OK. OK. I know you can apply your own makeup, but having a professional makeup artist apply your makeup for your boudoir or glamour session just makes sense—their understanding of how to highlight cheeks to slim a face, make eyes pop, and find that perfect shade of lipstick for your skin tone takes the guess work out of the equation for you, not to mention their high-quality products they use have staying power to endure the session. Plus, they know how to put on false eyelashes, which in my opinion, takes that sensual factor to a new level.

Nath Mao
Nath Mao | Nath Mao(c)

If you know me, you know I love helping others succeed in life and because of this, I want to help get the word out on the vendors I work with who I personally feel are a true gem. To start out the Vendor Interview Series will be professional makeup artist Nath Mau.

I had the pleasure of working with Nath (pronounced “Not”) on a session I did in May—not only is Nath a sweetheart, but damn, did she make Kelly Belle look flawless. Nath doesn’t just do boudoir makeup, but bridal, waterproof tattoo cover up, Halloween/costume makeup, body painting, and special FX. This chic knows her stuff and has the portfolio to prove it.

Let me help you get the word out about what you do—what is your business website, Facebook page, G+1, Twitter, etc. 

My website is NathMao.com and if you like my work you can like me on my Facebook page.

 

What is the best way for people to get a hold of you? 
The best way to reach me is through email vanity@nathmao.com. Unfortunately, people don’t get married everyday so I still have my full-time job during the week.  It’s much easier and faster for me to email than to make a phone call.

 

When did you know you loved this craft? Was there a certain event that happened that made you decide it was time to go into business?

Drawing and painting was my very first passion. Then I received my first “play” makeup kit at age 12 and to me they were equivalent to coloring pencils, using my face as the coloring book. At about 15 years old, I experimented with concealers, foundations, and colors and realized I can create fun illusions with these tools as I could with pencils and paper, but it wasn’t until my sister’s wedding when I helped with some of the makeup that it was suggested for me to seriously consider heading this direction.

 

Nath Mao touching up lipstick.
Nath touching up Kelly Belle’s lipgloss. | Shannon Hemauer Photography

 

What is your favorite part of what you do?

It never grows old with me when I spin the client’s chair around to face the mirror and see my client’s reaction when I’m done. I have yet to see a negative reaction!

 

Tell us a bit about you as a person—what do you like to do for fun? What makes you laugh?

Contrary to what some people may think of a makeup artist on her day off, I prefer to let my hair loose, go makeup free, and sweat in some dirt and grime. I’m in my element when I’m climbing boulders and trudging on rocky trails. I think I make myself laugh. I do a lot of goofy things and have some random thoughts that doesn’t pertain to the present time.

 

Girl laying in field of flowers
Makeup by Nath Mao | Shannon Hemauer Photography

 

What is different doing boudoir makeup that you enjoy that you don’t get to do for weddings or prom?

The mood is more sultry with an empowering attitude as compared to a bride in white or young 18-year-old beauty. During boudoir, I feed off my client’s energy and I get a sense of feminine empowerment.

 

What is your favorite beauty product to use?

Can I say more than one? I have glycolic peel at home that I use at least once a week. It’s so crucial to keep your skin exfoliated. Followed by my Lancome lip gloss and mascara. People focus on your eyes and mouth so I like to keep them looking pretty.

 

Girl wearing braids
Makeup by Nath Mao | Shannon Hemauer Photography

 

What else would you like to tell us?

Within the next year, I plan on having my own space so I will be expanding my services other than makeup. Keep on the look out when that time comes because I will be posting special deals.

 

What did you like about working with me?

I love your humble and down-to-earth demeanor. I feel like I’m working next to a very close friend.  And it shows with your clients. You go out of your way to make sure the client is comfortable and confident.

A sincere thank you to Nath for her kind words and for her time. I am most certainly looking forward to working with her again soon.

Please take a moment to learn more about Nath and start following her on her Facebook page.

Until next time,

Shannon
Shannon Hemauer

Vendor Interview: Nath Mau

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