Ina Pandora Interview
With Halloween just around the corner, many photographers are looking to push the envelope with special themes and concepts to embrace the spirit of the holiday. As a special treat this week I decided to interview one of my favorite photographers and makeup artists I have had the pleasure of working with, Ina Pandora. Understanding photography only strengthens her knowledge of makeup and how to create a look worthy of the lens. She’s definitely one of my main resources when it comes to makeup advice.
If you’re like me, you have many questions when it comes to special-effects makeup and synthetic applications. These are often precisely the things that make a Halloween photoshoot come alive. Ina was so kind to answer all of my questions to help every creative team produce the look they want.
Model: Ashley BeLoat – https://www.facebook.com/Ashley.BeLoat.images/ –IG: @ashleybeloat
Photography, Hair, Makeup, and Wardrobe: Ina Pandora – www.inapandora.com – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQGLrtjbF2wXDlQfPrilVdA – IG: @inapandoraphotography
Do you have any specific makeup lines you recommend for this type of makeup? What sets those products apart?
I like working with Kryolan cream based and water based makeup they have in their line, they are harmless, I am trying to stay away from any alcohol based or required products as they are not very good for your skin although they do look more realistic.
Is it possible to create a convincing look using drugstore products only?
Absolutely, just keep in mind it often times doesn’t have to be perfect to look good. Plus, it’s makeup you can always wash it off and start over, don’t be afraid to experiment after all Practice makes it perfect.
What are some common mistakes when applying special effects makeup? How do we avoid them?
One of the steps that are very often done is not reading the instructions when applying certain special effects makeup or face/ body paint, as based on their ingredients it might require a different skin prep before applying it. Another important thing is to have a freshly clean and toned face before applying any kind of makeup, and certain special effects makeup would require toning with alcohol based solutions as well in order for the makeup to sit and last longer, another factor that a lot of people are not keeping in mind when buying makeup in general is not matching it with their skin type, as that is such an important factor before buying any kind of makeup.
Do you have any post-production editing techniques you love to use to enhance your makeup applications? What are some of your favorites?
Well one of my favorite editing techniques is Dodge & Burn, it is very time consuming but the result is normally stunning.
What is your technique for applying false eyelashes?
There is no real technique really, one of the tip would be to measure the lashes on you eye before applying and trim them if they are too big in the inner corner of the eye, as that will make the wear unbearable after short amount of time, eyelashes should feel comfortable, unless they are the ones that are meant for Halloween, those are never comfortable.
Have you ever made fake blood for application? If so, how and how did you apply it?
I try to stay away from bloody characters as just the idea of blood grosses me out. Yep I am the type of the girl that will faint by looking at blood, can you tell? So far I am lucky enough to create looks with no need of it, so probably I am not the best adviser when it comes to that.
Once it is all said and done, how can the model best care for her skin after makeup removal? Are there any special treatments or masks you recommend?
Here are the mistakes that is a very common, we care for our skin only when we feel there is a need for it, and i feel like this is a subject that is under-discussed. The truth is, you need to take care of your skin on a daily basis no matter if you are young or old, if you wear makeup on a daily basis or just on holidays. But, of course after abusing it with special effects, i would strongly suggest a calming mask, and extra moisturize your skin, and it doesn’t matter if you have oily skin or dry skin. Often times we think if we have oily skin we don’t need a moisturizer, well that is very wrong thinking, although oily skin is a factor that age you less than if you would have it dry, your skin still needs to be nourished, even if you are using just natural remedies. I personally have oily skin. One of my favorites are the sheet masks, i don’t have a favorite brand but I do like the Tee Tre Oil ones, Charcoal, Vitamin E & C, and few more, I get mine at Ulta, Sephora or Online.
What specific Halloween looks have you attempted? Do you have tutorials on your channel?
Ah Halloween, my fav time of the year. Although i don’t specialize in special effects makeup Halloween is a fun holiday, so far i have done few makeup tutorials on my YouTube Channel.
Sugar Skull: https://youtu.be/r3EDDSp3BJo
Cleopatra: https://youtu.be/YZP6VSAWfJc
Half Pinup/Half Skull makeup: https://youtu.be/bqJQBaEJeYA
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I hope you all enjoyed learning some of Ina’s makeup advice! Be sure to visit her YouTube channel to learn more about creating looks that are perfect for the camera. Was there anything we missed that you would like to know? Have you ever done a themed shoot with extravagant makeup? Leave us your questions and stories in the comments below!
See you next week!
~ Ashley BeLoat
Instagram: @ashleybeloat
https://www.facebook.com/Ashley.BeLoat.images/