PiecesofRisa 
formally know as MakeupbyRisa

Alyx reached out to Risa not too long ago, and asked if she would be interested in a small fun interview for the blog. Risa responded almost instantly from her phone, and heres what came of it...

Alyx will be green, and Risa is purple

• How would you describe yourself to the viewers who don't already know who you are?
  

I'm a freelance makeup artist currently living in NY who's been a part of the online beauty community since 2003.

• Have you always been into makeup?  
  

Yes though I didn't always understand why. For me it wasn't so much about "pretty" but rather transformation. I learned to embrace the "pretty" aspect of accentuating key features after I had dabbled in the transformative aspect of it.

• How did you get started on youtube? 
  

I moved to NY for the second time (third time's a charm!) in 2009 to pursue a career in makeup. I had a really difficult time getting a job and making money which I tweeted about. Brooke (sayanythingbr00ke on YouTube) responded asking why I wasn't on YouTube. I had, in previous years been a frequent poster on Livejournal in various makeup communities, Specktra and makeup alley. So I decided it couldn't hurt to try and see if anyone actually cared to watch.

• You have over 54,000 subscribers. Did you ever think you would have so many people following you? 
  

Definitely not.

• Has youtube opened up any friendships/opportunities for you? 
  

Yes indeed! I've had a few jobs through YouTube and met/befriended some lovely people along the way. I even have my roommate because of Youtube!

• Of course I have to ask, how do you deal with the negaivity?
  

Honestly it depends on the day. It's been so long since I've posted a video I kind of forgot what that felt like until it was asked. Most times it's apparent the person wants attention and generally I'll ignore it though I do recall times when others made my own ego roar in the past.

What would you say to someone just starting out in makeup/youtube who is looking for advice?
Starting out in makeup...as in, a career? Decide what direction you want to go and do it. There's a lot of free work you end up doing to pay your dues and prove not only your talent but personality as well so be prepared. And practice, practice, practice on every skin tone, skin type, eye shape, lip shape, age you can get your brushes on. It is my belief that any look can be modified for anyone to wear but you first must understand the different forms of facial structure and types and tones of skin. That understanding should be a basic foundation before color ever enters the picture.

• What/Who inspires you?
  

I tend to be inspired by everything. Cliche I suppose but it's truth. When you remember to see life through the very same eyes you did as a child, there isn't a single thing that is not inspirational.

• Who is your typical client and/or what is your typical gig like?
  

Working in New York there's a lot of fashion work so I tend to do most makeup on models however in the past year I expanded into film working on a commercial, a few music videos, short films and a national reality show.

What is your go to...
-hairdo:It depends solely on the weather so I generally wear it down with a hat added in the winter and a braid or two to keep it off my face/neck during the summer.
-makeup look:Very basic. Foundation, highlighter, sometimes neutral blush as a contour, Mascara and a bright or bold lip.
-outfit:jeans, boots or converse, a sweater or t-shirt, hoody and/or leather jacket

• What is one beauty item you can not live without?
  

Moisturizer and lipstick

• In your opinion what can be splurged on, and what can be bought on the less expensive side? 
  

Anything one values can be splurged on. Though I'd say moisturizer and skin care are the most important items to spend money on. Though nearly everything can be found at a cheaper cost. My favorite beauty "item" is just olive oil and raw natural sugar. 

• Will you be making more videos soon? I know everyone misses you. 
  

I most definitely will. I just started 2 new channels that I'm super excited about! PiecesofRisa and Capturelab, I won't be posting on MakeupbyRisa anymore.

• What is your favorite look you have made a tutorial for? 
  

I don't know if I can pick just one but if I had to narrow it down I suppose my Dark Angel takes the cake. Halloween tutorials are always more fun to me. 

FINISH THE SENTENCES
- Black lipliner... is an amazing way to deepen a red lip and give it a vampy feel if blended properly.
- Using your fingers...should always happen. They're your best tools
.- Who needs lipstick, when you have... smokey eyes
- I can't believe I used to... wear pink freeze eyeshadow as lipstick. With chestnut lipliner mind you. SMH lol

NOTHING TO DO WITH MAKEUP
-- Do you have a favorite food? Mexican and Japanese
- Any pets? One gray tiger kitty named Koopa
- A hobby other than makeup?photography, drawing, painting, digital art, zoology, metaphysics
- A word you like to use?Amazing

Any parting words for our readers? 
Believe in your dreams and they'll believe in you

Thanks so much Risa for taking the time to do this little interview with me. I hope everyone goes and subscribes to her new channels. (links are in pink in the interview)
~Alyx