Screening Mineral Air #3 : Julie Hassett on Last Looks
Julie Hassett, who works under her company name of Let’s Gogh Paint!, is an accomplished makeup artist for film, television, commercials and music videos. Here she gives us a nuanced view on technology’s impact on makeup artistry.
Screening Mineral Air: This is the third of an ongoing Q & A series where we profile notable makeup artists in the entertainment industry.
Q: What are your makeup specialties for film, television and video?
I work in film, television, commercials and music videos doing both beauty and special effects makeup.
Q: How did you learn your profession??
Many in my trade started with beauty makeup. I did it backwards and began with face painting then took on learning body painting. From there I learned special effects makeup and prosthetics. Finally, I stepped up to learning beauty makeup. I compiled my hours and joined the union in 2018. Contrary to what you might expect, sometimes beauty makeup can be as involved as special effects makeup, depending on the job.
Q: Why is achieving a natural look on film or television so difficult?
What our increasingly powerful definition resolutions (4K, 6K and now 8K!) would like ideally is perfect, flawless skin that wears no makeup because it doesn’t need any. Unfortunately, human beings aren’t made like that no matter how beautiful or young. Unless the performer’s character has damaged or aged skin intentionally, it is our job as makeup artists to make every magnified pore, now blown up and in hyper focus, disappear.
It helps if performers take good care of their skin to begin with. Those who play beautiful or romantic characters are increasingly conscientious about this. From there, professional makeup artists look for products that apply seamlessly, blend well, have long lasting staying power, and are not distracting or noticeable on camera. We look for products that set well, don’t look cakey and don’t require a lot of touchups throughout the day. Mineral Air is quite good in this regard because it lays down such a thin veil that looks totally natural while still minimizing imperfections.
Q: Where does Mineral Air fit into your kit on film and television shoots?
Mineral Air is superb for what we call ‘Last Looks’ in the industry. Makeup artists and hairdressers generally do most of their work in a dressing room or trailer before the actor goes on set. But then once there, ‘Last Looks’ is for all crew members to look at the scene in front of the camera before the start of filming. Specifically, it is a call for hair and makeup folks to give a final touch-up to performers before a scene is shot. It can be nerve wracking because the last thing you want to do with the whole crew watching and waiting is to destroy an actor’s makeup while trying to fix one little thing. Due to its very fine and light coverage during application, Mineral Air may be a great way to touchup makeup without disturbing what’s already there during last looks.
What’s the difference?
Mineral Air offers two device-plus-formula categories, one for makeup, the other for skincare.
Mineral Air original (MA) includes its AirMist Device, an easy to use, everyday consumer tool that rivals professional airbrushing in its cosmetic application of our eponymous foundation, blush, or bronzer.
Mineral Air Skin (MAS) features the Renewal Serum System with its ElixerMist Device for lightweight vaporized delivery.
“Due to its very fine and light coverage during application, Mineral Air may be a great way to touchup makeup without disturbing what’s already there during Last Looks.”
Julie Hassett
Local 706 Union Makeup Artist
Owner/Artist, Let's Gogh Paint!
W www.juliehassett.com
IG @juliehasit