Today we’d like to introduce you to Gladys Diaz.
Gladys, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a Makeup Artist from Los Angeles, CA. I have been a makeup freelancer for about six years now but makeup has always been my passion. I grew up watching my mother put on her makeup daily and was always fascinated at how something as simple as a lipstick or a lash curl could not only make you look put together but also feel better.
Growing up in a single mother home with younger siblings meant I usually stayed home babysitting instead of being out with friends so playing with makeup and dressing up was always my escape. I went to college and graduated with my bachelor degree, so makeup was always just for fun.
I was involved in a car accident in 2011, which forced me out of work so I decided to get certified as a makeup artist so that I could make some money on the side. Slowly but surely, I began to build my new career as a Makeup Artist. I was hired through MAC Cosmetics where I freelanced a few years but I have always loved working on set.
I’ve had the opportunity to work with amazing brands such as MAC COSMETICS, BENEFIT COSMETICS, and HONEST BEAUTY to name a few. Beyond the many photoshoots, music videos, and onset jobs, what I love the most about my type of work is beautiful should I get to meet.
As a makeup artist, I am never in the same place, I have deep talks, share jokes, share experiences, visit new places, meet new people, always an adventure.
Although I am not where it’s like to be and so proud of what I have accomplished as well as so very blessed to be able to do what I love and make a living, which can be nerve-racking as a freelancer.
I look forward to continuing this love for makeup as well as growing as an artist and learning from other amazing Makeup Artists, I love what I do, although there’s struggle, sometimes some not so nice people, sometimes crazy hours, I wouldn’t change it for the world because this is what I know I was made to do, effortlessly stunning beauty.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Becoming a Makeup Artist has not been a smooth road. Initially, I began doing this for fun and a way to make some side money, however, I held a job for a long time even as I freelanced. It was a struggle between finding time and money for my passion or time and money and a job for my bills. I came to a point where I realized although I had a job to go to with a paycheck, I was miserable and all I could think of was my next makeup job. I quit, it was scary, I struggled, I was broke but man, was I full of love when it came to makeup. I worked harder, I contacted people, offered my services at ridiculously cheap prices just to get by. I did a lot of free work before I did any paid work, but I never complained because I was gaining so much from these exchanges, I learned from my experiences, managing time, doing impromptu makeup changes, dealing with on set professionalism so much that I would have never learned if I stayed on the safe side. I finished jobs exhausted, sweaty, no money, but man was my soul full. It wasn’t always easy but through the amazing people I’ve encountered and many referrals, I was able to build my clientele list like I continue to do now. All the struggles were worth it, still are.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a makeup artist who loves working on beauty looks. I believe that makeup is not one size fits all, and should be something customized to your needs and facial structure that overall brings you joy. I am a firm believer of a little goes a long way, my favorite line by Tom Form says “Sunkissed skin with a hint of color has a powerful simplicity that is effortlessly stunning,” this is what I strive to achieve with my canvas, a wearable beautiful look customized to perfection where natural beauty and color blend seamlessly.
In addition to beauty, I enjoy playing with makeup in more editorial ways. I love how strategic placement of color, finish, or texture can change a look. I have been very blessed to be able to work on fun editorial looks with talented professionals I now consider friends. I am able to let my creative freedom run wild with their trust and have even surprised myself at times, but always no matter if it is just a winged eyeliner or a simple eye, I live for those transformations and the overall experience.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
I grew up amongst very strong women. These women ALL wore makeup! My mother and her sisters were always put together when I was growing up, not just makeup but also hair, nails, wardrobe, they always looked beautiful. My mom changed up her hair so often, with that, she changed her makeup. I sat on her bed at 5 am as she got ready for a warehouse job, hair curled, bright beautiful eyes defined with liner and mascara and the oh so popular lined 90s lips, I wanted to look just like her. I have her eyes so she taught me how to carefully apply “clear mascara” in middle school because I was “too young” for makeup outside of home. The next year, she taught me how to line my waterline and I’d sit in my room hours reading magazine makeup tricks trying makeup looks till my face felt raw and I loved it.
Working in my career now knowing makeup like I do, I thank all those women for exposing me to what makeup can do to a face but most importantly, what nurturing that beauty can do for your soul.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gladysdiazmkeup.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @_gladys_glam
Image Credit:
@alexanikol, @themanuc, @rosewvll, @johnnieblazee, @beccstheboss, @joycevisuals
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