Atlanta's Hottest Makeup Artist

Bravotv.com: How long have you worked in the industry, and how long have you been working with The Real Housewives of Atlanta?

I’ve been in the beauty industry for over 10 years now. This is my second season working with The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

What inspired you to become a makeup artist?

My own bad experiences with makeup artists inspired me to start doing my own makeup and it was then that I began to realize my gift for makeup artistry. It took a lot of coaxing from friends, family and fellow artists to convince me to pursue it as a career, but I have no regrets!

Jill Zarin, who stars on The Real Housewife of NYC, writes a weekly blog about the Atlanta wives. Last week she wrote, "I love everyone's makeup this season. WOW - you hot mamas really stepped it up!"  What's the secret to being a good makeup artist?

Thanks Jill! The Atlanta Glam Squads work really hard and it’s nice to know that our work doesn’t go unnoticed! The key to being a good makeup artist is to listen to your client to gain an understanding of what they like and then use your expertise to add a little creativity to it. You have to trust the artist inside you because that’s the part that no one can teach you.

Are there particular features with each wife that you try to accentuate?

I have had the pleasure of working with all of the women of The Real Housewives of Atlanta during the past two seasons and they each have unique and beautiful features. One common feature that I really love to accentuate when I am working with the ladies is their eyes since that is what most people tend to notice first. For example with Sheree’s look, I love to play up her bronze skin tone by using light shimmery eye shadows for a clean daytime look. For the evening, we add a pop of color so that her eyes light up the room. Her favorite color on the eyes is a green metallic which I usually apply using an airbrush.

NEXT: Does Toni have a favorite Housewife?

Do you have a favorite Atlanta Housewife?

Does Dwight count as a housewife? LOL! I’ll never tell who my favorite is! But here’s a hint: "Who gon’ check me boo?"

Which cast member is the easiest/hardest to style?

I would have to say that Sheree is the easiest cast member for me to style because I know her personal taste and I have done her makeup so many times, I could probably do it with my eyes closed. Actually, I think I probably have (had my eyes closed) on some of those early morning shoots. Hardest would have to be NeNe because she gives so many directives. She’s a boss! But she knows what she wants and I love that about her.

Do cast members gossip with you? Can you spill any juicy behind-the-scenes secrets that you think fans would be interested to hear about?

Of course they gossip! But you won’t hear it from me. My lips are sealed. I can tell you this little beauty secret that they all have in common: False Eyelashes! The bigger the better! They ALL rock them! Nene sometimes likes to wear two pair at a time “honey”.

What are your top three must-have products?

Urban Decay’s "24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencils" (I love every color!)
M.A.C. Dazzleglass "Money Honey"
NARS Blush "Taos"

NEXT: Toni shares secret styling tips!

What are the biggest mistakes people make when doing their makeup?

Over doing it! I hate to sound cliché, but a little goes a long way when it comes to makeup. Don’t hide your best features by piling on the makeup. Makeup should be used to enhance your beauty. Your eye shadow does not have to match every color in your graphic print, Marc Jacobs dress. Don’t get caught up on the brand either, focus on what works best for you and the look you are going for. We all love name brands, but expensive doesn’t always equal best product when it comes to cosmetics and skin care.

Any makeup tips/secrets you've given to the housewives that you'd like to offer to fans?

Mix a bit of dark liquid bronzer into your lotion to give your legs and arms a beautiful, warm glow. Be sure to apply it evenly so there is no streaking. You will look like you have been vacationing in the Hamptons with The Real Housewives of NYC.

Visit Toni's website at www.toniacey.com