Kick off your shoes with GoldieStarling!

Today in the "Kick Off Your Shoes with..." interview series we get to know the amazingly talented GoldieStarling! I originally found GoldieStarling on YT via HollywoodNoirMakeup a couple months ago. GoldieStarling was hosting a Tim Burton inspired contest and I was just awe of her her talent in that video and after watching a few more I was hooked! Her looks are what you might consider more theatrical or artistic but some are definitely wearable and they are all beautiful. She is truly an artist! Plus not only is she super talented but she's so real and down to earth. No matter what looks she's doing you will definitely learn something from watching her.

(click on the pictures to see the videos/tutorials for that look)

ICM: At what age did you discover make-up? When did you start wearing makeup and what did you wear at first?

GS: I'm not exactly sure when I first discovered make-up. I grew up in a fairly conservative environment and my mother didn't really wear it often. I think I was more fascinated with nail polish as a child. I vividly remember painting things with it and getting in trouble for it. I started wearing make-up my first year of college. My roommate taught me how to put on foundation and I was pretty much hooked from then on. I only wore very basic stuff like powder and mascara. Most of the time I would just put random shadows together which I'm sure now, in retrospect, looked awful.

ICM: What made you really get into make-up (wearing and/or collecting)?

GS: When I first started going to concerts I began to experiment with my make-up. I'm a huge music fan and I would draw inspiration from videos and live shows. So I was always wearing black eyeliner and dark shadows. I guess it was my attempt at being a pseudo-rock star. And it was kind of a way to rebel for me because I grew up in a small town in the south, land of big haired débutantes and sweet tea.

ICM: What role did or does the YT beauty community play into your love of make-up?
GS: Youtube has been such a joy for me. So many of the people I've met have inspired and taught me so much. I also feel like it's such an amazing place to find reviews on products. There is nothing more disappointing than buying a product and being underwhelmed, especially the more expensive brands. But it can also cause a major hit to the wallet. I can't even begin to count all the products I have bought because of Youtube reviews. But with the good comes the bad, and it's all about self-control.

ICM: Did you start out with drugstore makeup first? If yes what was the first brand(s) you remember using?

GS: I definitely started with drugstore make-up. I really think it's a great place to start, especially when you consider how expensive the higher brands are. I still use drugstore make-up and I find a lot of times you can get similar results. The first products I used were Maybelline's Great Lash and a Revlon powder foundation.

ICM: Who’s your favorite Drag Queen?
GS: I think Jackie Beat is amazing! I want to be her best friend. I also really like Divine as well. Her work with John Waters is brilliant.

ICM: What was the first brand of high end makeup you ever remember using?
GS: I think it was Clinique, specifically one of those little eyeshadow duos. I remember thinking it was really chalky and streaky.

ICM: What are your staple items, the ones you can’t live without and have replaced at least once if not more?
GS: In no particular order: Revlon Colorstay Foundation in Ivory, NYX JUMBO EYE PENCILin Milk, Covergirl Lash Blast Lashblast Very Black, NYX Blush in Taupe, MAC Fix+, Burt's Bees Lip Balm, NYX Lipstick in Thalia

ICM: Bret Michaels or Dee Snider and why?
GS: David Bowie, oh wait he is not an option. Well okay then Brett Michaels. I think his voice is hot and he knows how to rock some fierce hair extensions.

ICM: Any makeup or skincare tips or tricks that you’d like to share?
GS: I think taking vitamins everyday, especially vitamin E, is a great way to keep your skin healthy from the inside out. Also drink A LOT of water. It just helps flush your system and keep your skin moisturized. I'm also a fan of the honey and aspirin mask for exfoliation. It leaves my skin baby soft.

ICM: What would you say to someone who is just getting into makeup to help him or her get started on the right foot?
GS: I would say to practice. If you really want to improve take five minutes a day and practice techniques. To go even further at the end of the day devote some time to doing one eye. Play with colors and see what you can create. The possibilities are endless.

ICM: What do you do for a living and how does makeup play a role in that if any?
GS: I am a college student majoring in Computer Animation and Graphic Design. I am also a “part-time” artist. I mainly do commissioned paintings and drawings. I think make-up plays a huge role in that aspect because I am such a visual person. I respond to certain aesthetics and I think it translates into my make-up.

ICM: If you had to label your makeup style what would you call it?
GS: Crafty Couture? I'm kidding. I think “Crazy Face Paint Lady,” or CFPL, is a moniker that I'm particularly attached to at the moment.

ICM: Where do you get your inspiration for looks?
GS: Most of the time I sit down and pick out colors. What happens from that point I'm not really sure. It becomes a game I suppose. I like to challenge myself and let the creativity flow.

ICM: Was or is there a specific genre of music that influenced your makeup style?
GS: Music translates into EVERYTHING, even make-up. My favorite genre is rock and it kind of influences me to do darker looks. And with that said it has made it hard for me to do natural “beauty” type makeup. But I'm practicing and learning to use a lighter hand because I'm interested in all types of make-up, not just the dramatic.

ICM: What is your favorite “go to” look if you have little time but don’t want to run out the door with a naked face?
GS: I will usually try to perfect my foundation first, then apply mascara, fill in my brows and add a lip gloss.

ICM: Why did you start making videos on YT and/or start a blog?
GS: I really have no idea. If you told me that I would be making videos on Youtube a year ago I would have laughed. But since watching all my favorite gurus and actually purchasing products that I love, I think I just can't help myself. It's like a compulsion and another medium for art.

ICM: Looking back, what are some things you wish someone would have told you before you jumped into the makeup addiction?
GS: I wish I would have known about eyeshadow primers. I know that sounds ridiculous but they have really improved my results. I only learned of them last December through Youtube. I think it would have saved me from all the years of needless eyeshadow creasing and frustration.

ICM: What is your favorite color?
GS: Royal Blue

ICM: What is your favorite type of food or your favorite dish?

GS: I love STRAWBERRIES! They are just the most amazing food in my opinion.

ICM: What other hobbies do you have?

GS: I am a super crafty person. I think that comes from being an artist. But I constantly have to be doing things with my hands which leads to all sorts of hobbies from jewelry making to crocheting even stop motion animation. My hobbies are just all over the place and random because I have so many things that interest me.

ICM: What is your favorite 80s movie?
GS: This is a hard question. I grew up in the 80's so I have a lot. My all-time favorite is Labyrinth. Jim Henson was such a genius. I really wish he was still around for the kids today. But I love love love Dirty Dancing too. Patrick Swayze in those black pants..... I think that's all I need to say.

ICM: What is the best brand or type of make up that will last through the “walk of shame”?
GS: For the love of clean sheets, WATERPROOF mascara and eyeliner!

ICM: What is your favorite on line store(s) for beauty products or deals?
GS: I like Shop Craze, Sephora, Ulta and MAC.

ICM: Who is your favorite comedian?
GS: Mitch Hedberg because ducks eat for free at Subway. He was the king of punchlines. I really wish he was still around too.

ICM: Anything else you’d like to share with the readers?
GS: Don't sweat the small stuff! I know it sounds cliché but I really believe in it. If you are constantly worrying about little things then you're missing out on life. I like to just go with the flow and see where it leads me.

To find out more about GoldieStarling be sure to check out the links below!

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/goldiestarling
Twitter: http://twitter.com/goldiestarling
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/goldiestarling