I recently had the pleasure of meeting with renowned makeup artist James Boehmer, NARS Director of Global Artistry.
As lead artist during New York Fashion Week, James has created looks for designers such as Thakook, Vivienne Westwood, Carolina Herrera, Monique Lhuillier, and much more. In addition, he has been an integral member of NARS Professional Artistry Teem during fashion for Marc Jacobs, 3.1 phillip lim, Diane von Furstenberg, J. Mendel, Rodarte, Chado Ralph Rucci, and Tory Burch. James’ artistry has appeared editorially in ELLE, Harper’s Bazzaar, Marie Claire, Surface, The New York Times Magazine, and much more. His trademark style and charismatic nature has brought him to work with an array of celebrities including Naomi Campbell, Heidi Klum, Sofia Coppla, and Zoe Kravitz to name a few.
It was an honor to interview James at the Nordstrom’s NARS Event in Cherry Creek in Denver, Colorado.
Where are you from?
I grew up in a suburb of St Louis, Missouri.
When did you start getting into makeup? What peeked your interest?
I’ve always been a huge fan of popular culture, and I’ve always taken notice of makeup. I loved the way costume, hair, makeup all played in part in creating a character- whether it be in a classic film or an 80′s new wave video. I have always loved fashion magazines- literally pouring over them. Francois work always stood out. His ability to reinvent familiar faces, like the supermodels of the day or Madonna, spoke to me, and made me really think about makeup as a career path.
When did you decide to pursue it as a career?
I was studying fine art and costume design in Chicago. A friend of mine gave me the opportunity to work on a very low budget feature film in wardrobe, makeup and hair. I was an extra in various scenes of the movie as well! I was fortunate enough to be taken under the wing of the producer, who started booking me for commercial work in Chicago. I decided to drop out of college and started learning everything I could about makeup.
How did you master your craft? Any mentors or who was been your main influencer?
I believe that assisting is the absolute best way to learn. You cannot ever know enough and should always arrive to be better and continue to learn. Working with Francois Nars has been the best education any makeup artist could dream of. His humility and his generosity in sharing his knowledge has been one of the greatest gifts if my career.
If you weren’t a makeup artist, what would you be?
I secretly want to be a ballet dancer, but I would probably be a gardener.
Makeup always starts with beautiful skin, so I live any work that is about adding dimension and depth to the skin. I LOVE a bold statement making lip! Any color works, especially a classic red or a deep, vampy wine tone. Keep the rest if the makeup minimal and it always looks chic.
What is the #1 thing that women tend to do wrong with their makeup?
Wearing the wrong color or texture of makeup is really the only “sin” when it comes to makeup. If you wear colors that make you feel great, they give you confidence. If a woman is wearing color with confidence, it will never be “wrong.”
What is your must-have Nars product?
Ashes to Ashes single shadow. Heat wave lipstick. Black Moon eyeliner. Zen and Desire blush. Skin Smoothing Face Prep. Loose Powder.
What are your tips for woman on the go? Can we do our makeup in five minutes?
Makeup should function in the same way that your wardrobe works. Modern makeup is about having infinite possibilities and options to follow your ever changing moods and keep your looks current. Invest in great basics in makeup like you would invest in a great suit or a classic little black dress. Take that same basic and update it from season to season by changing the way you accessorize it. Makeup follows suit. Skincare and complexion products will stay the same, as will those colors that always work for your skin tone, hair color, and style. Have fun with color and change your focus from season to season. For instance, try a shocking pink lip or a bold smoky eye to carry you from day to night, season to season. If you are pressed for time, pick one feature and go all the way with it. Makeup is about balance so don’t do everything at once. I think a red lip always works and takes no time to get on quickly if you don’t have much time.
photography by laura dombrowski
