Naila King-Taylor is a self-proclaimed makeup junkie who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management Studies from the University of the West Indies St Augustine and an International Master’s degree in Strategic Marketing from Arthur Lok Jack GSB. Naila has managed to balance her career as a brand manager in the pharmaceuticals division while still being a professional makeup artist.
Her love for makeup has been a lifetime affair but a journey that she really started professionally in 2017. “Makeup is both an art and the opportunity to tell a story,” says Naila since each face is unique and every woman that comes through her doors is looking for her individual way to express her beauty. The makeup junkie confesses that the relationships forged with new and loyal clientele is one of the best parts of the job and getting the chance to share her craft with others makes it worthwhile.
With an unquestionable passion to develop her brand LiveCreateGlam Artistry into a household name and extend into multiple makeup studios across the country, Naila is working towards building a team of talented and passionate makeup artists who will work together to provide services to clients from all walks of life. Naila shared some more about herself and her journey as a makeup artist in an interview with the WE Mag team and we are happy to share her story with you:
What is one thing that your clients can really count on you for and what are you best known for in your profession?
I truly believe my clients depend on me to bring out the best version of themselves. We’re all queens in our own light and I’m definitely grateful to be able to help that radiance shine through. My customer service is another integral part of my business and that extends from the first point of contact when booking appointments to getting glammed up at my studio and the additional after-service of recommending quality and affordable products for their everyday makeup.
Who or what are you inspired by?
I’m inspired by my clients (as cliché as it sounds). In my profession, I’m offered the opportunity to meet women from all backgrounds. We share accomplishments and struggles as I work on enhancing their beauty. They push me to be a better version of myself daily, in my personal life and in executing my makeup techniques. I believe we never truly stop learning and each woman has her testament and method of progressing to share with others.
Tell us about three best achievement/milestones in your life or profession.
Firstly, my biggest accomplishment would definitely be overcoming fears that were blatantly negligible. In simple terms, I got out of my own way. I started my makeup business while I was pursuing my Master’s at Arthur Lok Jack GSB and I can honestly say there was so much apprehension about whether or not I’d be taken seriously or if I’d be able to afford products for my kit et cetera. I took the leap with the support of loved ones, put my best foot forward and two and a half years later, I have no regrets since I get to create magic with these makeup brushes.
Finishing my Master’s degree would be a close second.
Another huge accomplishment I’d say I treasure in my other career choice would be successfully landing my dream job this year at a company I hold in high regard for their core values and excellent treatment of staff.
What’s a 2019 beauty trend you absolutely love and why?
I love the fact that we’re now heavily focused on skincare and more open to the importance of ensuring the actual canvas is ready and prepared to be enhanced by makeup. I feel like in the past, women may have been more focused on covering up their problematic areas with makeup and were not able to truly value their beautiful features (for what they are). Now, with proper skincare and treatments, a lot of women are more comfortable in their own skin.
What is the biggest challenge you face as a makeup artist?
This is not just my biggest challenge but I think this is one all of us face - not losing sight of my own ideals in a constantly evolving industry with beauty trends literally changing every few days. It was important for me to be confident in my skill set as a makeup artist and continue to build and improve at my own pace. You get a lot of requests from clients, especially when you’re new and upcoming. Some are intimidating and may make you question your work. However reiterating to myself that God will never give me anything I can’t bear, allows me to build my empire.
What are four makeup tips that you can give to us?
Tip 1. Focus on skincare because it is important to having a flawless face. A basic skincare routine of cleansing, toning and moisturising is essential. Exfoliating at least once weekly and also masking one to two times a week based on your skin type, effectively assists in preparing your face for a flawless makeup look.
Tip 2. For my oily girls, setting your primer with some translucent powder before applying foundation helps further keep the oils at bay. A good primer for oily girls would be Revlon Photoready Primer (drugstore) or Becca Ever Matte Primer (high end), while a good translucent powder to set your primer would be Maybelline Shine Free Loose Powder (translucent).
Tip 3. Contouring isn’t essential for every face shape, especially in the case of women with stronger features and already established cheekbones. A soft bronzing with a pressed powder, one shade darker than your regular shade, and some blush helps to bring back the warmth to your skin after foundation and highlighting.
Tip 4. Matte lips can sometimes be dry and uncomfortable. By applying a little vaseline over matte lips, you will alleviate this issue and the lipstick will still dry down to a matte look.
Instagram: @livecreateglam
Facebook: Facebook.com/Livecreateglam