Halloween Dreams and Artistic Schemes: Exploring NFX Makeup with Natalie Aliksanian
Step into the mystical world of makeup with Natalie Aliksanian, the creative force behind NFX Makeup. From corporate corridors to Halloween’s enchanting call, she weaved her passion into an art form that transforms faces into canvases of magic.
Celebrities morphed, monsters emerged, mishaps turned into triumphs, all accompanied by the haunting notes of “Thriller.” Her dream?
A realm where Halloween never fades, led by NFX Makeup’s spellbinding touch. Let her brushes ignite your imagination, where every stroke conjures fantastical tales on the canvas of life.
Could you start us off with a little introduction about yourself and your journey? We're all ears!
As you know, my name is Natalie Aliksanian, and I’ve been obsessed with makeup since before I can remember. Growing up, my mother was a makeup artist, but unfortunately, she did not find any success here in the States.
Naturally, when she saw that I had a lot of interest in makeup, she did everything she possibly could to steer me in another direction. Towards a career path that would ensure steady income. I studied advertising and marketing and then ended up in medical sales. It was at my medical sales job that one day for Halloween, I turned myself into a demon and went to work.
Needless to say, my co workers were shocked and excited, and some started commissioning me to do makeup for their parties. I realized then and there that this was my calling and that I was my true self and happiest transforming people. Soon after, I quit my job and pursued makeup full time.
I was 30 years old when I started NFX Makeup, and I’ve never looked back. I’ve worked on TV shows, movies, music videos, editorials… you name it. I love what I do, and I love transforming people, whether it’s to make them beautiful or creepy!
As the Halloween season draws near, can you share a spine-tingling tale of a makeup transformation that left even you amazed? We're ready for a ghostly delight!
OMG!! There are so many that it’s hard to pick. A couple of years ago, I was commissioned to transform a client into the Nutty Professor for Halloween. He was going to attend a celebrity Halloween party that had a big cash prize costume contest.
The client was especially excited to see Beyoncé, so he was committed to this transformation. As I was doing his makeup, he was live-streaming it to his followers, and with the addition of every prosthetic, he was getting more into character. By the time I was done and he put on the outfit, he looked like the actual Nutty Professor.
He went on to not only get a lot of attention at the party, the guests were convinced he was Eddie Murphy, and he ultimately ended up winning the cash prize. For me, watching the excitement in my clients faces is why I love what I do.
Picture yourself creating a Halloween makeup masterpiece while a spine-chilling soundtrack plays in the background. What tracks would you choose to set the mood for your artistic enchantment?
Michael Jackson’s thriller.. all day everyday
Special effects can take us from goblins to gory wounds. What's the most challenging request you've received, and how did you conquer it like a true makeup sorcerer?
Showtime had hired me to turn 12 dancers into zombies to accompany Gervonta Davis as he entered the boxing ring. And they gave me a window of 1 hour to do all 12 looks.
Needless to say, I thought there was no way in hell I would finish in time, but I pushed myself to the breaking point and pulled it off. Boy, was I proud of myself and all the monsters that I created in that short period of time.
We all have those "oops" moments. Can you share a tale of a makeup mishap turned into an epic triumph? Laughter is encouraged!
Once, a client was insisting on applying her homemade “lip plumper” prior to me applying her lipstick. Turns out, she had made this concoction out of honey and jalapeño seeds. Poor girl got swollen pretty bad, and it created a rash/ irritation around the lines of her lips.
I ended up drawing over the irritated area with a lip liner and essentially creating a new shape for her lips. A shape that turned out to be so beautiful we coined it the Russian doll lip. Which is now one of my most requested pouty lip looks!
Share a glimpse into your creative process. How do you transform a blank canvas into a stunning masterpiece? Any secret rituals or playlists that get your creative gears grinding?
I wish I had a creative ritual. And now that I realized I don’t, I’ll have to work on one. Lol. I do have a playlist though that I keep on loop while I work, whether on clients or myself.
It’s just a random collection of songs that I like. No theme or specific genre.
Halloween brings a treasure trove of characters. If you could become any iconic Halloween figure for a day, who would it be and why? A dose of spooky inspiration, perhaps?
As soon as I read this question.. Ursula from the little mermaid came to mind. Ever since I was a child, I was obsessed with the song Poor Unfortunate Souls.. I would run around the house impersonating the way Ursula would sing it in the movie. She’s my favorite Disney villain and definitely my go-to character for a day!
Every makeup artist has a Halloween dream creation. What's your ultimate spooky masterpiece that you're itching to bring to life someday? The more eerie, the better!
I love zombies and monsters in general. I’ve been dying to create a pregnant zombie that has just given birth. The best part is that the baby would be hanging by the umbilical chord. I’m talking about an obscene amount of gore
We've seen your special effects sorcery, but what's your go-to Halloween makeup tip for those who want to channel spooky vibes without diving into the supernatural?
That would be the classic skeleton makeup. It’s so versatile.. you can make it super scary, artistic, and even glamorous
Halloween is a time for mystery and enchantment. If you had the power to grant a single Halloween-themed wish, what wish would you fulfill for yourself and your fellow makeup artists?
If I had a Halloween wish, it would be to convince the world to celebrate Halloween every month. It makes me sad that myself and my fellow makeup artists need to wait a whole year to celebrate 1 day.
Crystal ball time! Where do you see the realm of special effects makeup heading in the next few years? Any trends or innovations that you're brewing in your cauldron of ideas?
As long as writers keep creating all sorts of characters for the movie industry to produce, SFX artists are the ones that will bring those characters to life.
SFX makeup allows you to escape reality. It allows you to become something other than yourself. When we were asked as children what you want to be when you grow up, we would give answers like Princess or a superhero. SFX makeup gives the inner child in all of us the chance to play out what was once our dream as kids
Embark on Your Makeup Odyssey: Connect with Natalie's Enchanted Realm Now!
But hey, don’t take my word for it – grab your spellbinding scepter (or just your smartphone) and whisk yourself away to Natalie’s realm of makeup marvels.
Your journey into the captivating world of NFX Makeup is just a click away! Trust me, even the mischievous Halloween spirits can’t resist a double-tap on her Instagram and a curious wander through her website. So, why resist the temptation?
Unleash your inner makeup maven and let the enchantment begin! 🎃✨
Instagram: @NFXMakeup
Website: www.NFXMakeup.com
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