Ever wondered what it takes to be a celebrity make-up artist or hairstylist? We did! We checked in with two of the hottest and long-standing artists in Hollywood.
Elsie Daniels, celebrity makeup artist, instructor, magazine beauty editor and boutique owner has 41 years in the business. She has worked on movie sets, video shoots, television sets, photo shoots, in home with celebrity private client, and with an array of people that runs from Empire cast members to legendary Marketing and PR woman, Gwendolyn Quinn. Celebrity hairstylist, Loretta Nero has worked with Vanessa Williams, Barbara Walters, Tyra Banks, Angelina Jolie and Angela Bassett, just to name a few.
What is it like working with celebrities?
Elsie: Let’s set aside the glitz and glamour of celebrity life– they are real people, they are always on the road away from family and friends, so as an artist I enjoy talking about beauty and fashion with my clients. I tell them about great sales at the retails stores and what is the hottest products on the market.
Loretta: I’ve been in the industry over 20 years. I still love being a hair stylist. One question I’m asked a lot is are celebrity’s mean and untouchable? I myself have not found that to be true. I’ve been very fortunate to work with some famous people, I’ve done the Academy Awards 13 times, been the hairstylist on several movie sets.
How did you get involved with working with such high clientele? Was there special schooling? Did you have a hook up in the industry already or was it mostly hard work and determination?
Elsie: How I got involved with the celebrity life is being in the right place at the right time. I went to school for makeup in New York and have always wanted to be a part of the entertainment business. You have to get focused and determined to make it. In our field of beauty no one walks you through this business. Unfortunately I did not get the hook up; I had to work hard to make it. In today’s world the newcomers on the block have it a lot easier than we did; we only had a post office and a pay phone! Wow how life has change! Change is good.
Loretta: Getting into film and entertainment isn’t easy, yet if you do you can travel all over the world–film in mansions you didn’t think could exist. Some of it is luck, being at the right place at the right time…I was hoping to find a hook up but it didn’t happen, but I happen to be good at what I do. Hard work, diligence, being honest and courteous will take you far in any business. There’s not a special school, just cosmetology school, then your training is up to you.
Any advice for someone looking to get into becoming a makeup artist or hair stylist in the industry?
Elsie: My advice for newcomers looking to get into the business is to get online, post your work, work hard, hang around the artist that are doing make up for the celebrities, check out a lot of the beauty shows, this is where we go to buy our makeup. Work for the hottest companies in the game. Get focused. Always go to your client with a good attitude, don’t take their time for granted.
Loretta: Stay on top of your craft. Always be current, know the trends and products. Take classes and practice until you are great. Have confidence in your work and your clients will have confidence in you. And you are never,never late in this industry. High definition is always a challenge. Everything is seen. Lighting helps, but you have to get it right first time. It’s exciting!
Winter is almost here, any tips on makeup ideas for the season?
Elsie: The hot tip in transitioning into winter is moisturize! Moisturize face, neck and hands, because the weather gets dry. Fill your sink with ice it wakes up your skin. Buy a great serum ,let the serum set for about 10 minute before makeup, follow with a cold towel. Laura Mercier makes a good ready to wear foundation, it give you enough courage to have that sheen that give you that healthy look.
Loretta: This fall and into winter is big waves, lots of body. Use a large iron and product, spray–go for it!
Keep on the lookout for these two. Elsie is currently in the process of developing her own look book. She will be talking about fashion and beauty, with three pages set aside to educate the artist about how to get into the business. She will also be working on an upcoming new show called “Callie Girls.”
By Stephanie Hodgson
Natalia Loya
Candid shot at OC Fashion Week, Elsie Daniels, makeup artist, with model, photo by Kayla Willams
Artists Dancer Photo Shoot
