Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I was born and raised in New York but lived in Paris for many years. In 2000 I began my studies at Farmingdale State University of New York, majoring in Art & Design. Simultaneously, I attended Gloria Francis Beauty School, where I became certified in skincare & makeup. After my studies I worked and trained with Bobbi Brown and soon after found myself in Paris collaborating with photographers, working at Four Seasons Paris and working with bridal planners doing bridal hair and makeup. I've been doing makeup forever and I still love every minute of it!
How did you first become interested in beauty, and what led you to become a makeup artist?
As a little girl, my grandmother would always let me play with her makeup. I remember being fascinated with the colors and soon after found myself drawing, painting and taking art classes. Being involved in art really paved the way towards my career in makeup. Color theory, creativity and having a steady hand prepared me for becoming a makeup artist. It was during 1999 when I truly became immersed in the world of beauty. This was mainly due my deep rooted interest in Kevyn Aucoin's book, Making Faces. This book was my beauty bible. I would practice recreating every look on myself, friends and family.
I know that you focus on green, natural makeup. What made you want to head in this direction?
I always lived a healthy lifestyle and turned to organic living as far back as I can remember. The switch was very natural for me. As soon as I found out what was in mainstream cosmetic products, I started my quest toward building my non-toxic beauty kit. This took years and a ton of research! I guess I was ahead of my time because when I first became interested not many of these beauty lines existed. As the years went on, more and more high quality, non-toxic companies started to surface and it became easier for me to fully commit my passion as an Eco Makeup Artist.
What are your top 5 favorite products?
What are your top 3 beauty tips?
1) To achieve even, healthy skin, don't overdo it. Apply just what is needed. Maybe a little concealer for those dark circles, a touch of concealer on that blemish and a light dusting of your favorite mineral powder to even out your skin tone.
2) Wash your face every night and exfoliate once a week. It's so important to remove your makeup daily in order to maintain healthy looking skin. Your skin will be more even and your makeup will go on more smoothly.
3) Don't forget to have fun! Lots of women come to me and talk about how they do the same exact beauty routine every day. Where's the fun in that? I'm sure most of you have a color in your makeup bag that you've barely touched, why not give it a try! If you see a new lipstick that you'd like to try, why not actually give it a try. Even if you're not going out, just for fun, sit down in front of your mirror and try recreating it. You just might find that new look you've been searching for!
Being a makeup artist must be fun, but what do you do in your spare time?
My spare time is spent with my family. When we have off, my husband and I love taking my little one to the farm. Our little guy loves the outdoors so we try to get out as much as possible. Lately, I find myself drawing with him a lot, so much fun! On our down time we work on our products for the Etsy shop, French Soap -- all products are organic, fragrance free and all natural of course!
That's an awesome interview! xx
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