I was working from home yesterday and needed to run out to get some coffee – stat! I wasn’t going to be gone that long and really didn’t want to get all dolled up; I mean, what’s the point? So I threw on some clothes and then contemplated whether I should do my makeup or not. When I finally decided that it was going to be a makeup-free day, I got a little uneasy. In fact, I contemplated finding a drive-thru just so I wouldn’t have to get out of the car, therefore limiting my possible, random run-ins with people I hadn’t seen in years. They could never see me looking like this, I thought.

What is it that makes me feel like I need to wear makeup? It’s not like I haven’t gone out without makeup before, but I’ve had a particularly unfortunate bout with acne recently, as apparently my body thinks I’m 15 again. However, upon thinking about this more, I’m not so sure it’s a need to wear makeup, as much as a routine. It’s kind of like when I forget my watch at home – I feel completely naked for the rest of the day. I think not wearing makeup makes me feel the same way.

I am certainly an advocate of using makeup to enhance what you already have. Makeup is not something you use to create a facade, in my opinion. You look like what you look like – now it’s just up to you to make yourself look presentable. And I really don’t think it takes an obscene amount of products either, especially if you already have rather non-problematic skin.

Not everyone feels this way about makeup, I realize. I have a ridiculous obsession and like to freelance as a makeup artist. In my opinion and experience with others, makeup makes you feel better. In fact, Taneil Britton, a professional makeup artist for Cover FX cosmetics, said just yesterday that she has heard so many stories of people who refuse to leave their house because they are embarrassed by some sort of skin problem. When Britton shows them how to use makeup, she really feels that she changes lives and I think that’s just amazing.

How do you feel about makeup? Can you live without it or is it something that completes you every day?

-Amanda Fornecker

The economy may be quickly shrinking, but that doesn’t mean that all businesses are suffering. In fact, beauty schools are doing a pretty good job of staying afloat during this tough economic crisis, as more and more beauty-obsessed individuals ditch the cubicle for the beauty salon classroom in a variety of beauty school concentrations.

I’ve always had a love of makeup. And I think this economy has kick-started those who have felt the same way — into a new career where they can pursue their passion and make a different life for themselves. While they may be changing their paycheck just a bit (cosmetologists average between $30,000 and $48,000 before tips, according to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools, AACS), they are pursuing something that can have a large payout in the long run, especially if they own their own salon or spa.

Take this recent NY Times article, for instance. It’s interesting to see all the beauty school professionals talking about beauty school popularity. Lynelle Lynch of Bellus Academy says in the article, “The industry is much more sophisticated than it once was.” This is definitely true as I believe the industry has moved away from the negative stigma that once was associated with the beauty industry. It takes a quite skilled, creative, and dedicated individual to pursue a beauty career. And an even more daring person to change careers entirely.

Beauty school isn’t just about the particular trade you’re about to study. It’s also about getting a well-rounded education that will give you the skills to really go out and conduct business. Classes in ethics and business practices are generally included in a curriculum that also emphasizes the history and chemistry of your desired profession. It’s quite a diverse field and students work hard to learn both on paper in the classroom and on mannequins (and eventually people) in the salon.

The NYT article also brings to light the fact that beauty schools are increasing in locations and enrollment:

At this time in 2008, Bellus Academy had 180 students; today it has 240. The number of students at Empire Beauty Schools, which has 89 locations, was up 17 percent from April 2008 to April 2009; enrollment at Paul Mitchell Schools, with 91 locations, increased 14 percent from May 2008 to May 2009.

Additionally, the AACS suggests that this is a wide open field. In fact, in January 2007, there were practically 1.7 million individuals employed in the beauty industry. And it continues to grow. “Salon owners reported 484,660 job openings were filled during 2006,” says the AACS. “This represents an average of 1.3 openings per salon. Nearly 40 percent of all new positions were filled by inexperienced workers.”

This all just goes to show how many opportunities exist within the beauty industry. There is lots of potential to get the job you desire. If you’ve always had a passion for beauty careers then maybe it’s time to consider the career change. Schedules are flexible so continuing to work and taking night classes is certainly possible. You just need to find the right school for you. Let us help you begin your search and even do some research about some of these accredited programs.

-Amanda Fornecker

I did a makeup consult the other night and let me tell you – I had fun! I love working with new people and getting to pass on what I’ve learned about the makeup industry. And when you look at this industry, there really are so many possibilities, especially with various events.

First I’d like to say that I’m completely self-taught. It is through reading and doing that I actually was able to get a grasp on what I love to do. Makeup artists don’t necessarily need any formal training, but sometimes it’s a really good way to get more information and some sort of backing. I’m just getting started myself, and although I may pursue some sort of esthetician program eventually, I’m really working on getting my name out there through word of mouth – it’s very powerful!

In any case, here are a few events where a makeup artist is certainly necessary:

Weddings
Even the girl who never wears an ounce of makeup wants to look her best on her wedding day. And it is that girl that would especially get her makeup done. Even I would get my makeup done because it’s a way to pamper myself, not stress, and look my best. Most makeup artists do a trial run beforehand so they’ll be sure they will like the makeup job on the big day. In fact, some wedding parties also get their makeup done. Really there are many opportunities to be had within the wedding industry.

Proms
Prom season is upon us! Well, almost. It is April, after all. So lots of excited teen girls want to get their makeup done – and their parents are prepared to pay for this service. This might be a good opportunity to get some extra pocket money.

Birthdays
For milestone birthdays especially, everyone wants to look their best. And getting their hair and makeup done will help make them feel beautiful. Whether they are just going out on the town or they are going to an actual party, there are those that would delight in having their makeup done by a professional.

These are just some of the occasions that keep a makeup artist employed. If you’re passionate about this then get going on expanding your career possibilities. And if you want to get more involved with techniques and patterns and color theory, then explore the benefits of a makeup career.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• The middle 50 percent nationally earns $35,250 annually.
• In the decade from 2006-2016, it is estimated that the makeup field will increase by 40 percent. However, it is currently small in size so this will really only add a few hundred workers (hey, an increase is an increase, right?).

-Amanda Fornecker

To continue on with our Oscar recap, I have recruited the very knowledgeable Barry Brian to give us a little insight on how to get the looks of some of the most popular and glamorous movie stars. Who wouldn’t want to look like these beauties? Below, you’ll find some makeup advice from someone who has been to beauty school, owned his own salon, and currently teaches with the Empire Education Group.

Hello there glamorous readers! I have noticed something very different about the bevy of beauties who have walked down this year’s red carpets and I wanted to share with you! It seems that tinsel town’s starlets are trading in their over-the-top glam looks for a more understated look, which I love. It’s been widely speculated that this is their way of being recession-chic and I think we can all appreciate that!

Regardless, what we have seen from our top stars this entire awards season has been refreshingly classic –- with a little twist thrown in here and there…

Frieda, Kate, Anne and Penelope – four of my favorite standouts this year, for their mind-blowing talent and equally stunning beauty!

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN GET THEIR AWARD-WINNING OSCAR LOOK!

It’s very easy to get this look, but the key is to focus on two facial features at most, and play down the others. What everyone looks at first is the eyes, but this year the eyes are less dark and smokey and more neutral. Opt for a more prominent brow to set the tone of the look and then balance the face with a great lip color. Read on for more helpful tips…

• Brows – Brows should be strong. If there are some more sparse areas, fill in with a brow pencil and soften the lines with a Q-tip or angled eyebrow brush.
• Lips – To get this retro pop of color, opt for a matte finish — the lips should never be frosted or glimmery, but rather fresh and romantic.
• Eyes – Again, keep them softer and not too stormy or dark. For the perfect sans shadow look, just swipe a darker liner across the top lid only and load up on the mascara!
• Skin – The skin should be translucent, dewy and alive. Matte skin on a red carpet always shows imperfections and looks dead!
• Hair – Keep hair soft, whether as a retro-inspired up-do, in a tousled chignon, or long and lustrous, but not pin straight or too tightly slicked back.

-Barry Brian, Artistic Director of Empire Education Group