New Year, New You

A brand new year! 2012 - The moment it hit midnight I really took the opportunity to embrace all around me and love every second of it! It motivated me to make a bigger effort to do all I can in making this year right; for me means staying positive, keep moving forward and flaunt my best assets inside and out to keep me going!

If you are looking for a mood change or a way to reach a ‘better you’ I have some advice, maybe some you’ve already heard, but I tend to like it!

Keep up with yourself and keep your mind busy. I’ve learned that doing things for myself keeps me on a nice even track. I’ve tried Yoga for the first time (If you never have, I recommend!) Yoga was nothing I ever thought to do before and it never interested me, but I started to understand what it was, what it does and how it can make you feel. It helps with stress, harmonizes the body and works with your mind! If you need a little ‘me’ time this year, I’d check it out. Everyone needs an even balance in life and most of us struggle with it, and sometimes may not even know it!

Also, what inspires you? Find a brand new book you’d like to read; whether it’s in the self help section, sports, music or whatever makes you happy. I think we all get off track sometimes and we need to be reminded of who WE are instead of focusing on other things around us that can make us upset, sad or angry that can make us forget. If you do not relate to that, I’d love to have your life!

Take 2 hours out of your day and relax! Get a massage – it is so worth the time if you let it. You can relax in your own thoughts in a quiet room and leave all the worries outside.

Also don’t forget to beautify yourself while you’re at J

Try new make up  - throw out the old and bring in the new. I just replenished mine from make-up designory! Check it out.

In my salon I’ve noticed long layers and lots of angles to define a face are a trend, and feathers are huge for any age! A big hit for New Years Eve too. The new asset to completing a haircut has been a feather hidden so slightly in your hair that it gives just the right amount of ‘pop’ for a new fashion look. The choices of the FeatherLocks are endless from seasons themed, animal print, colors, sizes and more –Read more info on the official page.

Take some of these thoughts into account to start a better year. Remember that taking care of yourself is the first step of an even path J

Film vs. Theater



 There are many differences between the two most common genres of entertainment. Whether you are a fan of movies, theatrical productions, both or even neither; you may find some of these facts to be interesting..

Live theater dates back to the 18th century. Barns, taverns and public gathering spots served as a stage for plays. The first playhouse was said to be built in Williamsburg, VA in 1716, and throughout history and today, theater has grown an abundance and seems to have left a major impression on many.

Film began making its way in during the late 19^th century. It began with silent films for 11 yrs, continuing through 1906. The first film to be made with a sound system was not until 1927. Now and for over 100 years film has been used for communication, media and entertainment.

Scripts, sets, costumes, lighting, hair, make-up, scores, actors, director, producer ;
These are a few of the most important departments needed in both film and theater to produce a production.

Although, these departments have some difference's between each.

My main points will be of course in hair and make-up, but I will leave the research in your favor for other departments that interest you.





Make-up for Film:

Always clean and blended.

Have enough color to show up on camera



Don’t be afraid to stand behind the camera to take a look in between to make sure your looks are correct.

The way an Actor’s make-up looks in person can be totally different on camera and you may have to adjust accordingly.

Highlighting and Contouring is a biggie! Cheeks, Cheek bones are number one – You need to add dimension and shape to the face for on-camera.

For HD; film is super clear and you must make sure you have blended make-ups and perfect structure – You will notice every flaw!

HD film is very less forgiving than a regular 2D film camera.

Regular film used for independent or college films are very forgiving to any flaws that may occur. 

Make-up for Stage:

Stage Make-up must be very dramatic. Here, you have a chance to use more of a "cake" like method.

Exaggerate and colorful (It also depends on the production as well, and what the director wants)

Some prosthetics are used. Broadway shows including Wicked, Spiderman, The Lion King and many more have SFX Make-up artist on hand.

Grease paint, cream based and cake make-up are all different consistencies of stage make-up.

The right type of brush/applicator should be considered for applications.

Sponges, large brushes, Q-tips, stiplers, powder puffs, palette knife are a few important tools to have on hand.

I have worked with Ben Nye, Mac and Make-up Designory products. There are many places to buy tools/make-up etc if you live in or around the NY area.


In Manhattan here are a few places to check out:

Ricky’s Cosmetics (between Prince and Houston)

Eve’s Beauty Source (between Grand and Howard)

ToHo Shoji (by 36/37^th st)

Lee’s Art Shop (Between Bway and 7^th ave)

Out of Manhattan  - try Micheal’s Art Supply or local craft stores.





Interviews: Ladies, look the part!

There are many struggles everywhere you look in terms of finding a job! Not only are the employers looking at your resume and experience, but they are also looking at YOU as a whole; one of the credentials I always consider in interviewing is presentation. Did you know someone will make the first impression of you only in the first few minutes in meeting them?

With the few tips I will be sharing with you, know that even if the employer goes in a different direction, you can walk away knowing you left them with a great vibe while you confidently move on to the next “open door”. Don't you agree giving a great interview goes hand in hand with looking your best?

Here are a few hints on looking the best for your perfect job:

1)      Keep a clean look. Make sure to keep hair away from your face - try a simple hair band, or pull your hair back in a pony and wrap some hair around the elastic to hide it. Nothing fancy, just pretty and clean.

2)      Wear make-up but not too much, Just enough to enhance your features.

3)      Never wear glittery shadows or bright colors! Light pinks or neutral colors give off a nice vibe

4)      Dark or smokey eyes are best for a “going out” look, so keep it that way!

5)      Light browns go well with any eye color, and it is always safe.

6)      Check your mascara! Make sure you have no clumps or specks down your face – It’s not usually the best way to impress!

7)      Focus on a clean and “pretty” look, and most importantly be yourself.

These may seem to be the most obvious beauty-tips for an interview, but sometimes it is what can matter the most. I hope a few of these may help you out. Good Luck!

My first Intro

My fist blog to you all will be kept short and sweet!
Now, I have to inform you that I’ll try to make the best sense of this blogging thing since my writing will never be qualified for the next “#1 bestselling author” in your nearest Barnes and Noble or anything, but I’ll give it a shot…

Okay, so I’ve known about blogging, but never actually thought of making my own page until last night when I met a woman at a local pizza place, (I should mention that 80-90% of the time I venture out at night is in hope to meet new people who have years of experience that are willing to offer a good piece of advice) she was sitting alone and somehow in the mist of what was going on, I sat down with her and began to chat about my life and she began to tell me about hers – she was a tarot reader, but believe in it or not, she helped me out in her own way.

The biggest topic was about my career and what I should be doing now to keep myself on the right path. I explained to her that I am a licensed hairstylist f 4 years and certified make-up artist of 2, residing in CT who is aspiring to bring my creativity to the New York City stages. My only problems is getting enough gigs - and believe me, like anyone else who "really wants it" I am constantly on this lap top like it is attached to me, sending out resume's, searching for whose hiring and what's coming up next , but it is definitely a struggle.

Anyway, the woman who gave me some insight only made me realize that sending out my resume here-and-there isn’t enough- it's just a PART of what I should be doing (shocker). She then enlightened me on making a name for myself, so here I am. I’m starting this blog while keeping a record of new gigs I have, new opportunities coming my way and new people I meet. I feel that it is the best remedy for me; I live off of advice, new knowledge and picking people’s brains.

On that note, I hope you enjoy the next entries coming – keep up with my journey in bringing my style to the Arts J