In 2012, beauty expert and special effects makeup artist, C.C. Gainer appeared as a contestant on season three of Syfy’s special effects makeup competition series, Face Off which is currently in its ninth season. Throughout her career, Gainer has worked for Lancome Cosmetics and was employed as a Makeup Artist by the internationally renowned Mac Cosmetics for five years.
Gainer’s expertise crosses the spectrum from covering wedding day makeup and consultation as well as engagement photos to being a Makeup Artists for TV and film and everything in between. Gainer recently sat down to talk with MunaLuchi Bride about her career in makeup and special effects and her advice to brides to be for their special day.
MunaLuchi Bride: Having come from Face Off, what have been your favorite foundation challenges on the show, from any season?
C.C. Gainer: Some of my favorite Face Off foundation challenges were all of the the Tim Burton themed challenges as well as the Grimm and Star Wars challenges!
MunaLuchi: Yes, I love all of the Tim Burton challenges too! So what would you say was the most interesting way you’ve incorporated someone’s culture into their hair and makeup look for their engagement photos or wedding day?
Gainer: Most of the weddings I have done were mostly traditional style weddings. However, I would like to experience doing an Indian or South Asian or African wedding. The makeup looks are so elaborate and leaves a lot of room for creativity and color.
MunaLuchi: Can you touch on any trends that you think are worth noting and the opposite, worth skipping?
Gainer: One wedding makeup trend I think is worth noting is to do a little more makeup. I love that brides are savvier and educate themselves on things like photography and lighting. So when we are putting a little more makeup on them because we know how it will photograph or that it will take a little more makeup so they are not drowned out by the photo lights, it is easier to make recommendations to them.
When it comes to trends that shouldn’t be done… I want the brides to be true to themselves. I have done bridal makeups that are timeless and that will look amazing 20 years up the road but I have also seen zombie themed weddings and other interesting themes. So I feel the bride should stick to the look that makes her feel good versus a trend that is for the moment because it is just that, a trend for the moment.
MunaLuchi: What would you say are some misconceptions or mistakes that are made but are easy fixes when preparing for the big day? What advice do you have for skin care preparation?
Gainer: Some mistakes I see a lot of brides make… one is thinking that they do not need a to have a makeup consultation prior to the wedding as a result of trying to save. This is a way to know what you are getting on your wedding day and you are not faced with a surprise later. The fix is scheduling a consultation weeks out to get an idea of what you want and to even see if what you thought you wanted is what looks flattering on you. As for skincare prior to the wedding… exfoliate, exfoliate, and exfoliate again. You want your skin to be the smoothest it can be and your makeup artist will thank you. A great product to try is Glam Glow, which is great for special occasions and when you need that extra glow.
MunaLuchi: Weather is a very important factor during the big day. What are your tips for making sure one’s makeup holds on a not so stellar day, be it too hot and humid or the opposite, during a downpour?
Gainer: For brides wanting to keep their makeup flawless during hot days, the key is using great skincare, makeup, primers and using products that were made to stand up to those conditions. The Makeup Artist should use waterproof mascara, stay all day lip products and stay away from water based foundations. It is also important to layer products such as eye base and eye shadow or cream blush layered with powder blush for more staying power. Also setting spray,s will help makeup stay longer and keep the bride cool if used through the day. In the case of a downpour, there is really not much that can be done. It’s more like run for cover (laughs)!
MunaLuchi: What has been the biggest change for you as a Makeup Artist working on your first wedding to working on your most recent wedding?
Gainer: The biggest change for me from my first bride to now is the difference in the makeup. As the beauty industry evolves I find the brides’ taste evolves as well. So I find myself doing a lot more highlighting and contour and more elaborate makeup looks for wedding. So you are going from, “I just want something natural” to Kim Kardashian and Beyonce style makeups.
MunaLuchi: You’re also on YouTube! Using one word, describe why HOW TO: Holiday Glam! is the video you are most proud of.
Gainer: Flawless.
MunaLuchi: Having worked on a great number of weddings, what has been your favorite wedding day moment as a Makeup Artist?
Gainer: My favorite wedding day moment as an artist has to be the day I worked with my bride, Alexis Korn. She was so amazing, knew what she wanted, was makeup savvy and challenged me. It was a large bridal party, which required me to interview and hire an assistant and manage our time to properly make sure everything was completed on time and the entire bridal party was satisfied.
MunaLuchi: What’s your favorite makeup product or makeup tool that you use the most for bridal appointments?
Gainer: My favorite makeup product to use on brides is the Beauty Blender Sponge. It makes everything look seamless especially when highlighting and contouring. On a professional note, I would have to say my airbrush. It definitely expedites the makeup process as well as gives great coverage without looking heavy.
MunaLuchi: For the fellow Face Off fans excited to be catching up with you, 1) Do you still watch Face Off and who are your favorites from any season off the top of your head and 2) what are you working on now?
Gainer: For the Face Off fans!!! Yes! I do still watch the show. My favorites are Emily from season eight and Cat and Niko from season six. What have I been up to? I have been working hard to build the C Makeup and Company brand and I am also working on getting into the 798 Makeup Artist and Hair Union as well as studying everyday to get better at my craft on the business and artistry side.
MunaLuchi: Help a bride-to-be out! What’s your advice for future brides planning their engagement photos and wedding day hair and makeup?
Gainer: My advice is don’t skimp on getting a great Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist. Most brides will spend at minimum $700 on a Photographer and will cut corners on paying a makeup artist and hairstylist who will make you look and feel amazing in all of those photographs.
Thank you so much, C.C. for taking the time out to talk to MunaLuchi Bride!
For more information, visit CCGainer.com.
Face Off airs on Tuesdays at 9/8c on Syfy.
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