Jason Merritt/Getty Images, Kevin Mazur/WireImage, Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Marie ClaireFact: Katy Perry is a chameleon.
The pop star changes her look on an almost weekly (sometimes daily) basis. And although she makes going from glamour goddess to Geisha appear effortless it's actually quite a lot work. And the man doing most of the heavy lifting? Makeup artist Jake Bailey.
Bailey can usually by found at the "Dark Horse" singer's side at all of her concerts, red carpet events and magazine shoots but on the rare occasion he has the day off he's usually spends it helping other A-listers like Nina Dobrev, Emmy Rossum or Gwen Stefani. That's how you know he really loves his job!
Well, that plus the fact that he's been doing it for nearly two decades. Yup, quite a long time, so as you can imagine he had a lot to share:
How long have you been a makeup artist?
18 years! I was born with a makeup brush in hand.
Where did you get your start?
I started working as a catalog model when I was 18 and met the artists that did my makeup. That was always the most fun part of the day—the makeup trailer—so I started looking into it more. I also had a background in makeup. When I was in theater as a kid and had assisted a makeup artist at the Utah Opera in high school. I started offering to assist makeup artists for free in exchange for lessons, and eventually they started paying me. Later on down the line I was able to assist Kevyn Aucoin, and then went on to assist all the greats and learn everything I could before starting off on my own.
What was your big break?
Assisting Kevyn Aucoin was my first big break—the opportunity to work with him was the biggest stroke of luck in my career because he really helped to guide me. I would also say that Angelina Jolie was the first mega-star I ever worked with. I did her sexiest woman alive GQ cover (about 12 years ago).
What are a few favorite red carpet looks that you've created?
Katy Perry at the 2014 Grammys, Natalie Portman at the Fall 2013 NYC Ballet Gala and Selena Gomez at a ballet event this past May.
What was a really stressful moment in your career?
My most stressful moment was a long time ago when I first started. It was my first fashion week and I was working as an assistant at the Calvin Klein show. Gisele Bundchen had just become a huge star and she came in late so she had to sit in my chair because I was the only one available. I was about to start and all of the media cameras from CNN, VH1, MTV, etc. came over to film…and the look was liquid liner. I could have just died! Lucky for me, I have never done liquid liner quicker or more perfectly.
What items are always in your kit?
There are thousands of items always in my kit! Aside from all of the makeup in every imaginable shade, I always keep double stick tape for a wardrobe crisis or removing stray pieces of glitter. I carry a professional light because I work in many different settings that might not have ideal lighting. I also always carry the Crème De La Mer Soft Cream, Covergirl Liquiline Blast in Black Fire and Make Up For Ever's Flash Palette.
What new beauty item are you currently obsessed with?
I love the Covergirl Ready, Set, Gorgeous foundation.
What is your favorite drugstore buy?
I always tell women never to buy prestige mascara because I find that the drugstore brands are typically the best. My favorite is Covergirl LashBlast Volume.
And what about your fave high-end splurge?
Facials at Kate Somerville.
What's the best thank you gift you've ever received?
The first time I worked with Renee Zellweger I got a hand-written note from her the next day that was so sweet and unexpected and I still have it!
Which client have you been working with the longest?
Katie Holmes or Kyra Sedgwick.
See more of Jake's work on Twitter.