She is all about enhancing your natural beauty. Here is my interview with Ottawa professional makeup artist Karyna Di Nardo.

Karyna Di Nardo
Makeup Artist
Hair by Adamo | Ottawa ON
Instagram: @karynakosmetics

How long have you been a makeup artist and how did you get your start in the industry?

I have always been interested in makeup, but I got certified at Algonquin in 2015. My brother opened Hair by Adamo, where I work, that same year. I slowly started practicing and had a great opportunity to take on clients here!

What inspires you as an artist?

I have to pick one thing? There are so many things that inspire me as a makeup artist.

Enhancing the beauty of the client

I love to work with what the client has. We are all blessed with different canvases whether it’s big beautiful eyes, full lips or define cheekbones. I like to use makeup as a way of making people feeling their best self.

Different colors

Trying colors that are complimentary for the clients eye color! A lot of people get shy when it comes to trying different colors for their shadows.

Skincare and having a good base is so important when it comes to makeup. What is the most important beauty advice that you can give to women?

For me the most important beauty advice I can give women is to take care of your skin! Luckily for me, I worked in a hair salon that was also a spa. They got me on a good face routine when I was young and I have never looked back! I think that if you spend the extra money on your skin you will thank yourself in the future. Another thing I am a firm believer of is protecting your skin. I always use SPF on my skin, it is even in the foundation I use!

The makeup industry is always evolving, new techniques, products and trends. How do you stay on top of it all?

Makeup trends are consistently changing and evolving and I think it’s important to always keep on top of what the latest trend or new it thing is. A big thing for me is social media. I like to get insight from makeup artists on Instagram and YouTube. Watching Bloggers create different looks always amazes me.

I also loveee buying new products or trying them out at places like M.A.C, Sephora, Shoppers etc. Even asking other artist’s opinions, and watching there techniques is always important to me, it helps me grow as an artist.

What are common mistakes women make when doing their makeup?

I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s a mistake, but women are not working with what they got! Sometimes as women we feel the need to cover up using makeup and don’t embrace the beauty we’ve got. Not to say I don’t like to do a full glam face for certain occasions. It’s all about really enhancing your beauty I’d say.

What are some must have products and tools in your makeup kit?

Must have’s in my kit, eeek I have so many!

First thing that comes to mind is setting spray. I like to prep and prime the skin with setting spray, it makes for a longer lasting and smooth application.

Eyelash curler is clutch! I know for myself I have pretty straight natural lashes, and I like to curl my lashes before I apply mascara.

Eyebrow pencil for sure! I swear by filling in my brows, even if it’s going to the grocery store haha. It changes the whole look!

A few brushes I can’t live without

A contour brush. I prefer M.A.C 109 Contour brush. It gives me the perfect contour whether I want it soft or bold.

A blending face brush to create no lines after I apply powders. I have a variety of these from Real Techniques and M.A.C.

Last but not least, eye shadow blending brush.  I kid you not this is a brush I cannot live without – M.A.C 217 blending brush. I can spend so much time on blending the eye shadow – whether it’s a smokey or natural look.

My list can go on and on, but these are a few of my faves!

What is your definition of beauty?

My definition of beauty is being comfortable in your own skin, and again owning what you’ve got! 
– Karyna Di Nardo

Is editorial work something you can see yourself doing in the future?

I think editorial makeup is amazing, but for myself I prefer evening and bridal makeup. It’s definitely something that would be cool to try, I’m just not sure if it’s something I will do. 

Do you have a daily beauty routine?

My daily beauty routine normally starts with a clean face. I will always start with removing any makeup, then I will use a cleanser. I like to tone my skin to balance the PH levels and removes excess makeup. Following that, I will exfoliate my skin every week or two to keep my face looking fresh and then I finish with moisturizer. This is something I like to do every day before bed and it’s become part of my routine. 

What are five beauty products you can’t live without?

Five beauty products I can’t live without are; setting spray, mascara, eyebrow pencil, foundation and bronzer. I won’t leave the house without them!

How would you describe your style?

The way I would describe my style is versatile. I’m very open to different looks, however I consider myself to be trendy. When it comes to make up, I again consider it to be very versatile. I can be super natural or all glammed up! It truly depends on how I’m feeling in the moment.

Finally, what three words describe you best?

Three words that would describe me best are – warm, genuine and organized.