How did you break into the makeup industry?
I used to own a professional competitive dance studio for 9 years with my mom and I noticed that the girls just weren't standing out on stage and so I thought I would start with their makeup. I started with one group and ended up with a line out the door. I had the bug and couldn't shake it!!
When did you start using makeup? Or know that you wanted to be a makeup artist?
I started using makeup when I was about 3 because I have danced since then and been on stage in theater. I didn't know I wanted to me a MUA until I was a couple years into the studio, but always have been obsessed with it, I a from a makeup family
Do you have a signature look? If so, tell us about it.
My signature look is less is more!! I come from the theory that we all should definitely look with our natural beauty and not cake it on. Don't get me wrong I love a good strong eye and a bold lip, but I always like to see skin peek through. I love to give the skin a good pick me up with a moisturizer that isn't too thick, but has a lot of skin-loving properties to it. Then use a foundation that leaves the skin life-like with some natural glow to it. Highlight the cheeks with a soft pick or peach, medium contour and my signature smokey eyelinerÂ
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 2 makeup products could you not live without?
Mascara and my brow pencil!!Â
What is a day in the life of Elle like?
Oh wow this is a hard question... well it really depends on what is going on. In my industry, when it rains it pours. So on a busy day I might start off with a client in the morning where I do a look for her and we go a do press with tireless touchups. Then I might come home do a blog post, youtube video and spend what time is left with my amazing husband. Or if it is slow I am going to work out, piddle around my house, see some friends, go to the beach, read magazines and wait and relax with my cat for my husband to come home from work. Really all depends
What is the most memorable moment you have had while doing a celebrityâs makeup?
Well there are so many that I feel so blessed to have experienced, but one picking out one is just too hard. But some of my most memorable & humbling experiences are when they turn around and look in the mirror and gasp, I LOVE IT!! It is so great to hear that you made them feel beautiful.Â
What is the most important beauty advice you can give to women?
Do want makes you feel good and always remember less is more!!
What are some of the biggest beauty mistakes you see?
Wearing too much foundation, not wearing SPF & rocking clumpy lashes from too much mascaraÂ
Who are some people that have inspired you throughout your career?
Well I have to say my mom is #1, she has always believed in me and never let me forget that I can do whatever I put my mind too. My best frined, Who I have known since 5th grade, who had the wits to say "why don't you just do what you love, be a makeup artist!", My husband how has loved & supported me through everything, all the ups and downs, he is my rock. Of course the greats like Kevyn Aucoin, François Nars, Pat McGrath, Joey Mills and Val Garland
Why do you like Colorescience?
I like Colorescience because it a healthy approach to cosmetics, where ingredients matter and the quality of the skin is the most important.Â
We pride ourselves on being a makeup that is good for your skin. Do you think there is an increasing interest in healthy makeup?
I definitely think that there is an increased interested in healthy makeup. We all are so worried about what we put in our bodies, is it organic, eco friendly, animal-friendly. So natural we are now interested in what we put on our skin. Our skin has no real barrier to whatever we put on it will sink in & Colorescience has broken that, which is very exciting. We need to be mindful about what is in our cosmetics and how grade of ingrediance are in them.Â
Describe your makeup style in 3 words.:
Skin is Everything
What is your favorite source of inspiration for beauty? i.e.: magazines, blogs, instagram, etc.:
All over instagram, pinterest, youtube, magazines, art, people watching, music   @elleleary
Do you have a beauty icon? Who and why?
Grace Kelly I just think she was so perfect and stunning. Such a natural beauty with symmetrical brows, lips and soft featuresÂ







