Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards at Paramount Theatre at Paramount Studios – Arrivals
Featuring: LeVar Burton, Stephanie Cozart Burton
Where: Los Angeles, California, United States
When: 20 Feb 2016
Credit: Brian To/WENN.com
Credit: Brian To/WENN.com
Many of us remember what it was like to be a child, playing in our mother’s makeup and skin care products. Emmy Award-winning makeup artist Stephanie Cozart Burton was no different. She spent so much time in front of the mirror that her mother thought she was a narcissist. Little did either of them know, Burton would take that early love of products and turn it into a career as a professional makeup artist that would span 30-plus years.
Everyone from Jennifer Lopez, to the late Whitney Houston, George Clooney and even her hubby LeVar Burton, whom she met on set while doing his makeup for a “Roots” prequel, have sat in her chair. For the past six years, Burton has been working on daytime TV’s “The Talk” for which the team won an Emmy for Outstanding Makeup in 2015. In addition, Burton has been nominated for five Daytime Emmys and one Primetime.
Whether it’s TV, film or editorial, a wedding or workshop, Burton has done it all, and she knows exactly what it takes to make it to the top of the profession. If you love makeup and are considering making it more than just a hobby, listen up as she gives us a glimpse into her world and explains how you can get there too.
MadameNoire (MN): How did you get started in makeup?
Stephanie Cozart Burton (SCB): I started as a second assistant on the “Facts Of Life,” my first show. A friend hired me as an additional hand and when he left, they kept me. I eventually got into the union (for makeup artists) and not long after, the Department Head left for personal reasons and I got promoted to Department Head. Producer Norman Lear had a lot of network shows under his umbrella at the time that I worked on and everything snowballed from there.
MN: What do you love about makeup?
SCB: I love that it’s transformative. I love the look on a person’s face when they see what they could be. I love when a woman sees a part of themselves that they’ve never seen before. Performers see the character come alive in front of them. With actors, my responsibility is to send them to the director full of confidence and ready to go. We are the first person they see in the morning and the last one at night. Makeup artists are like bartenders; we hear and see a lot. It is very intimate and very close. We are very sensitive to how we approach and interact.
MN: Who are your memorable clients?
SCB: Aisha Tyler! I hit the jackpot with this woman. I can’t believe that I get to wake up and work with her every day on “The Talk.” The level of appreciation and respect I get from her is pretty phenomenal. Another favorite is Jennifer Lopez from our time on “In Living Color.” It was a real artist collaboration. She was still pretty new to the business and had a level of confidence that showed because when I finished her makeup she never looked in the mirror. That level of trust is so very appreciated.
MN: What does it take to do makeup as your business?
SCB: Talent and professionalism. I dress better than expected in my position. I make people feel special. I create a pleasant atmosphere. You have to know when to speak and when to shut up. You must stay in tune with how people are feeling. It raises the level of professionalism in my eyes. People can have better skills, but can have a difficult time because they can’t navigate the politics of the set or be nice to work with.
MN: What type of makeup artists do you hire when you’re working as a Department Head?
SCB: I look for the same qualities that I look for in myself, talent and professionalism. For a film, I look for people who can work long hours, those who can think outside of the box and get you out of a jam in an emergency situation…people who can figure out things for themselves and don’t need to be babysat. I hire artists that I respect.
MN: What do you think about trends?
SCB: I believe in staying current. I keep up with Instagram and magazines to see what’s happening. I never want to get dated. I test everything on myself. I’m always looking for new products. Lots of companies give me products and I try everything. Only the winners make it to my clients’ faces.
MN: What advice do you have for up-and-coming makeup artists?
SCB: You must pick a career doing what you would do for free. That way you never hate or or dread coming to work. The bonus is you love it and you get a check at the end of the day. Also, go to workshops, read, and study to find out which genre fits your lifestyle and skills.
MN: What kind of income can a makeup artist make starting out?
SCB: Sometimes you have to do a lot of free work to get your name out there and earn recognition. Some makeup artists make thousands of dollars a day. It can be quite lucrative. Some partner with cosmetic companies. The wedding business is one good way to get in. It all depends on what area you want to specialize in. It can be a well-paying business if you know what you want and how to get there. The most important thing is to know what you are worth and ask for it.
MN: What is the best makeup advice you’ve ever received?
SCB: Makeup was intended to enhance the natural. Whenever I go against the natural I try to give it a second and third thought. Most television and film goes for what’s real and natural unless they’re looking for something character driven that’s different. If there’s a question then lean toward nature.
For more on Burton visit http://www.stephaniecozartburton.com/
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