WEDDING MAKEUP ARTIST INTERVIEW | LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA

Today we are featuring an interview with wedding makeup artist, Ashley Ancheta of Makeup by Ashley. We had the honor of working with her at a local wedding in Lynchburg, VA back in April, and fell in love with her work. If you are a bride-to-be, you will not want to miss out on this interview!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your passion for makeup. How did you get started?

I lived over half my life in Southern California where I pursued my first love which is singing and acting. I went to a magnet high school, LA County High School for the Arts, as a vocalist. I attended the American Academy for Dramatic Arts in Hollywood. I’ve sung and performed on quite a few stages, played in a band, recorded in studios, and made my connections. The performing arts has, and always will be, a huge part of who I am. It has been quite some time since I have been on stage. Therefore, most people who know me now don’t know this about me. I am Ashley Ancheta, the makeup artist. Basically, I made this very big transition in my life because I wanted to do something that fulfilled me artistically, but didn’t suck my soul and paid me at the end of the day. I became a licensed esthetician in 2006 in California, but I am also licensed in Virginia. After managing the skin care line, Kate Somerville, for Nordstrom I realized how I was naturally drawn to makeup and influenced by the artist in the store. In 2009, I went to school at Cinema Makeup School and became a certified makeup artist. Since then, I have worked Fashion Week in LA, had print work in Clutch Magazine, BrideBook, VA Bridal Guide, and wedding blogs. I work as a freelance artist in Lynchburg, VA for many weddings, boudoir, fashion, and editorial work. Over time, I have fallen more in love with the art of makeup. It is a form of self-expression that can be changed according to your mood, fashion, or occasion with the swipe of a brush. I have so much fun with it and I am fortunate to work with the most incredible clientele, photographers, venues, and friends in the industry. I always do my best to evolve with the industry by learning from the best and doing my research. After all, if we’re not growing we’re just standing still.

What is the most common question brides ask about wedding day makeup?

The most common question asked by brides is “do I need to get my hair done before my makeup?” It is a common practice to get your hair done before your makeup. Honestly, it really doesn’t matter to me. What matters is the comfort and stress level of the bride. It’s a crazy day and one you have taken a long time to prepare for. If the hair stylist can’t make it until later and you need to get your makeup done before, it’s really not a big deal. Just make sure your artist is using quality products and a great setting spray. Also, regardless of when you get your makeup done, or what the sequence of events may be, you need to have lipstick on you at all times. I suggest having a lip stain, but lipstick will do. Regardless of what magic your artist is capable of, your lipstick will wear off when you start eating, drinking, or smooching on that man of yours.

What has been the most unusual makeup request you had from a client?

I haven’t had any terribly unusual requests from brides. I had one bride that wanted more stylistic makeup, with a dramatic cat eye and red lips, but it was beautiful on her.

Do you offer makeup services for the bridal party as well?

I absolutely provide makeup services for the bridal party. Depending on the number in the party requesting makeup and the timeline, I may have an assistant with me to help me with the services. In the case that I bring an assistant for a big wedding party, I will focus on the eyes and my assistant will focus on the face. If I need to touch up some detailing after my assistant is done with the face, I will do so.

What are the 3 most essential makeup items that a woman should have in her purse at all times?

A woman should have chapstick, lipstick, and eyeliner or a powder. For those ladies that are naturally oily, I would suggest a powder or blotting papers. Two ply toilet paper with one ply removed, placed on the oily part of the skin and powder dabbed on top of the paper will have the same effect as a blotting powder.