Pati PREMA Dubroff

How did you get started in the field? I have been obsessed with makeup since I was about 10 years old. Throughout school, I always offered to do makeup for any school play, fashion show, production. I was always doing my friends’ makeup before going out; that was most always the funnest part of any evening. After my high school graduation, I moved to NYC and decided to get working; got a job selling makeup at a chic dept store for a prestige French brand. My first “formal” training was as part of their educational program. I chose experience over a makeup school, and for me, this worked.

I then started testing and putting together a portfolio and reel. After, I set out to meet with agencies to look into assisting work. Very fortunately I was given the opportunity to assist my makeup idol, Francois Nars, and I stayed with him for a few years. Learning not just technique but etiquette on set and what a successful career entails. Additional years of assisting other icons in makeup prepared me to branch out on my own in the fashion and beauty world. It was these years of meeting great photographers, models and actresses as an assistant that helped me to form the
relationships that I have now with those same legends.

Who has inspired you throughout your career? What inspires you? When I was starting out, I was most inspired by the greats of the makeup world: Francois Nars, Stéphane Marais, Linda Cantello. I am still inspired by many fellow makeup artists, Lucia Pieroni, Peter Phillips, Tom Pecheux and of course Pat McGrath.

Also great photographers are the source of great inspiration and awe. Their images can transport us to magical, exotic and glamorous worlds. I am also very inspired by the women I have the great good fortune to work with. Their talent and beauty inspires me to contribute my best… I am also inspired by the purity of nature and the lively colors in nature. I am inspired by healthy living, and making the world a more peaceful and beautiful place.

Would you say that you have a signature look as seen on your clients Charlize Theron, Kirsten Dunst, Julianne Moore, Gisele Bundchen? The most important thing for me to achieve is making sure the skin always looks radiant, glowing and uber-healthy. So if I was to assign a signature, it would be that. I like polish, but I never want someone to look overly made up, even when making a statement with the makeup. I like a sense of reality; artifice and theatrical statements are not my thing. Another huge element for me is comfort. I always want my client to feel like they can breathe, so the makeup is never dense or suffocating.

What piece of advice would you pass on to those looking to get into the field? HARD WORK pays off! Nothing is handed to you! Expecting to land the cover of Allure when you are just starting out is unrealistic (but who knows – we should always aim high!!). Know your fashion and beauty history and references. Immerse yourself in imagery that inspires, but is not limited to fashion and beauty. Nature and museums are incredible places to find inspiration.  If you don’t get chosen for a job, don’t take it personal. So many factors come into play, it’s best to just forget it and move on.

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s The Makeup Show LA? The list of exhibitors at this year’s show is so impressive! Every year it gets better and better. I am looking forward to seeing what’s new at some of my favorites like Temptu Pro, Make Up For Ever, Alcone, Hakuhodo and Nigels Beauty Emporium.  And discovering new (or new to me) brands. I also love to run into old friends and meet artists I have long admired!

Are you excited to keynote The Blogger Preview? In this internet driven culture we are now entering – how do you see the role of a blogger evolving? I can’t wait to put a face to the blogging names we all follow. Bloggers hold the key to helping consumers know what’s worth their hard earned money when making cosmetic purchases. Bloggers also help us artists share our vision and insight with their many followers. Beauty Bloggers love and understand makeup as much as the makeup artists and totally have showed us all how the internet holds the key in the future of beauty.

How do you see the industry changing to adapt to these new ways in which beauty and fashion are being broadcasted and shared? Does this effect your work and style and how? It is awesome to see how FAST we are able to view looks from the red carpet and runway – as they are happening! In one way we get a sense of instant gratification and instant dissection of trends. This can be a great way to find inspiration, but I think it’s so important to find your own voice, your own style and truly hone in on what works in your hands. I believe that it is crucial to explore what is happening “out there” but to also know who you are and what you stand for and do best.

Pati PREMA Dubroff will be our keynote speaker for The Makeup Show LA’s Blogger Preview, Friday March 16.  As a LA based international artist, Pati is recognized worldwide for her beauty and celebrity looks. She will share her secrets for bringing your career to the next level, no matter where you live. While this is an invite only event, we are pulling back the veil using social media. We will be sharing a LIVE feed of this press affair on our twitter handle (@themakeupshow)  

YOUR questions, must-knows, inquiries are what will generate this exclusive Q&A between James and Pati (@patiprema). If you have any questions to ask this makeup great, from career advice to her own experience in the industry, email eve@themakeupshow, info@themakeupshow.com or tweet at us @themakeupshow. ANYONE can submit.

 Stay tuned tweeps for Pati PREMA Dubroff’s responses on March 16^th!!

Join us and the rest of the pros March 17 & 18 – purchase your tickets by clicking here.