Makeup Vs. No Makeup

Photo credit: Bouncing Light

   I was watching an episode of Katie Couric's show a few weeks back and she had author Phoebe Baker Hyde on the show discussing her book, The Beauty Experiment: How I Skipped Lipstick, Ditched Fashion, Faced the World Without Concealer, and Learned to Love the Real Me. Phoebe swore off all beauty for a year to outgrow the fantasy of feminine perfection and find a spot where she felt comfortable. This meant she gave up makeup, jewelry, salon visits, and new clothes. She also cut her hair short in a men’s style.

   On the show that day, Katie wore no makeup and asked audience members not to as well. Katie wasn't comfortable being on the show without the makeup at all. Katie discussed how society has influenced our belief system on makeup. The show demonstrated the results of an experiment. It filmed an actress, dressed well and in makeup, as she stood outside of a store and asked people for directions or to borrow their phone. Many stopped to hear the actress’ request and most let her use the phone and even made small talk with her. Later the show recreated the scenario using the same girl, this time without the nice clothes and makeup. Almost all walked by ignoring her. One man dialed the phone for her and many just said, “No!” when asked to borrow their phone.


   This prompted me to ask my female friends on Facebook if they wear makeup and, if so, why. Also I asked the men if they think women should wear a little makeup or none at all. Since the statistics say women spend $12,000.00 a year on beauty products and services, I wanted to ask around. My friends are pretty diverse and many said they wear a little makeup. Most said mascara and lip color are a must. Many said they like to cover their skin imperfections and like how they feel wearing it. One friend said she looks like crap without it and that made me laugh. The men replied saying a little is good. They like lip gloss. One male friend said, “It should complement women’s features much like a tie does to a suit.”

   In my career I have had female clients say, “My other half doesn’t like it when I wear makeup.” Is it that or are they scared I will make them look like a clown? Could it be when they put on makeup, they look like a clown? Or is it that their other half is just a clown? All joking aside, I think as women we do need to find our HAPPY spot. No makeup can cover internal scars. No makeup can hide unhappiness. We have to find that center, as Phoebe did, then use makeup to enhance our features.

   In society, many prejudge a person before they know them. Perhaps a gal has on too much makeup just because the lighting is bad in her bathroom. Limited makeup may be because the inexperienced girl doesn’t know how to apply it, so she opts out on any. In my profession, you wouldn’t want to see me looking like a hot mess and then trust that I can make you look amazing. This is no different than going to an interview in dirty jeans and t-shirt and expecting to be taken seriously. So I guess we are influenced by looks. If you find you dislike makeup, it is OK! I am sure your personality will compliment your look. If you do love makeup, set aside a budget and have fun wearing it.

Photo credit: Doug Treiber

MIP Cleveland 2013

         

    Cleveland Magazine has its 2013 Most Interesting People issue on newsstands now. This cover was shot at Eric Mull’s studio where I have been working at for the last eight years. Being on home turf has its advantages, especially for the GREAT natural light. The cover features five of Cleveland's Most Interesting People. Those faces include: Elisa Amigo News Anchor from FOX 8 Cleveland, Julie Foucher runner up in the 2012 Reebok Cross Fit Games, Russ Mitchell News Anchor for WKYC Channel 3, Vanni Wang a fashion designer, and Chef Rocco Whalen restaurant owner.



      I asked my talented cousin Stephanie Johnson to once again assist me on hair duties, so I could focus on makeup. As the art director Kristen Miller showed us the posing of the celebrities, Eric l fine tuned the back drop. Once everyone filed in, we directed them to a place to park and hang up their belongings. As I worked on Alicia, Rocco arrived with many pizzas from his restaurant in hand. After smelling the aroma, I was very disappointed that I have Celiac's Disease and can't eat pizza carry out anymore. Everyone was eager to get started and then lunch followed.



   In the past I met Rocco in our studio, although, he is actually from Mentor, OH where I also reside. I chatted with him about mutual friends as I applied his makeup. Russ Mitchell and I met back in the spring when he first moved to Cleveland. I was on set of WKYC/NBC’s show Good Company and he was a guest that day. He is a real leader in the news business and a true asset to the station. I had never met any of the women before, but found them to be a breath of fresh air.



   Vanni arrived in an AMAZING red dress, which she designed, and wore some very hot shoes for this cover shot. As I worked, Elisa and Russ chatted about recent news stories and Julie was a real sport to try on multiple dresses until one was chosen. As they all began getting into their wardrobes, Rocco’s bow tie started to get a lot of attention as did Vanni’s coat. We wanted to make sure everything is just right.



    I popped in and out of the photo to fix Julie’s hair a few times and then posed as if I was the sixth person in the photo. Eric caught on and I laughed telling Kristen, “I just wanted another cover girl moment for 2013.” The process of getting one to pose seems easy, but it took about an hour before the pizza could be eaten. Attached are some photos from the day. If you get a chance, pick up a copy of Cleveland Magazine and read in detail why these five people are some of Cleveland’s Most Interesting.

2013 MIP Cleveland Magazine

Me and Russ Mitchell 

Rocco with lunch

It's a Wrap!

So it is the end of 2012 already.  When I started writing this blog 23 months ago, I didn’t realize how much fun it would become for me.  I wanted it to be different than a blog full of beauty advice and tons of boring product photos.  Instead, I wanted to reveal the behind the scenes look at my life as a working makeup artist in a smaller market.  I hoped to help aspiring artists reach for their dreams.  This year I started out with a list I wanted to accomplish and, to be honest, my list turned out boring compared to what actually happened!

I was hired to be Supermodel Cheryl Tiegs’ makeup artist while she was hot off of the reality show Celebrity Apprentice.  I was part of Cleveland Fashion Week.   Then I was asked to be a feature career on The Career Zoo.com.  I had my own “Cover Girl” moment on the June cover of Cleveland Magazine.  I was also was part of a music video production in Hudson, Ohio.   Along the way, I was able to meet and apply makeup on many local celebrities, brides, and models to make their shoot or day picture perfect.

I am looking forward to this coming year.  I am currently looking for an assistant to work side by side with me on projects and have some other ideas in the works.  If you are thinking about becoming a makeup artist, I encourage you to do so.  It truly is a fun career.  Sometimes I even forget I am working!  I love addressing a client’s beauty challenges and then educating him or her about products that work best.  Seeing someone smile after I apply their makeup is very fulfilling.  I am proud of my little blog.  Finally, I do want to thank my friend and editor Christina Soltesz Peterson for her time in helping me with Sparkle and Shine. You’re the best!  For this year, it’s a wrap.  I can’t wait to see what next year brings for me and what I will share with you.

My June cover girl moment on Cleveland Magazine.

Me and Christina

Cleveland Fashion Week

thecareerzoo.com

Beauty Shows

I can follow trends in magazines or on the web, but the best way to experience what is happening in the beauty field is by taking part in it. On Columbus Day I was in Columbus, Ohio at the Premiere Beauty Classic. It is a two day beauty show, in which vendors and educators attend to tell participants what to expect in the coming season.I haven’t been to this show in almost eight years, but know it is always a good one to attend. Many stylists go to shows to get their CE (Continuing Educating) hours for the Ohio State Cosmetology Board.  About ten years ago, the Ohio State Board enacted a ruling that hair stylists needed to keep up their skills by going to classes but, to be honest, I feel it is a ploy to showcase the manufactures and sell their line of products. Some of the classes are not informative and are cut short.  Many are not hands on either.

I hold an Ohio State Barber License as well. When the new law about CE hours started, I put my cosmetology license in escrow. When I went to the beauty supply store, the clerk said, “If you have a license in escrow, I can’t allow you to purchase products.” I laughed and said, “Well I have a barber license I maintain, which doesn’t require CE hours to be completed for the State Board. Why is that? Is it because the barbers (mostly men) don’t want to gather at a hair show on a Sunday when sports are on?” She laughed and said, “You just might be right.”  I now keep my cosmetology license up because I do makeup in salons and need it.

While there, I did take a class on eyelash extensions and I think before long I will be providing this service. I am asked many times a week if I can do this for my clients and think it is time to add it to my resume. The results are AMAZING! An hour class just wasn’t enough for my curiosity.  I have tried lash growth products in the past.  I love the results, but extensions are fast to do and one gets immediate results. During the day, I walked around for hours checking out products, services, and trends. I went alone, so I didn’t have to have a schedule and was able to get in what I wanted to see. The public is not allowed to attend these hair shows.

It is nothing but fun times while people watching at this event. Adults wearing tutus, many tattoos, and bright colored Mohawks around. Loud music was playing at Michael O’Rourke’s booth called Rock your Hair. Michael is an iconic figure in the beauty business.  With his associates in tow, they made haircutting look really cool on stage. Paul Mitchell had an amazing stage where they, too, brought their best talent out to educate stylists. Hair extensions, self-tanning products, teeth whitening products, and henna art proved to be hot booths to visit as well. I’ve attached some photos from the day for you to enjoy because it was a closed door event. I wish I had more, but I didn’t want to invade anyone’s space for the sake of my blog. Just take my word on this… if you decide to go with blue or pink hair this fall, try the fake color removable extensions first because you may not want to look like Katy Perry full time.

Rock your Hair

Blue Mohawk

Paul Mitchell

Moroccanoil

The Girls of Gunrunner

Seven years ago, I was contacted to be the stylist for the Gunrunner Calendar.  Scott Weber is the owner of the store  The Gunrunner in Burton, Ohio.  A free calendar goes out with all firearm orders filled and to U.S. Military.  He does sell them for $10.00 as well.  The calendar shows beautiful women sporting firearms.  I refer to this job as “Girls and Guns.”  No nudity is involved; just sexy clothes.  The best description of this photo shoot is a Fredrick’s of Hollywood catalog gone “packing.”  Scott works hard getting his best artillery ready to showcase with the hope that the men actually notice the firearms and want to purchase them.

The first year I didn’t know what to expect but now, after my third calendar, I have it down.  Models are hired, wardrobe is planned out, the set is arranged, and then hair and makeup are all done before photos are taken.  This year the calendar will be cutting edge.  Body paint is replacing the wardrobe and the set will be super imposed.  I did not perform the body painting.  Instead artist Jo Anna Carrozzino of JZino Body Art Services of N.J. painted four women  for the 15 month calendar.

          As I got one of the models ready, I heard buzz about a “Bumble Bee.”  Over and over I heard this.  Finally I asked. “OK what the heck is a Bumble Bee?”  The model said, “Oh you haven’t seen Transformers?”  I said, “NO.”  Then, I started feeling pretty blonde.  She continued, “It is a character in the movie.” Now all the talk made sense to me.  It took four HOURS of body paint in order to transform the model into Bumble Bee.  My part was doing sexy makeup and hair. I also had an assistant, Sue Possen, to help create the magic of the two day shoot.

Twelve years in the running, Scott has done this promotion. It started off by using friends and family as talent and now has progressed into hiring models from talent agencies.  In his store front windows are blown up images displaying the Girls of Gunrunner.  One year he made national news because the townspeople felt the window  display was too racy.  They petitioned the local government officials to force Scott to take them down.  Ultimately, Scott did not remove the photos because they did not violate any city ordinances.  Needless to say, when you head through Burton, you can’t miss his store. 

I had a fun day overall.  The models and crew were a joy to work with on this shoot.  Calendars will be available in November right before Thanksgiving.  So if you are a firearm enthusiast or just curious, I suggest you check it out.

Courtney

Jo Anna and Nikki

www.thecareerzoo.com

      A few months back, I opened my email and found a letter from Jason Boyer.  He is the owner of TheCareerZoo.com.  He wanted to know if he could interview me for his website, which helps students find different careers.  I thought this was an amazing idea and I was on board immediately with the idea.  However, before I could begin, I had to research the website and do some background checking to make sure this was on the up and up.

     After talking to Jason, finding out about him and his company, and seeing his references, it was a go.  I then had to line up a model, find time in the studio, and hope for a nice day.  My first thought for the shoot was creating a modern 70’s look and then placing the model in a classic car.  I started going to car shows, but couldn’t find the right car.  I nixed the idea and went in a complete different direction.   I went shopping for the right wardrobe and asked Jennifer a seasoned model to help out.  Jennifer is tall and gorgeous, so I knew it would come together perfectly. Eric Mull was kind enough to photograph Jennifer and stage what we do all the time, so students watching the how to video get a real feel for it.

    Jason arrived and interviewed me first. I then  proceeded to make her up, walked her through wardrobe, and then on to the location.  I had prayed all week for nice weather to shoot on the roof of our studios 6^th floor.  The scene was picture perfect until the bad news came. The superintendent was away and we had no key to the roof.  UGH!  I thought, “Is this really happening?”  As it goes, the show must go on.  I suggested a different location but Eric had another idea, so off we went.

       The location was very pretty and Jason was able to shadow us.  Jennifer was amazing, as always, and Eric rocked the photos.  I feel very grateful to have been asked to be part of TheCareerZoo.com.  I love what I do and kids need to know the pros and cons of a business before they jump into it head first.  To have the knowledge of the professionals in the industry is so valuable.  My career doesn’t take a four year degree, but I didn’t want to go to college.  Instead, my passion is beauty.  My calling is to be doing what I do now. I am sure of it.

Check out the video to see how the shoot went.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mFalBT-YxU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Jason and Me

Jason, Karen and Jennifer 

Jennifer 

Eric and Me

Doctors

  

  Cleveland is one of the leading cities for health care. Kings, sheiks,
politicians and celebrities come to our hospitals to seek care. Around
University Circle, one might feel they are a character in a hospital
show. How does makeup fit into this scene? Here is how. In order
for hospitals to attract you and the king of a county as patients, they
have to advertise it. The best way to do this is to spotlight the staff and
provide evidence that explains why you need to come to their hospital.
In doing so, they prove they are the BEST.


  In the last month, I was hired to take care of two hospitals. I personally
hate hospitals; unless it is to visit the birthing unit. They gross me out
a bit. Let’s face it; the smell isn’t like a department store that is filled
with the aroma of perfume. Sadly, I have also gone there to visit and
left very sad due to a death of a loved one. So when I get these calls, I
tread lightly. Of these two shoots one was held on hospital grounds but
in the research building while the other was in a photography studio, so
I really didn’t have anxiety.


  I find it ironic that the doctors are not fans of mine either; they DON’T
like makeup. Once they see me there, anxiety is written all over their
faces. It is the same look I might have seeing them in their work
environment. I try to joke about pink lipstick on the male doctors as
I apply Chapstick to their lips. I also calm the nerves of the female
doctors by saying I can apply light makeup on them as I do on the male
doctors. They are too busy for makeup most days, so light makeup or
no makeup is what most female doctors are comfortable wearing.


 When the public looks at a brochure or a catalog, one might have it in
his hands 1 to 10 seconds before it is set aside, but it may have
HOURS getting that one image on it. From setting up the set, lighting,
wardrobe, hair adjustments and the actual filming is quit tedious.
Working with a group of doctors is even tougher. They have patients,
rounds, and impromptu surgeries that can arise. So if the schedule
flows well, it is a miracle.


  Both days went very well. Marketing will be seen in U.S. World
Report for one. The other hospital will air on television and billboards.
When someone is sick in our family, we want the best care. We might
not see that billboard the in the days after we hear the news that we
need to find a specialist to treat an illness. Maybe a friend will though
or one might remember an old ad. So the goal is to make a lasting
impression when a medical crisis hits.


  My job is simple compared to their job. If I make a mistake,
Photoshop can fix it. If they make a mistake, someone dies or they get
sued. With baby boomers aging and people living longer, the medical
field will be in business no matter what the economy. With so many
hospitals and doctors to pick from, I guarantee you will notice more and
more doctors made up and styled to attract your business. The next
time you see a doctor on TV, odds are they are much better at their day
job than the ad they are acting in.


  

March 2012/ Karen Siat  H&MU/ Jason Miller photo credit