9 Questions with Elke Von Freudenberg

-How long have you been doing makeup? Since 1985 or so...I started doing makeup when I was still in high school.

-What are three of your must-have products? Face Atelier's foundations are a must.. makes skin look absolutely perfect, Alison Raffaele's invisible powder, (yes, it really is invisible) and Smashbox's Primer.

-What's the last project you worked on? It was a beauty editorial for a magazine.

-Why do you love being a makeup artist? I love the idea of trying to create something perfect. It's a moment in time that's captured on film for all time, and I love trying to make that moment as perfect and as beautiful as possible.

-In one word, what inspires you? Beauty. Anything that is beautiful inspires me. A sunset, a rose, a person.

-What makes you a good makeup artist? I think my insane attention to detail and the ability to see the whole picture. Knowing that the shot is not about me and that my makeup is just a small part of it. If my part fits into the puzzle, then the whole shot works.

-What was your first job as an artist? I think it was a headshot for an actress from All My Children. I also think I was terrified, if I remember correctly.

-How would you describe your style of makeup? Perfect beauty. My style is definitely not natural or crazy. Just beauty as perfect as I can get it.

-If you could do one person's makeup who you haven't yet done who would it be? Probably Linda Evangelista because her face inspired me so much when I was starting out doing makeup. I would be curious as to what makeup look I would do on her...

Elke Von Freudenberg is a Celebrity Eyebrow Specialist and Makeup Artist. She is also the founder of The Beauty Blog Network and the editor of her own beauty blog.

9 Questions with David Klasfeld

How long have you been doing makeup?
I’m going on my 15th year in the industry.

What are three of your must-have products?
1. Ben Nye Neutral Set Powder – completely translucent and works on absolutely everybody from the lightest to the darkest skintone. 2. Cetaphil Moisturizer – a perfect, basic, non-reactive pre-makeup moisturizer. 3. OCC Skin Airbrush Foundation – honestly, not just because I created it but because I really do believe it gives the perfect approximation of beautiful, real looking skin. The few times a year that I have to do hand-applied makeup, I really do feel hobbled without it.

What’s the last project you worked on?
Assisting my friend and fellow artist Katie Pellegrino on Diego Binetti’s gorgeous Fall/Winter collection. I think it’s so important for new artists to know that you never get to a stage of your career when you’re “beyond” assisting or testing. It’s a learning process in a truly collaborative industry that you never outgrow.

Why do you love being a makeup artist?
Very simply because I love, and will forever be fascinated by, color and texture and how they can have such an impact on someone’s appearance.

In one word, what inspires you?
Currently I’m obsessed with Anime and Japanese Pop Culture. It has such a strong aesthetic that’s all about sharp contrasts. Our most recent ad campaign for Lip Tar was inspired by Takashi Murakami’s color palette, and how he juxtaposes vivid colors against a dark and sometimes drab background. Once again, Katie Pellegrino was the artist for the campaign and her interpretation of this was spot-on.

What makes you a good makeup artist?
The fact that I don’t go into a job with an agenda. I understand my role as one part of a creative process, and always concern myself more with how I adapt the makeup to best suit the finished product.

What was your first job as an artist?
One of the first jobs I was able to secure in my freelance career was literally drag makeup by candlelight for a fashion show for a now-major designer. By candlelight because Production blew a fuse in the room we were working in and couldn’t get the power back on without potentially risking that the lights in the house wouldn’t work for the show. Once you’ve jumped that kind of hurdle, you never complain about your accommodations backstage.

How would you describe your style of makeup?
I would hope to have it described as progressive. I don’t believe in ‘corrective’ makeup, at least the kind that’s meant to simply homogenize away the differences in people’s features. I love to create the kind of look that’s worn by a confident woman or man who wears makeup because they love it, not because they feel they have to wear it.

If you could do one person’s makeup who you haven’t yet done who would it be?
Too hard to pick. Definitely a comedian. Roseanne, Sandra Bernhard, Margaret Cho or Sarah Silverman. Just give an excuse to hang around with one of those four.

David Klasfeld is the CEO and Creative Director of New York based professional makeup line, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics.

9 Questions with Valerie Hernandez

How long have you been doing makeup? I have been experimenting with makeup since I was a little girl, basically for as long as I can remember! Professionally for 7 years.

What are three of your must-have products? YOUNGBLOOD Loose Mineral Foundations, YOUNGBLOOD Mineral Primer and Egyptian Magic

What’s the last project you worked on? A variety of beautiful photoshoots with the amazing Tyler Shield.

Why do you love being a makeup artist? I absolutely love being a makeup artist because I love educating women on “Healthy, Beautiful and Flawless” makeup techniques.

In one word, what inspires you? ESSENCE

What makes you a good makeup artist? Drive along with Passion ! But most importantly the APPRECIATION of every single opportunity that is placed before me.

What was your first job as an artist? I was an assistant to Celebrity Makeup Artist D’Andre Michaels.

How would you describe your style of makeup? Clean and Healthy.

If you could do one person’s makeup who you haven’t yet done who would it be? That would definitely have to be Ellen Degeneres !

Valerie Hernandez is the senior educator and makeup artist for Youngblood Cosmetics.
You may visit their site at www.ybskin.com.

9 Questions with Alison Raffaele

-How long have you been doing makeup?

23 years

-What are three of your must-have products?

Alison Rafaele Cosmetics Face Forward Primer: Acne Response, Alison Rafaele Cosmetics True Concealer and DHC's Deep Cleansing Oil

-What's the last project you worked on?

Currently working on the development of Alison Raffaele Cosmetics new eco-friendly mascara and luminizers

-Why do you love being a makeup artist?

The people! Whether it is talking shop with editors and bloggers,

introducing other artists to my products, working with customers at retail,

spending time in the R&D lab with my chemists, or networking for business, I

constantly find myself meeting wonderful people.

-In one word, what inspires you?

Women

-What makes you a good makeup artist?

Being in tune with the customer's needs

-What was your first job as an artist?

Behind a makeup counter at Macy's in Paramus, NJ at the age of 16

-How would you describe your style of makeup?

I am to visually telegraph a woman's inner beauty and personality through

her makeup

-If you could do one person's makeup who you haven't yet done who would it

be? My daughter's...I'm due August 21st, so her first Halloween may a bit too

soon, but you know at least she'll have a great costume!

Alison Raffaele is the founder of Alison Raffaele cosmetics/Green Pioneer. You can see her at The Makeup Show NYC on Sunday May 17 – 2:00pm for The Founders Forum. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.themakeupshow.com

9 Questions with Kate Leydon

-How long have you been doing makeup? 20 years

What are three of your must-have products? The balm concealer, Tweezerman tweezer, Susan Posnick Powder #5.

-What's the last project you worked on? An in house photo shoot for my shop Ruby Room

-Why do you love being a makeup artist? I love the art of transformation, creating a flawless palette of skin to paint on.

-In one word, what inspires you? Blending

-What makes you a good makeup artist? a microscopic eye for detail.

-What was your first job as an artist? Working at a makeup counter.

-How would you describe your style of makeup? Clean & classic beauty.

-If you could do one person's makeup who you haven't yet done who would it be? Cate Blanchett, or one of my childhood friends might be fun too.

Kate Leydon is the founder of Ruby Room the style of wellness. Join Kate Leydon at The Makeup Show NY May 17-18^th. She will be presenting “Finding Wellness” on Sunday May 17^th at 9:30am. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit http://www.themakeupshow.com/

9 Questions with Michael DeVellis

How long have you been in the industry? 16 years.

What are three of your must-have products for any artist? mascara, salmon (the color not the food!) concealer, and a great moisturizer

What are the last projects you worked on? Evolution Provincetown, The Makeup Show LA, On Makeup Magazine Spring 2009

Why do you love being in the industry? There is no career or craft more invigorating or inspirational than one that works to transform others. In the case of makeup artists - transforming the client. In the case of The Powder Group - transforming careers.

In one word, what inspires you? Honesty.

What makes you a good at what you do? I tell it like it is.

What was your first job in the industry? Retail Manager, MAC at Westfarms Mall, CT

How would you describe your favorite style of makeup? One that is true to both the artist and the client.

If you could work with one person in the industry who would it be? Way Bandy

Michael DeVellis is the Executive Director of The Powder Group, and the Creative Director and Editor of On Makeup Magazine. He will be speaking at The Makeup Show NYC on Sunday May 17th at 10 am, presenting Marketing You and Founders Forum on Sunday, May 17 at 2:00pm. For more information and to purchase tickets for The Makeup Show NYC on May 17 & 18 please visit www.themakeupshow.com

9 Questions with Jon Hennessey

How long have you been doing makeup? 15 years and hopefully another 50 more.

What are three of your must-have products? MAC #188 Brush, Face Atelier Foundations, Mika Olivia Brush Cleanser

What’s the last project you worked on? Just wrapped a video for Papa Roach

Why do you love being a makeup artist? This is a question that I could literally spend pages on. I've been fortunate enough to work on such a wide variety of projects that make every day completely unique. I work in an industry in which I'm completely surrounded by creative individuals...it doesn't get much more inspiring than that.

In one word, what inspires you? Struggle

What makes you a good makeup artist? There are thousands and thousands of incredible makeup artists out there doing their own thing. I've probably shown my portfolio in order to get work less than 20 times in my career. The majority of the work that I do comes through word of mouth. It's less about my makeup than the experience and environment that I create for people. I try to bring a little calm into my clients crazy lives.

What was your first job as an artist? It's been a while, but it would probably have been volunteering my services for a cable access cooking show. Doesn't get much more glamorous.

How would you describe your style of makeup? Clean, minimalist, abstract, painterly.

If you could do one person’s makeup who you haven’t yet done who

would it be? Past would be my mum. Present would be Zooey Deschanel.

Jon is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Nobasura Agency and one of the most respected educators in the Makeup Industry. He will be speaking at The Makeup Show NYC on Monday May 18^th at 9:45am, presenting Working in Fashion. For more information and to purchase tickets for The Makeup Show NYC on May 17 & 18 please visit www.themakeupshow.com