8 Questions with Emmy-Nominated Makeup Artist Joey Killmeyer

I cannot tell you how thrilled that I am to collaborate with the one and only Joey Killmeyer. He is so talented and so gracious—this article has not just been a piece of cake, it has been a piece of Heaven.

To give you a little background, Emmy-nominated hair stylist and make-up artist Joey Killmeyer works with publishers, models, photographers, and prestigious cosmetic brands serving the Sarasota/Tampa metropolitan area. He has worked for many prestigious brands, such as Lancôme, Christian Dior, Stila, Smashbox, and Cargo Cosmetics, and currently freelances for MAC. Joey’s work has appeared in advertisments for Chrysler and Art Van Furniture, and on television for HGTV'S Cash & Cari and G4's Attack of the Show. His work has also appeared in several Michigan-based magazines and covers. I had the pleasure of interviewing him, and I let him dish about the newest and hottest makeup launch of the season, Miley Cyrus for MAC Cosmetics Viva Glam Collection. All this precious info would have knocked my socks off, but I was wearing Gucci flip-flops.

I always have to ask another artist what got you into the world of beauty, and what is behind your passion when it comes to makeup? 

I started out as a receptionist at a hair salon and thought, "I can do this." So, I went to beauty school and became a hair stylist. I first learned makeup from a female impersonator. Lol. Later, a hair client who was an account executive at Lancôme suggested I do makeup. In 2000, I gave up hair and concentrated just on makeup artistry.

What are your favorite tools to use when applying the perfect look on a model or client? 

My favorite tools are my mascara fan and my lip brush. I love all my brushes, but if I could only pick two, these would be it. I can do everything else with my fingers, if needed. And I have. One time, I left my brushes at home by accident. I made it work.

What are three products that you could not go without? 

The three products I as a consumer could not live without are my MAC Face and Body Foundation, Crest Whitestrips, and O'Keeffes Working Hands hand cream. As an artist, they would be MAC Clear Lipglass, Cargo Reverse Lip Liner, and Maybelline Great Lash Mascara.

What did you think of Miley Cyrus's makeup in the "Wrecking Ball" video? After all, it was all she was wearing...

I thought her makeup was perfect for that video. It was all about raw emotion, and I felt the makeup let her emotions and expressions shine through.

You have done NYC Fashion Week, you work with your clients, and you work with celebrities. Who and what is your favorite, and why? 

My personal favorite thing to do is educate everyday women how to achieve a great look on their own. Some women buy all this makeup and do not know how to apply it. I love transforming women and making them look and feel beautiful.

What are the few things that, as a renowned makeup artist, you would reccomend to every woman regardless of whether they are a makeup maven or not? 

I tell every client to never leave the house without mascara, lipgloss, and groomed brows.

We know from your bio that you must be a fabulous artist. What sets you apart from the pack?

I think the thing that separates me is I am a humble person. I treat every woman like she is a celebrity. I also don't like to brag too much about my work or what I have done. I find it redundant.

I am dying to know all about the new Mac Viva Glam Collection featuring Miley Cyrus! Do tell!

One of the hottest trends for spring are bright, luscious lips. I am particularly excited to start using the MAC Miley Cyrus Viva Glam Lipstick and Lipglass. They both arrive in stores and online January 22. What's great about these new lip items is that 100% of the selling price goes to the MAC AIDS Fund, which helps men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS. Now, anytime you want to rock a bright lip, I suggest doing a very soft natural eye. Otherwise, we can be getting a bit over the top. I would uses Brule Eyeshadow all over your eye with either Saddle or Wedge in the crease. All by MAC. Either use a brown pencil liner to keep it super soft, or a black liquid liner if you want to give yourself a winged eye. Of course, mascara is a major must. Now, these new lip colors are great alone, but I would definitely suggest using a lip liner. You want one that is as close to the shade of the lipstick as possible. I personally am enjoying doing the ombré lip. Use MACs Beet or Vino Lip Liner to line your lips. Use a lip brush to feather out the liner. Apply the lipstick and gloss, and you will have a fierce ombré lip. One last thing I love to do when using brighter lipstick is to accentuate the Cupid's bow. Simply use a concealor a shade lighter than your skin or a light flesh tone pencil to create a "V" at your Cupid's bow. You can also lightly use the concealor around your entire lip for more definition. And remember, a lipstick can help save lives. Not only will your lips look fabulous, but you can have the feeling of helping others.

What an awesome chat. I always think that the last piece that I write is my biggest thrill, but I have to tell you, this one will leave me shining for days...or is that shine the new Mac Lipglass? It's our little secret!

XOXO Andrew C. Petersen