Anthony Kinard has solidified his place on the list of top makeup artists and bridal vendors in Washington D.C., New York and Los Angeles.
Throughout his career in beauty, Kinard has lent his artistry to leading beauty brands like Tom Ford, Armani, Anastasia Beverly Hills and MAC Cosmetics.His work has been showcased on major television networks including NBCUniversal, CBS affiliate WUSA9 and international news station CGTN America. The D.C.’s native work has also landed on pages in Phoenix Bride and Groom and Ellements magazines.
Here’s his rolling out interview.
What were the first steps you took to becoming a professional makeup artist?
When I first started in makeup, I knew very little about makeup but I was able to absorb a lot very fast. Sam Fine’s Fine Beauty and Kevin Aucoin’s Making Faces were like the makeup bible to me and I combed through those pages like nobody’s business. I was then introduced to an angel named Michela by my cousin David who is a hairstylist and it was no turning back from there. My first legit makeup job was with MAC Cosmetics where I received intensive training. As I saw it very important to stay true to my own artistry as well, so I also sought out other education from industry heavyweights such as Merrell Hollis and AJ Crimson.
What inspired you to become a makeup artist?
I’ve always found how color is expressed art, fashion and beauty to be interesting. I was inspired to become a makeup artist because of the immediate effect that a good application has both on the person wearing the makeup as well as anyone who encounters the makeup. The smallest flick of color can influence a mood immediately. That is true inspiration to me.
What skills do you feel are most important for a makeup artist to have?
I think in order to be a good makeup artist you have to be diverse and detail-oriented. There are so many details that create the final look and it is very important to pay attention to them all and not just the finished product. Also, have knowledge of different face shapes, skin tone and textures. It is key to the making of a good make-up artist.
What brands, retailers and celebrities have you worked with in this industry?
I have done work for Givenchy, MAC, Bobbi Brown, Armani Beauty, Anastasia Beverly Hills, YSL Beauty, AJ Crimson, Danessa Myrick and Tom Ford Beauty. I have also worked with celebrities Crystal Waters and Katie McGrath.
What are your favorite products?
I most definitely have favorite products. Tom Ford Beauty’s Illuminating Primer is a favorite of mine as its use is diverse. I absolutely love Makeup Forever brushes and just about anything else they come up with for that matter. Also Daness Myricks Enlight Illuminators and Metal Pigments are absolutely amazing.
What are three makeup tips people should know?
A few makeup tips I would like everyone to know are …
Skin is always in so make sure you are properly cleansing, exfoliating and hydrating by not only topical product but also by what you are putting into your body.
Take time to experiment with what works for you. There are so many how-to’s and trends that say what you should be doing with your makeup but everything isn’t for everybody. Start with the things you are confident in. If you know you can do some amazing eyeliner, play with a different color options. When you take small steps, you will be more confident and guided in taking larger ones.
Less is more or at least it should look like it anyway. In my opinion makeup should be used to enhance. The goal isn’t to mask. It’s to enhance what’s there so start with a lighter touch. If you like more coverage, do so in layers and only in the areas where you needed. Your makeup will look better to the naked eye and be truly timeless.
How has the industry changed?
I have been in the makeup industry for about seven years now. Sometimes it’s crazy to think how much it has changed. Social media has had a major impact on how people perceive makeup, who is considered a makeup artist and what makeup artists should be paid. There are now so many people who are “experts” with YouTube channels who are instructing what to do and they have only done beauty makeup on themselves. Like any other profession, it’s very important to gain experience by actually doing the work on others.
What projects are you working on these days?
At the moment, I am working on a beauty seminar in Washington D.C. which will take place June 1 with special guest Vanessa A. Williams (“Days of Our Lives,” Showtime’s “Soul Food”), as well as all natural skincare products, beauty accessories and an online beauty academy.
Where do you see your business in the next five years?
In the next five years, I see my business flourishing more into a creative agency. I have vast interests in creative culture and hope to facilitate a means for other creatives. This will include makeup artistry services or course, mentor ship programs, photography services and design.
