Alexa Rodulfo, a Mexican beauty artist, fulfilled her dreams of becoming a professional makeup and hair artist in the city of New York. She sat down with Fashion Girl Gone Wild for an exclusive interview about her life as a talented beauty guru. We asked Alexa Rodulfo some essential questions that highlight her work and that will hopefully inspire beauty and fashion souls to pursue their dreams and work hard every day. Alexa’s enthusiasm to learn about makeup and hair has led her to become a successful and talented individual not only in the beauty industry, but as well as in the fashion industry. Her global domination as an artist has developed her career into becoming an international inspired talent. Alexa’s collaborations range from magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, and ¡HOLA! Mexico to fashion designers such as Carolina Herrera, Margherita Missoni, and public figures such as Ivanka Trump.
At a very young age you discovered your passion for beauty. How did that passion get started? “My mother was an impeccable woman—seeing her get dolled up was one of my favorite things as a kid. I would sit on the floor at my mother’s feet, in my pajamas and with my Barbie doll, and carefully watch everything she was doing, especially the way she curled her lashes. And I was equally attentive to my father’s routine. I remember the first time I saw him shave. He gave me a kiss and I remember saying, “Ouch! That hurts!” And he said, let’s do some magic. We went to the bathroom and he put white foam on his hand, and then I watched as he slowly shaved. His skin was so soft afterwards. It really was like magic for me.”
How do you think hair and makeup impact how people portray a fashion designers work? “They complete the look. Whether it’s casual or formal, the hair and makeup frame what the designer has created. It gives a read on how we interpret the clothes.”
How would you describe your personal and professional makeup preferences? “I am always searching for products that give a flawless and natural appearance, and, at the same time, that last and look fresh for hours. I would never use a product on a client that I haven’t tested on myself for a few days, or one that I wouldn’t wear on my own face or body.”
Where do you get your inspiration from? “Love, music, olfactory experiences, the colors of the sunset, the places I travel, the places I would like to travel to, and, of course, New York.”
What are some challenges that you encounter as a beauty artist in the fashion industry? “I love the challenge of the artistic part of beauty editorials — they inspire us and make us dream. But, in reality, not everyone would wear blue eye liner with yellow lips. My clients want me to inform them on the latest trends, but they not necessarily would like to wear them. They just want to stay informed.”
What impact do you think social media has on the beauty industry? “It’s a driving force — with all the tutorials, users sharing their experiences with the products, and showing different ways a product can be used. For me, it’s fascinating. I always make some time in my day to see what people are doing on social media.”
You need to have a broad range of skills to be a beauty artist. How long does it take to learn a new makeup or hair technique? How long does it take to incorporate that specific technique into your skill set? “In my case, I never went to school — of course, I studied cosmetology, but I’ve never taken a make-up class. I just love what I do, and, for me, when I am working, it’s a very peaceful time, when I disconnect from the outside world. I feel as though I am always learning and trying new products and techniques.”
Who is one celebrity or fashion designer you would like to work with and why? “I would love to work on a collection that inspires me, that challenges me, and that makes me leave my comfort zone. I want to be pushed to learn and be a better person, all while having a magical experience doing it.”
Are there specific product requests from your clients when you do their makeup or hair? “No, never. The first question I ask is if they have any allergies. Then, I ask them if there is anything that they would never do or wear. After that, I concentrate on my art.”
Tell us about the wildest experience you have had as a makeup and hair artist. “I was at the Hampton’s at a photoshoot, then I received a call saying that “x” client was waiting for me, and they wanted to know if I was on my way. I checked my agenda and noticed she was booked for the next day! I had to go back to my emails and find the mistake. Her assistant booked a different date. There was a lot of confusion, but now I make sure to double check all the time. I called one of my friends and she was able to come and rescue me. She helped me in doing my clients hair and make up. Also, If I have an early job I can’t sleep I panic just to think my alarm won’t go on. It happened once with my iPhone so I have like 5 alarms now.”
Do you give beauty tips to your clients? If so, can you please reveal at least one! “Of course and sometimes they share theirs with me. I have a client that travels constantly and she buys everything, I always look forward to seeing her and what she has bought. The last beauty tip I was obsessed with was the Shu Uemura eyelash curler and after my recent trip to Japan. I bought SUQQU.”
What have been your greatest accomplishments as a hair and makeup artist? “To have the honor to work with people. I only dream of collaborating one day with people I admire and making my dreams come true.”
{Images provided by @alexarodulfo directly from Instagram}
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