There are makeup artists and then there is Kristofer Buckle. He’s mastered the technique of applying makeup, in his words, “to the fierce, famous and ferocious” It gives me great pleasure to interview this real-life Ken doll. He has painted the faces of singers and actors all around the world for red carpets, music videos, award shows, film premieres, photo shoots and fashion shows. Here is my Q&A with the very talented and handsome Kristofer Buckle.
David: Hello Kristofer. Thank you for taking the time out to speak with me. Tell me what inspired you to become a makeup artist?
Kristofer: I was always fascinated by old Hollywood actresses glamorously painted with overdrawn red lips and impossibly high-arched brows. As a child, I watched my mother and sister transform themselves with intense eye liners and bright sparkly eye shadow. Makeup was better than candy … it was candy you could wear to become whoever you felt you were inside. I began experimenting on myself with makeup very young. I didn’t decide to be a makeup artist. But people saw how I did my makeup and offered me jobs all the time. Then, all of a sudden, I was an actual makeup artist. I always thought I’d be an actor. Now I get actresses ready to win their Oscars.
Are there any makeup artists that have influenced your work?
I think that, as an artist, I’m influenced by everything I see. Flowers, the sky, animals, and of course new products. I love beautiful and interesting things. So I always appreciate it when I see another artist doing what I consider to be good work.
What motivates you to continue working as a makeup artist?
Well, the honest answer is money! (LOL) I’ve always been obsessed with makeup and transformation. I started doing makeup when I was about 10 years old and wore a ton of theatrical makeup in my everyday life growing up. I was bullied, of course, and ridiculed wherever I went. I find it interesting that the very thing that people held against me then is what I’m actually celebrated for now. So the kid in me is always curious to see how far I can take it.
How do you maintain a balance between your professional responsibilities and your personal well-being?
Actresses and singers have tons of appearances, photo shoots, and travel. I have to somehow try to be available for so many, so I rarely have days off. I mostly eat once or twice a day and avoid bread, pasta, dairy, or fried foods. I love dessert but I keep it to once a week. I stretch and do push-ups and sit-ups to try to keep myself together the best I can, because there isn’t time to travel to a gym.
If you could go back in time, what would you tell your teenage self?
Don’t listen to the noise of other people’s fears and restrictions. You’re on the right path and it will all work out. Your life is going to be an amazing adventure.
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and what would you ask them?
James Dean. “Would you like to come back to my place?” (LOL)
Who was your first celebrity client and how was the experience?
I started in fashion, so Kate Moss was the first. I was so nervous and new. I remember I flicked some eye shadow in her eye and she got annoyed, “Uh you got powder in my eye!” And I told her, “Shush! Don’t get me in trouble.” She laughed and said, “Did you just tell me to shush?” After that moment we were just laughing and joking, so all went well in the end.
You paint the face of the best voice of our generation and generations to come –– the legendary Mariah Carey. What do you think people would be surprised to know about her?
I think the thing that may surprise many people about Mariah is that she’s constantly making jokes … making light of the surprises and inconveniences that can occur in everyday life. She never loses her cool or temper, and she cracks a joke instead.
What advice do you have for makeup artists struggling to make it?
Follow your own eye and trust it. Have your own point of view. It’s a very competitive industry and the only way to stand out and get people’s attention is not to do what everyone else is. Also, paint every face that you can. Choose the faces that are challenging, because those are the faces that will teach you the most.
What has been your biggest sacrifice to fulfill your destiny? There’s a lot of sacrifice when you’re in the service of very busy celebrities. I always say that success belongs to those who are willing to be the most uncomfortable. I miss many holidays and special occasions with my family. I’ve lost relationships because I’m gone so often. And I don’t have consistency in my schedule at all. My career has a momentum of its own, and I have to keep up. But even though I have a small group of people in my life, they’re amazing, fun and supportive.
Thank you for your time. Any words of wisdom to all the readers? Don’t fall victim to trends. They can be fun but they’re fleeting and can look awkward if they doesn’t suit your face or skin. It’s best to find tricks and products to make you look your best. Then you can add elements of whatever is trending.
Photos:Kristofer Buckle
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