have never met. Some people have had some bad experiences and it turned them off from the idea of having their makeup professionally done. That is why communicating with each client is key. I like to explain what I am doing and why, and offer tips and advice along the way. The biggest gratification is when the client looks in the mirror at the end of the session and really likes what they see. My goal is that they see themselves looking polished, confident, and not necessarily the makeup.
What is a piece of advice you’ve been given that you’ll never forget?
Both my parents instilled in me the importance of a good work ethic. Find something that you love to do and want to get up to do every day. Work hard and treat people with kindness and respect. I have had a few different careers and jobs over the years, but makeup is truly my passion. I am lucky that I get to do what I do. I am extremely fortunate to work and collaborate with very talented photographers, stylists, and fellow makeup artists. It's pretty dreamy.
If you could live during any time period, what would it be and why?
I lived in probably my most favorite era: the 1980s! Ha Ha! The ‘80s were all about extra- extra hair, makeup, fashion. I was definitely in my element. The hours spent getting ready just to go to school each day! The thought of doing that now is exhausting, but I loved every minute of it. It was the time of MTV, all of the awesome teen movies and fashion magazines. I have to say, I do love living in today's era too. There are so many great products on the market that are multitasking, so it cuts down on time getting out the door. I also like that I can turn to Instagram or Pinterest to gather inspiration from artists from around the world.