Meet Crissy Cox - Makeup Artist

Hello, Everyone! My name is Crissy Cox and I am a Freelance Makeup Artist here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I'm 25, Mama to a sassy 3 year old little girl, and a bit of a fitness fanatic. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a Makeup Artist, but never really knew if it was possible. I remember being in 7th grade, and I had to write a project for my Career Discovery Class, detailing which career field I wanted to go in. At the ripe old age of 12, I chose Makeup Artist. As the years passed by, I got that much closer to graduation, and "what I wanted to be" became daunting. I knew I wanted to be a Makeup Artist, but was that when attainable? Do normal, every day people even hire Makeup Artists? Or just celebrities in Los Angeles? I graduated high school and went straight to Vanguard Paul Mitchell cosmetology school, where I realized more than ever that makeup is my passion, my fire, my dream. Cutting hair was not my vibe, but makeup was! I loved the transformation of it all. Seeing naturally beautiful, every day women transform into Victoria's Secret models. Watching their face light up when they saw themselves in the mirror for the first time. I helped women to see themselves in a new light, that maybe they had never seen before.

After leaving Paul Mitchell, I landed my dream job, working for MAC Cosmetics. At 19 years old, I was (at the time) the youngest artist to ever work at that counter. I was honored, inspired, and my fire was burning brighter than ever. In just under 2 years, I walked away with an abundance of knowledge. Working in retail was not my favorite thing in the world... But I gained more hands-on experience than I could have ever imagined, working with girls as young as 3 to women in their 80s. Teens going to prom, beautiful brides on their wedding day, and matching spray tans to the best of my ability for bodybuilding competitions. I worked with women and men of all races, creeds, and walks of life. I doubled as a best friend and therapist to many, and formed beautiful relationships with both coworkers and clients alike. In 2014, I left MAC to focus on my family. I got married, had a baby, and moved away to Virginia. Nearly a year later, I thought, "I can't take it anymore", and I figured I'd try out my hand at Freelancing. But where would I even begin? I was in a new city where I knew practically no one. I reached out to a local photographer, who introduced me to the world of Boudoir. I had no portfolio, and nothing to show for my work. She took a chance on me anyway. After one Boudoir Marathon, that was it. I was hooked. Glamour. Sensuality. Girl Power. It was fun. It was beautiful. It was empowering. I'm sure as all of you know, the Boudoir community is like no other. Everyone empowers everyone. It doesn't matter if you're 21 or 61. It doesn't matter if you're a size 2 or a size 22. You are beautiful, strong and sexy, and we will ALL make sure you know it... and FEEL it! Upon moving back to the Coast a year later, I was feeling a bit lost, but Makeup was my constant. I knew that I had to keep that fire burning, and I was lucky enough to have great support from my family, and community of fellow artists. After working a few weddings, and getting my feet back in the water, I realized something was still missing... Boudoir. I searched for local Boudoir Photographers in the area, and found Candace. With sweaty palms and a racing heart, I sent her a message asking if she was possibly looking for a Makeup Artist/Hair Stylist, and to my surprise and delight, she was!

Before I knew it, Candace and I were working together consistently. To this day, Candace and I have teamed up with dozens of women, with the same goal in mind: to empower, uplift, and to help women see the true beauty within them that has been there all along. A nice set of false lashes and lipstick just helps enhance what's already there! And not to mention... who doesn't want to relax and let someone else pamper them for an hour and a half?! I am so happy that I discovered that every day women DO hire Makeup Artists. And I am so thankful and blessed that they do. So until they stop, I will continue to move onward and upward in this career, helping women to not only LOOK, but FEEL beautiful every single day.

See more from this beauty’s boudoir experience over on her personal blog here.

Q&A:

Q: How much is Makeup and Hair with you?
A: Both inside and outside of the Boudoir studio, my rate is $100 for a full face makeover, lashes, curls/beach waves, and travel to anywhere on the MS Gulf Coast!

Q: What are some of your favorite products?
A: My favorite foundation ever is MAC Studio Fix. I have used this product in my kit, and on myself, since I was 13 years old. It's full coverage, has a beautiful satin matte finish, and it doesn't break the bank compared to other high-end foundations. I also love Kat Von D Tattoo Liner for a great, bulletproof liquid liner, and my signature -- Kiss #11 false lashes! No look is complete without them!

Q: I don't usually wear makeup... will it be too much?
A: Every Makeup Artist probably has a signature style. However, any seasoned artist should be capable of delivering your desired look, no matter how simplistic or dramatic you'd like to go! From "no makeup" makeup to smokey eyes and everything in between, a good artist will not give every client a standard look. We will get to know each client beforehand, and determine the perfect look for YOU, based on your skin tone, skin type, eye color/shape, outfit, and preferences... A lot goes into it!

Q: Should I bring anything?
A: Not unless you want to! Any good Makeup Artist will already come prepared with a fully stocked kit, as well as other tools, such as a director's chair or maybe even their own lighting. You should never have to bring your own foundation, lashes, moisturizer, etc. These are things that will set a Pro apart from a Non-Pro. Your only job is to show up and get pampered! I've got the rest covered!

Q: How do I book you?!
A: If booking for your Boudoir shoot, just let Candace know you'd like to schedule hair and makeup before your shoot! it's a great way to ease those nerves before jumping into your photoshoot! Outside of the studio, feel free to email me at christinabcox@gmail.com or check out my work on Facebook at Facebook.com/CrissyCoxMUA

What is the best way for people to contact you?

Email: christinabcox@gmail.com

Instagram: crissycoxmua

Facebook page: Crissy Cox - Makeup Artist