Bio
I, like many girls, fell in love with cosmetics as a child playing with my mom's makeup. I began to seriously experiment with makeup in my "tween" years after several years of having to deal with the typical skin issues that tag along for the ride when one blossoms into adulthood. Even regular trips to the dermatologist couldn't help enough. This began my interest in using makeup to enhance beauty, and since I wasn't technically allowed to wear makeup as a youngster, I was always very conscious of making sure it looked as natural as possible before leaving the house! Makeup was always something I looked forward to splurging on, and I experimented with everything from over-the-counter drug store brands, "As Seen on TV" products, higher end products, and professional line products. This gave me a lot of practice, and before I knew it, I was doing simple makeovers on myself, as well as family and friends at an early age.
My makeup style can be best described as natural, corrective, and camera-friendly. While I love to change up makeup, especially to create dramatic, eye-catching looks for special occasions or artistic photo shoots, I agree that
"The best compliment a makeup artist can get, is when their client is told that he/she looks amazing...not their makeup."
-Maurice Stein, Cinema Secrets
I finally considered becoming a professional makeup artist when I discovered that training and certification for makeup artistry was more easily accessible to a busy mom like me than I had thought. I got my first taste of makeup artistry training through San Diego Continuing Education . What an amazing program! I entered the program being "pretty good" at applying makeup, and left confident with my new skills and knowledge from a seasoned professional in the field. I learned so much, from proper makeup sanitation, color matching, contouring and highlighting, and creating a natural look, to more advanced techniques such as looks for special events, fashion, print, and the proper application of false eyelashes.
I also had the honor of learning from Academy Award winning makeup artist, Maurice Stein.
The techniques I learned from him were invaluable, including concealing and neutralizing skin discolorations such as under-eye darkness, birth marks, tattoos, and discolorations resulting from laser and surgical procedures. We also learned how to tailor makeup application to different types of media including still photo, film, and television. He was even generous enough to teach us his famous 5-minute, non-surgical eye lift!
Thanks to Mr. Stein, I learned about the Look Good Feel Better Program . I have assisted in classes in my hometown San Diego, helping to teach women (undergoing all stages of cancer and treatment) techniques on how to enhance their beauty as they deal with the physical effects of treatment. I am currently seeking to volunteer in a similar program while here in Okinawa. I encourage anybody with a passion for makeup (or just looking to help make a difference) to volunteer their talents as well!
While in Okinawa, I also took advantage of a makeup program that enabled me to reinforce my existing skills and to learn new techniques such as airbrush makeup, how to apply eyelash extensions, and to receive constructive feedback.
I can never learn enough about makeup. I'm always on the look-out for more educational opportunities in makeup artistry, and I'm excited to share what I learn with you! Thanks for taking the time to read a little about me. I feel that it is very important to know your makeup artist, especially since he/she will be working with you to enhance your most valuable physical asset during the most special events in your life. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to send me a message any time! =)
