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Makeup artist Cathy Crispo...
YOU WANTED TO KNOW
I’m always on the lookout for the freshest, newest talent in the city. I’m an inquisitive type of grrl and I love to seek out creative types.
One night I was spending an inordinate amount of time surfing the net, and I came upon an ad that read, “Makeup by CC.” I clicked on a link and noticed that it was a site promoting a makeup artist by the name of Cathy Crispo.
That name sounded soooo familiar to me, I just couldn’t place where or how I knew her. I sent her an e-mail introducing myself and telling her about happygrrls. After we exchanged a few e-mails, Cathy revealed that we used to go to high school together. (Psst: she can vouch that I really did lip sync in choir for all those years!). We exchanged a few more e-mails and agreed that we had to meet up to do the interview, and to of course, to catch up on old times. Here’s a snippet of our conversation.
How long have you been a makeup artist?
Since 1999.How did you get into profession?
Believe it or not, I started when I was 12 years old. I started doing makeup for myself and for my mom and my sister.When you’re a kid you’re supposed to be studying on the weekends, but I would go the library and take out books. All the books were on cosmetics.
For the longest time I was self-taught. I only thought of becoming a makeup artist when I was continually asked by people to touch up their makeup. I told them that I wasn’t a makeup artist, but they would look at me and tell me that my makeup looked flawless. This happened over a couple of years. I would be at parties, weddings…I thought, “Maybe there’s a message here.” After I went to university, I decided to go back to school. I went to a private academy and I unfortunately learned what I already knew. But then I discovered that there was so much more than the “pretty face” makeup. I decided to take a night course at Seneca College. I was able to learn how to do makeup for photography, lighting, film and TV.
Did you always want to be a make up artist?
No, I thought that I would end up owning a jewelry store, designing jewelry. I used to work at a jewelry store and I began to become interested in designing diamond jewelry. It was almost second nature, after all, I was selling a lot of engagement diamond rings and diamond wedding bands and clients always wanted to customize their jewelry to make it more personal. Unfortunately, my drawing skills weren't and aren't the greatest so what I needed to do was learn how to draw. That bored me and so the dream stopped there for a little while.What do you like the most about your job?
Meeting different people and being able to make them beautiful. Having a girl look into the mirror and say, “Oh my God! I’m gorgeous!” Honestly, that’s what drives me.What services do you provide?
We provide everything from bridal to glamour. For evenings out with your girlfriends and you want to look hot…no problem! We also offer makeup lessons. You can learn how to do your makeup. I also have a separate mobile spa treatment business called Spa Movement. We do everything – hairstyling, manicures, pedicures, waxing, full body treatment and facials.Do you do it all on your own?
I have subcontracted staff to help me out. There are seven estheticians, one aromatherapist, and a whole slew of chair massage practioners.What would you like to accomplish in the future?
I would like to have my own spa. I hope to have that in five years.Do you have any advice for any grrls that would like to become a makeup artist?
Get your hands on any and every magazine. Study them on your own before you decide to go to school. It confirms everything. If you’re not interested in makeup and you think that taking courses in school will change that, then you’re wasting your time. If you don’t have the passion for it outside of school, what makes you think that you will have a passion for it once you get in school?Also, practice, practice, practice. The most important thing of them all, when you think you know it all, go back to the drawing board, ‘cause you don’t know it all. There is so much to learn, so many techniques. If you can’t take critique, get out of the field! You have to stay on top of things. Know the different techniques.
What is one tip that you can share with us on how we can spice up our makeup?
It depends on the individual – how much you’re willing to change and how much time you’re willing to put into it.The best thing that I can suggest is having a good skincare regime. If you don’t have good skin, your makeup is always going to look bad. Re-evaluate what you are doing and not doing for your skincare and take it from there.
Keep your makeup light, fresh and natural. As long as you have five minutes in the morning, you can do anything.
What can you do in five minutes?
You can put concealer under your eyes and apply a powder with foundation all over your face. Don’t forget to add some mascara. Mascara opens your eyes and brightens up your look. The next step is applying some blush. And lastly, you need a lip colour (lip gloss or lipstick).This is minimal, but it looks like you got nice, clean, fresh skin. You’re good to go!
What looks are in for winter 2006?
We’re back into the berries. Anything with berry undertones.What is your fave beauty product?
I don’t know, I like them all! The one thing that I can’t leave home without is my lip plumper from Sally Hansen. It gives you a sexy pouty lip. It will perk you up.Thanks for all the info Cathy!
No problem! ¤ MichelleIf you’re in need of some me time or you want to look hot for your office Christmas party, contact Cathy at www.makeupbycc.com and she’ll make you look like fierce!