Gita Bass on her skin-focused approach to makeup, the connection she has with her clients, and more.
Gita Bass
Originally from Australia, Gita Bass is a celebrity makeup artist now based in New York City. Her impressive client list includes celebrities like Olivia Wilde, Elizabeth Olsen, and Tiny Fey, among many others. No stranger to being featured in top publications, you've likely seen Gita's work featured in Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, W, and more. We were excited to sit down with Gita to learn more about her time in the industry, what spring and summer will bring for beauty, and so much more. Read on for the full conversation!
Q: How did you get into makeup?
I basically fell into makeup. I had always been obsessed with fashion and beauty, and my walls were plastered with images of ‘90s supermodels, but I felt I was destined for a very different career and went straight to law school from high school. I found myself totally uninspired, depressed, and desperate to escape, so I decided to take a year off and started doing makeup for my sister, a fashion photographer. Although I was just learning, she loved my work and suggested I pursue makeup seriously. I assisted some wonderful artists and then traveled to Tokyo and Milan, making money by testing models. I ended up in New York and haven’t quite managed to get back to law school. Maybe one day…
Q: How would you describe your style as a makeup artist?
I’m all about natural beauty. It’s definitely my thing. I love creating looks that highlight someone’s best features and that feel true to them. That’s not to say I don’t love strong, edgy makeup from time to time, or to completely transform a face, but for the most part it’s about making someone look and feel their most beautiful. When I work on someone, I want people to notice their unique beauty, not their makeup.
Q: When you think of all of the looks you’ve created, is there a favorite that comes to mind? What is it?
This is a tough one. I’ve been doing this for a really long time! I tend to only remember the work I did 5 minutes ago. I just worked on the Golden Globes with Tina Fey and I really loved that look. We went for a more downtown cool vibe, rather than Hollywood glam, with violet smokey eyes and glowy skin. I really loved it. A while back, I did a L’Officiel cover with Julianne Moore that sticks in my mind. I kept the makeup super muted and bare, just focusing on skin and brows, and I thought it truly showed how naturally gorgeous she is.
Q: You have a very skin-focused approach to how you do makeup. Why is that so important to you, and which products do you swear by to really help you highlight the skin?
To me, great skin is a super important part of any makeup look. I truly think if your skin looks good, then your makeup is halfway done. I also believe that most of your glow should come from your skin, rather than from makeup — it just looks more natural that way. I’m a huge fan of True Botanicals skincare. It’s an amazing, super clean brand that has completely transformed my skin. I always spray the skin before and after makeup with their Renew Nutrient Mist to keep the skin hydrated and dewy, and I often mix in a drop of their Pure Radiance Oil with foundation for some added glow. I also love the Tower 28 SuperDew to add over makeup on the high points of the face. It creates a gorgeous, dewy finish with just the right amount of glow.
TRUE BOTANICALS | Renew Nutrient Face Mist
TRUE BOTANICALS | Clear Pure Radiance Oil
TOWER 28 | SuperDew Shimmer-Free Highlighter Balm
Q: What do you love most about your work?
I love the intimacy and the connection I have with my clients. There’s nothing better than making someone feel beautiful and seeing the confidence that comes from that. I love tapping into my intuitive side to figure out what they want or need, which is not always easy, and getting it right. I find myself in so many “pinch me” moments at work and just feel incredibly lucky.
Q: From where, and from whom, do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration everywhere! It comes to me constantly from nature, films, other artists, paintings, and living in NY, which is a constant source of inspiration.
Q: If you could've given yourself one piece of advice at the beginning of your journey in the beauty industry, what would it be? Why?
Assist as many people as you can! That’s the best way to learn all sorts of different techniques and just general on-set etiquette.
Q: What are some essential products you always keep in your kit?
Great skincare products that work for a variety of skin types — usually the True Botanicals Renew, Calm and Clear. A range of foundations from light to medium coverage, hydrating to matte. Armani Luminous Silk and Neo Nude, Beautycounter Featherweight. Also, Clé De Peau concealer, a Kevyn Aucoin eyelash curler, Iris + Romeo Power Peptide Lip Balm, Chanel Inimitable Mascara, Tower 28 BeachPlease cream blush, Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen, Kosas liquid eyeshadow, RMS Living Luminizer, and the list goes on...
Q: What makeup trends do you foresee being big in spring/summer 2021? Are there any specific ones you’re excited to try yourself and on your clients?
I foresee a trend towards no trend! Just self-expression and “anything goes” — and I’m so here for it. We’ve all been in lockdown for so long and I think it’s changed our perspectives. We’ve had a lot more time on our hands and I think it’s forced everyone to dig deep and tap into their creativity. I think we’re all just so happy to be crawling out of our holes and working. It feels really celebratory. I’m hoping the days of the judgey blogs are gone and we can just take more risks and be ourselves. I know that’s more of a philosophical take on beauty, but that’s how I feel. I noticed at the Globes it was “anything goes.” Some people leaned into Hollywood glam, others went for natural, and some for edgy and weird. I love that. I hope the trend is to be true to yourself, because that to me is the most beautiful.
Rapid Fire Round
Q: Hairstylist partner in crime:
This will only get me in trouble since I have a few.....You all know who you are.
Q: Product you can’t leave home without:
Concealer.
Q: Favorite drugstore or budget find:
CoverGirl Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara.
COVERGIRL | Lash Blash Clean Volume Mascara
Q: Worth the splurge:
True Botanicals Skincare.
Q: Recent discovery:
Herbal Face Food.
HERBAL FACE FOOD | The Serum I
Q: Brand you wish more people knew about:
Tower 28.
Q: Favorite lipstick:
Kosas.
KOSAS | Weightless Lip Color Lipstick
Q: Your last beauty empty:
Tower 28 BeachPlease blush.
TOWER 28 | BeachPlease Luminous Tinted Balm
For more of Gita's favorite products, check out her shop:
Gita Bass
Gita Bass is a New York-based makeup artist. An Australian native, Bass worked extensively throughout Europe before settling in New York City. Today, her celebrity clientele includes Olivia Wilde, Tina Fey, Elizabeth Olsen, Julianne Moore, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Laura Dern. Gita has contributed to top publications such as W, Vanity Fair, ELLE, Rolling Stone, Interview, and Harper’s Bazaar; and collaborated with high-profile photographers Patrick Demarchelier, Annie Leibovitz, Antoine Verglas, Marc Baptiste, and Mark Seliger. Bass has worked on major advertising campaigns for Garnier, Clairol, Nike, American Express, Tommy Hilfiger and Kate Spade.
VIEW Gita Bass' RECOMMENDATIONSThe products featured here may contain affiliate links, meaning Shop My Shelf, Inc or the artists may earn a commission on products purchased through links to retailer sites.
FAQs
Who is Gita Bass? ›
Gita Bass is a New York-based makeup artist. An Australian native, Bass worked extensively throughout Europe before settling in New York City. Today, her celebrity clientele includes Olivia Wilde, Tina Fey, Elizabeth Olsen, Julianne Moore, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Laura Dern.
Who is Deepika Padukone makeup artist? ›Deepika Padukone's makeup artist Sandhya Shekhar has handpicked some of her favourite lipsticks for Vogue India. She's the go-to makeup artist for several Bollywood celebrities, and most recently we've been loving the ethereal makeup looks she brought to life for Deepika's appearances at Cannes.
Who is world's No 1 makeup artist? ›Bobbi Brown is one of the most well-established makeup artists in the world. She is the CEO of her cosmetics company, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and also The Today Show's beauty editor.
Who is No 1 makeup artist in India? ›1. Mickey Contractor. It won't be wrong to say that he's one of the most sought-after celebrity makeup artists in India. From actors like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhatt, Kajol, and prominent personalities like Neeta Ambani, he's behind some of the most iconic beauty looks in Bollywood movies.
What is makeup artist called? ›The title for someone who is trained in styling hair and applying makeup is a cosmetologist. While hairstylists focus only on hair, and makeup artists focus only on makeup, cosmetologists are also trained to analyze skin including the scalp.
Who is Alia Bhatt makeup artist? ›We spoke to Puneet Saini – Alia Bhatt's makeup artist – to put together her most loved skincare and makeup products.
Who has the best skin in Bollywood? ›Kareena Kapoor and Alia Bhat are two celebs who have absolutely flawless skin, but to be completely honest, a majority of Bollywood celebs have gorgeous skin.
Who did Alia Bhatt wedding makeup? ›The Kalank actor's bridal make-up was by celebrity MUA Puneet B Saini, who kept the base natural, allowing her freckles to peek through. "Alia has got gorgeous skin, which looks amazing when her natural glow is enhanced,” Ashima adds. Here's a quick step-by-step guide to cop her fresh-faced look. 1.
Is makeup artist a good career? ›Work in the salon industry is relatively stable, with jobs predicted to grow over the next decade by 14%. Experience is essential to land this kind of job. Makeup artists also get attractive jobs in events like fashion shows, weddings and social gatherings. Good make-up artists are highly sought during these occasions.
What is the future of makeup artist? ›Career opportunities as professional makeup artist are limitless in a Spa or Salon. A makeup artist is the soul of a Salon as he readies the client for special occasions or their big day. This includes creating special looks for weddings, parties, or social gatherings.
How do makeup artists grow? ›
- Be more consistent on social media. Posting to social media once a day is ideal. ...
- Go above and beyond for your clients. Do the extra's for your clients. ...
- Be the best you can be. ...
- Plan some creative shoots.
- jeffreestar. 15.9M subscribers. ...
- NikkieTutorials. 14M subscribers. ...
- Wayne Goss. 3.95M subscribers. ...
- Desi Perkins. 3.26M subscribers. ...
- Zoe Sugg. 4.92M subscribers. ...
- Tati. 8.5M subscribers. ...
- Michelle Phan. 8.76M subscribers. ...
- grav3yardgirl. 8.36M subscribers. FULL GLITZ FALL MAKEUP TUTORIAL.
Keep scrolling for some of our all-time favorite makeup artists and beauty experts on Instagram. As one of the most famous makeup artists on Instagram, you might be familiar with Mary Phillips. If you don't know her, you definitely know her clients, Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber and Eiza Gonzalez.
Who is the most followed makeup artist on Instagram? ›- Mario Dedivanovic. Bio MAKEUP BY MARIO 👨🏻🎨 THE•MASTERCLASS ™ @TheMasterClass - 📩 - contact / bookings: ⤵️ www.themasterclass.com Instagram Handle @makeupbymario Instagram Followers 7700000.
- Charlotte Tilbury. ...
- Pat McGrath. ...
- Ariel. ...
- Hung Vanngo. ...
- Ling Tang. ...
- Nikki Wolff. ...
- Jade Marie.
So, What Exactly Is HD Makeup? “HD makeup is makeup that essentially mimics natural skin while concealing some imperfections, dark circles, and uneven tone, but the goal is that it shouldn't look like makeup, meaning you shouldn't be able to detect it,” explains Caroline.
How much is Indian bridal makeup? ›Bridal makeup can cost anywhere between Rs. 15,000/- to Rs. 45,000/- in India. Some of the best and brightest in the field might go a little higher than this.
Who is the No 1 makeup artist in Delhi? ›Chandani Singh is considered one of the premium makeup artists in all of Delhi NCR. She is a friendly soul to be around.
Is makeup a talent? ›A successful makeup artist is a combination of many factors, including skills, talent, aptitude, and personality – as well as a bit of luck sometimes. Ultimately, it is a tough industry – and many people who set out to do makeup as a career will fail. 2.
Is makeup a art? ›While many people may not appreciate the art of makeup for what it is, makeup is considered an art form. A portion of the population still sees the use of cosmetics as a vain attempt to change who you are and what features you were born with.
What is fashion makeup? ›A fashion makeup artist works with clients in a studio, on set, or in their homes. As a fashion makeup artist, you do makeup for a model on location at a shoot. You use a product to suit the needs of a client. Your responsibilities include a thorough understanding of the latest cosmetic and beauty trends.
Who is the biggest makeup influencer? ›
- Huda Kattan. Followers: 50.2M. hudabeauty. ...
- Nikkie de Jager. Followers: 15.7M. nikkietutorials. ...
- Zoë Sugg. Followers: 9.3M. zoesugg. ...
- Manny Gutierrez. Followers: 4M. ...
- Shayla Mitchell. Followers: 2.8M. ...
- Thuy Le. Followers: 1.9M. ...
- Nabela Noor. Followers: 2.3M. ...
- Nyane Lebajoa. Followers: 1.5M.
Celebrity makeup artist Hung Vanngo has been the man behind some of her most iconic makeup moments for years. His Instagram is a color palette of next-level skill, showcasing versatile makeup looks Gomez has worn over the years.
Who is Kylie's makeup artist? ›The star's make-up artist, Ariel Tejada, made a comment off-camera and fans are praising him for humbling the reality star.
Who is the richest beauty? ›Safiya Nygaard has taken the first-place spot, previously occupied by Huda Kattan in 2021, who is now the second-highest earner in beauty.
Who is most popular beauty Youtuber? ›- Bethany Mota.
- Zoe Elizabeth Sugg.
- Rachel Levin.
- Nikkie De Jager.
- Eva Gutowski.
- Marzia Bisognin.
- Jeffree Star.
- Carli Bybel.
- jeffreestar. 15.9M subscribers. ...
- NikkieTutorials. 14M subscribers. ...
- Wayne Goss. 3.95M subscribers. ...
- Desi Perkins. 3.26M subscribers. ...
- Zoe Sugg. 4.92M subscribers. ...
- Tati. 8.5M subscribers. ...
- Michelle Phan. 8.76M subscribers. ...
- grav3yardgirl. 8.36M subscribers. FULL GLITZ FALL MAKEUP TUTORIAL.
Hailey Bieber's Makeup Artist Just Schooled Me on How to Get Fresh, Glowing Skin. When it comes to celebrity makeup artists, Mary Phillips is basically considered royalty. She's responsible for some of the most iconic makeup looks of the past few years.
What foundation does Selena Gomez use? ›Selena Gomez Beauty Products (Her Favourite Ones)
Selena Gomez favourite beauty products include the Laura Mercier Oil Free Supreme Foundation and the MAC Mineralized Skinfinish. She sharpens her face with the Benefit Instant Brow Pencil and The Body Shop Baked to Last Bronzer.
Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Sticks - Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez | Sephora.
Who is Kendall Jenner makeup artist? ›Meet makeup artist Mary Phillips. She's the woman behind Jennifer Lopez, Kendall Jenner, and Penelope Cruz's super glam red carpet looks.
How much money do celebrity makeup artists make? ›
Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
---|---|---|
Top Earners | $85,000 | $7,083 |
75th Percentile | $53,000 | $4,416 |
Average | $47,974 | $3,997 |
25th Percentile | $26,000 | $2,166 |
How long does it take Kylie Jenner to do her makeup? Kylie has confirmed that it takes her three and a half hours to do her makeup.
Who is Sam Fine? ›Global Makeup Ambassador Sam Fine is no stranger to Fashion Fair. He became immersed in the brand many years ago, and has since be- come one of the world's most sought-after celebrity makeup artists, working with icons like Cynthia Erivo, Gabrielle Union, Queen Latifah, Vanessa L.
What was the cause of death for AJ Crimson? ›Crimson's family confirmed his death on March 30 to WWD. A spokesperson for AJ Crimson Beauty confirmed he drowned while on vacation in Bonaire while snorkeling. He was 27. “AJ Crimson was a makeup industry leader that set a standard of beauty that was elevated, beautiful and accessible to people of all colors.
Who is Zendaya's makeup artist? ›Makeup Artist Sheika Daley On How She Became An A-List Favorite - CR Fashionbook. THE MAKEUP MOGUL TALKS CAREER MILESTONES, GO-TO PRODUCTS, AND WORKING WITH ZENDAYA. Sheika Daley isn't afraid of hard work.