Weddings are definitely not all just glitz and glamour. Behind every gorgeous wedding hair and every flawlessly executed bridal makeup, with every beautiful bride is a great deal of preparation. From the bride herself to her wedding hair stylist and her bridal makeup artists’ team. It requires thorough and careful planning.

If you are a bride-to-be, you are going to need all the help you can get from your bridal hair stylist and your wedding makeup artist to achieve the bridal look you’ve always dreamed of. Make sure you are well-informed not just on the beauty side of it but, in every aspect of your wedding day. To avoid any type of headache on your wedding day make sure all the financial, scheduling and advance organization are clear and in place.

Here are twelve questions that you should ask your bridal hair and makeup team before your wedding day.
Take this advice from an expert!

1. Will you provide the hair and/or makeup schedule for my wedding day?
It is definitely a must for you to know the availability and schedule of your hair and makeup team on the day of your wedding. A well-elaborated hair and makeup schedule will give you the peace of mind that everyone will be ready on time. Avoid the stress and make sure everything is right on schedule.

2. I do have allergies to some cosmetics, how are you going to work with that?
This is one of the reasons why having a bridal hair and makeup trial is a must. Your hair and makeup artist must do allergy tests during your hair and makeup trial. Such tests must be done before any complete makeup application to avoid any catastrophic consequences on your wedding day.

3. Can you provide service to my getting ready-location?
It is important for you to ask this question since some hair stylists who work in hair salons may not be able to their working place especially in weekends when they are busier with more clients.

4. Would you charge extra for driving to location?
Some locations could be far away from your stylist. An extra fee may be charged due to long driving distance and more time spent for time. Be sure to ask this so you can manage your finances or budget better.

5. If I want to shorten the “getting ready time”, could you bring extra stylists/artists? Is there going to be an extra charge? How much would that be?
One makeup artist/hair stylist no matter how good he or she is cannot handle a big number of parties. You don’t want people to feel uncomfortable and inconvenient for having to wait long for hair and makeup getting ready sessions. Ask for a specific price and try to check for packages so you can save some money. The usual getting ready time would be 2.5 to 5 hours, with anything longer than that you should consider asking your stylist to bring extra help.

6. Do you offer written contracts?
Why should you ask for a written contract? It is extremely important to do so since written agreements of charges and services that will be provided will make sure you won’t get last minute surprises. It well set things clear in writing and will guarantee expectations will be met.

7. Do you have bridal work portfolio?
It is important to ask for the makeup artist/stylist portfolio for you to see samples of their work. This will also give you an idea of their style and quality of work.

8. Would you provide touch up kit on my wedding day?
You will definitely need to have some touch ups before and after pictures during the ceremony and up to the reception. This will make sure you still look fresh and shine free all throughout the event. Touch ups also make your hair and makeup stay longer. Better be sure to ask your bridal hair and makeup artist if this will be provided.

9. I will need you to stay longer for hair and makeup changes and touch ups, would there be an extra charge?
You may want the artist to stay for hair and makeup retouches or make changes for photos, ceremony and reception. Make sure to know how much it will cost for these extra services.

10. Do you have cancellation fees?
If for any undesirable reason you need to cancel, you will want to know in advance the financial cost this may represent.

11. I have very specific likes and dislikes, how can we make sure I’m happy with the end results?
It is important for you to have confidence right from the beginning that you will have the look you always dreamed of on the most important day of your life – your wedding day. Your makeup artist must be able to communicate to you how s/he can make that happen.

12. Are there going to be any extra charges that I should know about?
Make sure to know what other extra charges are there for there can be many such as driving to location, vehicle parking, assistants, air-brush makeup, false lashes, hair extensions, tattoo coverings and hourly rate for waiting time.

Being well-informed is an advantage!

Aside from saving you from any unnecessary stress and unexpected surprises and charges, it also guarantees getting the perfect bridal hair and wedding makeup look on your big and beautiful day. So feel free to ask your preferred expert/artist/stylist on wedding hair and makeup in Washington, DC. Baltimore, MD and Northern Virginia area.

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How can I stay fresh, pretty and professional all at the same time despite my professional and hectic business schedule? I do not have time too worry about my makeup or personal appearance, but I need to be confident that I look my best at all times!

This is a common concern for many working women.

Worry no more, ladies!

You don’t have to go through trainings at the Mall and “beauty makeup workshops” to perfect the art of every day makeup that looks simply beautiful and professional and that will last all day!

Here are some tips and ideas in achieving simple yet sophisticated makeup look you can wear at work. Take it straight from me, a professional makeup artist in DC.

Before we begin with makeup tips and ideas, make sure you familiarize the basic rules in choosing the right makeup for a day at the office. Your makeup should:

• Last long so you don’t have to do a lot of retouching
• Be low-maintenance and easy so you can complete the look even in a rush.
• Enhance your natural beauty and not alter your features.
• Not be distracting (skip distracting bright colors or too shimmering and glossy products)
• Make you feel comfortable, confident and beautiful.

The Look:

Start with the base and perfect foundation then we will build up from there…

Laying the base and perfect foundation: Light, blended with a flawless finishing!

1. A situation that develops in most women is dull, dry and lifeless skin appearance. For this I would strongly recommend exfoliating your skin in regular bases. This will help you to get rid of the dead cells that lye on the surface of your skin making it look dull and dry. Once you do this, the appearance of your skin will dramatically improve making it look fresh, glowing and completely renew.
2. On everyday bases we need to make sure we have a clean and moisturized face before applying any makeup. After cleansing your face, apply a moisturizer that suits your skin. Hydrating your skin is especially important during cold weather season. If you have oily skin a good makeup primer will need to be applied, this will help you with oil control making your makeup last longer throughout the day.
3. If you are blessed with naturally good skin then skip foundation, use hydrating concealer instead. Dab the concealer then pat into your skin in light taps especially around the nose, underneath the eyes (if necessary) then blend it in. Set the concealer with powder. HD Microfinish Powder by Make Up For Ever is one of my favorites. If your skin is not as flawless and there is some tone and/or undertone discoloration, you can apply a sheer foundation before applying the concealer. The important thing is to not use heavy formulas or too much product. Only applying foundation and concealers if necessary and where these are necessary.

Natural Glow

Choose blushes and bronzers with neutral shades and looks natural on your skin tone. Some of my favorite Blushes for a work environment are the Bobby Brown Blushes, they come in different colors and shades. Apply blush lightly on the top apple of your cheekbones on circular motions – upwards. For contouring and to show the architecture of your face, apply a bit of bronzer underneath the cheekbone and underneath the jawline and a little bit up on the temples and near to your forehead hairline. Laguna by NARS is without a doubt one of my first picks! Then apply a bit of highlighter on the cheekbone and down the nose.

Accentuating the Eyes

1. Curl your eyelashes to open up your eyes.
2. Apply Champagne or Taupe color eye shadow, one of my favorites is Valhalla Eye Shadow by NARS over the lids using a perfect sheer crease blush. Then apply a slightly darker color eye shadow on the outer corner of the eyes and to add a little definition with the same darker eye shadow frame the crease of the eyes. Do not let this appear too strong, use an artist brush to blend them in as much as possible. Then apply lightly a dark charcoal eye shadow along the lash line (Typographic Eye Shadow by MAC) and on the outer corner using a 212 Flat Definer Eye Brush by MAC. If you wish you could skip the eyeliner, in most cases the dark charcoal eye shadow would be enough to define the eyes.
3. Apply mascara for extra definition, one of my very favorite mascaras in the market is LastBlast by CoverGirl.
4. Do not forget to polish your Eyebrows. For this you could use an eyebrow pencil (Veluxe Brow Liner by MAC), it comes with a very handy eyebrow brush. Do not forget to brush your eyebrows before the pencil application, and to blend the color for a more natural appearance you will need to do a second time brush after our eyebrow pencil application. This work like magic!

Professional Pucker

Use a lip liner that matches the color of the lipstick. Pink nudes and subtle coral shades of lipstick always look great for a professional look and works on any skin tone. You can always apply a lip balm right after that, RoseBud Salve (available at Sephora) it is simply the very best! Or if you prefer you could apply a lipstick of your choice. Applying lip liner first before the lipstick makes the lipstick adhere better.

If you need more in depth advice or training for your personal appearance, I give private personal hair styling and makeup artistry training for your personal appearance. Contact me, I will be glad to work with you!

Pro Tip from me, a trusted makeup artist in Washington, DC:

Invest in a good set of makeup brushes. It will make a big difference on your everyday makeup applications.

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Hello Everyone!

As the law of the land finally begins to acknowledge the love of everyone in the land, I am absolutely elated to work with Same Sex Couples on their wedding day.

What a joyous occasion weddings are, and it is certainly everyone’s right to experience the enchantment of a wedding day and the joyous of celebration of love.

 
Photos by, Ethan Yang Photography!
My personal experience of serving as a professional hair stylist and makeup artist on many Same Sex Weddings has been a privilege and honor.

I wanted to share some wisdom with potential hair and makeup artists and anyone else who is curious about the specific needs of Same Sex Couples on their wedding day.

The following advice is some basic expectations couples have of their bridal/wedding hair and makeup artists.

1. No Judgment

Personally, I believe a weddings and bridal events should be a unique and extremely amazing opportunity to celebrate Love and everything that this may represent. Unfortunately, not everyone feels the same way. Like most people, Same Sex Couples want to be treated like everyone else who will be celebrating their love in nuptials in this very special day. For a hair stylist and makeup artist, this will mean to provide the absolute best of services. Working for wedding clients is indeed one of the most gratifying jobs to have. Because yes, it will require that the hair and makeup artist will deliver excellent quality service on someone’s most important day of their life. But the opportunity of making these brides look and feel like the most beautiful women in the world will be treasured and gratifying experiences in your career!

2. Understanding

Unfortunately, like in any other weddings. Same Sex Weddings could have uniquely sensitive issues that can put a little bit of damper on the day. Specifically sometimes family members will not show or not be happy to be there, but like I mentioned before, this can happen in any other wedding. Knowing to perhaps expect some familial tension will help you know how to handle any situations that may pop up. As a hair and makeup artist it is not your job to fix these issues, but it is important to be understanding, supportive and sensitive.

3. Expertise in the Area

Most of the Same Sex Couples prefer artists with experience in these types of Same Sex Weddings events. It is just comforting to know someone has specific experience and understanding. Obviously, if you are just starting to serve Same Sex Couples (or even weddings in general) you are not quite the expert yet. What you can do is offer to assist experienced artist on Same Sex Weddings to gain invaluable experience in the area. There is no better teacher than experience, so jump on any chance you get to help out as a hair and makeup artist’s assistant at a Same Sex Weddings .You may also want to consider Hair and Makeup Training to learn about these and other types of events and services.

4. Individuality

This should be essential skills for you to have as someone who is or who wants to be in the professional beauty field, but let’s take this opportunity to just get it out in the open:

Every single bride wants to look their best on their wedding day! And every single bride has their own unique styles. The brides are going to want a look specifically tailored to their own personality, wants and needs. It would be catastrophic to have two brides to look the same and not like themselves. Make sure you have a clear communication and openness with the brides to be, and design a very personal bridal look that will be suited to each of their needs, likes and personalities.

5. Bridal Trials / Groom Trials

Often brides- and sometimes even grooms will want to do their bridal trial at the same time, but of course they will not want to know how each other are going to look on their wedding day. As a hair and makeup artist, it will be your job to accommodate this desire to help save them time and money. It would be recommended to schedule their bridal hair and makeup trial on the same day of a Pre-Bridal photo shoot session. This will diminish the issue of knowing how each other are going to look on their wedding day.

P.S. It is wonderful to do these types of trials, so you get to see the excitement of each individual!

6. To Feel Like They’re in Good Hands

For any bride, picking out a hair stylist and makeup artist for their wedding is often a nerve wracking experience. Just like in any wedding, it will not only be your job to deliver your services above expectations, but also do a little reassuring along the way to let the couple they are indeed in good hands. It will be a big plus for you and for the brides to be, if you make your Same Sex Couples know and feel they are in the best hands, and that you are indeed happy, grateful and honored to be a part of their Amazing Wedding Day!

Conclusion

Just like any wedding, it is our job as a bridal hair and makeup artists to make the client feel beautiful, confident and happy! Working in weddings is not something that every Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist in DC or any other state of our nation is cut out for, and that is why it is a difficult field to succeed in. In my advanced beauty training courses, bridal beauty and Same Sex Weddings is something we go into depth in, so if you think you are interested in going into this field read more about my advanced training classes here.

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Hello everyone,

Recently I had the unique opportunity to work in The White House Correspondents’ Dinner on May 3, 2014 at the famous St. Regis Hotel. You may have read about the hilarious jokes made by Barack Obama and other highlights of the event, but rarely do we get a glimpse into the back stage world of these large scale events. I’m here to tell you it is a lot of work goes behind the hair and makeup of the attendees of dinners like this! I wanted to share with my readers the special details that go into working on event like the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. This blog will especially be interest to anyone who is interested in training to become professional Hair and Makeup Artists training in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore with me!

First off, to work on an event of this size there is no way I could have done all the work all by myself. For the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, I brought my personal “Dream Team” of 8 artists and 4 assistants. Together all 13 of us beautified 65 people with hair and makeup services. What is amazing is that we did this all in 5.5 hours! It was a lot of work for me and my Dream Team!

They demonstrated how much professional team work is required in settings like these. For events like this it is so important that each and every member of the team works together, and that no one take a member of the team for granted. This requires communication and organization from everyone including everyone from the manager of the team to the assistants! Another trick thing about these events is working with celebrities. For a new artists it could be extremely exciting and nerve wracking to work with famous celebrities! And to give you a little of my take on it I wrote an article about all the rules one must follow in order to work with celebrities as a hair and makeup artist.
 
Some highlights of the event were working with Madeleine Stowe an American actress who played in films such as The Last of the Mohicans, 12 Monkey’s and The General’s Daughter. We also worked with Olivia Munn an American actress who recently played in Iron Man 2. As usual it was a pleasure and a privilege to work up close and personal with some familiar faces from the silver screen. In the end though, the most important rule of working with celebrities is to treat them like real people and always respect their time and privacy.
The other very important aspect of events like these is paying very close attention to details. Closely planning and scheduling how each makeup and hair artist will work to get through the event before the actual day of the event is imperative. Paying close attention of the scheduled  hair and makeup time of each and every client, so  getting perfect results on the first attempt is not only important but totally required. Even tiny details like perfectly sanitizing and organizing all of the equipment between clients is a MUST. These types of deals require hair and makeup artists to be absolutely “ON” for the entirety of the event. It is a very tiring experience, but the rewards of working on such an event are not for everybody and definitely worth it.

Lastly, the most important thing during events like these is to keep a positive and charming attitude towards clients through out the whole event. The goal of the hair and makeup industry is not just to make clients look good, but you want to make them feel good about how they look as well. It is very important when you are working really hard at events like this to keep a positive, professional and up-beat attitude without seeming too stressed! If you seem sad, stressed or unfriendly, that negative vibe is going to affect not only your clients but your team as well.

In the end, as I said earlier, I couldn’t have done it without “My Dream Team”! I wanted to take a second to thank each and every one of my artists and assistants for working so hard to make everyone just look stunning. I can’t wait for next year to do it all over again!

Events like this may be challenging, but the experience is absolutely one that I know I love! If you would like to work on events like this consider taking my Hair Stylists and Makeup Artists training courses, so that you can take your hair and make up career to the next level!

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Hello everyone!

A few weeks ago I made a Special Guest Artist’s appearance at the Paul Mitchell’s Academy in Tyson’s Corner, VA. To close this presentation, I preformed a Runway Mohawk hairstyle, but my favorite part was offering some professional advice to the students at the Paul Mitchell’s Academy.

It was so wonderful to share some of my knowledge with future hair stylist and makeup artists! Being in the beauty industry can be a challenge to newcomers, so I give them a brief story of how my career has developed. Personally I believe in ‘paying it forward’ and nothing makes me happier than extending a helping hand to someone in need. Talking to new students was a great chance to share my knowledge to the right people. Here are some of the points that I shared with the student at Paul Mitchell’s Academy.

1. Always focus on Beauty

My cardinal rule is to always focus on beauty, and not in what is “ugly”. No exceptions! When we get caught up on focusing on trying to fix the negative, we often forget to emphasize what is beautiful. In other words always look towards building beauty up, not covering something up. When you do this you highlight the inner beauty of the person, and that is what being in the beauty industry is all about!

2. Bring Good Energy

“Please take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space.” – Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor.

At one time or another, we all experience good and bad energy, and quickly learn and value the difference.  Remember, “Energy never leaves its source”. Whether you are working for runway models or at a hair salon, “there is no space for negativity in what it’s meant to be a creative space”. If you are grumpy and negative, you are going to work against creative energy. Only when you are positive will you build happiness, creativity and beauty into your clients, your co-workers and your work.

By helping everyone around you feel better about themselves, your work will be more pleasurable. Make sure that before you go to work, you check any negativity at the door! Remember you aren’t just here to apply makeup and do hair; you are here to help clients build a positive attitude, you are here to build, to create and to share beauty. It turns out then when a client is happy, they are also happier about the results of your work! And your co-workers want to have you around due to your positive energy.

3. Always Build on Your Beauty Education 

The more you know the more you grow in the beauty field. To keep up with the latest styles, trends and techniques it is imperative to continue your education. A beauty license is just that a license to work, but if you want to excel at what you do you will need to build and polish your craft. By the way, I offer private classes for Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist Training in Washington, DC for those interested in entering the fashion, bridal or video-film fields or continuing their education!

4. Be Open to Working in Numerous Fields

Beauty doesn’t just stop and end at the beauty or hair salon. Dream big when it comes to pursuing your career in beauty, there are endless possibilities to extend your talent and creativity if you are willing to apply yourself. Look to work in television, video-film, photo-shoots, advertisements, weddings, fashion and entertainment. If you never look and work hard though, work will not just fall into your lap! If you do not know how to break into these industries, take a Hair Stylists Training and/or Makeup Artists Training with me. I could give you the help and training you will need to do just that, break into these difficult and much competitive industries.

5. Work as an Assistant

Working as an hair and/or makeup artist’s assistant unlocks years of experience to you, and sometimes you even get paid to be an assistant! View as working as an assistant not as a step down, but as an internship that will give you the knowledge and experience to help you create a solid professional foundation to perform better in your future career. Make sure that you keep your eyes open to always learn new things. Take notes and pay attention, so you can remember the experience you got from the unique opportunity to work as an assistant to a well experienced and reputable artists!

Conclusion

You’ll notice that there is a binding denominator in all 5 of these pro beauty tips, that is: “Positivity”!!! You’ll be surprised how far a little positivity, good energy and hard work can take you to achieving your dreams. We are so lucky to be in the beauty field, because we get the privilege of making others feel happier about themselves. In my opinion, that is definitely a gift worth giving!

“Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior. Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny.” -Mahatma Gandhi.

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Hello Everyone!

 
Recently, I was fortunate enough to work with the famous ‘Supernanny’ Jo Frost! I had a great time working on her hair and makeup before she appeared on television and at book signing at Barnes and Nobel in Bethesda, MD. Even though I’ve worked with many celebrities over the years, I still get very excited about the prospect of working with these very special clients! Jo Frost was such a great client to work for, and I wish her the best of luck!

Me and Jo Frost had such great chemistry, and I hope to work with her again! She is promoting her 7^th book Jo Frost’s Toddler Rules. A book focused on tantrums, sleeping issues, eating habits, early childhood development and all those other things that come with having a toddler! Her kind and strong personality definitely comes out in person, just like it does when she is on television helping families all over the world come closer together.

I was so happy that Frost loved the job I did on her hair and makeup! She commented to me how it can be difficult to get her hair styling done right by makeup artists. Well of course it is! I let her know that there is a huge difference between hair stylists and makeup artists. They are completely different professions after all. That is why I offer separate makeup artist and Hair Stylist Training in Washington DC, because they are two completely different fields. It is rare to find a professional who is proficient and licensed in both hair and makeup.

Over the years, been so fortunate to work with many models and celebrities thanks to my career in hair and makeup. It amazes me no matter how famous the individual, how much they are just like you and me. For example, Jo Frost was so normal and nice, and I was just glad to make friends with yet another client. If I hadn’t known she was a celebrity, I would have never guessed!

When I met Frost in Bethesda to do her makeup and hair, I made sure to treat her just like any other client. I was on time to our appointment. I allowed her to focus and meditate on her performance by not talking her ear off while I did her hair and makeup. I answered any questions or requests she had. I made sure to act at ease and friendly with her, so she didn’t think I was nervous about being around a celebrity! Although to be honest I do still get a little bit jittery and excited when working with a new celebrity, because it is just so fun to work with someone famous. Don’t tell anyone my secret though!

Perhaps you would also one day like to work with models and celebrities. If you have the drive, ambition and motivation perhaps you should consider makeup artist training Hair Stylist Training in Washington DC with me! I can give you all the necessary hair stylist and makeup artists training you need to make it as a professional makeup artist or hair stylist. With enough determination you could be on your way to a new career in beauty in no time.

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One final view!

It does not matter if you are a Hair Stylist or Makeup Artist, this technique will apply to all stylists and artists working in the beauty industry. Great technique for Runway Shows, Photo Shots, Special events and Galas.

There is nothing better than standing about 7 to 10 feet away from your work and taking a look at it from every angle not only straight on. This will ensure your work will look great to everyone and from every angle.

Take this time for one very important final view and assessment. Analyze your work’s balance, harmony, dimension and over all your creative energy . This will help you see things from a different perspective, from the spectators’ perspective not from the hair stylist’s or makeup artist’s perspective.

This will give you an opportunity to really asses and appreciate your hairstylist and/or makeup artist work, deliver some final touches,  and improve the very final results.

Many hair stylists and makeup artists fail to do this, and it shows on the results of their work, giving a chance to say to themselves,

“OMG! I never noticed that!”, “If I only…”, “Well… next time”.

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“Welcome to our Grand Opening”

So finally we are here and this would be my very first blog post of many to come.
After so much research, work and headache the day to reveal my new website is here and I can not believe it is actually finish!
About 15 years ago I built and designed my first hair stylist and makeup artist website. Back in 1998 it was an accomplishment and back then, it was a “state of the art” in design and efficiency. But over the past few years my site needed not only a “Face Lift”, but a “Tummy Tuck”, “Liposuction” and a very serious “Chemical Peel”! Technologically speaking, I needed a more powerful platform, faster server and a total redesign. Basically, I needed an entire new website.
So I put all my hair brushes and makeup stuff on the side, worked hard on this website jumped on the HTML and CSS files and here it is.

I can not believe I have finally finished it and to only think that I made it myself!
Welcome to the “Grand Opening” of my new mymakeupbook.com !

I hope you enjoy it,

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Tymia Yvette Williams

• About the artist 

Makeup Artist. Tymia Yvette was born and raised in Baltimore Maryland. From Award shows to fashion weeks to photo shoots and weddings, she has gained 12 years of skillful experience. Even with years of experience, she still continues to grow as an artist and is STILL very passionate and excited about her craft; always looking to absorb knowledge and techniques to hone her skills.
Tymia Yvette’s goal: continue to make people look and more importantly, feel great about themselves.

• First encounter with beauty

As a kid, she used to always watch her parents get dressed. While her mother always looked astonishing, the lesson she taught her was a women’s look is never complete without a beautiful makeup.
Tymia may have been destined to do makeup. When she was 4 years of age, her parents were awoken in the middle of the night to the sounds of a home invasion. As her parents followed the light coming from the bathroom, they quickly swung the door open only to realize it was Tymia. They discovered her sitting on the bathroom counter completely covered in makeup. Fast forward to the age of 18, while studying art in college, she took a part time job as a makeup artist, just for the extra cash. It became her passion. She applied the teachings from the classroom to her new found artistic ability. This new knowledge allowed her to share and inspire other aspiring artists.

• What and who do you admire the most and why

As her list of her admirable artists (like Maya Feelon Asante, Charlotte Tilbury, Awol Erizku, Pat McGrath…) is too long to mention.

• What inspire you

Tymia says:
“My biggest inspiration is the up-coming/ aspiring artist. ‘I ALWAYS leave those artists learning something new and having a greater appreciation for my craft’”!

• Philosophy on beauty,  

It’s BEAUTY that captures your attention; personality which captures your HEART.

• Best beauty advice, 

1 cup of confidence + (&) 2 cups of smiles= (Equals) Endless Beauty!

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Andrea Wilkins

• About the artist 

Makeup Artist – Hair Stylist. I am a beauty professional from Upper Marlboro, Maryland with a professional background in fashion merchandising. With nearly ten years of experience as makeup artist and three years as hair stylist. I started doing makeup to make other women feel beautiful, just as it did for me. And I am very happy to be a pat of Audrey Bethards’ Artists Team.

• First encounter with beauty

When I was a child. Watching my mother every morning doing her makeup before going to work. I found so much fascination in her routine and technique.

• What and who do you admire the most and why

The ability to work with beauty and make something beautiful out of pure inspiration.

• What inspire you

I always take as a point of inspiration, my clients. I need to hear what thy like and dislike. And have some sense of their personality. This really give me the inspiration I need to perform my best!

• Philosophy on beauty,

Beauty is somehow subjective.

What one might not identify with, another might see as beautiful. Beauty is in fact, on the eye of the beholder.

• Best beauty advice, 

I love skin to look like skin. My best advice is to never overuse cosmetics, respect beauty for what it is.

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Oresh Ghousi

• About the artist

Hair Stylist/Makeup Artist. Oresh Ghousi was born and raised in northern Virginia. Starting from a very young age she has worked backstage at fashion shows, photo shoots, & miss world pageants. Oresh has a passion for fashion and anything that has to do with it! She recently graduated from Paul Mitchell the School in Tyson’s Corner. She looks at everyday as an opportunity to learn more & perfect her craft!

• First encounter with beauty

Oresh grew up in a household with her Father, Mother, and two brothers. Her mother was always working during the day, so she was surrounded by men all day long. Naturally she became a tomboy, but always knew she had a passion for fashion. Her grandfather was a famous painter in Afghanistan, who passed down his talent to her father and older brother. Oresh LOVED art but felt she wasn’t as good as her father and brother, until age 16 when she first experimented with makeup. Her aunt asked her to do her makeup for fun, and that’s when she realized, that’s where her art was. Ever since then Oresh became a self-taught makeup artist, and later on decided to attend Paul Mitchell the school. The love for hair came from her mother, who works at a salon. Her life now revolves around hair and makeup!

• What and who do you admire the most and why

She admires her mother for how far she has gone to give her family the life they deserve. And Kim Kardashian and Angelina Jolie for their fashion & beauty sense.

• What inspire you

“Inspiration comes from everywhere for me… It could be magazines, movies, something someone said or did, or even something that happens to me. My inspiration is life itself”.

• Philosophy on beauty, 

Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.

• Best beauty advice,

A little lipstick never hurt

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Doris Elias

• About the artist 

Makeup Artist – Hair stylist’s Assistant. Doris was born in Ohio and now resides in Maryland. Her passion for makeup began in the 80’s when she was a teenage model for a neighborhood boutique. Encouraged to pursue it only as a hobby by her family, she pursued a career in the health sciences which eventually lead to her working at a clinic in Southern, CA that often served members in the entertainment community. Living and working in a “Plastic Surgery Mecca” provided many opportunities to learn about skincare and the latest anti-aging treatments yet, her passion did not explode until she began to study folkloric and performing classic Egyptian Belly Dance in the early and mid- 2000’s . The bright colors of the costumes and the exotic eye makeup had her hooked. Eventually, she knew something was “up” when other dancers started asking her to do their makeup and for advice. She pursued her passion fervently and began formal study in 2014. She is now a freelance makeup artist for special events and hopes to expand commercially in the future.

• First encounter with beauty

Coming from a family of blue collar and domestic workers meant always seeing her family in either a uniform or apron before going to work. Celebrations were especially festive because that is when she would see her mother take out her small bowl of cosmetics and transform from maid into a beautiful siren. Curious about her father, she would peak through the bathroom door and watch him groom his goat tee and then slick his hair down with black pomade to make every fluffy strand on his head become a beautiful defined curl. The preparations seemed to bring a peacefulness and almost therapeutic ambiance over the household that she tries to emulate with her clients.

• What and who do you admire the most and why

I admire people who have overcome mental, social, and physical adversities to accomplish their dreams. It helps me to remember that I have no excuse.

• What inspire you

I am inspired by nature and by art. I relate that to my clients by focusing on helping them be and look like their best selves.

• Philosophy on beauty,  

There is nothing anyone can do to make you feel beautiful, until you love yourself and believe that you are. . .

• Best beauty advice, 

A skin good care routine is just as important as a red lip and a little black dress.

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Francesca Galloway

• About the artist 

Hair Stylist. I graduated in upstate NY and received my cosmetology license in 2006. I have recently been certified with John Paul Mitchell Systems. I have been certified in hair extensions and smoothing treatments for the last 7 years and also love cutting, coloring and styling. In the 8 years of perfecting my talent I have worked in Massachusetts, Maryland, and DC. I continue to expand my knowledge and inspiration through classes and fashion shows.

• First encounter with beauty

When I was a child I would cut and color my own hair, which didn’t always turn out the best. I would find pictures in magazines and try to copy makeup and hair styles, and my sisters and cousins would always let me practice with them. By the time I was in high school I was doing everyone’s hair and makeup for our proms. Soon after, I was finally receiving my license in cosmetology.

• What and who do you admire the most and why

I admire my family the most because with out them I wouldn’t be who I am today. I believe I inherited my loyalty and hard working skills from my grandfather and my mom. My mom always taught me to never give up on your dreams, if you want something you have to go get it even when you stumble along the way. I also admire my grandmother; she is one of the kindest, selfless, down to earth people I have ever known. I’m so grateful to have such a warm and loving Italian family that has made me who I am today.

• What inspire you

A couple people that have inspired me are salon owners and platform artists, Colin Corruso and Linda Yodice. The passion, creativity and talent they both share is beyond unbelievable. I look up to them because they are genuine and love to share their victories.

• Philosophy on beauty,

I have loved hair and makeup ever since I was a little girl. My favorite thing about hair is how it makes people feel. When my guest looks at themselves in the mirror and they feel so beautiful and so good about themselves, I feel so grateful that this is my life. I realized the reason I am a hairstylist is because being able to create a new style or adding makeup for a person can be life changing and it’s an honor for me to be able to create such an experience.

• Best beauty advice, 

“Hair and makeup is a form of expression, so why not express yourself!”

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Lauren Alves

• About the artist 

Makeup Artist – Hair Stylist. I’m from Ashburn, Va. I am an aspiring cosmetologist currently attending Paul Mitchell The School of Tyson’s Corner. I was given the chance and to be a part of Audrey’s Dream Team by my former teacher Ebony.

• First encounter with beauty

I’ve been around hair and makeup as long as I can remember. From watching my mom get ready, to playing dress up with my cousins, hair and makeup has always been a part of my life.

• What and who do you admire the most and why

I have always had great admiration for my mom. She is my motivation, my logic and the one person who is contently encouraging me and pushing me to pursue my dreams, no matter how crazy they may sound!

• What inspire you

Becoming a member of Audrey’s Dream Team has been my greatest inspiration. For the first time in my life it has given me hope that dreams really do come true as long as you’re willing to learn and work to make them come true.

• Philosophy on beauty,

I am a firm believer that no matter how bad your day is, no matter how down you’re feeling…there is nothing a great hair day can’t fix!
Everyday is a Fashion Show and the World is your Runway!

• Best beauty advice, 

Makeup is an art. Beauty is your spirit!

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Erilisa Moore

• About the artist 

Hair Stylist – Makeup Artist. Eril was born and raised in Baltimore, MD and also attended school in Baltimore as well. She currently resides with her family in the Baltimore County area. She is a devoted soon to be wife and a loving mother of one child and a fur baby. She started her career in Cosmetology and continued on in Corporate America for many years while maintaining both careers and parenting. While “behind the desk” one day she decided that “behind the chair” is where she needed and wanted to be, so she made a change.

• First encounter with beauty
Eril has been in the beauty industry for about 17 years. Her gift was founded during her start in the cosmetology program at Carver Vocational-Technical High School in Baltimore, MD and that is where she began her hair journey. Most recently in 2014, she decided to further pursue her aspirations in the beauty industry by attending the Paul Mitchell The School in Jessup, MD. She felt that the re-education was essential in beginning a success. She has been taught all variations of color, cutting and hair maintenance, skin care and makeup. She specializes in caring for the hair from within the hair shaft and she also educated her clients so they will also maintain an at home hair and skin care regimen.

• What and who do you admire the most and why

I really admire anyone who has the drive, confidence and determination to make a difference in themselves while helping others around them in the world. I believe in “Giving Back” to those who may not be as fortunate, for whatever that underling reason may be.

• What inspire you

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away”. Pablo Picasso.
And this is what Eril does. She has been a devoted member of the beauty industry for many years and to see all the lives and confidence levels that she has helped change only continues to motivate her to give more of her craft. Her greatest qualification is her love and passion for the industry. She has gained a great knowledge of color theory, chemistry and geometry and loves to share this knowledge with other people; Clients and future professionals.

• Philosophy on beauty,  

Beauty shines from within. She believes that you should have that interior elegance which will exude through any and everything you do. Eril feels her job as an artist is to compliment what is already there, Debonair and elegance equals beauty.

• Best beauty advice, 

Eril’s beauty advice would include listening to your artist. She feels that is her goal as a Hair Stylist/Makeup Artist to create balance, a balance between creativity and one’s own natural beauty. Style is who you are and knowing what you want to say. The style you choose is your expression of the most radiant you.

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Ebony McGee

• About the artist 

Hair Stylist – Makeup Artist. Born in Washington, DC, raised in Prince George’s County Maryland, being a servant to people has always been my passion. It’s so amazing to look back at the many things I’ve done, studying Mass Communication Television and radio, working with CBS RADIO, PBS, Carlyn Davis Casting, just to name a few, before finally realizing that it was all leading up to me being a beauty artist.

• First encounter with beauty

Every since I was a little girl, beauty was a unknowingly gift of mine. Being as though my mom was a beautician, my dad was a master barber, and both of my great grandmothers were beauticians. I still have that ancient cosmetology book my grandma studied from in the 50’s, the beauty industry was destined to be apart of me inside and out.

Most importantly growing up and struggling to stay focused because everything in the world was so boring to me, that “in school suspension” was like my permanent classroom in school. But I believe that my drive, my desire, my hunger, my will to be successful got lighted up when a teacher of mine told me “Because your inabilities to focus in school you will be nothing when you grow up”. To this day that stuck with me, and I made a vow to myself that whenever God showed me where my purpose in life truly lies, I would prevail like never before.

Upon attending Paul Mitchell The School at Tysons Corner, I was introduced to an array of opportunities which included being apart of the Design team, working with world renounced editorial hair designer Vivienne MacKinder and being selected as an artist on her Mentorship Program. But it was not until, two months prior to my graduation date at Paul Mitchell The School, I was online in the early hours of the morning, searching for some sort of contact for the Grammy’s Artists, to in some sort, participate, when I stumbled upon a name that popped up, someone by the name of Audrey Bethards. I clicked on her website link, and I remember breathing fast and seeing this as my opportunity to fulfill my dreams. I sent Ms. Audrey a message, the body of my email was humbly and respectively hoping for the opportunity to learn and grow as an artist shadowing her. She emailed me back, and the rest is continual history in the making!

• What and who do you admire the most and why

I am so humbled and honored to have met, be coached by, and mentored by the best, most passionate woman in the beauty world- Audrey Bethards. Audrey Bethards has provided me with so many opportunities in this industry, from Nordstrom Runway to Louis Vuitton Runway, from “The Celebration of Science” to the White House Correspondent Dinner events, just to name a small few. Not only has this amazing woman helped build and believe in me as an artist, she has been a mentor to me as a woman, helping guide me with her life experiences professionally and personally. My world has forever been changed since being mentored by Audrey Bethards…I could not thank her enough!

• What inspire you

The thing that inspires me most about this industry is the feeling when people can trust me to make them feel like priceless. The smile on their faces, and the rise in their confidence fulfilled me inside so deeply within that words can’t even explain. Being a servant to the people…that’s the beauty of this industry.

• Philosophy on beauty,  

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as long as beauty is enhanced and can reach the audience with feeling, genuiness, and pierce the heart, mind and soul of people…then…It’s BEAUTIFUL!

• Best beauty advice, 

When the heart is connected with the mind and the mind is connected to the eyes and the eyes are connected to the hands…create your beauty!

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