A Few Questions With Makeup Artist Troy Jensen

Hi lovelies! Today I have a fun interview I did with Troy Jensen, a makeup artist who has painted the faces of Kim Kardashian, Miranda Kerr, Megan Fox, and many more. I always love to hear from makeup artists- because they know what works! Let’s see what he has to say!

Olivia Frescura: How and when did you get your start as a makeup artist?

Troy Jensen: In the mid 1980’s I left home to pursue a life in art and music. I met up and coming pop stars like Stacy Q, Envogue and Vanessa Williams, and soon found myself back stage and on tours. I had an eye for beauty with my art and I would offer to do my pop star friends make-up and that was it. It took off from there.

OF: Do you have a signature style or look that you have perfected and made your own?

TJ: It’s never been my style to transform a face to the point of seeing just a face with make up. Don’t get me wrong, I love drama and glamour, but not a mask. It’s about balance and making the right choices for my client and what’s right for the shoot, or red carpet event. I feel, sometimes it’s what I don’t put on the face that makes it all work. For example, I’m really inspired by a deep vino lip color. It’s a shade that is very dramatic, I love to add it to a fresh face. Glowy skin, pale eyes and cheeks and a deep vino lip. It’s just beautiful. Reminds me of those old photographs of Marlene Dietrich performing for the Troops at the USO in the 1930’s and 40’s.

 OF: I love a good oxblood lip in winter! What’s your favorite timeless beauty trend?

TJ: The vino lip is classic yet modern and looks amazing on any skin tone. Simply pat a burgundy lipstick on your lips with your finger tip. This way you can control how deep you want the shade to be. Top of with a lip balm or gloss to intensify the shade.

OF: Something that most people don’t know about you?

TJ: I’ve been working in my industry since I was a teenager. I’m not caught up in a Hollywood life. I live a very conventional life style.

OF: What have you been working on recently?

TJ: I was just in Rio with actress Megan Fox for Carnival. I’m developing some projects for TV, and I hope to change the way the world views beauty, make up and the make up artist. It’s my goal to make my mark in the beauty world. I’m always on the look out for a new and cool venue to connect, inspire and teach all things make up and beauty. Sindulge.com is one of my newest online platforms where I’ve been able to share tips, trends favorite products and inspiration.

OF: What is Sindulge? Tell me more!

TJ:  Sindulge is an online beauty retailer and community that also provides tips, trends and amazing products! We’re really excited because the site is undergoing a redesign that we will be launching soon.

OF: Favorite pro tip? 

TJ: Highlighting the face. Use a white pearl cream highlighter. With a small concealer brush, apply it down the center of the nose, top of the cheekbones, above the upper bow of the lip,and the inner corner of the eyes and blend. I apply the cream highlighter before and after foundation. Never use a highlighter with sparkle. It should look glowing and natural. I call it instant star-charisma.

OF: I love using Benefit’s High Beam for that! What are some of your favorite products?

TJ: Jouer cream highlighter in Camellia. A few of my favorite brands on Sindulge.com are Girlactik, Susan Posnick, Three Custom Color, and Somme Institute. Just to name a few.

OF: I love Jouer! Any upcoming jobs or events that you’re excited for?

TJ:  Sindulge will be launching an online consultation service really soon. We are thrilled to offer it since this is the first of its kind in the beauty industry. Essentially, members will have the opportunity to have video consultations with Sindulge beauty experts for a small fee every month. The experts will help them navigate the beauty world by answering questions and help them find the best regimen for their individual lifestyle.

OF: Very cool! Thank you for taking time out to chat with me!

I loved his tips- what did you all think? Off to go highlight my face to get some instant star-charisma, naturally…