Beauty News: It’s Troy Jensen
Modeliste’s Guest Beauty Editor, Troy Jensen, is one of the biggest names in the industry. World renowned and celebrated for creating endless celebrity glam inspiration, Troy shares his favorite products, philosophies on looking beautiful, and reveals the tricks behind the prettiest makeup looks and trends on and off the red carpet.
Modeliste:
When did you know that you wanted to become an artist?
Troy:
Originally I wanted to be an artist/painter and rock star, But that didn’t really work out. I realized many years later that I had always been a make up artist. I just had an eye for it as a young man glamming my three sisters for their prom and then their weddings. When I moved to Hollywood It just came easy. I had a lot of experience working with divas, LOl.. When I met one of my idols Charlies Angel star Farrah Fawcett and got the opportunity to work with her. It was then I realized doing make up could be an amazing career. Through the years Farrah was always so supportive, calling me up when she saw my name in magazines. She was a real angel. I’m so happy I knew her.
Modeliste:
Where do you draw your inspiration from in creating such varied looks on your many muses?
Troy:
Films mostly. Old Hollywood classics, Film noir are very visually inspiring. Sophia Loren, Ursula Andress and Bridget Bardot films are very inspiring for the glamour. I also get inspiration from the celebrities I get to work with. Someone like Camilla Luddington who stars in Greys Anatomy has been fun to work with. I have created so many different looks on her. She’s always open and excited for my vision and what look I want to create.
Modeliste:
What has been one of your most defining or exciting moments of your career?
Troy:
I’ve had so many in my career. I have been a professional make up artist for over thirty years. I’ve had many defining and exciting moments and I have had many disappointments and heartaches as well. I’ve learned not to count either and just focus on the muse in front of me. Working with Diana Ross and Catherine Deneuve was pretty awesome. This time in my life is probably the happiest time because I know who I am as an artist and I make my own rules. I know what I need to do to maintain my business and my creative spirit and I’m calling the shots in my career. I’m not trying to chase that fifteen minutes. I’m an artist and I make women beautiful, That’s what I do and that’s what I will always do.
Modeliste:
What do you consider your biggest achievement so far?
Troy:
Thirty two years doing what I am passionate about is quite an achievement don’t you think? There’s not a lot of people doing what I do and the way I am doing it. I’m really proud of what my partner Jarek Addison and I have built with my website. I am still available to my star clients, but I have created some really amazing packages on my website www.troyjensen.com – I created an all new menu of services I’m calling Be A Muse. I’m offering everything from Special Glam n Go and Bridal make up packages, glamour Photography packages, and a service I have been doing with my star and vip clients where I organize their make up drawer or kit and show them what to keep and what to toss. As well as take them shopping for new essentials and show them how to update their look with my pro tips. I’m really excited about my new business. We have been so busy and I have met some amazing ladies who have loved the Be A Muse packages, and I haven’t just been meeting new clients in Los Angeles. I have been taking the Be A muse service to Palm Beach, Houston, Vegas and As far as Toronto. I have a client who wants to fly me to Paris. Bringing my vision and thirty two years of beauty experience together with my Photography has brought everything full circle. It’s an exciting time!
Modeliste:
What is one of your favorite looks you’ve ever done?
Troy:
The looks and images I created with Kim Kardashian are pretty amazing and have become iconic. I met Kim before she was the phenomenon she is now. I had met her through our mutual friend Robin Antin who created the Pussycat Dolls. I had a phone meeting with Kim’s management team and they wanted very conservative images. I told them I am not the photographer for shooting Kim Kardashian in a turtleneck and a suit. I explained to them how I see her as our generations Raquel Welch- Kim has the kind of beauty and appeal that women of all races and ages would be inspired by. I had some very sexy and beautiful ideas in mind. It was Kim who agreed to let me create my vision and Then asked the show “KUWTK” to film it and from what I understand the episode called “A Calendar for Reggie” was one of the highest rated episodes in E’s history. My collaboration with Kim Kardashian really helped establish me as a professional photographer. Every image that I did of her became so popular and got so much attention. It was exciting and so over whelming. I met a lot of crazies back then. Obsessed fans who infiltrated my professional and personal life. I would post an image of Kim and I would get about 200 emails a week from women all over the world. It was unbelievable. It was also the first time my vision as a make up artist and my vision as a photographer came together. She used to come over to my house and bring us Ice Cream DIBBS and I would create different looks and we would shoot until late in the night sometimes. Even though my name and work of Kim was seen by millions of people. I was never her everyday “Make up artist” I never did her day to day stuff. I really only worked with her when I photographed her. And then I did hair, make up and photography. The looks and images I created with Kim are still so stunning. It’s amazing to know I was a part of her journey and contributed to the iconic beauty she is now. Collaborations and connections like that are so precious and I am so happy she was a part of my journey too. I actually worked with her for Modeliste’s sister publication Ocean Magazine years ago.
Modeliste:
Can you name some of your other all-time favorite faces you’ve worked on?
Troy:
Halle Berry, Envogue, Courtney Love, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Ellen Pompeo, Salma Hayek, Lana Parrilla, Cindy Crawford, Elle Macpherson, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell and then there was the time I worked with Bjork, when she wore the infamous Swan dress to the Oscars! Yep that was me!!
Modeliste: What’s something you think most people get wrong in doing their own makeup?
Troy:
Oh my, I’ve seen people get just about everything wrong with their make up. They’re either putting on way too much or not enough. Today, there’s this beauty blogger glam look that is very popular. Thick foundation, heave drag like contouring, painted on brows and layers of false lashes. These girls are not trying to look natural. They apply their make up like war paint heading to battle. To me it’s like the 90’s on crack. More is more kind of glam. It’s interesting to see how trends like these start and end. When your focus is on beauty and you are focused on it for years and years like I have been. You see a lot of trends come and go. I have to say- I like the over glam much better then the No make up- Make up look that was so popular around the year 2000. Every magazine cover had the exact same no make up look. Tinted lip balms and sheer cream cheeks colors were the must haves of the moment. That was a creatively depressing time. Thank god for Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, the Kardashians, J-lo, Beyonce and Lady Gaga. These chicks brought back high glamour and make up in a big way.
Modeliste: Your 3 ultimate beauty tips for Summer.
Troy:
Smudge proof make up. Put away your full coverage foundations and cream lipsticks. Replace them with tinted moisturizers, BB creams and sheer lip colors. Fresh skin and dramatic eyes are stunning this season. I’m very inspired by the 70’s , disco and Studio 54. The girls back then like Farrah Fawcett, Lauren Hutton and Jerry Hall looked so chic yet fresh. I love Clinique’s Chubby sticks! Use a bit of concealer if you need it. Ditch the powder for blotting sheets or a mattifying gel. Use water proof eyeliners, shadows and mascaras. Wear an SPF and protect your skin. And use a bronzer for a natural sun kissed glow. oh and lots of gloss!
Modeliste:
What’s the single most important makeup tool you think people should invest in?
Troy:
A great beauty organization bag or kit like My Zuca Bags. Keeping your products neat and ready for the next application is important. So many women I meet say they don’t even clean their brushes. Make up products are expensive and should be taken care of.
Modeliste:
As you are also a very renowned and respected photographer, and accustomed to being on the other side of the lens, how does this affect your makeup inspiration?
Troy:
Make up and photography is something that I have been doing for so long that I don’t see them differently. Inspiration is inspiration. My make up and my camera are my tools. I can create a make up look and capture it on film. It’s not that difficult to me. I also do big production shoots as well. They aren’t simple and they require a lot of preparation. Sometimes weeks of planning prior to the shoot then the shoot day and then weeks of post and retouching after. But when everything is set up by my production manager Jarek and the job is done the end result is always amazing. I put so much into each production. I am hands on with everything! What I find challenging these days is my interest in Youtube. Creating tutorials have always interested me. And I get so many messages on my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to do them. I honestly have to say that I am not comfortable on camera. As soon as a camera is in my face I get so shy. I have been experimenting being on camera and filming my tips and techniques. I shot a video for Dior , Benefit and Jouer Cosmetics. I’m still finding my way with it. I don’t think I’m great yet, but I’m just going to be myself. My services are very exclusive so the work I want to do with my Youtube page is my way of sharing what I have learned over the years and to share it with everyone who would wants s to learn from me. I have big ideas with on camera concepts, but First I just want to develop myself and my voice that is me. I’m not a blogger, I’m an artist and my philosophy is to share my favorite tips, trends and products that I love to use. Then I want to inspire women to go and figure out what works for them. Everyone is different and I wouldn’t approach every face the same. The products and techniques would change with each muse I touch..
Modeliste: Style Icon?
Troy:
Johnny Depp for his cool jewelry, Lenny Kravitz for his leather pants, jackets and boots, Rudolph Valentino for his arabian capes and turbines, Frank Sinatra for his sick brat pack style and tux, Sydney Poitier for his handsome sweaters and Tom Ford for his crisp white shirts and sleek black jackets- If only I had their wardrobe!
Modeliste: How would you describe your own personal style?
Troy:
Comfortable and super casual. Army pants, jeans or denim shorts, Hoodies, vintage T shirts and of course my Y3 shoe collection.
Modeliste: Give us your Troy’s ultimate product go-to’s and must-haves.
Troy:
Mascara: Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lash Extending Treatment Mascara in #01 Black
Lip shade: I love bright sheer lip colors for Summer. One of my favorites at the moment is Toofaced La Cream Lip Balm in Plum Crazy with a touch of Sweet Sun Shines LipGloss in Watermelon Ice Pink.
Foundation: Dior Airflash Spray Foundation- Super easy to apply just watch my Youtube Tutorial on Troy Jensen Tv.
Blush: This season I like to keep blusher looking Luminating and sheer. I love Makeup Revolutions six new shades in their Blushing Hearts collection with three new blush shades, a new bronzer and two new high-lighters. They are really beautiful. All of the new blushing hearts shades are available now at makeuprevolutionstore.com
Brushes: I use Makeup Forever Artisan Brushes, and Sigma brushes.
Eye Liner: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils
Eye Shadow: Jouer Cosmetics Long Wear Cream Mousse Eyeshadow. My favorite shades are Moonlight, Galaxy and Starlight. I dab a touch onto the eye lids and apply mascara and that’s it.
Modeliste:
What is your daily skincare routine?
Troy:
I have learned to change it up when I need to due to my skin condition and the time of year. I really try to take care of my skin. I’m obsessed with skincare products. Some of my favorites are Kate Sommerville, Murad, IS Clinical and Elizabeth Arden. I have an amazing dermatologist Dr Anna Guanche. She has taught me how to keep my skin looking great. I’m approaching the big 5-0. I think I look pretty good thanks to her.. Because my skin changes season to season I consult Dr Guanche regularly on the proper treatments and which skincare products my skin needs.
Modeliste: Favorite Summer beauty trend?
Troy:
A look that I saw on the runway was vibrant eyes paired with a nude lip. I really loved it but I think bold eyes can look heavy for summer. It’s all about simplifying your look. On a fresh face add a pastel or bright colored eyeliner. Draw it along your upper and lower lash line and smudge. Top off with a black or matching mascara. Shades like deep blue and mint green are really pretty when paired with a sheer nude lip.
Modeliste: Best advice you’ve ever gotten?
Troy:
I can get pretty stressed out with my schedule so I turn to the people in my life to help me stay calm cool and healthy. I’m alway trying to better myself. And I live a pretty healthy lifestyle. I’ve met so many amazing people who know so much about health and well being. My long time friend and client Elle Macpherson has a new product out called Super Elixir It’s an all natural super greens supplement powder. I love it and how I feel since she introduced it to me on a recent trip. I was so jet lagged and she mixed some up for me in coconut water and it gave me so much focus and energy without feeling shaky. Elle has given me so much advice that when ever I have a question about diet or nutrition she’s always happy to give me advice and guidance. Follow her integral at @superelixir and get all her amazing tips about her super anti=aging elixir. The best advice I’ve ever heard was- . “If you can’t love yourself how the hell are you gonna love anybody else”- Rupaul.
Modeliste: Any Summer holiday plans?
Troy: This past year I did so much traveling. So, I’m really looking forward to spending some time at home with my best friend Jarek and my french bull dogs Mylo and Darla Jean. Plus I just relaunched my website Troyjensen.com and my “Be A Muse” Packages are booking up thru the summer. So I’m sure I will be very busy, but I am looking forward to going to the beach and balmy nights out with friends.
