Celebrity Makeup Artist Profile

This month, Radiance is delighted to profile Hollywood makeup artist Lynn Switzky.

Lynn Switzky with Ashlee Simpson

We asked Lynn how she got started as a makeup artist.

"I took a couple classes at Golden West College, then took a full program at Make-Up Designory. I picked MUD over other schools because MUD was up and coming."

After finishing school, Lynn signed on with Chanel for a year, then worked at MAC for 4 years, where she became a store manager. During this time, Lynn continued honing her skills as a top artist, and before long, Hollywood came calling; Lynn began working for the winner of America's Next Top Model, Yoanna House.

With the looks that Lynn helped refine and showcase, Yoanna was recruited by the Style Network, and is now the host of her own show, The Look For Less.

Before long, the big phone call came, and Lynn was asked to come work as personal makeup artist for Ashlee Simpson, a position Lynn has had for the last year.

With Ashlee, Lynn has been all over the world on concert tour, and also did Ashlee's makeup for the musical Chicago, which included doing makeup for both the stage and for press junkets. One reason Ashlee is so pleased with Lynn's work is that Lynn uses Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics. "Youngblood's Loose Mineral Foundation is a great tool that Ashlee fell in love with," says Lynn."It's especially great for when we're working on a print or video project, because it gives a great matte finish with no reflection."

"Youngblood cosmetics are really good for the skin," says Lynn. "Even if the client has acne, rosacea, or other skin conditions, Youngblood gives their skin a flawless, glowing finish." Lynn also likes Youngblood's Pressed Eyeshadow Quads, because "they are perfectly combined--each color enhances the next."

We asked Lynn what she sees for the fall trends.

"Brows are the most focused-on aspect of the face this Fall," she says. "The trend is a full, natural brow that is not overly manicured, but still is clean-cut. Also, satin finish skin with a healthy glow is all the rage. Shiny lips are in, but not overly glossy-- and be sure to use a deep, sheer gloss. For eyes, smoldering is still very popular, but the color palette this Fall is Forest greens, mauves, purples, and deep, rich wine colors."

What's next for Lynn? "I've been working with the up and coming artist N'dambi; she is releasing her album now. Plus Ashlee Simpson is finishing her new album." But we think Lynn will always be busy, because of her passion for trying new and inventive ideas, and staying up-to-date on trends.

What advice does she give aspiring makeup artists? "Get out of your comfort zone, " says Lynn. "Always step it up!"

Good advice for any profession, and for life itself.

To contact or learn more about Lynn Switzky, visit her at lynnsmakeupart.com1

Each kit includes two colors of brow powder (light and dark, which can be used alone or in combination), and a softly tinted wax to help keep brow hairs in place.

Brow ARTISTE also includes a full size, luxury tweezer that actually works, and a dual-ended brow tool with a brush to help apply color, and a comb to help spread and soften the color in the shaded area.

Look for Brow ARTISTE soon!

You've spoken to them on the phone. You've traded emails. But have you ever wondered what it would be like to meet the people that keep Youngblood running? Meet account executive Zeljka Hizak!

Zeljka (pronounce the Z as in Zsa Zsa; the j is silent) was born in Eastern Europe--in Zagreb, Croatia. When she was 3 years old, Zeljka's family moved to Vancouver, Canada, and then to Los Angeles when she was 11, where she has lived ever since.

She comes to Youngblood with an extensive background in both cosmetics and business. Her early love of makeup led her to getting a cosmetology license, and then through Macy's, began working with major cosmetics companies Estee Lauder and Chanel, eventually becoming business manager for Lancome and Dior. But a more compelling reason brought her to Youngblood.

"I love the high quality of Youngblood makeup," says Zeljka. "It looks good on everyone. But the fact that it's natural and environmentally friendly is why I work here. The environment is important to me, because I have kids."

Zeljka also loves the work culture at Youngblood. Clearly a people person, she loves her "fun, friendly, helpful, absolutely fantabulous coworkers!" More importantly, she likes her customers and loves helping them. Her co-workers confirm it, too; often they hear Zejlka say "I like her! She's really nice!" after speaking with a client.

Because of her love of the outdoors, on weekends you can usually find Zeljka biking at the beach, or hiking in the mountains. She has two kids, and a pug named Buddha.

So whether you run into her while biking the strand in Venice, at a trade show, or by telephone when you call Youngblood, remember to say hello to Zeljka!