Seven Things You Didn’t Know About Pixiwoo’s Sam Chapman

 
A couple weeks ago I was lucky enough to be able to hang out with Sam Chapman, one half of the pixiwoo YouTube channel and founder of Real Techniques, to talk about the brand’s new brushes and pick her brain about other beauty related things. Speaking with her was really inspiring as we both have a lot in common, mostly that we are both working 24/7 but do what we love while balancing our personal lives. #BossWomen

I loved learning about her perspective on makeup and beauty, and wanted to share some tidbits I knew you’d love too. Here are some things I found out about Sam and Real Techniques that I hadn’t known before.

1. She misses doing makeup on shoots.

Sam started as a makeup artist, then brought her wisdom to YouTube. While the pixiwoo channel and Real Techniques now monopolizes her time, she does admit that she misses doing makeup on shoots here and there. She shared with me how she recently made the time to be the makeup artist for a friend on a beach set, which made her miss the good ol’ days. Though, she’s very appreciative of what she has now and is incredibly humble.

2. She tells it like it is about beauty trends.

Being an OG beauty authority, Sam can see through all the latest crazes for what they are. “The beauty looks are the same every single season,” she says. “They find different ways to sell them. You know that every summer there’s gonna be dewy skin and a bright lip. Come winter, you know it’s gonna be matte, but they’re probably going to call it velvet because they want to be clever. You get to a certain point when you’ve been doing makeup for a long time when you’re just like… it’s rubbish.” (*cough* STROBING *cough*) As far as her favorite look, she thinks a good black eyeliner can intensify any eye, and is classic.

3. It takes a year for a Real Techniques brush to go from idea to final product.

Sam shared that the process of creating brushes isn’t as much as a snap as they make it seem. The sisters typically do research by purchasing a ton of brushes from other brands, brainstorming how they can make them better. Then, after they’ve come up with their ideas, it takes a year for prototypes and final touches to be put on the brushes you end up seeing on the shelves.

4. There might be more Real Techniques makeup down the line…

… but way, way down the line. The sisters want to focus on doing one thing well instead of trying to do it all. Sam said that, if anything, they would consider putting out brow products first. But for now, they are working on expanding the brush line and starting a selection of brush care products. Keep your eyes peeled for perhaps a brush shampoo or spray that will keep your collection clean and working beautifully!

5. Her and Nic didn’t get along growing up.

They’re sisters, what can you expect? Sam spilled that her and Nic pushed each other’s buttons constantly while they were younger, and still sometimes have their days. “When you’re that close with someone, it’s bound to happen.” However, she also acknowledges that she wouldn’t be where she is now without the sisterly love. “I can’t imagine doing this without that kind of support system. We’re strong at different times; on days where I feel like things are going wrong and I want to stop, she encourages me to keep going and vice versa.”

6. She’s not into perfect makeup.

After talking about how much she appreciates a smeary liner look, Sam added “I’m not one of those that just loves perfect perfect makeup. It’s just not real life, is it?” She explained that she’s not into what she calls the Instagram face… as in, overdrawn lips, overdrawn brows, and blurred-out-by-apps skin. “In terms of makeup, I think a lot of people use it to mask what they have rather than to enhance what they have.” She prefers when people use makeup to highlight their natural features rather than change them completely. Which leads into my favorite tidbit…

7. She thinks social media has an effect on self confidence.

“I think that sometimes social media hasn’t necessarily been the best thing for people’s self confidence because they see something that isn’t real.” She says that it’s important to know that the images you see on social media (and in traditional media for that matter) aren’t realistic, since many people will always choose to display themselves in the best light, looking their most fabulous. “You’re only going to show the shots you look the thinnest in, the pictures with the best lighting, the times when you’re looking really good on the plane, the most exciting things you ever do. It’s just not real life.” She even asked her boyfriend not to follow her on Instagram because she doesn’t feel it’s a 100% realistic portrayal of herself as a person. “I hope when people meet us they realize that 1) We’re not like that and 2) We’re normal, because it’s so important to have that relatability where people feel comfortable around you and feel like [they can be] themselves.”

Check out my review of the new releases from the Real Techniques original line as well as their new Bold Metals collection, and enter to win a free Collector’s Edition Eyelining Set over here!

What’s your favorite video from pixiwoo?