Preferred Makeup Artists: Meet Kristi Alves
I’m thrilled to introduce you to Kristi Alves, a makeup artist whose passion, talent, and journey inspire us all. Kristi’s path to becoming a full-time makeup artist is a tale of creativity, perseverance, and following one’s heart.
I had the great honor of photographing her recently for a short session, and couldn’t be more pleased with what we created together.
Here’s an in-depth look at her story, techniques, and the incredible work she brings to our photography sessions.
Background & Journey
Kristi’s love for creativity started at a young age. As a child, she adored drawing, coloring, and painting, always drawn to bright, bold colors. Her passion led her to a technical high school where she could explore painting and decorating, fully supported by her mom. This love for art and color naturally extended to makeup, where she enjoyed playing with her mom’s products during her teenage years.
Despite her early passion for makeup, Kristi took a different professional path, working as a Media Sales Executive for 25 years. However, her love for makeup never faded, and she continued applying it on friends. Five years ago, at the age of 48, she took a bold step, left her high-paying job, and pursued her dream of becoming a makeup artist. “At the age of 48, I left my high-paying job and signed up at a makeup school. I got certified as a freelance makeup artist, during COVID no less which proved to be very challenging,” she recalls. Despite the challenges, she persevered, got certified, and is now a successful full-time makeup artist.
Inspiration
Kristi’s inspiration for makeup artistry began at 13, watching her mom apply makeup. “I was so enamored with all of it—the brushes, the products, the end result—and I thought, I want to do this on myself and on other people!” she shares. She believes in the power of makeup to transform not just appearances but also confidence and self-esteem, a belief reinforced by a memorable experience where her makeup skills helped a timid colleague shine.
Staying Updated & Trends
In the ever-evolving world of makeup, Kristi stays updated through social media, a strong community of fellow makeup artists, and continuous learning through classes. She loves the current trend of natural, no-makeup looks that celebrate individual features, but also enjoys the bold, creative looks she gets to work on during events like New York Fashion Week and Halloween.
She adopts a “less is more” approach, focusing on soft, natural glam and ensuring her clients are comfortable and involved in the process.
Working with Clients
Kristi’s approach to working with clients is highly collaborative. “It is never about me; it’s always about my client,” she states. She ensures a comfortable and relaxed experience, gathering input from clients about their preferences and any sensitivities. She avoids big reveals, preferring to involve clients throughout the process to ensure they’re happy with the results.
Tips for Clients
Kristi advises clients to avoid trying new products or facial procedures less than a week before a session to prevent adverse reactions. She emphasizes the importance of hydration and proper skin care the night before a shoot. “Come with clean skin, and I will do the rest!” she says.
Kristi is particularly passionate about skin prep, understanding that proper skin care is essential for makeup to look its best.
“Without proper skin prep, no amount of makeup, even the most expensive highest quality products, will look good on the skin.”
Favorite Products
Kristi’s go-to product is Thrive Liquid Extensions Mascara by Thrive Causemetics, valued for its transformative effect on lashes and its vegan, cruelty-free formulation.
Memorable Moments
Kristi recounts a memorable and somewhat chaotic appointment with a client in a cluttered kitchen, demonstrating her adaptability and focus on client comfort. “There were toys on the floor, plates of food on the table, and pots and pans with food from the night before. Despite all this, I focused on making sure she was relaxed, comfortable, and looked her best,” Kristi recalls.
Celebrity Client WishList
Given the chance, Kristi would love to do makeup for Amy Schumer, appreciating her relatability and humor.
Unwinding
After a long day, she unwinds by cleaning and sanitizing her kit, and spending time watching TV with her family. “I just lay on my bed alone in silence (which usually only lasts like 5 minutes before I’m being summoned by my husband or 13-year-old son),” she jokes.
Rewards
For Kristi, the most rewarding part of being a makeup artist is the internal transformation she sees in clients. She cherishes the connections she makes and the confidence she helps to instill.
“Sometimes my client sessions are like therapy where we are connecting over common life struggles and experiences that have nothing to do with makeup.”
Future Plans
Kristi is also passionate about teaching and is launching a new business aimed at making makeup less intimidating for everyday women, incorporating a fun, social element.
Connect with Kristi
You can find Kristi online at www.kristialves.com and on Instagram @kristialves_mua. To book directly, you can DM her on Instagram or contact her through her website.
The right makeup artist changes everything. So does the right photographer.
"I've been lucky enough to shoot with Stacie before, and her images always blow me away and make me see myself in a new light. This was especially true during my recent photoshoot at her studio in NYC.
I felt like a professional model at my NYC photoshoot! We had so much fun, and Stacie's contagious excitement made me feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. I was worried I would just look like a middle-aged woman who had been feeling old and invisible, but when I saw the photos, I was blown away! These were photos of a strong, confident, beautiful woman. Stacie captured me so authentically and truly brought out the best of me. It was so hard to pick my favorites; they were all incredibly good!”
- Mrs. L (repeat client)
