I recently had the pleasure to present Genuist Beauty to IATSE Local 706, the Makeup Artists & Hair Stylists Guild, at the Makeup Craft Education Event in LA on August 3rd. What an honor it was to discuss my brow care line with these incredible artists who are responsible for creating the looks that captivate us on screens and stages— true masters of their craft.
As I prepared to introduce Genuist Beauty to this prestigious group, I knew this was a rare opportunity—and a daunting one. Why? Because here I was, presenting to the best makeup artists, beauty experts, and hairstylists in the world, coming in as a brow and makeup artist who works with everyday women—not on a movie set.
For over 30 years, I’ve been mastering the art of teaching real women how to do their makeup in 10 minutes or less, helping them feel confident and beautiful in their daily lives. But I’m not the artist who transforms actors into the characters we know and love (or fear and hate) on the big screen. That difference weighed on me, and to say I felt a level of intimidation would be an understatement.
The Behind the Scenes Heroes of Hollywood
The artists of IATSE Local 706, the Makeup Artists & Hair Stylists Guild, are the creative force behind Hollywood’s most iconic characters and stars. For over a century, they have shaped not only the entertainment industry but also major trends in the consumer beauty market. From the early days of musicals to the dawn of cinema and beyond, these professionals have crafted unforgettable images that have left a lasting impact on pop culture.
Presenting to the Best in the Business
I was at The Craft to present on the importance of brows and how my new line of brow care products could significantly impact their work moving forward. I learned about the event from Vivian Baker, a trusted friend and mentor, who has been instrumental in helping me bring Genuist Beauty to life. Vivian is an Academy Award® winning, BAFTA-winning, and Emmy Award-winning makeup artist with over 30 years of experience working with a who’s who of Hollywood’s elite.
Adding to the significance of the occasion was the presence of Claire Alexandra Doyle, a Los Angeles based celebrity make-up artist skilled in beauty, special effects make-up, motion capture and hair styling who has worked on more than ninety films. She is also a longtime IATSE Local 706 member who played a key role in finding the right beauty brands to be at this event.
Why Brow Care Matters
When it came time for me to present Genuist Beauty to the artists, I was determined to do more than just show off new brow products— It was about being vulnerable enough the share my life's work, my passion for my craft and for the impact that eyebrows have on the face which is what led to the creation of Genuist Beauty’s products.
Fortunately, these artists understood the importance of brows in creating a character and expressing emotion. Just think of some of the iconic eyebrows we’ve seen on screen, made possible through great makeup artistry. Take Audrey Hepburn’s elegant brows in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, which added to her sophisticated and timeless look. Or Salma Hayek’s portrayal of Frida Kahlo in Frida (2002), where Kahlo’s signature unibrow was a vital aspect of her identity and a symbol of her defiance against conventional beauty standards. And let’s not forget Elizabeth Banks’ Effie Trinket in The Hunger Games (2012), whose highly stylized and brightly colored eyebrows perfectly captured the Capitol’s obsession with over-the-top fashion and aesthetics. These examples highlight how crucial eyebrows are in character development and why they can’t be overlooked. But perhaps what isn’t always considered is the importance of maintaining the actors’ brows—like conditioning them daily to keep them healthy beneath all that stage makeup.
A “Wow” Moment at the Genuist Beauty Booth
After my presentation, I headed to the Genuist Beauty booth, and it was amazing to have 50 plus artists at the booth to introduce them to our brow care products, including our Renewal Brow Conditioner. Vivian was also there, passionately discussing our Brow Primer for all-day hold and the Roller Brow Defining Pen, which doesn’t fade, lasts all day, and works as a lightly pigmented brow stain with multiple functions for set artists. Learning that some of these products were already being used on Hollywood sets was a wow moment!
A Memorable Evening with Legendary Artists
After the event, I was graciously hosted by Vivian Baker at her stunning home, along with her husband, Michael Astalos, CEO of The Makeup Light—the only makeup lights we use in my Atlanta studio because they’re simply the best- providing unparalleled clarity and precision, ensuring that every detail is visible and allowing for the highest standard of makeup artistry.
Later, Vivian invited other world-renowned artists to join us, including Eugenia Weston, award-winning makeup artist and owner of Senna Cosmetics, Tym Buacharern, two-time Emmy Award winner, Architect of Beauty Awards winner, and one of today's premiere make-up artists, James MacKinnon, Emmy award-winning makeup artist who was a prosthetic makeup and special makeup effects artist on Star Trek, and Dyane MacKinnon, Local 706 makeup artist and owner of The Complexion Apothecary. We spent time together in her makeup studio—truly a makeup artist’s candy store—playing with lots of lab samples and sharing insights. Their collective knowledge of products and the industry is unmatched, and I was honored to be in their presence and receive such generous introductions to the IATSE Local 706 Makeup Artists & Hair Stylists Guild.
Reflecting on an Unforgettable Experience
After a whirlwind few days in LA, I couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible honor it was to stand among such legendary talent while sharing Genuist Beauty with those who have shaped the very essence of what we see on screen.
The warmth and generosity I encountered—from Vivian Baker’s mentorship to the inspiring conversations with world-renowned artists at her home was deeply humbling.
Not in short, the Makeup Craft Education Event was more than just a professional gathering; it was a moment of connection, learning, and mutual respect. I was reminded that even those at the pinnacle of their craft are always seeking new tools, techniques, and inspiration.
The Perennial Spirit: Gratitude and Growth
In the end, this experience wasn’t just about presenting a product; it was about building relationships, sharing knowledge, and being part of a community that values excellence and artistry. It reaffirmed my belief in the mission of Genuist Beauty—to empower and inspire through innovation and care and to embrace the Perennial spirit—continually growing, learning, and blooming alongside those who share your passion.
As I sat in Vivian’s chair in her home makeup studio, surrounded by some of the world’s finest artists, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the mentors who share their wisdom, for the artists who push the boundaries of creativity, for the chance to contribute, in my own way, to the art of beauty and for the support they have all shown for Genuist Beauty and our products.
It was an experience I will treasure forever, and it inspires me to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in beauty, one brow at a time.
