9 Questions with Kevin James Bennett

How long have you been doing makeup? About 25 years.

-What are three of your must-have products? MAKE UP FOR EVER Flash Color Palette, HD Microfinish Powder & Pure Pigments.

-What’s the last project you were on? Consulting on a team to create a new look for a celeb.

-Why do you love being a makeup artist? I am privileged to work in an industry where the stroke of a brush can lift a person's self esteem, turn them into a character, make them feel strong, sexy, confident. I'm constantly amazed at how this non-permanent medium can illicit so many varied emotional responses. Whether it's design, application, development, marketing, education, beauty editorial..I LOVE IT ALL!

-In one word, what inspires you? Curiosity.

-What makes you a good makeup artist? I'm not afraid to make mistakes. You can't grow without putting yourself out there and developing new concepts. So what if your idea doesn't work, wipe it off and start again.

-What was your first job as an artist? Putting makeup on mannequins at Bloomingdale's.

-How would you describe your style of makeup? Lifestyle makeup. I've spent the majority of my career working in mediums that require my work to define/perfect what exists or to create a plausible "character" makeup that fits a lifestyle.

-If you could do one person’s makeup who you haven’t yet done who would it be? Cate Blanchett...she's such a chameleon and can carry off just about any period look (especially "old hollywood glamour).

Kevin James Bennett is the Director of Pro Business Development and Artist Relations for Make Up For Ever. He will be speaking at The Makeup Show NYC on Sunday May 17 at 1:15pm, presenting Everyday HD: Understanding the Technology and Techniques. For more information and to purchase tickets for The Makeup Show NYC on May 17 & 18 please visit www.themakeupshow.com