Guest Blog: Interview with our Hair & Makeup Artist

We interviewed our amazingly talented hair & makeup artist Jovana of Jovana Combs Beauty about Boudoir Hair & Makeup styling. Read on to find out what she had to say!

Introduce yourself and your business! Who are you, what is your business name, how long have you been in business and what do you feel your specialty is etc.?

Well hello friend! I am Jovana. Makeup artist extraordinaire at Jovana Combs Beauty. I had been doing makeup on and off for year for friends years before I went full time in 2018. 

Why did you choose a career path in makeup? Did you think you’d end up a HMUA or did you have other plans?

I did not plan on being a makeup artist. Like ever. I actually went to law school and worked in the legal field, working mitigation for post conviction (death penalty) cases for the state of California. I had wanted to be a lawyer since I was seven. However, life had other plans. 08-09 the firm I worked for went bankrupt, and I did contract work for a few small firms, then I worked at Lewis and Clark Law School for a bit, then over to The Federal Public Defenders office. I worked there for a few years then my hubs had to have spine surgery, and eventually he needed two more and then FPD eliminated my position. So, I needed a job that I could do occasionally and with flexibility, allowing Nate the time to heal and still paying the bills. I knew some makeup artists and they were doing well. I have always been crafty and creative with painting and writing, so makeup came pretty quickly. The face is my canvas now. 

How long have you been doing makeup for boudoir photoshoots specifically?

I've had done a few boudior shoots sporadically when I started out and really liked them. In the beginning I tried all the things to see what I liked. But mostly the last four years, I think I'm about 75% boudior and 25% other. 

What is the biggest difference between everyday makeup and makeup for a boudoir session?

Anytime you get your professional photos taken, you need a smidge more than everyday makeup. Taking your beautiful 3D face and squishing it into a 2d image, you lose a lot of dimension. More pronounced makeup will help alleviate some of that loss. With boudior, generally the look is a bit more sexy than your everyday makeup. We get to add more drama to the eyes and play up your features. Everyday makeup is great, for everyday. Boudior is a special occasion! Lets play! You don't have to go all super glam with boudoir, you can still be more natural. Do you, but boujee. 

Do you think there is a benefit to having your makeup professionally done for a boudoir session instead of a client doing it themselves? If so, what is it?

I think it can be overwhelming doing your own makeup, adding just enough makeup to pronouce your features, without being either too soft or too much. Finding the right balance for someone who doesn't wear much makeup day to day can feel scary, you know. Likely, you're already nervous and if you don't need to worry about it, dont. Let a professional help.  Since boudior is my jam, I know just the right balance of product that feel like you, but elevated. Makeup and hair are part of the fun of the experience too.  

Do you have any tips and tricks to getting your boudoir makeup from your session to last all day long even past the shoot and image reveal?

If you want your makeup to last all day, don't touch your face. I know it can get warm through out the shoot, I get sweaty when in nervous, remember to blot away the sweat rather than wipe. And let me know before we're done, I'm happy to touch you up so you can be fresh on the way home. 

If a client HAD to do their own makeup for their session what are 3 things you'd recommend they absolutely do NOT skip out on for their look?

If you're going to do your own makeup for your shoot, I think lashes are my number one. Watch videos before and practice a bit. Lashes aren’t the easiest thing to learn. They really open up the eye. Second, be a bit heavier on the contour. Not Kardashian heavy, but about half of that. Contour really adds that dimension back into the face un photos. Finally, make sure your brows are good. Have them tinted or practice filling them in. A good brow really frames the face.