In our latest installment of 'Bisou Spotlight' we would like to introduce you to Karin Shoji, makeup artist extraordinaire! If she looks familiar, it's probably because you've seen her on Shaw TV's
Urban Rush as their Makeup Mentor.
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| Karin Shoji |
Karin is an all around wonderful person and an amazing talent, and we want you to get to know her a little better, so we got up close and personal. Karin, take it away!
Bisou Bridal: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Karin Shoji: I enjoy doing makeup because I am a part of helping people feel good about
themselves. Especially on wedding days, itʼs great to see the whole look come
together, dress, makeup, hair, flowers!
BB: Which celebrity’s makeup style do you love?
KS: I like Charlize Theron and Kristen Stewart's makeup style. I like minimalist makeup
looks where you see the person behind the makeup rather than a painted face.
BB: What is your one can’t-live-without-it makeup product?
KS: Foundation! I love flawless looking skin. Some of my favorites are Mac Face and
Body, Face Atelier which I carry at my studio, and Laura Mercier. I also like the YSL
Touche eclat highlighting pen for creating dimension and luminosity to the skin. BB
creams are nice for everyday wear as well.
BB: Where do you find new ideas?
KS: I find new ideas in magazines, in nature, and from my imagination.
BB: How do you and your brides choose a wedding look?
KS: It is a collaboration between myself and the bride at the initial consultation. I ask them
if they have any ideas of how they want their makeup to look. From there we look at
pictures of makeup looks in magazines, or I just go with what I think looks best based
on their face, skin tone, eye and hair color. I also look at their dress, flowers and
decor to draw inspiration.
BB: We love the bold and daring looks we see in editorials. How can brides incorporate non-traditional makeup into their bridal look without overdoing it?
KS: This really depends on the personality of the bride on how bold the look can be. It is
better to go with a makeup that enhances your natural beauty yet is modern rather
than take a look directly from the runway.
BB: Seasonality is a big factor when a bride chooses a wedding dress. Do the seasons affect makeup choices as well?
KS: Yes, I choose different makeup colors depending on the seasons. Summertime colors
can be warm and bronzy and wintertime I tend to go with fuller coverage makeup and
the shades might be slightly darker. Also, the products I choose are different
depending on the type of weather. Hot days require long wearing waterproof products
that wonʼt melt off. In the winter that is not as much of a concern.
BB: What is your must have makeup tip for brides?
KS: Do not do any facial, brow shaping, skin treatments youʼve never done right before
the wedding. Give your skin a chance to recover incase anything goes wrong or you
have a reaction. Make sure you have your touch up products for the day of, like
lipstick or gloss, powder for blotting shine, and blotting papers.
BB: What are you most excited for in the coming year?
KS: I am excited for next year because I have some traveling planned for the beginning
of the year. I am also excited to grow my business and create new courses for my
makeup school.
Thank you Karin! If you would like to contact Karin for your wedding or upcoming event, please visit her
website.
