Pro Artist Kelly Newman

KL: How did you get started out in the makeup industry?

KN: I knew I wanted to be a makeup artist since high school. After graduating, I attended Vancouver Film School to study makeup and went on to work in film for nearly five years. From there, I transitioned into freelance work, which I’ve now been doing full-time for the past five years. I said yes to every opportunity that came my way and always gave my best effort, no matter the size of the project. I believe that mindset has ultimately brought me to where I am today.

KL: What do you love most about being a makeup artist?

KN: I love connecting with people through every stage of their lives. Many of my clients have been with me through their engagements, weddings, and even their first and second babies. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help women feel like the best versions of themselves, to know that I’ve boosted their confidence and helped bring out their inner beauty.

KL: How would you describe your signature style or aesthetic?

KN: I would describe my signature style as glam that enhances and feels fresh and timeless. I’m a big believer in always enhancing and never masking.

KL: How do you get inspiration for your makeup looks?

KN: I love drawing inspiration from what my client is wearing. I always ask to see their outfit, it gives me so much creative direction. The colours, tones, textures, and overall vibe all play a part. I use those elements to create a look that feels cohesive and complements every detail of what they’re wearing.

KL: Any advice you would give to someone just starting out in the industry?

KN: I have so much advice for anyone starting out in the industry! Put yourself out there, whether it’s through social media or by physically putting yourself in spaces where you can meet people and network. Be professional, kind, and adaptable. The ability to go with the flow and pivot when needed is so important in this job and industry.

Say yes to new opportunities, even if they seem small, you never know who you’ll meet or what it could lead to. Learn from every experience: what worked, what didn’t. Look up to artists you admire, and never stop learning new techniques. The makeup industry is constantly changing and evolving. If you don’t continue to grow and adapt, you’ll feel stagnant. Staying curious and open is key to evolving as an artist.

KL: What is the most memorable job you've ever done?

KN: One of my most memorable jobs I’ve ever done is so memorable because I swear I blacked out while I was doing it. I was doing an event for Mercedes where I would be doing hair and makeup for Roger Federer. It was my first time working with a celebrity of his calibre and I was so so nervous. He came in, I did the quickest makeup and hair (he has amazing skin so it was an easy job for me!) and left. It was over in a blink, and after I felt so silly for being so incredibly nervous. He was so kind and his team was amazing. It was definitely a learning experience to just chill out! It’s not worth it to get yourself all worked up with nerves, you’re going to do great!

KL: What do you look for in a great pair of lashes?

KN: I look for a few key things when choosing a lash. First, I always pay attention to the taper of each individual lash, the finer the taper at the ends, the more seamlessly they blend into the natural lashes. I also look at the band; I prefer a thin, flexible band when selecting a strip lash. It makes application easier, helps the lashes blend beautifully along the lash line, and ensures they’re comfortable for the client to wear.

KL: How do you decide which lash style to use on a client?

KN: When choosing a lash style, I always start by looking at the client’s eye shape and the proportions of their eyes to their face. I also consider the shape of their eyelids, what will not only look best but also feel the most comfortable. I make sure to consult with each client about what they’re most comfortable wearing. Some people love a bold, full lash, while others have never worn lashes before so in those cases, I’ll use individual lashes to ease them in gently.

KL: Can you give us some lash tips and best ways to apply false eyelashes?

KN: One of my favourite ways to use Kasha Lashes is by mixing multiple styles of individuals. I love combining the Classic Individuals with a few Luxe styles or the Individual Flare lashes to create something completely custom and dynamic.
When applying false lashes, I always have my client look down, this makes it easier to get the lash band as close to the natural lash line as possible and prevents any gaps or glue from getting on the lower lashes. Letting the lash glue dry until it’s tacky is also a must for a seamless, long-lasting application.

KL: Which Kasha styles do you enjoy the most and why?

KN: I am such an individual eyelash girl, the classic Kasha Individual eyelashes will always be a staple in my kit! They blend in so seamlessly and feel so comfortable to wear. I have been loving the new styles though, the Individual Spiked Flare and the Luxe 1.0 + 2.0 are quickly becoming favourites too!

4 Quick Questions with Kelly

I can’t live without? My family and friends. They have been with me every step of the way and have never stopped supporting me and my dream!

Favourite beauty trend at the moment? I’m really into the “Toasty” makeup trend. It’s just a soft bronzey glam rebranded, but it looks good on everyone and the word toasty sounds so appealing and cozy! Perfect for fall!

One product that’s always in your makeup kit? The Caudalie Beauty Elixir! It’s one of the first steps in my makeup application, it gives a nice amount of hydration to the skin but it’s the smell that does it for me! It’s like aromatherapy, suddenly I’m in a spa! I think it sets the tone for a relaxing glam session!

Beauty Secret? When you operate at a higher vibrational energy it shows! Beauty comes from within.

Follow Kelly @kfrankmakeup