Categories interviews

Kat Von D’s Going-Out Beauty Routine

Some people meditate; Kat Von D puts on makeup. “There are few moments in my life that really allow for an uninterrupted time to quietly reflect—something I truly enjoy doing,” she says. “My makeup routine is just that for me.” The tattoo artist and beauty line creator is no amateur when it comes to flicking eyeliner and blending shadow, either. A quick scroll through her Instagram (with 2.2 million followers and counting) proves that her own makeup prowess is, in fact, quite extraordinary—a fact that won’t surprise anyone familiar with her work as a tattoo artist.

We got a chance to peek the gothic-romantic queen’s getting-ready routine and talk all things beauty—including a very exciting project she just launched.

Do you usually decide on what you’re wearing before you start your makeup, or vice versa?

Von D: It happens both ways for me really. Sometimes it’s a pair of shoes that will inspire the look of the day, and other times, the excitement of a new beauty product can dictate what I end up wearing.

How long does it usually take you? Be honest.

Von D: It really all depends on how technical I want to get, but I’d say on average if you give me a good 30 minutes, I can usually clean up pretty nicely.

That’s impressive! Do you enjoy the entire process or do you have a step you dread? (Ours is perfecting eyeliner.)

Von D: To be quite honest, I’ve become quite a happy hermit over my time, so generally speaking, I prefer to just be at home! So, I’d have to say my least favorite part about getting ready for an event is the impending feeling of doom that I’ll inevitably have to leave my cats! Crazy, I know.

If we were to pull you away from your cats for one night, what would a typical getting-ready routine be like?

Von D: For face prep, I use the Dr. Jart+ Cellwake Eye Cream EX and my new Kat Von D Lock-It Featherweight Primer that’s water-based and extremely hydrating. The Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Concealer hides any imperfections, and then using a Beauty Blender, I put the Lock-It Tattoo Foundation all over for an even canvas.

To add depth and dimension, I’ll use my new Shade & Light Contour Palette and Brush. I’m really in love with this palette because it uses true taupe-based hues for contouring and the formula is so light, it’s easy to blend and build depending on the look I’m going for. I finish my face off with a sweep of Miss Liberty Blush from Nars and Smashbox Soft Lights for a quick shimmer.

Good to know you’re #teamcontour like us. So what about eyes and lips?

Von D: For my eyes, I always use my eye primer, Tattoo Liner, and Immortal Lash 24 Hour Mascara, because they do not budge, but for a night out I’ll add some dimension with shadows. I’ve been using my new Innerstellar Palette, which has gorgeous hues of purples and neutrals.

To finish off my look, you can never go wrong with a classic red lip! I like a matte finish and the Studded Kiss Lipstick in Hexagram is my go-to.

Simple and straightforward—we like it. Word on the street is that you’re expanding your beauty empire…congrats! Can you tell us about your newest project?

Von D: I could probably write a few chapters at least in regards to KatVonDBeauty.com, but I’ll condense it as much as I possibly can. Basically, I wanted to create a space on the web that focused solely on all the things that I have found immense inspiration from. Think mood boards, artistically curated swatches, as well as dark and romantic beauty-related images, all beautifully composed together with artfully minded typography. This isn’t just a place where I’ll be uploading selfies and photos of my cats (although some will definitely make the site). This is a place where like-minded people can upload their beauty muses and creativity as well, and share with me and the rest of the world. I really believe in the power of social media and KatVonDBeauty.com is a big hub for this. I love connecting with my fans and hearing their inspiration as much as sharing my own.

 

INTERVIEW BY BYRDIE December 23rd, 2014

Categories interviews

Kat von D for The Daily Telegraph

Kat von D may be renowned worldwide for her tattoo art but she says she is really just a hippy nerd

[December 3rd, 2014]


FORGET koalas, emu’s or kangaroos, Kat von D has just one animal she wants to see on her first trip to Australia.

The renowned tattoo artist, reality star and businesswoman is desperate to see a Sydney Flying Fox fruit bat.

“I heard I could just go to the Botanical Garden but I’ve found out that they’ve been ushered out into a different section,” she said.

“I’ve been trying to find out where these bats are and I’ve just got word that they are somewhere near the airport so one of my main goals on this trip is to see the bats. I am just going to mentally record as much as I can.”

The star of reality series LA Ink and Miami Ink is in town to help launch the first Sephora store in Australia, which stocks her make-up range. She will appear at the Pitt Street store to meet fans at 2pm Saturday.

Kat von D, born Katherine von Drachenberg, is a self proclaimed geek.

“People probably think I am a lot cooler than I really am,” she laughed. “I know proudly that I am very geeky and I am totally fine with that.”

Asked to expand on her geekdom, she added: “I’m a bookworm, I read a lot. I love gardening, nature, hippy nerd stuff I guess. I am not Star Wars geeky cos I’m not that cool.”

[Kat von D with Jonathon Moran on The Daily Telegraph]