HOW DOES someone with an associate degree in electrical engineering from Barbados Community College and a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from the University of the West Indies veer off that path and pursue a career as a make-up artist? It has to do with doodling.
Sherryanne Moore has always had a thing for drawing and calls herself “an avid doodler”. One day while in a lecture at UWI, in a moment of boredom she started doodling the lecturer’s face.
“I thought of other places art can take you besides art galleries and waiting-room walls. Make-up was at that time far from my mind but came to light one day liming with a group of my best friends. I doodled on their faces and my love for the world of beauty began,” she says.
She did her research and in 2006 took leave from her work and with her savings went to MUD Make-up Designory in New York to follow this new love. The 28-year-old mum of a ten-month-old son has been working in engineering as a building and civil engineering technician for about 11 years collectively and professes a deep love for her craft, but she has made a decision to get out of it and pursue another dream full time.
Sherryanne is a busy bee – up at 5:30 with the sun and in her studio by 10 a.m. She tries to spend quality time with her son during the week as most of her work happens on weekends. “A typical Saturday starts at 9 a.m. (in-studio) and sometimes can finish on-set at some random outdoor location or photographer’s studio. Sundays I try to relax but will jump to any opportunity to do make-up”, she says laughingly.
Sherryanne feels that as a make-up artist you evolve and learn constantly. “I still have big targets to meet and I am currently working on them. I recently made some vital networking connections and I am soon heading back to the United States to do some awesome things,” she said, and that she hopes to have a lip line out very soon, actually.
Sherryanne notes that she is in her element when she is on a great project with a team that pulls everything together.
A self-professed tomboy at heart with a love for art, this talented make-up artiste says she only wears makeup herself ”when I have to be on camera (still or video) and on special occasions.”
Having been told by many “successful businesspeople” that she always has her skills and career to fall back on if her new career falls flat on its face, she says, “But I pray there’s no falling.”?And even though she plans not to fail, she says her other career dream – being a paramedic – is still unfulfilled.
What is the most memorable moment you have had while doing makeup?
Just back from school, working on a team at a fashion show and none of the models sat in my chair. I wasn’t known so they weren’t comfortable. That’s until I finished one girl brave enough to give me a try.
How would you describe your signature look and what is it about your style that sets you apart from other make-up artists?
I hated being put in a box, as most artists do, and working in a small country can do that, but I do what pays the bills. I am quite popular with brides and would tell you that a classic smokey eye, nude lip can be described as my signature look. However, being artsy-fartsy, nothing is out of my league. I am trained in theatre and character make-up, and avant-garde is well within my scope.
What are some common beauty mistakes that women make?
Too much of one thing and not enough of the next thing. Balance sometimes is good, depending on what you are going for. Daytime looks should be just that, daytime looks. Runway looks should be just that too . . . runway looks. Again, this is a carefully answered question because I still believe that make-up is all about personality. If your personality can handle it, go for it!
Do you feel that looking and feeling beautiful is important in regard to a woman’s confidence and self-esteem?
Khalil Gibran said beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart. I walk with Khalil Gibran on this one all the way!
What are some of your favourite products in your make-up kit? And what is that kit never without?
My makeup kit is quite extensive – there is a range of prestige and professional products. Some of my faves include NAO, YSL, Makeup Forever, NARS, MUD and Ben Nye. There is some of the popular stuff in there (MAC) but I tend to use what I like. I am not brand-loyal . . . it has to do with what I need it to do – work. My favourite eye pencil at the moment happens to be from Maybelline.The one thing that is always in my kit happens to be the cheapest thing and not even makeup: surgical or medical-grade alcohol and hand sanitizer. Every makeup artist should take sanitation very, very seriously.
What’s your favorite concealer of all time?
Ben Nye Cover-All Wheel. It works for anybody!
What product have you recently discovered that you love?
Mattifying Base by Black Up. It’s a beautiful product that can be obtained locally.
What products do you think should be a staple in every woman’s purse?
I recently did a survey about this. It is lipstick and/or lip gloss. But I would add a dark brown eyeliner in there simply because it is versatile as a lip liner, along with turning up some drama on the eyes.
What tips can you give to young women who want to start preparing their skin in advance for a special event?
Keep hydrated. Drink your quota of water daily, keep your skin clean and moisturized, and moisturize to suit your skin type.
Are there any negative aspects to your job?
As with any line of work, there are some challenges. For me it is getting film makers and theatre producers to recognize that professional make-up is very important to the quality of work that goes out and that professional make-up artists are important on their production teams. Make-up is often overlooked, included at the last minute or not at all, and very underpaid. Make-up (product) is very expensive. No make-up artist can go to the beauty-supply store and present their portfolio in exchange for product. I am not in any way saying that pro bono work isn’t good, but at some point a line needs to be drawn. There is a drastic difference in the quality of work produced when make-up artist are included from inception to finish. No one gets on international television without make-up and if we ever intend to meet international standards with our films, theatre and television market, we must follow suit. I feel very strongly about this.
