Progression

I started playing around with makeup as a toddler (much to my mother's chagrin). One of the most exciting gifts I received as a fifth grader was a Revlon set of mini lipsticks and matching nail polishes. I would do "makeovers" that involved application of lipstick and a matching mani or pedi. In middle school I got really into Cover Girl and Wet n' Wild stuff and loved to experiment with pretty much anything. My best friend at the time and I used to do full makeup applications on each other every weekend night, in an attempt to look "hot" and "older". Since as twelve year-olds we couldn't go out to the clubs, we mostly just looked in the mirror a lot and wished the boys we liked could see us all glammed up. As a high school kiddo I was the friend who picked out looks for everyone for our formal dances and usually ended up doing hair and makeup on everyone.

Eventually this love of makeup evolved into a passion-obsession. In college my roommates and I spent many a dark Seattle evening bent over Kevyn Aucoin's "Making Faces" and selecting looks for me to try on them. I offered brow plucking services and personal shopping for cosmetics. When I realized that my English degree wasn't leading to a clear career path, I knew I had to become a MAC artist.

The second picture above was taken about six months after I graduated from UW and was proudly working at the MAC counter. I posted it along with a picture taken this spring (by the amazing Jenn Tran) to show the progression of my tastes, style and skill. As you can see, I love wearing color on my eyes, always have. I chose the two photos because they showcase a similar look--bright, color-washed eyeshadow, well-defined cheeks and sheer, glossy lips. Since the early aughts, my work has become more controlled, more detailed and defined.