I met Jenn at a dinner party I threw almost two years ago and since then we’ve stayed in touch. To be honest, makeup is not my strong suit. My makeup regime consists of occasionally putting on concealer when I can’t hide my exhaustion, blush in the winter when my skin looks a little greenish  and maybe if I am feeling really festive some lipstick. Other wise I have absolutely no f-g clue what I am doing. The one time I tried contouring I looked like I had dirt on my face… I digress. You get the point!

I leave makeup to the professionals and when I met Jenn we instantly hit it off. Since then she’s helped me get ready for a few events and she even did the makeup for the ChicpeaJCTurns2 Fashion show. What I love about Jenn is she is patient and the makeup she did for me was very natural looking.

I asked her to come by ChicpeajcHQ to give me a fun makeover before a photoshoot while I got her background story.

What’s your name?

Jenn Dockendorf.

What do you do?

I’m a makeup artist in New York and Jersey City and the local area.

How long have you been doing this?

Over ten years.

How’d you get into makeup?

I went to art school and always loved doing things artistically, with a passion for makeup specifically. When I was in grad school, I had more work coming this way. I eventually got more into fashion and made connections. Instead of being an art teacher, here I am!

So what do you like about being a makeup artist?

I like the conversations and the excitement of getting to know new people in the industry, whether they’re someone or no one. It’s fun regardless, as long as I have cool people to work with.

What type of clients do you get? Is it mostly fashion shows?

It’s anywhere from fashion shows and TV shows like I’ve worked for a few commercials, all the way to doing makeup for a bride. If it’s someone’s big day, I do whatever is needed. I also do lessons for people who want to learn how to do makeup. I go to people’s homes and go shopping for them once we’ve decided what we need for their desired look.

What are your favorite products to work with?

I would say NARS, Makeup Forever, and MAC. They’re the best quality. I do a lot of work and shoots for them, but I’ve grown to admire these products’ lines.

What are tips you would give to anyone who wants to get better at their makeup routine?

I would say skin care is a huge factor that a lot of people don’t even consider. If you don’t have a good base with your face, then your makeup is not going to sit well. A lot of things that people miss out on, too, is having a good primer. If you don’t have a primer, your makeup most likely won’t last all day. If you’re using shadows, they’ll just dissolve into the oils on your lids. There are some basic fundamental things that people don’t include in their routine. To make it last all day, you need good skin and a good primer.

Someone like me, I hate putting makeup on. For people who are very low maintenance, what would you tell them are the top three things they should be doing?

Find a nice tinted moisturizer to even out your skin, a go-to mascara, and a lip gloss.

What’s trendy now?

Highlighters are huge right now. Having glowing skin and using a highlighter is popular today. I don’t like taking it to the extreme, but I think having radiant skin makes you look young and fresh.

I feel like your makeup style is very natural and not “too much.”

It is. Unless I’m doing a shoot for someone who needs that over-the-top look, I think natural beauty is great, and it’s a huge part of my aesthetic. Sometimes less is more.

I agree, I’m the same way. You’re also trying to do more stuff in Jersey City, right?

Yeah, I’d like to expand my clients here. I think it’s a good place and there’s so much going on. There are so many different people to collaborate with.

What are the prices for a makeup artist?

It varies. Someone like myself, I come to you. Depending on the occasion, I typically charge $125 and above. I think that’s the norm. If you go to a salon, you’ll find different skill levels and prices.

You should do packages!

I have them, but I don’t have them on my site, which I need to focus on more.

I would hire you for every event that I have.

I like doing events; it’s fun!

So do you carry your suitcase full of makeup everywhere you go?

I do!

What is your favorite Jersey City hangout spot?
Honestly, I live up in the Heights and love The Fox and Crow. It’s a really good spot for a good beer if I just want to chill. I don’t really have a favorite. I love it all! It depends on my mood. I love Madame Claude’s, it’s awesome – the food, drinks, and atmosphere. It’s more of a date night place. I like Porta; it’s a fun time.

Anything else you’d like people to know about you?

If you need lessons or anything, I’m always willing and flexible. This is what I do full-time, and I don’t discriminate against any occasion. If you need help or direction, or if it’s a big event, I’m up for it.

I heard there are some women who like getting their makeup done before giving birth. Have you ever done anything like that?

I haven’t, but I know something people do nowadays. I think people are recording everything, so you always want to look good at all times.

What are you doing to my face now?

Now I’m doing your eyes. We’re doing some funky eyeliner since you have a retro outfit. We did a nude lid with a bit of shimmer to give it a disco vibe. We’re adding a bright, fun blue and a huge wing. We’re also going to smoke out the liner a little to make the line thicker. We’ve already done your skin. You’re nice and dewy with a nice primer, so you don’t sweat it out, and of course some translucent powder.

Keep up with Jenn’s work on her site and Instagram!