Michelle Bearse | Makeup Artist

The desire to be a makeup artist started for me at a very young age. I remember taking all my dolls and transforming them into divas...even the boys. My poor brother at the age of three even got the royal treatment of glam red lipstick. Little did I know this would be my career.

In jr. high and high school, I started reading all the fashion magazines—absorbing the tricks of the trade and the do's and don'ts of wearing makeup day-to-day. My mother didn't really wear a lot of makeup so I learned a lot from my friends and from books. Later, I would realize that bringing out the best in people by emphasizing their natural beauty was not only rewarding for me, but has a powerful effect on how people feel about themselves.

It was difficult for me to decide what to study in college. Naturally I thrived in art class, but all you ever hear about is the "starving" artist. So I decided to seek a field of study that I hoped would lead to success while also meeting my creative needs. How could I incorporate my love of art and fashion into one major? I chose fashion merchandising and design.

I attended College in Boston and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree. My years in college gave me a wide range of experiences that would put me on the path of being a makeup artist—helping fashionistas behind the scenes at fashion shows, assisting photographers at photo shoots, and working backstage at a variety of special events. I also learned a lot about fashion photography, and the talent that I developed for color and design went hand in hand with understanding the use of makeup as art. I met a lot of outstanding people in the industry that would later continue to help me on my path of being a makeup artist.

After college, I dabbled with different careers...but I always managed to freelance as a makeup artist. At that time in my life, it was more about letting my creative juices flow. I was able to really delve into some creative opportunities by doing a lot of testing with photographers, which in turn helped build my portfolio, eventually allowing me to sign on with an agency.

And of course I had to work for MAC. I believe anyone who is interested in becoming a makeup artist should work for an established cosmetic line. This gives you so much exposure to concepts of how to apply different styles and techniques. I was able to learn from and get inspired by some of the best artists working in this field.

To expand my knowledge further, I decided to go to school to become a Certified Aesthetician. This gave me more information in understanding skin care and health, which is vitally important to me as a makeup artist. I love being able to help my clients truly look and feel their best. In addition to working with MAC, I ventured out to work with a salon on Newbury St. as a freelance makeup artist. I've enjoyed my relationship with the salon for the last six years.

Over the years my makeup experience has expanded to include makeup for bridal parties, fashion expeditions, head-shots for models, instruction, print, tv & film, runway and a variety of special occasions.

* Airbrush application available