Meet Kathy Lopez | Makeup Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kathy Lopez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kathy, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
One thing about the makeup industry that outsiders are probably unaware of is how much time goes into the preparation behind a makeup look. Beauty and makeup is so much more than the finished product on a client, it involves planning and preparation of ones own personal time, of our kits and education of our skill.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started learning how to do makeup at around 15 years old. I self taught myself through out the years with practice and looking at pictures of makeup and trying to recreate them. Throughout the years after I would freelance very rarely while I was in high school and college. Through the years I would watch a few YouTube videos to gain more knowledge and eventually worked at a couple different makeup stores and then decided to take a makeup certification course. I am currently in the bridal/special events industry within the makeup industry and I have grown to love it. These looks come with a lot of pressure because they are super special days and will be remembered for years after through photos and videos but I have learned to communication and getting to know my clients more personally helps me create their perfect makeup look.
There are days that I do not feel as inspired as others but I constantly remind myself that I have been blessed with this gift and I need to steward it correctly. I take makeup artistry this seriously because I get the privilege of helping a women increase her confidence and making her feel more beautiful. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is the confidence boost I get to see once my client sees her final makeup look. My brand is based upon helping women feel their most beautiful selves.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was in town we would first grab coffee at Black Heart Coffee! I would definitely take her down PCH and head to Malibu beach (multiple times through out the week because come on, it’s gorgeous!). We would do some shopping in Century City and a few thrift stores because thats what you do in LA. If we get up early enough we can do the Hollywood sign hike. We would find all the cute restaurants to try out, especially ones I haven’t been to so we can both experience them for the first time. We would go have cute drink at a few rooftops down town. If we are not exploring downtown, Santa Monica, the valley, or any part of the area we would have to go to Disneyland of course! My favorite thing to do would be grad dinner to go and go to the beach to watch the sunset. I would honestly try and do this at least 3 times out of the week she was in town for.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to honor my dad, whose hard wok and dedication has been the biggest inspiration for me. Coming from Mexico as a teenager and starting from scratch, my dad built a successful business and supported our family throughout my whole life. I see so much of his drive and passion in myself, and he continues to inspire me every day to work hard for what I want to achieve.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glam_by_kathyy?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Andrew Valdivia
Christopher Dominguez
Izzy Orellana