Living in Nashville, TN, I am extremely fortunate to be surrounded by so much talent and creativity. I was very excited that we were able to catch up with Nashville Make-up and Hair Artist Kristen Carbine. If you look at even just one of the photos of her work, you will see how incredibly talented she is, so I love that she was able to share some tips with us in her interview, and I was lucky enough to have her work with me for the shoot in 2014. Enjoy!
Who/what made you realize that you wanted to begin your career as a make-up and hair artist?
There are so many factors that pushed me into the beauty industry. Since I was a little girl, my grandmother was the first to say that I should be a Hair stylist or Make-up artist. It’s amazing to me, that the ones around us see our passions sometimes before we do.
My mom always knew my future; I have no doubt about that. She has always been encouraging and commenting on my creative side. I get that from her. :) My parents are my #1 fans, and I am lucky to have parents that push me to explore my passions and pursue them. My dad has always been my go-to for advice. He always said, “Kristen, the courage to risk failure is what leads to success.” As long as I am busting my butt, trying my hardest, and taking chances, I will succeed. Something else he said that has stuck with me was “There has to be a balance in your life: faith, family and work.” I have to be happy and at peace in these 3 aspects to feel fulfilled. For the longest time I thought I had to have a 9 to 5 job, because I have a Business degree from Auburn. BUT….. I absolutely hated it. So when my older sister moved to Hawaii to be a scuba dive instructor, it really pushed me to explore what my purpose was suppose to be. So I went back to school for Fashion and Beauty makeup. 6 Months later I became apart of a fabulous makeup team and my life has changed.
I remember the first time my friends Lauren Fawaz and Helen Brazil did my hair and makeup. I immediately felt so beautiful and instantly had a self-confidence that I hadn’t experienced before. I know that I have the skills to make everyone I touch feel that way, which is incredible gift to give if you think about it.
What are you favorite events to work?
I work for One10 Makeup, which is a lot of bridal work. For me, being able to be apart of a vision that a bride has literally had her whole life is such a blessing and truly special. It is a whole different kind of appreciation and fulfillment than working a contract or commissioned job. That being said, the creativity that I get to express with photo shoots or during fashion week is something that I have been trying to find since I stepped into the working world. As long as there are brushes in my hand…I am happy!
What are you favorite eye shadow colors that you use on your clients?
Oh my gosh, Lorac eye shadows are my jam! I have every palette they have released. The Lorac Pro 2 pallet is simply amazing. This palette has all the neutral colors for an everyday vibe, as well as some bolder slate grays, gorgeous navies and plums.
What are a few products that you cannot live without?
1) NARS tinted moisturizer: I am obsessed with it because it has SUNSCREEN as well as gives a beautiful, dewy coverage.
2) Kevyn Aucoin Essential and Curling Mascara: I use these two mascaras in conjunction everyday! The essential mascara gives my lashes the drama and boldness that I love. And the Curling Mascara is a tubing mascara, which locks the mascaras in place so there is no black smudging underneath the eyes (which is one of my worst makeup pet peeves). It also gives the effect of a eyelash curler, so one less step.
3) DRY SHAMPOO: I literally could not function without dry shampoo. No one wants to wash their hair everyday! It is so amazing for the in between days to liven up the hair and give it a boost. Using this instead of the daily washing will keep your colored hair looking more vibrant longer!
4) Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray: I keep it in my purse at ALL times. Personally, there is nothing worse that hair that is “too clean” aka limp and flat. I love to have some grittiness in there. The dry texture spray is a product that helps with all over volume as well as that grittiness texture to help with all over fullness. Plus, the smell will rock your world!
What make-up tips would you give to those of us that are trying to cope with the southern humidity and heat?
1) Loose the full coverage makeup and switch to a tinted moisturizer. Your skin will be able to breath! You will also enjoy the glow of your natural skin.
—-invest in a Clarisonic
2) Caudalie Beauty Elixir. Put it in your purse, and whenever you need to feel refreshed use it. It also will set your makeup! Its a game changer.
3) SUNSCREEN: Skinceuticals
4) Switch from a body moisturizer to a light body oil mist. It’s lighter and you won’t feel like you have an extra layer/film on your legs and arms.
What hair tips would you give to help us control our locks?
1) Embrace your natural hair!!!!! Stop trying to flatten and tame.
2) Condition your hair. Use a mask every week or two. So invest in a solid conditioner. Oribe and Moroccan oil have some really great ones.
3) If blowdrying: use the cold setting to set your style.
4) Messy, swept hair is so in right now. Try a fishtail braid or messy bun.
