Let's face the truth: This is a tough world for a girl. The media tells us that we have to have a flawless face and perfect features. But, that's hard to achieve because we can't just photoshop our faces before going to work!
But here's another truth: Andrew Velazquez is the best makeup artist alive. I've seen at least ten makeup artists in my life - but have not and will never see another one after meeting Andrew. Here's why.
First, Andrew is exceptionally talented. He understands his clients' needs! I cannot begin to even tell you how many makeup artists I've seen who have not listened to what I wanted from them. For example, I'm a student and I hate going to school with too much makeup. I don't want to look like "that girl" who just got home from a long night at the clubs: I have to see and face my professors - and I cannot expect them to respect me as an intellectual if I look like I've spent the entire night in WeHo clubbing! Of all the makeup artists I've seen, Andrew is the ONLY artist who understands this. He has given me makeup lessons and has taught me how to do "natural" looks for days that I go to school or court. But he has also taught me how to do "night/party" looks for the (rare) nights that I do go out clubbing! In sum, he LISTENS to his clients' needs.
Second, Andrew is the most accommodating artist I've ever met. I'm so busy with school and work that it's so hard to find time to schedule my regular appointments. But Andrew is so responsible - he ALWAYS finds a way to contact me and schedule and appointment with me for brow waxing. Also, if I'm having a rough week because of midterms, court, or finals, Andrew will ALWAYS make time for me. I really appreciate that. Honestly, how many people do you know who are willing to work around YOUR schedule?
Third, Andrew is not only a gifted makeup artists but he's also a gifted eye brow "shaper." My brows, which were also so thin and unnatural looking, are not beautiful and full because of Andrew. But, this didn't happen overnight. Unfortunately, the brow-artist-girl I saw before Andrew waxed my brows too thin and destroyed some of the hair follicles. But Andrew never lost hope in my brows! He gave me a special serum to apply to them and now they are the most beautiful, natural, and full brows in the world. (And you can have perfect brows too! Just see Andrew!)
Last - and most importantly - Andrew has a rare and almost magical talent: He doesn't only make you look physically beautifully but he also helps make you feel beautiful. Let me explain this further. Every time I see Andrew he does more than just my brows - he "checks in" with me because he cares about me - because he cares about each of his clients as though we are his family. He is always so thoughtful. When I get my brows or makeup done, Andrew is always so personable. We talk about a lot of fun and silly things but we also talk about some "challenges" in my life. Throughout it all, Andrew never fails to let me know that my smile is all I need to be beautiful - and the thing is - I've come to believe him because he is right. But, I also need perfect brows because the Frida-Kahlo look isn't exactly my style, you know what I mean?
The bottom line is that I've never felt more confident about my looks - and this is because of Andrew. I rarely wear a bunch makeup anymore because, quite honestly, my brows are so great that I don't need to. People take for granted how important brows are - if you have perfect brows than you don't need much makeup! Honestly, you just need a bit of mascara and probably, as Andrew would say, a nice bronzer to keep your skin looking flawless and healthy.
But when I do wear makeup - like I will be later this week because I'm heading into midterms and NO ONE likes bags under their eyes - I have many "looks" to choose from: my natural school-look, my natural professional-look, my natural-professional-but-also-flirty look. These are all looks that Andrew has taught me!
And when my midterms are over and I'm ready to hit the club with my sorority sisters then I'll be ready to put on my best "night-out" look - another look that Andrew taught me.
I cannot thank Andrew enough for what he has done for me. He hasn't just helped me understand the very overwhelming world of makeup (because there are SO many products out there to choose from), but he has also helped me to better understand myself. He's taught me that beauty comes from within and - most importantly - the best makeup any girl can wear is a smile, joy, and happiness...and full beautiful brows never hurt!!
Mar 3rd, 2015