1. Tell us about yourself.
I'm Sandy Linter, I've been doing makeup as a freelance artist since 1973/74. I started behind a cosmetics counter at Bloomingdales in 1969. I quickly got a job at the esteemed hair salon Mr. Kenneth in 1973. I did the makeup for his society clients at that time. One of them wa Shirley Lord, Beauty Editor of American Vogue, who did a two-page article on me. Then, I started doing Vogue editorials

2. You were a huge face in makeup during the 1970’s. Tell us about what that was like.
My career in the magazines was launched. I worked for magazines for at least five years. I loved doing studio work. Some of the photographers were Deborah Turbeville, (I did the infamous bathhouse scenes) Albert Watson, Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, Patrick Demarchelier and Chris von Wangenheim. Chris photographed me with Gia in the fence photos 1978. I also did the Disco Beauty book in 1978.

I was big in the 1970s as an editorial makeup artist. It was great seeing my work appear in the magazines, regularly. It was an exciting time for me. I can look back at that time period and know that I was one of the 'firsts' in this profession. Makes me feel good.

In 2011 I did a book with Lois Joy Johnson, called The Makeup Wakeup Revitalizing your look at any age.

3. How did you get into makeup?
I first saw the magic of makeup when I was 13 years old and purchased my first tube of blue frosted mascara. I used to do my moms' makeup before she went to work. She asked me to do this because she admired the makeup I was doing on myself. I was 15. I didn't care for school. I got married at 21 and went to Beauty School to get a hairdressing license, which would allow me to do makeup at a hair salon. I never knew that I would have a career in magazines, doing great photo shoots and meeting wonderful, special people along the way. It's all been a surprise to me, but one I took to very naturally.

4. What are you focusing on doing these days?
I'm focusing now on being a voice for women over a certain age who need help with makeup with or without surgical procedures. It's very tricky to age well. You don't want to do too much or too little. I'd like to give some direction in this tricky area. You just want to enjoy your life looking as good as you possibly can. I would also be a good spokesperson for this group of women for a cosmetics company.

5. With now COVID-19, what are your plans?
During these COVID-19 days nothing is average. In March, I was booked through June, but, due to the quarantine, I lost many bookings. Usually, though, I keep my skills up by going to the Rita Hazan Salon any day I am not booked with a private client, where I do makeup applications or updates. I met the gorgeous Christie Brinkley in 1977. I did many beauty shoots with her and covers, too. We worked for a bit and then I didn't see her again for decades. We reconnected in 2013, and I've done most of her bookings ever since. I did the makeup on the cover of her book, ‘Timeless Beauty’, I consider Christie Brinkley’s’ look ageless. That’s the look I like to promote for women. ‘Ageless Beauty’.

6. Where do you get inspiration for your makeup looks from?
I love getting inspired by magazines or advertising or looking through vintage magazines. I love posting on Instagram because it keeps me in touch with people. I love makeup and so my product list could go on and on.

7. Tell us your top 3 beauty must haves.
My top 3 beauty must haves are the following:
a. A great moisturizer and skin care routine. I'm using La Mer.
b. A beautiful shadow palette by Mac Cosmetics called Nude Model.
c. I use a brow and lash growth serum (conditioner) each night so that my lashes and brows stay intact. Right now, I'm using Revita Lash. Even though I wear a mask every day, I still like to wear lipstick and I've settled on a matte liquid lip by Stila Cosmetics.

8.You’ve worked with people like Jackie O and Barbara Walters as a young makeup artist. What was that experience like? Do you feel you’ve learned anything from these experiences?
My takeaway from working with them was that they both appreciated my efforts to make them look so beautiful. I recognized them as being beauties, and my makeup reflected that. I received many compliments from the TV crew after I did Barbara Walters makeup for a TV special. I knew Jackie O liked her makeup because she sent someone to Bloomingdales to pick up all the products mentioned on the face chart I'd given her. It's a great job with many happy returns!

9. What does your everyday makeup routine look like?
I wear foundation every day. My skin tone is quite pasty looking, as I haven't had sun in decades. No sun... no brown spots, too. So, foundation is necessary for me. I use blush or bronzer, sometimes both, and I take the time every day to do lashes. I might be turning up for a job at 6:00 am, but I'll have on a full face of makeup. I feel if I look as well as I can... it can't hurt!

10. Website?
http://www.bryanbantry.com/sandy-linter

11. Instagram?
@sandylinter

Article by Alison Hernon, Editor-In-Chief, PhotoBook Magazine

"Society,” which shows the driving forces behind the artists such as agents, producers who handle the grueling logistics to make things happen, and managers. “Society” puts a face to a name. And, “Society” keeps us informed of today’s news.

Our Interview With One Of The First Editorial Makeup Artists: Sandy Linter

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