What I Learned in the Chair: An Ode to Hair/Makeup Artists

What I Learned in the Chair:

 An Ode to Hair/Makeup Artists

By: Paige Dufresne

Way back when, I was given advice for photo shoots: always have photos of the individuals you’re working with ready and available. This should make finding people you don’t know much easier. Say hello to more shooting time and goodbye to aimlessly wandering around the location shouting out someone’s name in vain (and that’s if you’re feeling brave).

This advice worked out great for me until my phone died, my outfits didn’t have pockets or my face looked nothing like my profile picture. I wandered around one set with my face painted like a lion and a dead cobra on my head wondering why my photographers couldn’t find me. These experiences could have made me frustrated, but all of the instances that this occurred I noticed some common themes: a perplexed photographer, laughter, and a repeated statement of, “Wow! These hair and makeup artists are talented.”

Hair and makeup artists can be unsung heroes of a photoshoot. These individuals see us at our potential worst and make us into a more complete human being (or whatever non-human thing we’re being that day). Insanely talented, they bring their own unique styles and skills to a shoot. Prepping faces and bodies for photos can often help photographers save time during the editing process. In this line of work, successful artists are incredibly patient by spending hours applying initial looks and then hanging around a set to provide touch-ups to their original work.

This is also the time I want to apologize for all of the times I had to blow my nose after makeup, lost eyelashes, talked during lipstick application, or squeezed my eyes shut a little too hard during eyelash application and requested assistance in prying my eyes apart.

Now that I’ve gotten the messy apology out of the way, I would like to extend a thank you to all hair and makeup artists. Before I ever sat in the chair, a makeup-less face and undone hair was completely out of the question. Being told to show up to a shoot with a clean face actually gave me nightmares. I could dive into what these dreams meant (it would be a great case study for psychologists), but I’d rather focus on the positive to facing my insecurities head-on while in the chair: I actually started to love who I was naturally, without additional products.

I recognized how by putting more time into caring for my skin, there was a recognizable difference in how my skin looked without makeup. I felt vulnerable but I saw that I had the same issues as others with my skin and hair. I never once felt self-critical of how I looked when sitting in front of the artist as they saw opportunity on a canvas with products as the medium with which to paint. The friends that I made liked me for me and weren’t superficial. I appreciated how I could look with more time, effort and skill put into my look as opposed to feeling that it was a mandatory part of me.

During this holiday season, take the time to appreciate yourself, even if you’ve had way too much dessert. Spend time with the people that love and care about you unconditionally. And thank a hair/makeup artist for their work in making you look like a human being as opposed to a snowbank with muppet hair (or is that just me?).

Facebook: Paige Dufresne

Instagram: @paigedufresne

XoLo Designs by Lauren

MFW The Experience

As Seen by Lauren Sturycz, XoLo Designs

Milwaukee Fashion Week 2016 was one of our very first dates. A certain stud flew from his residence in Las Vegas to support a certain lady showcasing her designs. Reconnecting after 16 years, the rest is history. Nick moved back to Wisconsin, pursued his passion for fitness and I (Lauren) continued to pursue my fashion goals.

For those of you who don't know about what Milwaukee Fashion Week entails, it includes 3 days of absolute chaos to create a stunning event for spectators, bloggers, buyers and elite fashion media to see what Milwaukee's creative industry in really about. From makeup to models, the talent is absolutely incredible. When I had the privilege of showcasing my designs for the 2017 year, I knew I had to bring my A game! Most of us involved in any fashion event can attest that everything is usually a big blur and goes by way too fast after spending months of hard work all for what seems like 30 seconds. However, my 30 seconds came to a screeching halt after my best friend interrupted my final walkthrough by jumping on stage, stopping me mid walk, getting down on one knee and pulling out the most breathtaking diamond I've ever seen. Everything went completely white and all I was in complete shock.

I've always made fun of the cheesy proposals that I've seen on social media or in videos, but I never really thought of what I would do when it was my turn. As a fashion blogger, columnist and designer, I thrive off of creativity and originality. I have to give my man major kudos for coming up with such a creative way to ask to spend eternity with me. Sharing a moment of major accomplishment with a life milestone is something I don't think I could ever top or imagine doing better. It's true, Milwaukee is full of magic, art and endless possibilities. Next year will be hard to beat! ;)





Photography: Robert Colletta Photography / William Ireland Photography