Liv, can you please briefly introduce yourself. How your interest in the beauty industry has sparked?
My name is Liv Rideg based in Budapest, Hungary . Originally born in Subotica, Serbia. I was studying economics. But when I started University somehow I came in a contact with the beauty industry itself. I said somehow... because I was not a makeup person at all. I've never had a dream as a little girl of becoming a makeup artist neither had a great connection with makeup. Till my 16th I literally hated any kind of a makeup on myself. In 1999 my very good friend came to me with an idea to become a Beauty therapist so we can buy buy makeup, sell it and it will be a good fun. I said yes and never ever thought that this Yes will change my life. We had some basic training regarding the makeup application and I really liked it. So this is how I started ... completely by accident. Today is 22 years of me being in makeup industry and I love it. This is my lifestyle my passion and my love.
What do you love most about makeup?
What is beautiful about makeup is the fact that we can bring out the best from each and every single face we work with. If you have a beautiful face to work with you will do a masterpiece on her face. The feeling of seeing your satisfied and happy client when you're done with the makeup ... is priceless. Giving Beauty and making people happy with your makeup is the most beautiful thing a makeup artist can experience in her career.
Or creating something super special and creative is making yourself happy.
How would you describe your signature look and what is it about your style that sets you apart from other makeup artists?
I like soft and feminine makeup looks, beautiful textures, a simply creating beauty. My portfolio is really wide... starting from nude beauty to super textured creative makeup looks. I'm doing a lot of creative makeup looks, glamorous makeup but also beautiful beauty looks. And basically this is what sets me apart from other muas. I'm not focused on only one style. I like to experiment... to play with colours and textures. To do something what I didn't see before. Mostly my mood boards are in my head. Of course I have my favourite makeup idols and they do inspire me a lot but even I have one makeup look as an inspirational picture I like to recreate it on my own way. When my students or anyone is asking me what makeup look are we doing? All I say is I don't know will see but definitely it will be nice makeup look.
What advice can you give to prospective students thinking about an education and career in make-up artists?
Makeup is a beautiful field. But huge, super complex what needs a lot of patience, practice, endurance and energy. You have to learn constantly, wanting to be better than you were yesterday. of course ... investing in yourself constantly, to educate yourself, to improve yourself and to invest in your makeup set. Your drive is the key. The drive to create, to be successful and produce something special every single day. To inspire... It's not easy.. it never was but once you step into the magical world of makeup artistry you will never want to step out of it.
Why is having an MUA essential to a photographer? What can you provide to help a photographer's images stand out?
Having a good photographer next to you who knows your style, how to shoot, how to use the lights to show your makeup in the best way it is essential . OK it's not easy to find these magicians ... you need to search for them. Once you have one or two really good photographers next to you ... you are on the way to. It will be easy to show your talent and your beautiful work. Next to a photographer it's good to have a wonderful retoucher and then you have that right combination to successfully present your beautiful work. It's a win win combination. I create something very special ... the photographer will take the right picture of my work and this will give us a great reference. For him ... people will see how talented a photographer can be by taking beautiful pictures. For me as a makeup artist the picture taken by the photographer will show my skills and talent.
How do you keep up with all the new trends and styles?
Nowadays the makeup industry is growing day by day. New techniques, styles and trends are everywhere. To keep up with these you have to be updated with Masterclasses, searching and reading a lot . Experimenting and never stop learning.
I love to improve myself to be better ever day from yesterday. In fact I'm super critical with myself so it's never easy. But I'm working on it a lot. Whenever I see an opportunity for learning and improvement I'm always up for it.
In your opinion, what are common mistakes you see women make on their makeup?
What is see is that women use way too much makeup. The less is more thing is still very trendy and hopefully it will be for a long time as it was always. Mature skin needs a very fine foundation, beautiful neutrals, soft blending and elegant appearance. Most of the time this group thinks that they are getting g older so they need more makeup to cover up the imperfections but they are wrong.
Also young girls wear too much makeup. Buy why you have such a beautiful skin why would you cover it up?
Or they use colours what are wrong for their skintone, face structure and personality.
What has been the highlight of your career so far and what are your hopes/dreams for the future?
Well there are so many happy moments in my career but let me name one of the biggest achievement in my life.
In 2016 and 2017 I was the key makeup artist for Arab Fashion Week. It was a lifetime experience.
I would like to create my brand, .my makeup school to give all my knowledge to those lovely people wanting to learn makeup.
Also we are planning to open a fashion house with a wonderful team of creative people.
Yes these are my dreams and my plans for the future and really working hard to make them becoming true.
Where can our readers keep up with your work and get connected with you?
I'm trying to be visible on the social media constantly.
My Instagram @livridegmakeup
My fb Liv Rideg Makeup
My website livrideg.eu/main