Alexis Oakley: Makeup Artist

 Alexis Oakley is a freelance makeup artist based in Los Angeles. Her makeup portfolio includes celebrities such as Jasmine Goode, Lexi Jayde, and Alyson Stoner. Read on to find out more about Alexis and her journey of becoming a makeup artist:

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into becoming a makeup artist? 

I have always been infatuated with anything beauty or fashion related since I was a little girl. My first memory of makeup was when I was about 5 years old I would watch my Grandma do her makeup any chance I got. That was always my favorite thing about having sleepovers with her. As I got older, I loved playing with makeup starting around 4th grade. I wasn’t allowed to wear it to school yet, be on weekends I would wear all kind of crazy eyeshadows! I still cringe looking back. Then, around 7th grade is when I discovered makeup tutorials online and that is how I spent most of my time up until my freelance career started.

What are the challenges of freelancing rather than working for a company?

Freelancing faces ups and downs, just like any career choice. I think the most difficult thing about it though is time management. I am a major workaholic and it is challenging for me to have a social life because I put work above everything else. One other thing that is frustrating at times is that freelancing isn’t free. What I mean by that is, everyone always wants to get their makeup done for free. But honey, this is my job. Not just a hobby. I have to pay the bills too!!

What sets you apart from other makeup artists? 

Something that sets me apart from other makeup artists would be my hustle. I may be young, but I am the Networking Queen. I am constantly emailing, passing out business cards, and promoting my work through social media. I also just have a deep passion for women empowerment. The makeup chair is one of the most vulnerable places and I use that to my benefit to make my client feel happy in her own skin.

What is some advice you can give to young makeup artists who are just starting out and want to reach the level where you are at? 

The biggest piece of advice I can give is that it’s not always easy but don’t give up. As cliche as that sounds, it’s true. There are moments when you think you’re not good enough, you can’t make a living off of this, or you see other people that are working more than you. I get it. I’ve thought about all of these things a time or two. more like two thousand. But, don’t look around at the competition.

 

 

It was such a pleasure chatting with Alexis. Check out her website and Instagram:

Website: https://www.alexisoakley.com/

Instagram: @alexisoakley