As the Code Red Experience kicks off starring Monica, you can bet your bottom dollar, in tow will be her most coveted essential, make-up artist Marsha Saintil. The process in picking out the right MUA is crucial. Saintil, A.K.A. The Beauty Amazon, luckily is a seasoned slayer. With over a decade of experience under her belt, it is no wonder she has been a permanent fixture in Monica’s camp the last four years. Saintil took some time off to explain her number one secret to longevity and spill the tea on some of Monica’s beauty secrets.
A client and artist relationship can be a tricky one and balancing egos can be even harder. Even though Saintil is her own boss, if her clients are not happy with the product, future checks will be cut. The number one secret to being a team player is making sure everyone is on the same page and providing a bit of edge at the same time.
“As far as looks, we always work together. Monica will always come to me and say, “Hey Marsha this is what I’m looking for.” We kind of coordinate with what she is wearing for the day. Sometimes, I might go out and just pop a blue on her eyelid or a shimmery color. But we’re always on the same page with that. She’s picky. She knows what she wants.”
Number one beauty faux paw, not knowing which foundation works for your skin tone. As the conversation with Saintil continued, this was one of the thoughts that kept running through my mind. Some people may end up getting a shade that is too light or too dark. Not knowing your brands, shades, skin textures and so forth can end a MUA artist career before it even starts. Or so I thought.
“There’s a lot of people that can edit pictures and make it appear as though they produce beautiful work. When you work with a person, you’ll see that it’s not what you expected. However, I know a lot of make-up artist that aren’t that good who are constantly hired out because they have great energy. Sometimes it’s not all about the look.”
Knowing that some artist hire based off someone’s inner beauty is refreshing, to say the least. Saintil, fortunately is able to have both the knowledge and positive vibes that keep Monica coming back for more. “I use William Tuttle, it’s a foundation. A really, really great foundation for her outer skin. I also use Laura Mercier and Bobbi Brown moisturizer for her.”
Preparing for a thirty-day tour can be stressful. Costume changes, set changes, lighting, and equipment all have to find their way to the tour bus; without squashing the beauty essentials. Every night, the Code Red Experience will produce a different look all the while staying true to Monica’s gentle aura.
“I kind of know what she’s looking for already. She doesn’t want a cakey look. It’s all about a soft face. We are going to stick with smoky looks and natural eye browns. Staying in the earth tone family. We also want hints of color. Her make-up will look vibrant but subtle. I’m always looking for new ways to be better myself for my Monica. Whatever look she is striving for, if I do not already know how to do it, I am going to study and teach myself.”
Following trends in makeup or fashion can sometimes leave the consumer feeling as if they are in a whirlwind, especially for beginners. Striving to look like a celebrity the first time you’re learning to administer make-up is great, but greatness takes time.
“Just go at your pace. Go with what you know and how you feel about make-up. I’m very free-spirited when it comes to it. But for beginners stay comfortable with what you can do, do not do too much”
To stay up-to-date with Marsha Saintil follow her Instagram: @BeautyAmazonMUA
