Meet Erin Skipley of Bellatrix Studio. I’ve known Erin for about a year, we have our studios on the same stretch of building here in Fremont. I finally had the pleasure of working with her this March at Andy & Dorothy’s wedding, and wanted to sit down and really learn more about who she is, where she comes from, and what she does! Yesterday, Kelly Simants from Sweet Pea Events and I sat with her while we talked shop and she gave us mini makeovers.
On her name: Bellatrix (say it Bell-ay-trix) is latin for female warrior, and is also a bright star in the constellation Orion (and is six times larger than the Sun).
Her resume: Erin started her career at the Lancome counter at Macy’s about seven years ago. From there, she went to school for stage makeup, moving toward independent study doing costuming and makeup on independent films. Next thing she knew she was working for Dior, flying from NY to LA doing red carpet makeup and fashion shows. She is actually one of only eight who are allowed to carry the prestigious Dior title of “National Artist,” and even trained under the great Pati Dubroff. Lately she’s been doing tons of bridal work plus model testing, tv, and advertising work.
On her style: Erin can of course go edgy (just look at her fashion work), but her passion lies with clean and classic, romantic and whimsical.
On her favorites: AIRBRUSHING! “It changed my life!” she jokes. Seriously though, it provides the lightest, smoothest, most waterproof and smudgeproof cover a gal could want. Airbrushing is not only for the face- ears, chest, back, and legs are also a common canvas for airbrushing, especially with updo’s, low backs, and cocktail dresses. She loves Micronized Airbrushing Foundation from MAC, Becca Watermelon Lipstain (because it’s the perfect berry shade and smells sooo good), and Laguna Nars Bronzer.
On her services: What makes her different from many other makeup artists in Seattle is her finesse with airbrushing, as well as her skills as a hairstylist! She offers pre-event consultation to help prepare your skin ahead of time (which includes proper diet suggestions as well as skin care regime), and is great at contouring to bring out your best features (she showed us all about the great things you can do with bronzer… such as adding a little cleavage! who knew!). She also offers a second, more dramatic makeup change if you would like a different look for your reception. A nice touch that I noticed when I worked with her last month at Cedarbrook was that she had prepared a pot of custom blended lip color and a pouf with powder for our bride to touch up with.
Recent buzz: Erin was just accepted as one of ten Junebug Weddings hair and makeup stylists, and will be doing makeup for one of their upcoming fashion shoots with Isadora’s. You can find her at www.bellatrixstudio.com or email her at info@bellatrixstudio.com.
above left is her awesome airbrusher, then a few pics of her at work in her studio and on location, and bottom right is a fun little self portrait that Kelly, Erin, and I took of ourselves after having our consultations!
