Jill Powell is a hair and makeup artist from Los Angeles and has worked with a variety of celebrities and fashion clients. Currently, Jill is the makeup artist on Demi Lovato’s Unbroken Tour and on the X-Factor show in the USA. Despite Jill’s incredibly hectic schedule we were delighted that she took some time to be interviewed by Urbanity Chic. Read on to find out, amongst other things, what her favourite makeup product is, who she is inspired by in the fashion industry and what she does to relax when not working.
MUA Jill Powell -- photo of Demi Lovato courtesy of http://Bellasugar.com.au
MUA Jill Powell -- photo of Demi Lovato courtesy of http://Bellasugar.com.au
Q: How have the last 12 months been for you?
Very busy! Touring, photo shoots, worked on some product development..
Q: What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion is a way to express who you are and how you are feeling. It’s constantly evolving and I love to see what is new each season.
Q: Which modern day fashion designers or fashion icons do you look up to?
I love classic and romantic styles usually with slight twists or daring aspects. There are so many designers I love.
I love Marchesa, YSL, Lela Rose, Vince Camuto… The list goes on.
Q: Where do you get your inspiration?
I get inspiration from many outlets. I love textures, so I am constantly observing my environment. I love getting color inspiration from shopping in home furnishing stores or from fashion.
Q: Who inspires you?
My family is my biggest inspiration. I have an amazing husband and two beautiful children and they keep me going every day. My mom also inspires me and has been a huge inspiration my whole life.
Creatively, iconic makeup artists like Kabuki and Danny Sanz inspire me, and I love the style of Alexis Vogel. I am also I inspired by Yadim and his unique approach to makeup.
What’s your favourite makeup product that you are never without on a shoot?
I love my Smashbox contour palette and use it on most all shoots.
Q: What is the skin prep process prior to makeup?
Skin prep is the most important step in makeup application. It is important to exfoliate the skin so it is fresh and smooth. Then I like to apply a hydrating and brightening serum, eye cream and moisturizer. I massage each of these into the skin so they absorb nicely. I also exfoliate the lips and apply a lip conditioning treatment to them. When doing concerts or shows where the makeup needs to stay perfect for long hours, I also always use a primer to waterproof the makeup and make it long wearing.
Q: How would you define your personal style?
My style is very clean and precise. I like a clean look that looks polished.
MUA Jill Powell -- photo of Demi Lovato courtesy of http://mtv.com/
Q: Where are you based?
Los Angeles
Q: What’s it like being where you’re from?
I actually live outside of Los Angeles and commute into the city. I love where I live because it is peaceful and a great place to raise my family. The weather is amazing and for me it is the perfect place to live!
Q: How would you define your city’s fashion?
LA fashion is eclectic and trendy. It is the home of so many celebrities so fashion is huge.
Q: What are you hoping to achieve over the next 12 months?
I would love to continue working with celebrities and possibly expand my work with product development.
Q: What do you do to relax?
I love to go shopping to relax. I love looking at things- there is something calming about looking through racks. I also go for walks and hang out with my family and friends.
Q: Where would your favourite holiday (vacation) be and why?
I love tropical places so going somewhere where the weather is nice and the environment is beautiful would be amazing. I have also always wanted to visit Australia and have yet to go.
Q: What songs are you listening to at the moment?
I listen to a wide variety of music- right now I am listening to a lot of pop music. Rihanna, Drake, and of course Demi Lovato.
Q: Do you have interesting hobbies?
I make bows for my 2 1/2 year old daughter.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to let our readers know about?
I love being behind the scenes making people beautiful but I also love being on camera as the beauty expert.
Q: What is the most important beauty advice that you can give to women?
Complexion is the most important feature so take care of your skin with a proper regimen and never sleep in your makeup! And please wear SPF every day!
MUA Jill Powell -- photo of Demi Lovato courtesy of http://HawtCelebs.com
Q: What motivates you to do what you do?
I love making people look and feel beautiful. I have worked with women going through Chemotherapy and it is so rewarding making them feel beautiful. I give people confidence through my gift of makeup art and it is the best feeling.
Editor’s Note: Jill Powell’s creativity and attention to detail has made her sought after by one of America’s brightest performers and are sure that looking at the her work you can see why. Definitely one of Urbanity Chic’s “Ones to Watch”.
Special Thanks to Jennifer Webster at Dew Beauty. Awesome!
If you’d like to learn more about or get in touch with Jill Powell, just follow the links below:
Twitter link: https://twitter.com/#!/dewbeauty
Facebook link: http://www.facebook.com/DewBeautyandPhoto
Web page link: http://dewbeautyagency.com/hairandmakeup/jillpowell.html
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