Cover Photo by: Jay Sullivan
All Other Photos by: Laura Rose
Full Name: Stefanie Syat
Age: 25
Currently Residing: New York City
Currently Listening to: David Bowie
I was lucky enough to go to a fashion reception for Vanessa Barrantes a while back. It was at the very sleek and sexy Night Hotel in NYC. While there to admire Miss Barrantes' fashions I got to talking to the person who did the makeup for her models. I admit, I was a little intoxicated....look you give a girl free Mojitos and it's on! Needless to say, I really enjoyed chatting with this lovely lady and am always fascinated by what makeup artists can do. I mean, if they can make Kate Moss one the most beautiful women.....well...Stefanie Syat knows how to make a girl look herself. That is what I like most about her artistry. She does a really natural look on her models/clients. She does it in a way that doesn't take away from their natural beauty, just makes those individual features stand out. She's not all about doing thick lashes and bold lips. She is more about freshness and wholesomeness. Stefanie is also very versatile. Although she is known for her fresh looks, she can also play around with bold and funky ones. Whether it's on the runway, a headshot, or a fashion shoot, Stefanie Syat can definitely hold her own with some eyeshadow and lipstick! I'm happy to present such a sweet and fun gal.
You were an unlikely candidate to becoming a makeup artist....how'd it happen?While majoring in commercial photography, I soon discovered that almost all of my photos revolved around makeup. It was only a matter of time until I ditched the photography idea and zoned in on makeup artistry. That's probably why I choose to work in a photography environment.
What do you feel you are best known for as far as technique?
A "fresh face." Everyone looks hot in a smoky eye, but I enjoy the challenge of creating a clean, natural look that brings out an individual's best features. I am obsessed with perfecting the skin and always aim to make the skin look breathable and glowing. Full coverage, caked-on makeup makes me cringe.
What's the craziest job you had to do?
Well, I did makeup for the Spongebob Squarepants musical….
What makeup do you use and what are you into right now?
I pick and choose my favorites from a few different lines, but most products come from Bobbi Brown, MAC, and NARS.
Right now I'm really into bright, bright, blushy cheeks! Lately, I've been doing a lot of headshots, so it's been a bit of a struggle to tone down my urge to go crazy with the blush brush. With models, though, I'm having a blast!
Item you cannot ever leave the house without?
Mascara is a must for me. I have blonde lashes so I look like I'm 12 and asleep if I don't wear any. Bobbi's light bisque corrector (under the eyes) takes a close second.
What do you love most about being a makeup artist?I love that my creative outlet involves people. I cannot paint on paper to save my life but, even if I could, I think I'd go crazy not being able to chat with anyone. Plus, paper just doesn't inspire me like a face does.
What are some upcoming trends you foresee in the industry?
Deep coloured, matte lipstick is back (and has been for a little
while now), but I still don't see people hopping on board. I love a deep matte lip, and all I see is glittery, goopy, glossy lips everywhere. Try it! (Hallelujah! I love matte lipstick...bring it!)Although you are known for creating a very fresh look...do you venture outside of that realm?
Yes, I do love a fresh face, but I'm definitely not against going glam. And colour is great to play with as well! I'm always thinking back to the trusty old colour wheel to figure out which colour combinations will have the maximum impact together.
Who would you most want to do up? What's your fantasy shoot?
My fantasy shoot would be anything found in Numero. I always think about the creative minds behind them and how I would love to pick their brains!
If there was going to be a movie about you....who would play you?
Cameron Diaz in The Holiday mixed with Kirsten Dunst in Crazy/Beautiful (without the whole alcohol problem).
If you would like to have work done by Stefanie or more information on her, you can visit her Website or say hi to her on her MySpace.
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