Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyse Tracey Gallagher.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Alyse Tracey. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
You could say my journey into becoming a makeup artist started nearly 2 decades ago. As a small child, my grandmother had bought me play-makeup. I loved to play dress up! So much that I made my Grandfather (an Army Veteran) wear clip on earrings and hats with giant Daisy’s to sit for my tea parties. All though I loved the makeup she got for me, I needed “more”. What I needed “more” of, was what we call pigmentation to pay off in our industry today. I used Crayola non-toxic markers in place of my play makeup, using it all over my face. I thought I was so cool- green “eye shadow” and blue “lipstick”.
One day, my grandmother walked in on my getting creative with markers and frantically ran to me asking why my lips had turned blue. I could see that she was worried but I calmly told her it was okay, it was only blue lipstick… well marker. She laughed, and washed my face and later that day we went to a department store, and she let me pick out any lipstick I wanted. From there out, knowing the endless possibilities of what colors I could play with, I practiced every day, and every holiday asked for a new piece of makeup for my collection. I later practiced on my friends and family. I worked closely with my Aunt Barbie, who had been a working makeup artist and cosmetologist since I was an infant. I then had my hands in doing bridal, and prom makeup at the age of 16. I loved it, the people, the colors, the traveling, the experience.
Later, I would eventually work for the same company that opened my eyes to the world of color. Working for a cosmetic brand opened my eyes to skin textures, personal makeup presences and most of all, the power of makeup. However, it wasn’t about the brand, it was about the exposure to all kinds of people. The word makeup has a whole new meaning for me now. It means the woman going through chemo and lost her eyebrows has the chance to feel good about herself again. It means a young girl who had struggled with acne her whole life could feel confident. Makeup to me means there are no limits, and there is no stopping me from making every person I touch with my makeup brush feel just a little bit better. Even if it’s just a glow after years of struggling with dry, dull skin. Or it’s a young man, who’s family would never agree with his decisions, but boy does he want to try on that new mascara, and I am there to show him how, every step of the way.
Today, I am a Professional Master Makeup Artist, working along side some of the most caring individuals who all have the same mission-To empower those who sit in our chair and make them feel beautiful no matter what is going on in their lives.
Even on a bad day, there’s always lipstick.
Has it been a smooth road?
If I told you being a Makeup Artist was easy, I’d be lying. Today, in 2018, artists are faced with many challenges, especially with social media. There are endless editing apps allowing you to strengthen contrasts, blurring harsh lines, softening skin and long story short- creating unrealistic expectations for our clients. Our client may bring pictures of a beautiful influencer with this PERFECT makeup all over her Instagram. The reality is, the makeup itself doesn’t typically translate the same in person. My best advice to anyone in the industry is to know you ARE enough. Stop comparing your work to others-especially on Instagram. Talk to your clients, teach them your process, and most of all, never stop learning yourself.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Alyse Tracey Makeup Artist story. Tell us more about the business.
I’d like to believe I’ve become a well rounded artist-getting my hands in a little bit of everything. My “style” I guess you could say is enhancing. I love real skin textures and using complementary colors to allow features to stand out. I’m not as trendy as the Instagram artists, I’m more of a- whatever your heart desires I will bend backward to make it work for you. Whether it’s an extreme cut crease or a professional look for a head shot, the end result is to feel beautiful, confident and unstoppable. I try to deliver an experience with my clients that allow all of those things but most of all love who they are.
I’m most proud of being able to pass on my skills to my clients, fellow artists, and anyone who asks. I give away my “secrets” because who am I to hold onto them. We should all feel beautiful.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
There aren’t many that I love for finding inspiration, but I love editing apps like Facetune2 to adjust lighting and improving the overall image (without altering the integrity of the original).
Contact Info:
- Email: booking.alyse@gmail.com
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/alysetraceymakeupartist
- Facebook: Www.facebook.com/alysetraceymakeupartist
Image Credit:
Kristina Giacalone, Nicole Gordon, Danielle Gross, Joe Harary
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