10 Minutes With Virtve Cosmetics Instigramer Emily Gray @missslipstick
- Kimber Leigh
- Apr 11, 2016
- 3 min read
How I got into makeup?
There were definitely many things that got me into makeup. First of all, my mother let me makeup when I started middle school, nothing too crazy, some mascara, and lipgloss, but she always bought me extremely high quality, many times expensive products, which began my love for quality makeup. Not to say that I hate on drug store makeup, but having a basis for quality products makes me look at formulas, colors, ingredients in the products. Throughout middle and high school, I developed quite terrible acne, and tried everything in my power to cover it. I figured out the best concealers and foundations to cover the redness, bumps, and texture. Ever since then I had a gratitude for makeup getting me through the worst times for my face. I remember clearly on a morning after a sleepover, showing my best friend, Danielle how my skin looked without any makeup on. I proceeded to do my makeup, and she was in awe how well I could cover all the pimples, blackheads, and redness. Luckily my acne cleared up thanks to constant visits to the dermatologist, and I did not need makeup as much, but it helped me form an idea about skin types and textures and how to handle different ones. There was always a love of makeup in my head, but my skill dramatically improved when I started modeling in my 20s. I met many makeup artists, who truly inspired and intrigued me, in particular Taryn Scalise, who was my go-to makeup lady. I asked questions, I watched them, and soon enough my skills in makeup began to improve. My love of makeup truly flourished during this time, which brought me to where I am today. I now long for a career in makeup, whether it be a job freelancing, blogging, or working for a makeup company. I love making people feel beautiful.
How long have I been doing social media?
I have had an Instagram for quite awhile@missslipstick. I think I got it my junior year in college, but I had always posted random images, nothing particular, and certainly not dedicated to makeup in the slightest. I started to use Instagram for a beauty basis, probably about a year ago. I started out taking pictures with my iPhone and natural light, and I found to my surprise that they actually turned out pretty great. When I realized I could make this more than just a fun hobby, I began to take it more seriously. My boyfriend purchased my nikon camera for my birthday, which allowed me to take high definition images, which led to many makeup companies and artists commenting, liking, and sharing my images. (sounds silly written down like that!) With this feedback, I realized I could make this a thing, and now I am even creating my own youtube channel soon. I love social media because it gets your work out there. People now contact me for makeup questions, advice, and to me that is the best outcome. I love talking about makeup, love the people I have met, and the knowledge that I have gained.
What are some things that inspire you?
I draw inspiration from many different mediums. My first creative outlet has always been art. I have always loved drawing and painting, and my favorite subject has always been beautiful women. Specifically, my favorite art period would be Art Nouveau, which highlights stunning ladies in gorgeous fashions surrounded by flowers and shapes. I love the golds and the flower colors that are present, and I am constantly incorporating those themes and colors into my makeup. I also look at different makeup artists and people that I encounter in real life. I happen to work in lovely Ann Arbor, MI which is the home to many unique people. I see ladies and gentlemen who have such an amazing, colorful, distinctive style that I am constantly inspired by them. I am so lucky to be a part of such an amazing, intelligent, creative city. Ann Arbor definitely comes through in my daily makeup.
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