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Beauty Secrets to Celebrity makeup artists

Monday, August 23, 2010

Celebrity makeup artists work with performers to create fashionable and flattering appearances that are enhanced by cosmetics. Makeup  artists may apply cosmetics before television, theater or film performances in preparation for awards shows or benefit functions as well as various public appearances. To become a celebrity makeup artist, it is helpful to complete formal training and obtain a cosmetology license, build a strong clientele and create a stunning portfolio.

The first step to become a celebrity makeup artist often involves proper training and education. It is helpful to gain acceptance into a reputable and well-known cosmetology school. Completing training at a renowned school will provide the most up-to-date training and increase the chances of meeting influential clientele. The celebrity makeup artist industry is highly competitive, so possessing the best training will greatly increase a cosmetologist’s advantage over other candidates when applying for jobs.

Cosmetology programs are often broken down by the hour. Most programs require an average of 1, 250 hours to complete training. Makeup artists often study hair cutting and coloring, nail care and beauty treatments in addition to training in makeup technique and application. Specialized training is required for those seeking to create special effects makeup for film and theater productions.

It is important to check with the school regarding licensure agreements before enrolling in a program to become a celebrity makeup artist. Most employers require cosmetologists to be licensed and trained in the location in which they are working. Some schools may have reciprocity agreements with other areas that will allow cosmetologists to obtain licensure in other areas without having to obtain another certificate. If the school does not have a reciprocity agreement with any other areas, the cosmetologist will likely only find employment in the area in which they completed training.

Networking and actively seeking new clientele is an important step to become a celebrity makeup artist. Many artists meet employers during their training period. Television and film agencies will often send scouts to reputable schools to seek out new and interesting talent. Teachers at the school may know of various agencies that a cosmetologist may send portfolios and resumes for consideration.

Most programs require a certain number of hours to be spent performing practical application. It is generally a good idea to invite influential and well-connected people to act as models for cosmetic application practice. This helps to complete training hours while allowing others to experience a first-hand view of one’s work.
Building a creative and diverse portfolio is an essential component to become a celebrity makeup  artist. A portfolio should display a cosmetologist’s best work while showing their ability to create many different looks and styles. Portfolios often serve as a makeup  artist’s strongest asset when seeking employment. Many training programs offer courses in portfolio building, but if it is not included as part of the program, it may be beneficial to complete a portfolio course independently after graduation.

by wisegeek.com
photo by flickr.com

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Top Beautiful College Campuses in the US

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

American college towns are known for their culture and youthful vibe, but many also benefit from having campus that are practically museums of architecture, landscape design, and flora.

In fact, a few college campus have even been designated as such.

If you want to see the best that American academia has to offer, you don’t have to be a student.

All of these campuses are open to the public, and their officials love receiving visitors.

University of Virginia, Charlottesville: Established in 1819, UVA is one of the oldest major universities in the country. It was conceived and founded by Thomas Jefferson, who also played an active role in its planning and construction. He even personally designed the world-famous UVA rotunda, which is just one of the many old buildings that recently made the UVA campus the only college campus in the U.S. to be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


Brooklyn College, New York City: Set amidst the bustle of Brooklyn’s inner neighborhoods, the Brooklyn College campus is a small oasis of greenery. The design and architecture were inspired by Jefferson’s UVA, but the campus was constructed over 100 years later, during the Great Depression.


Indiana University, Bloomington: Indiana isn’t widely known for its beauty, but Indianans would beg to differ when it comes to some of the state’s most beautiful location. One example is the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington. Constructed in the late 1800s, the campus has several old landmark buildings, a hilly and tree-filled landscape, and lots of well-tended gardens.


Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey: The Ivy League schools tend to produce many of our most eminent and wealthy people, which is why they also commonly get ample donations from their alumni. As a result, colleges like Princeton are able to build and maintain breathtaking campuses with beautiful landscapes and world-class architecture. Princeton is one of the oldest colleges in the northeast, and over the years it has steadily accumulated a wealth of architectural marvels.


Sara Lawrence College, Bronxville, New York: Located just 10 miles north of busy Manhattan, the campus of Sarah Lawrence College is a strange little gem hidden among the suburbs of Westchester County. The campus is laid out over steep and forested hills with a central ridge around which the main buildings are situated. The old buildings convey an air of midcentury suburban comfort, while the newer buildings around the edge of campus are on the cutting edge of green-building technology.


Vanderbilt University, Nashville: Vanderbilt was officially designated a botanical garden in 1988, and it shows. The verdant campus is brimming with many variety of trees, an abundance of colorful flowers, and even some exotic plants. The Bicentennial Oak near the center of campus has been around since Revolutionary times.


Yale University, New Haven: Yale is another Ivy League school that has benefited from a long history of wealthy backers. The Gothic spires of its central buildings are visible from across town, and the insides of the buildings have a castle-like feeling that makes the classroom experience interesting.

By Caterina Christakos

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Review Culinary Schools

Saturday, October 16, 2010

The culinary schools featured on this site all provide extensive culinary career preparation. To start your career as professional chef, you need to attend an accredited school with a reputation for excellence. The culinary schools listed below provide a variety of programs designed to meet your individual needs and expectations, no matter what stage of life you are in. Select a school in your area and request information today.

California Culinary Academy (San Francisco, CA)
The Historic California Hall is situated in San Francisco’s Civic Center district and the new location in the hip Potrero Hill district. Students become chefs here! The Academy’s teaching kitchens are designed to effectively deliver “Global Cuisine Curriculum,” an important focus in the school’s training. California Culinary Academy’s Educational Services department offers a broad menu of services to guide students through their entire career.

California School of Culinary Arts (Pasadena, CA)
Train with the best! The California School of Culinary Arts, located in Pasadena, CA, can prepare you for success. Work beside industry trained Chef Instructors committed to excellence. Graduate Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Program in only 15 months. Receive job placement assistance at graduation. Develop a new and rewarding career in the culinary arts!

Institute of Technology (Clovis and Roseville, CA)
The Institute of Technology offers two culinary programs: Culinary Arts Specialist and Baking and Pastry Specialist. Students will learn basic culinary concepts, and will develop foundation skills specific to their chosen program. Graduates of both programs will have met American Culinary Certification standards.

Kitchen Academy (Hollywood, CA)
Earn your Professional Culinary Arts Diploma in as few as 30 weeks. You’ll start learning in the kitchen from day one! The exclusive course design starts with basic skills and then strategically layers on new techniques and lessons, culminating in an externship where you’ll work in a professional environment before you graduate.

Culinard, the Culinary Institute of Virginia College (Birmingham, AL)
The culinary programs at Culinard — the Culinary Institute of Virginia College are among the finest and most comprehensive in the nation. At Culinard, students will develop the knowledge and skills to prepare them for a rewarding and successful career in culinary arts. Culinary programs include degree programs in Culinary Arts and Pastry, Baking, and Confectionary Arts, as well as a Culinary Career diploma program.

Kitchen Academy (Sacramento, CA)
Earn your Professional Culinary Arts Diploma in as few as 30 weeks. You’ll start learning in the kitchen from day one! The exclusive course design starts with basic skills and then strategically layers on new techniques and lessons, culminating in an externship where you’ll work in a professional environment before you graduate.

Career Academy of New York (New York City, NY)
The Career Academy of New York offers 600- and 900-hour programs in Commercial Cooking. Courses emphasize hands-on training and instruction on the practicalities of commercial food preparation. Potential career opportunities exist in restaurants, bakeries, catering, and food service departments of corporations, and more.

L’École Culinaire (St. Louis, MO)
Located in St. Louis, Missouri,Culinaire offers students hands-on training and career-based instruction from experienced professionals. Students complete ten-week internships where they can apply their real-world training to real life situations.

Scottsdale Culinary Institute (Scottsdale, AZ)
Scottsdale Culinary Institute is a Le Cordon Bleu culinary School, located in Arizona near Phoenix. The mission of the school is to give its students a mastery of both classical and modern techniques. With programs in Culinary Arts, Culinary Management, Hospitality & Restaurant Management, and Pâtisserie & Baking, SCI is a great option, no matter what your interest. And with over 300 days of sun per year, how could you choose to go anywhere else?

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Las Vegas (Las Vegas, NV)
Opened only a few years ago, the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Las Vegas is the place to be! Las Vegas is rapidly becoming one of the world’s dining capitals. Famous chefs from around the world have opened marquee restaurants there, including Wolfgang Puck and Michael Mina. It is an exciting place to study culinary arts and there are tremendous job opportunities for graduates.

Connecticut Culinary Institute (Farmington, Suffield CT)
Connecticut Culinary Institute offers small classes and hands-on training. With small class sizes, students at CCI spend the majority of their time cooking. The school has two locations in Connecticut and offers both full-time and part-time programs.

Cooking & Hospitality Institute of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
Founded in 1983, the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago (CHIC) is renowned for its culinary programs. The school became affiliated with Le Cordon Bleu in 2000 and now offers the world famous program in Chicago. Thousands of students from CHIC have gone on to careers in the culinary arts in Chicago and around the world.

Culinary Academy of Long Island (Syosset, NY)
At the Culinary Academy of Long Island, you can complete the program in just nine months. Imagine training to become a chef or hospitality manager in less than one year. With program internships at some of the finest restaurants and hotels in the New York area, this is a program to review. Get started today!

Branford Hall Career Institute (Springfield, MA)
Get hands-on training and develop the skills necessary for success in the culinary field at Branford Hall Career Institute. Branford’s Culinary Arts program includes comprehensive instruction at a four-star restaurant and professional instruction in business operations, bakeshop, spa cuisines, international cuisines, and much more. Day and evening classes are available to fit your busy schedule.

Western Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Founded in 1983, Western Culinary Institute was originally the Horst Mager Culinary Institute. The school gained international renown and changed its name to Western Culinary Institute in 1986. Today the school is affiliated with Le Cordon Bleu and offers several degree programs. It was the first school to offer the Le Cordon Bleu Restaurant Management Diploma in the US.

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Atlanta (Tucker, GA)
The Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Tucker, Georgia, offers an Associate of Occupational Science Degree in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts. This is a 15 month program that includes an externship. Students learn classical cooking methods and earn a degree that will prepare them for the demanding, yet fun, world of culinary arts.

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Minneapolis/St. Paul (Mendota Heights, MN)
Gain the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu certificate in Culinary Arts from the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Minneapolis/St. Paul. Whether you dream of becoming an executive chef or a restaurant manager, this school can help you realize your dreams. The Twin Cities offers a great backdrop for studies in the culinary field.

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Miami (Miami, FL)
Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Miami offers the renowned Le Cordon Bleu program, one of the world’ most recognized culinary brands. The Associate of Science Degree in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts can be completed in as little as 15 months. You’ll spend 12 months on campus and 3 months in an externship you can blend your classroom learning with real on-the-job training.

Keiser University (multiple locations in FL)
At Keiser University, students can choose from Associate Degree programs in Culinary Arts or Baking and Pastry Arts. Small class sizes allow students to receive the attention they need and deserve. Graduates can prepare for career opportunities in restaurants, hotels, resorts, catering companies, and more.

Orlando Culinary Academy (Orlando, FL)
Through its association with Le Cordon Bleu, the Orlando Culinary Academy blends classical European techniques with leading North American training. The school offers training for Culinary Arts, Baking & Pastry, and Hospitality & Restaurant Management.

Pennsylvania Culinary Institute (Pittsburgh, PA)
Located in the cultural center of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Culinary Institute offers a mix of art, culture, and career opportunities. Founded in 1986, the school has prepared graduates for careers in the culinary arts for over 2 decades. With its association with Le Cordon Bleu, the school now offers its graduates the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu diploma. There are programs in Culinary Arts, Pâtisserie & Baking, and Hospitality & Restaurant Management.

The Salter School (Worcester, MA)
The Culinary Arts Program at The Salter School for Culinary Arts will prepare students for an exciting career in the culinary field. Students will receive hands-on training to develop the skills necessary for success. The comprehensive program includes instruction in business operations, beverages, the science of food and nutrition, and much more.

Stratford University (Falls Church, VA)
Stratford University, located in Falls church, Virginia, offers culinary degree and diploma programs for students looking for an exciting and rewarding career in the culinary field. Students will develop basic cluinary skills, and receive hands-on training specific to their chosen program. Programs can be completed in as little as 50 weeks.

Texas Culinary Academy (Austin, TX)
Think big at Texas Culinary Academy. Founded in 1981, the school has prepared many students for careers in the culinary Arts. Now affiliated with Le Cordon Bleu, TCA offers an innovative, dynamic environment. Learn how to cook and how to balance the budget too. TCA offers Culinary Arts and Pâtisserie & Baking Arts programs.

source: culinary-schools.us

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Best Colleges in the 2011 rankings: U.S. News

Saturday, March 5, 2011

This year, Harvard University regained sole possession of the top spot in U.S.News & World Report’s Best Colleges 2011 rankings of national universities. Last year, Harvard and Princeton University tied for first, but Princeton fell to second in the 2011 rankings of these large, research-oriented institutions. Williams College can once again boast that it’s the nation’s top-ranked national liberal arts college — a category of schools that place a higher emphasis on undergraduate education — as it ranked a spot ahead of fellow Massachusetts liberal arts school Amherst College for the second consecutive year.

This marks the 27th year that U.S. News has published college rankings. Though the top-ranked schools garner much acclaim, the rankings aren’t produced simply to benefit students who are considering attending institutions like Harvard and Williams. U.S. News uses its array of college data to provide insight to students of various academic and socioeconomic backgrounds. There is a list of the best schools for B students, rankings of historically black colleges and universities, as well as rankings of the most diverse national universities. And though the worst of the financial crisis seems to have passed, finding value in the increasingly expensive world of higher education is still one of the most important — if not the most important — factors in choosing a school. To meet that need, U.S. News has compiled best value lists for national universities and national liberal arts colleges, which rank schools based on the average cost of attending — after need-based grants are taken into account — relative to their academic ranking.

The National Universities and National Liberal Arts Colleges lists are just two of several sets of rankings that are a part of U.S. News’s evaluation of Best Colleges. Regional colleges and universities, which tend to draw heavily from their local area, and tend to have sparse doctoral program offerings, are ranked separately. Villanova University, Rollins College, Creighton University, and Trinity University are the top-ranked Regional Universities — schools that offer degrees up to the master’s level and were ranked as “Master’s Universities” in the past — in the North, South, Midwest and West, respectively. The top-ranked Regional Colleges — schools that offer bachelor’s degrees and were classified as “Baccalaureate Colleges” in previous rankings — are the United States Coast Guard Academy in the North, Ouachita Baptist University in the South, Taylor University in the Midwest, and the United States Air Force Academy in the West.

Though California’s public educational system is plagued by financial unrest and budget cutbacks, two of the state’s schools are ranked as the top public national universities. The University of California — Berkeley, which is the 22nd ranked national university, is the top-ranked public school, followed by the University of California — Los Angeles. Rounding out the top five publics: University of Virginia, University of Michigan — Ann Arbor, and the University of North Carolina — Chapel Hill.

Though schools at the top of the rankings deserve praise for their sterling academic standards, they shouldn’t receive all of the credit. U.S. News asked college administrators to name schools they believe to have made sharp improvements to their academics and campus facilities. Based on the results, U.S. News ranked the top “Up and Comers” across several categories. The University of Maryland — Baltimore County was determined to be the fastest-improving national university and Hendrix College earned top billing for National Liberal Arts Colleges. The best up-and-coming Regional Universities are Wagner College in the North, Elon University in the South, Butler University in the Midwest and Abilene Christian University in the West.

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Jewellery Design Software

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Computer-aided modelling of jewellery typically falls into two opposing categories: Making an existing design ready for CAM output, or creating a brand new design. Often, designers want to create, explore and refine design; yet that typically takes more time and requires a higher degree of computer skills. Creative modelling balanced with the need to make a precise model quickly couldn’t be found in the same software package…until now.

Over two years in the making, Matrix Version 6 represents Gemvision’s most extensive upgrade yet. Utilizing years of input from the best CAD modellers in the industry as well as our own development team, Matrix provides users with the fastest way to replicate existing pieces and explore new designs while allowing that process to take many creative paths.

With History built into models, exclusive “Style Sheet” functionality, a host of new tools, and a streamlined interface with new viewport controls, we think you’ll agree: this is the most efficient, flexible, and creative software tool ever developed for jewellery designers.

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International Dance Academy Hollywood

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Welcome to the International Dance Academy Hollywood (IDA)! We are a brand new dance studio located in the heart of Hollywood, just one block away from the world famous Kodak Theatre.

Our mission is to offer outstanding training in all areas of professional dance to beginners and professionals alike. IDA’s mission also includes an outreach program that endeavors to enrich the lives of young adults and senior members of the community through the art of dance.

Our facilities include six deluxe dance studios available for open classes, ranging from Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, Fusion Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, African, Swing, Salsa and Belly Dance. IDA can also offer private rentals for production and/or individual needs.

Most of our teachers are also choreographers and performers who have worked with Beyonce, Usher, Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, Prince, Paula Abdul and Alicia Keys,to name only a few, and have been the winners of “So You Think You Can Dance?”.

In response to many dancers’ summons, IDA also offers monthly workshops. These workshops provide an opportunity for famous choreographers and dancers to teach students at IDA. Check out our workshop schedule – our guest teachers may surprise you!

IDA is proud to be the home of “America’s Best Dance Crew”, “So You Think You Can Dance”, “American Idol”, Kate Bosworth, Mia Michaels, Katie Holmes, Natalie Portman, Snoop Doggy Dog, Britney Spears, The Pussycat Dolls, Janet Jackson, Jesse McCartney, Chase Collins and so many more!

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The Makeup Show 2011 in New York City

Monday, February 28, 2011

The Makeup Show in New York City is this weekend and I will be flying into town to check it out! The show brings together beauty brands and makeup artists for a weekend of shopping, inspiration and education for artists and enthusiasts alike. This is the show’s 5th anniversary in New York and this year’s exhibitors are better than ever.

The Makeup Show 2011 in New York City

Some of the brands in attendance at the show are Becca Cosmetics, Dermalogica, Embryolisse, Eve Pearl, Face Atelier, Graftobian, Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, Korres Natural Products, L’Oreal, M.A.C Cosmetics, Mai Couture, Mario Badescu Skin Care, Naked, Cosmetics, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, Shu Uemura, Three Custom Color, Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics, and more. I’m so excited to check all of these out!

There’s more…We’ll be interviewing Stila Cosmetics makeup artist on Saturday afternoon! We’re really excited to talk to Sarah about what’s new for summer. Do you have a question for her? Leave us a comment with a question and we’ll ask her on Saturday!

Metropolitan Events and Productions is pleased to announce the 2011 dates for The Makeup Show NYC.

SUNDAY MAY 15
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
MONDAY MAY 16
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Celebrating five consecutive years of bringing the professional beauty industry together The Makeup Show NYC will continue to grow and deliver the largest PRO-ONLY driven beauty event in NYC! Join us at The Makeup Show as the top industry artists and pro-driven companies present the newest products, seminars, forums and hands-on workshops.  Fill your two days with inspiration, education and community. Learn about the newest lines and product launches. Explore makeup workshops and discover school programs. Network with your peers. Develop new relationships with the companies that make the industry tick.

The professional makeup industry will come together to celebrate the craft of the professional makeup artist for the sixth time – at the global epicenter of beauty and fashion – New York City.

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