Podcast Summary
Exploring the Art of Adornment: Cosmetology: Cosmetology is an essential part of personal care and self-confidence, involving skills in makeup, skin care, and more. Proper grooming can lead to increased confidence and opportunities in life.
Cosmetology, or the art of adornment, is an important part of personal care and self-confidence. Cosmetology, which comes from the Greek word "kosmetiko," means skilled in adornment. It goes beyond just makeup and includes skin care, beards, and more. Cosmetologists undergo extensive training and education to help people look and feel their best. The line between vanity and self-confidence can be blurry, but taking care of one's appearance can lead to increased confidence and opportunities in life. Alicia Marcantonio, this week's guest, is a professional makeup artist and cosmetologist who shares her expertise on skin care, beard care, and confidence. She encourages listeners to embrace their unique selves and not be afraid to experiment with their appearance. Whether you're interested in learning about the latest makeup trends or want to improve your self-confidence, this episode of Ologies has something for you. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to learn some cosmetological wisdom from Alicia Marcantonio.
Alicia's Journey as a Makeup Artist: From Passion to Profession: Alicia, a makeup artist, started at 14, specializes in film and TV, builds deep connections with clients, and has become a confidant and listening ear.
Alicia, a makeup artist, has built deep connections with her clients over the years through her work, often becoming a confidant and listening ear. Starting her passion for makeup at a young age, she's always been committed to her craft, even before she could drive. While some people may not fully understand the scope of her job, which includes glamour, travel, and dealing with various personalities, she's found that the vulnerable atmosphere of getting ready for events allows people to open up and share their stories with her. Unlike a cosmetologist who does hair, skin, nails, and makeup, a makeup artist for film and TV only needs to specialize in makeup. Alicia started her training at just 14 years old and has been perfecting her art ever since.
Pursuing a passion at a young age: Defy expectations, get an education, and stay focused on goals to turn a passion into a career, even with financial constraints.
Passion and determination can lead to pursuing a desired career at a young age, even when faced with skepticism. The speaker, who had a passion for makeup and performing from a young age, defied expectations and moved to Los Angeles at 18 to attend makeup school and start her career. Despite the challenges and financial constraints, she was determined to get paid for her work and not work for free. Her first paid job was at a fashion show, which was a significant milestone for her. Her journey highlights the importance of following one's dreams, expanding knowledge through education, and staying focused on goals despite obstacles.
Alicia's Unexpected Journey in Makeup Artistry: Stay open-minded and persistent in pursuing makeup artistry despite unexpected challenges and varying pay rates.
The journey of pursuing a career in makeup artistry involves unexpected challenges and discoveries. Alicia shared her experience of attending a makeup school that covered both beauty and special effects, leading her to question if she was in the right field. She was initially drawn to special effects due to her fascination with creating monsters, but soon realized she enjoyed the beauty side more. However, her makeup school experience was far from what she expected, with strict rules against wearing makeup and undergoing challenging assignments like having a beard for effect school. Despite these challenges, Alicia emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself and continuing to learn, both in and outside of the classroom. Additionally, she highlighted the wide range of hours required to obtain a cosmetology license and the varying pay rates for cosmetologists. Overall, Alicia's story underscores the importance of staying open-minded and persistent in following one's passion, even when faced with unexpected obstacles.
Enhancing Confidence and Appearance through Makeup Artistry: Makeup artists help individuals look their best for various occasions, notice small details, maintain client confidentiality, find joy in their work, and provide essential skills for both genders with a range of styles
Makeup artists play a crucial role in enhancing people's confidence and appearance, not just for women but also for men. They help individuals look their best for various occasions, including film sets. Makeup artists notice even the smallest details and strive to perfect every aspect, from filling in beard stubble to grooming eyebrows. They maintain a confidential relationship with their clients, often being privy to personal information and secrets. Despite the long hours and high level of detail, they find joy in their work and the transformation they bring to their clients. However, there are misconceptions about cosmetology, such as believing it to be only for women or that it involves using heavy makeup all the time. In reality, makeup artistry is an essential skill for both genders and can range from natural looks to more dramatic styles depending on the client's preferences.
Behind the Scenes of Freelance Makeup Artistry: Freelance makeup artistry goes beyond applying makeup; it involves extensive business management skills and a strong work ethic.
Being a makeup artist, particularly in the entertainment industry, involves much more than just putting makeup on people. It requires a significant amount of work, organization, and business management skills. From scheduling and budgeting to dealing with taxes and multiple companies, freelance makeup artists wear many hats. It's a demanding job that requires a strong business mind, not just artistic talent. The misconception that it's an easy job is widespread, with many people underestimating the time, effort, and responsibilities involved. Despite the challenges, many makeup artists, including the speaker, enjoy the freedom and creativity that comes with the job, especially the opportunity to travel.
Boosting Confidence with Makeup and Emotional Support: Makeup artists create stunning looks while providing emotional support, waterproof makeup is essential for various occasions, award seasons can be stressful but rewarding, and organization is key to maintaining a successful makeup career.
The art of makeup application goes beyond the surface, as it can significantly boost the confidence of individuals, especially those going through challenging times. Makeup artists not only possess the skill to create stunning looks but also provide emotional support and encouragement. Waterproof makeup, such as waterproof mascara, is a must-have for various occasions due to its ability to withstand different elements. Award seasons can be nerve-wracking, but the excitement and reward of helping clients look and feel their best make it all worthwhile. The job requires not only technical expertise but also emotional intelligence and the ability to calm anxious clients. After a long day of work, makeup artists need to unwind and organize their meticulously maintained kits, ensuring everything is clean and ready for the next job.
The Fascinating Evolution of Makeup: From ancient protection to modern art, makeup has transformed through history, with essentials like lashes and eyeliner, and a rich history worth exploring at the Max Factor Museum.
Makeup has a rich history that spans thousands of years, and its significance and usage have varied greatly throughout different cultures and time periods. From ancient civilizations using kohl to rim the eyes for protection and status, to Europeans desiring pale faces, and the stigma surrounding makeup being lifted by Hollywood, the art of makeup application has evolved significantly. Essential items for some include lashes and eyeliner, while knowledge of makeup history is crucial for professionals. While some older makeup products contained questionable ingredients like lead and arsenic, modern makeup has thankfully improved. For those interested, a visit to the Max Factor Museum in Hollywood is recommended to delve deeper into the fascinating history of makeup.
Revolutionizing Makeup: Max Factor's Impact: Max Factor coined the term 'makeup' and introduced innovative techniques, while proper skincare involves cleansing, toning, and moisturizing.
The history of makeup is rich and fascinating, with figures like Max Factor playing a pivotal role in its development. Factor, who came from Poland as Max Emilian Factorowitz, revolutionized the industry by popularizing the term "makeup" and inventing techniques like TV contouring. Makeup application involves more than just slapping it on; it requires understanding color theory, product bases, and even a bit of chemistry. For a quick fix before leaving the house, a toner can provide a refreshing glow. However, it's important to remember that using makeup wipes requires following up with a proper face wash, toner, and moisturizer routine. Moisturizer is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. For men, the importance of taking care of their skin should not be underestimated, and using a proper face wash is a good start.
Men's skincare: Addressing common concerns with gender-neutral products: Men can enhance their appearance and confidence by incorporating skincare into their routine using gender-neutral products like witch hazel and Tend Skin for common issues such as ingrown hairs and acne.
Men should consider incorporating skincare into their routine, as many products are gender-neutral and effective for addressing common concerns like ingrown hairs and acne. Witch hazel, for instance, is a natural astringent with potential anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular choice for treating zits and soothing irritated skin. For ingrown hairs, Tend Skin is a well-known product that can help bring the hair to the surface. Although some men may be hesitant due to discomfort or unfamiliarity with skincare practices, it's essential to remember that many women undergo various beauty treatments, such as waxing, laser hair removal, and hair coloring, which can be painful or uncomfortable. By embracing skincare, men can improve their overall appearance and confidence.
Pressure to Conform to Beauty Standards: Society's expectations can lead women to invest in makeup, while men face fewer pressures. Embracing beauty practices, like makeup, can boost confidence for both genders.
Society pressures women to conform to beauty standards, leading many to invest time, money, and emotional energy into makeup and other appearance-enhancing practices. Men, on the other hand, often face fewer societal pressures to use makeup and may not fully understand the benefits it can offer. The speaker shares her personal experience with the emotional burden of societal expectations and the joy of using makeup for herself. She also discusses the recent trend of men's makeup and the potential confidence-boosting effects it can have for men. The speaker encourages openness to new experiences and offers practical advice for dealing with common issues like dry skin and nose hairs. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of self-expression and the potential benefits of embracing beauty practices, regardless of gender.
Taking care of skin goes beyond external methods: Drink water for internal hydration, wider range of makeup shades needed, be cautious with eyebrow regrowth methods like Latisse and microblading
Taking care of your skin goes beyond just applying lotions and makeup. Internal hydration is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. The speaker shares her personal experience with dry skin and the importance of drinking water. She also emphasizes the need for makeup brands to offer a wider range of shades to cater to different skin tones. When it comes to eyebrow regrowth, the speaker shares her personal experience of over-waxing and the potential link to an underactive thyroid. She also mentions Latisse as a possible solution, but notes the uncertainty of what happens when you stop using it. The speaker then introduces microblading as a more permanent solution for eyebrow regrowth, but cautions about the potential risks of tattooing and ink expiration.
Tips for Healthy Nails and Beards: Maintain skin health, take vitamins, eat well, use good grooming products, and protect from sun damage for strong nails and healthy beards.
Taking care of your body and health from the inside out is crucial for maintaining the appearance and strength of various body parts, including nails and beards. Chris DeBarge, a tattoo artist, advised keeping skin out of the sun to prevent damage. Human leather, though it exists, is not a recommended material for everyday items like wallets or shoes. For stronger nails, consider taking vitamins, especially those rich in biotin, and maintaining a healthy diet. For a healthy beard, use a good shampoo and consider deep conditioning treatments instead of heavy, greasy oils. Remember, internal health significantly impacts external beauty.
Self-care and confidence connected: Taking care of oneself leads to greater self-worth and confidence, not just from physical appearance but also from within, by pursuing passions and interests.
Self-care and confidence go hand in hand. Whether it's through DIY skincare remedies like avocado masks or honey facials, or embracing unique features and being confident in one's own skin, taking care of oneself can lead to a greater sense of self-worth and attract positive experiences. Confidence, however, is not solely dependent on physical appearance. It's important to find it from within and pursue passions and interests, leading to a fulfilling and successful life. The beauty industry can sometimes focus too much on external factors, but true confidence comes from within and cannot be bought with products alone.
Staying true and working hard in the beauty industry: Success in the beauty industry demands dedication, authenticity, and a positive attitude towards challenges.
Becoming successful in the beauty industry requires relentless dedication, thick skin, and being a good person. The speaker shares her personal experience of becoming a makeup artist before the social media era, emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself and working tirelessly. She advises future cosmetologists to make their craft their top priority and leave room for talent, even if they encounter difficult personalities. The speaker also shares her perspective on the term "diva," viewing it as a positive term for confident women who know what they want. Overall, her message is to stay focused, stay true to oneself, and maintain a positive attitude in the face of challenges.
Keep asking questions, even the dumb ones: Exploring various fields of study through questioning leads to fascinating discoveries, supported by the Ologies podcast and community
It's important to ask questions, even if they seem dumb, as they might lead to fascinating discoveries. Antonio Marcantonio, a wonderful human whose work can be found on social media as Alicia Sherry, was a guest on the Ologies podcast. She encouraged listeners to ask questions about various fields of study, from cosmetology to cosmology. The podcast, which can be found on Instagram (@ologiespod) and Twitter (@ologiespod), also has merchandise available for purchase, including collectible enamel pins and winter caps. The Ologies Facebook group is a jerk-free zone for those who want to engage in intellectual discussions. The podcast is made possible through the support of patrons, and Stephen Ray Morris helps with editing. The next episode will cover cosmology, reminding us that we're all just covering up blemishes on a tiny rock in the expanding universe. So, keep asking questions and stay curious!