As a model, Amanda Jones is no stranger to getting her makeup done, but instead of being rushed out of the chair and in front of the cameras, this full-time mom from East Greenville got to relax and learn the tips and tricks of contouring from L Studio's Lori Smith.
Amanda Jones
Model
East Greenville
What made you decide to go for this makeover?
I know Lori as a photographer, but I honestly never knew she had this hidden talent as an amazing makeup artist. She asked me if I would be interested in getting a makeover and, of course, I said yes! Who wouldn't? It's always a good thing to learn more tricks about how to apply makeup and what colors to use.
What is your usual makeup routine?
I never leave the house without some kind of makeup on. My normal routine is a light foundation, a little blush, mascara and a pink lip gloss, and I'm on my way.
How do you feel about the new look?
I absolutely love the new look! We were joking around that I needed to go out on a hot date with my husband that night because I was all ready to go, but in reality, I just went home and made dinner. At least I looked good doing it. Ha!
Do you think you'll be trying the techniques Lori used at home?
Definitely. It's actually very easy to achieve this look. You just need a professional like Lori to show you the right colors for you and what parts of your face need the highlights and contouring. I never bothered with that before, but it made such a huge difference.
Favorite element of fall fashion?
Fashion is my thing and fall is my favorite season. Every year I can't wait to find that perfect fall boot. This year, it's all about the bootie. Gotta have the perfect suede bootie in the color taupe, stacked heel and side cutouts.
How do you like to celebrate the holidays?
I love celebrating the holidays at home with family and friends. I enjoy hosting, and it's my time to kick up my feet, find new recipes, wear my elastic-waist pants and eat and drink as much as I want. It's the best time of the year!
Lori Smith
Owner
L Studio
What's your favorite thing about your job?
Whether I'm working with a bride, a business woman, an actor or a model, my absolute favorite thing about being a makeup artist is making people look and feel incredibly beautiful!
Can anyone experiment with contouring, or is it better for some faces than others?
Whatever shape face you have, contouring and highlighting can help define your features. When you experiment with contour, you can discover ways to enhance your cheekbones, slim down your nose and define your jawline.
When did contouring become popular in the mainstream? And how popular is it?
I think contouring became popular a few years ago with reality TV shows like the Keeping Up with the Kardashians and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and then it started growing in popularity—Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube.
Contouring is now so popular and it doesn't look like it's going away anytime soon. I used to only do contouring for photo shoots; now I get requests for contouring all the time, and most cosmetic companies have embraced the contouring craze and have added some type of contouring kit to their line.
What are the features you really wanted to accentuate on Amanda's face?
For Amanda's makeup, I wanted to accentuate her cheekbones and define her nose, forehead and jawline.
How hard is contouring to master?
It's not too hard to master, but using the right shades and knowing where to apply it is crucial in doing a good job.
What are some contouring pitfalls that are easy to blunder into?
Going too strong on the contouring and highlighting and having a caked-on look, using the wrong colors, colors that are too dark for the skin, putting the contour in the wrong place, too high or too low on the cheekbone, and not blending the contour and highlighter, which gives a very harsh and unnatural look.
Besides contouring, what else went into the makeover?
I also played up Amanda's eyes with my L Studio Essential pro neutral eye palette and I added a L Studio Essential's nude matte lip stain.
Your favorite beauty product and why?
There are so many cosmetic products that I love! For contouring Amanda, I used the Anastasia Contour Cream kit for a more dramatic look. Then I used my own private label, L Studio Essentials powder contour kit, to give her a smooth, defined, flawless finish.
