Arias Speaks with Associated Content from YAHOO!

In the world of makeup there are so many do's and don'ts that you almost have to have your own private makeup artist to get dressed. However, I would caution you that you have to choose the right one for you. I have met professional makeup artists that adorn all their clients the same. To give you a mental picture, I saw a makeup artist from Chicago's portfolio and in it she gave all her clients the same heavy Smokey eye look with crimson lips and bright rosy cheeks. I thought to myself "are these women auditioning for the play Anne". The way these women looked, I don't think the sun will come out tomorrow.

When you wear makeup in my opinion, it should do three things 1. Enhance your natural beauty 2. Be event appropriate 3. Be you. You should never look like a clone of another person unless the occasion or activity calls for uniformity. Makeup should be fun and you should never be afraid to try new and different things. Today I want to speak with some professionals from Arias Makeup and Photography on the subject and get their perspective on how to do makeup right.

YAHOO: Good morning Gabi and Stephanie. It is so nice of you to take time out of your busy schedule to speak with us today.

Gabi: Thank you so much for giving us this opportunity. We are very excited.

YAHOO: I want to first start by having you and Stephanie tell our readers a little bit about where you grew up.

Gabi: Well, we're both from Ecuador South America. I lived along the Coastline and grew up in the big city. It has kind of a funky name, Guayaquil. Even though it's third world, makeup was, and still is, a big thing in our society. As you probably know, Latino women tend to be very "girly", in my opinion : )

Stephanie: As Gabi said, we grew up in Ecuador. I am from Quito, the capital, which is in the mountains. I believe that the different subcultures that dominate the country influenced both of us in the style that we employ in our makeup.

YAHOO: When did you first know that makeup was a passion for you?

Gabi: Well, my poor sister... I was probably 10 or 11 years old when I started doing make up on her, she was around 7 years-old. I still have pictures to black mail her. She was sort of a tomboy, so it was a painstaking effort to get her to cooperate. But I could tell she liked to see herself in the mirror when I was finished.... and don't get me wrong... I was not by any means good! I think that's what really got me; she could see a different side of herself that she liked and I helped in the process.

Stephanie: I knew that makeup was my passion the moment I was allowed to put it on. I started experimenting with it; colors, products, textures. I never liked to do the same stuff other girls did, so I guess I started developing my own style. As a child I was very interested in art, so as I grew up and studied the field I linked my color theory classes not only with my paintings but with makeup as well.

YAHOO: What Hot New Trends are you seeing in makeup in your city?

Gabi: We live in the south, so bronzer is a favorite. It has been the healthier replacement of the tanning bed. Also, we are seeing the use of bold vibrant colors such as turquouise, purples, and yellows.

Stephanie: For this fall purples are a must! But nude makeup is in for the everyday; neutral colors, mascara, lip gloss, defined eyebrows, and you are done!

YAHOO: What kind of tips can you give to women that are just beginning to explore how to use makeup?

Gabi: Well, it depends on what you want to achieve. If a more enhanced you is what you'd like to do, then some neutral eyeshadow colors (a light and a dark that could double as a liner), mascara, light foundation or powder, lip gloss and blush may be all you need. It can be helpful to ask the person behind the makeup counter. But beware, there are still salespeople! If you'd like to be more adventurous with it, then going to a place such as a department store makeup counter or a makeup superstore, where you can test samples is a good idea.

The great thing about these also, is that they have a more flexible return policy than your local pharmacy. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable with what you're wearing. It should still feel like you when you're done. It is also important to remember that there are no rules in makeup. Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, so if it works for you, and you feel like a million bucks, then go for it!

Stephanie: Keep it simple. Start by getting a good coverage, most women don't have the right foundation, I know it can be challenging but there are several stores where you can try products on, they will be happy to assist you. Having a good foundation gives you the perfect canvas to work on. Put on some blush, lip gloss, mascara, define your eyebrows, and you are good to go!

Get good products. You get what you pay for, so try different brands and stick with the one that best matches your style. It could sound expensive, but instead of buying a bunch of cheap products buy one good, pigmented palette that will last you a long time. Have fun. Makeup is meant to be enjoyed. It is an instrument to express yourself and enhance your beauty. If you feel adventurous explore with different colors and textures, you will be surprised of the results.

YAHOO: Tell me about your company Arias. What kinds of services do you offer?

G&S: We are a small company located in the North Metro Atlanta Area. Regarding makeup we do anything from one on one consultations to community events. We can assist anyone who's willing to give makeup a shot, or who's trying to rediscover herself through it by trying new things. Make up sessions, make overs, and workshops are some of the things we do.
We also offer photography services, from basic to wedding sessions. We like women to feel beautiful, see themselves in a way they have never seen before, rediscover their inner and outer beauty.

YAHOO: Tell me what got you interested in incorporating both Beauty and Photography?

G&S: We kind of have to answer this one together. Since we started spending more time together as a family, we realized that we liked a lot of the same things and had similar goals. We believe that pictures can capture beauty right where it is, and makeup is a tool to enhance that very beauty existing in every woman. We thought to ourselves, "what a power combo!" We cannot only help glam up someone for a day, but we can capture it for timelessness through pictures! It works out perfectly! In our photography sessions we work around a concept, reflecting the person to be portrayed, so we make sure makeup helps us accomplish our goals. Contrast, color, balance, black and white, those are all essentials to be considered while doing makeup in order to have successful images.

YAHOO: Where can our audience find you on-line?

G&S: Right now our website is under construction but people can find out info at www.AriasMakeupAndPhotography.blogspot.com

YAHOO: Stephanie, can you and Gabi offer some words of wisdom on how to start your own makeup and photography business?

Gabi: What can I say? Be willing to work for free for a while! At least when you are first getting started. It pays off by giving you exposure. Also, sometimes contacting other artists in the industry who are getting started, such as models, that would also be willing to work for free, helps. That way even though, no one gets paid, everybody wins by helping each other build a portfolio. If you can find a mentor, you've hit the jackpot! Even if he or she only lets you hold the brush while you watch them work. It helps with skill building and networking. And of course, don't give up.

Stephanie: Practice a lot on you, your family, and friends. It is important that you feel confident putting makeup on women of different background. Experiment with your makeup, develop your own style. In order to be noticed you need to put on the table something unique compared to other makeup artists. Don't give up, as Gabi said, it is hard at the beginning but focus on your goals. Be passionate about it!

YAHOO: Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to speak with us. We so appreciate the information. I wish you much success with your business.

Gabi: Thank you so much, it was our pleasure!

Stephanie: Thank you!