A Chat With Tanisha Harper from Models of the Runway

By April

I have the privilege of working with a amazing talent: she is the creative, aspiring, kind and very intelligent Tanisha Harper from Models of The Runway.

Recently I did her makeup for a Project Runway segment and had the second to discuss the Painted Ladies blog with her and found out she has a stylish blog titled Wardrobe Wire – check it out!

While working with Tanisha last week, we did a little interview and she shared some fantastic beauty tips.  Thank you, Tanisha for helping inspire others with your beauty tips!

Painted Ladies: What is your favorite makeup look and why?

Tanisha: My favorite makeup look is dewy skin (no blush) with a “natural” smokey eye and nude/pink lips!

Painted Ladies: What has been the best experience you have had as a model? ( i.e. the trips, clothing, working with someone you admire?)

Tanisha: The best experience I have had as a model is simply just being one. It’s an amazing career to have. Some days I do photo shoots where I am lounging on the beach and enjoying the sun! Others I am jetting around from Mexico to Miami or New York to London. I smile, I pout, I pose, I walk….I would have to do all of this anyway and I am so thankful everyday that I am actually paid to do it!

Painted Ladies: What beauty item can’t you do without and why?

Tanisha: The beauty item I can’t do without is Aquaphor! It saves the day everytime. I use it on my lips, as a body moisturizer if I am in a bind, it helps to heal scars, is great for extremely dry skin (which I have) and sometimes I dab it on the corners of my eyes if my face is feeling dehydrated.

Painted Ladies: What was your first experience with makeup?

Tanisha: My first experience with makeup was a bad one. My girlfriends and I would pluck all of the hair out of our eyebrows and then draw them in with pencil. We would also wear heavy brown lip liner with frosted purple lipgloss. And yes, we thought we were the bomb!

Painted Ladies: Who are some of the top makeup artists and hairstylists you have had the pleasure of working with on shoots?

Tanisha: I have had the pleasure of working with top makeup artists like Collier Strong from L’oreal, Gregory Arlit from MAC cosmetics, Pat McGrath and hairstylists Warren Tricomi, Frederic Fekkai, and Oribe.

Painted Ladies:  Now for a couple of wardrobe questions: what is you favorite shade of clothing?

Tanisha: My favorite shade of clothing is black!!!

Painted Ladies: Who is your favorite designer?

Tanisha: I have several favorite designers/brands: Tom Ford, Diane Von Furstenberg, Ralph Lauren, Stella McCartney, Chloe, Alexander Wang

Painted Ladies: Back to makeup — what would you tell to someone who just started wearing makeup who is to obtain a quick look?

Tanisha: To achieve a quick makeup look, I would advise using a compact powder foundation, mascara, a touch of blush, lipgloss and go!

Painted Ladies: What is your favorite tool in your brush collection?

Tanisha: My favorite tool in my brush collection is the eyebrow groomer. I have wild brows so it tames them down!

Painted Ladies:  What tips do you have for aspiring models for their beauty looks?

Tanisha: My beauty tips for aspiring models is that less is more! Accentuate your features versus hiding them. If you have big beautiful eyes, don’t hide them with tons of eyeshadow. If you have great cheekbones, don’t be afraid to add a touch of contour to them to make them stand out more! Work with what you got and love it!