Hello and welcome to my web site!
My name is Bella Peker.
I am a freelance makeup artist and stylist.
I specialize in:
- High Fashion/Glamour
- Weddings/Bridal
- Children's parties/face painting
- Sweet Sixteen parties/Prom night makeup
- Corrective/Scar/Tattoo cover
- Body Art/Temporary Tattoos
- Makeup Lessons
- Airbrush Makeup
- Theatrical/TV/Film
- Fake tanning/bronzing
I studied at L.I.B.S. of NY and Temptu. (www.temptu.com)
Before that I attended various workshops and classes in NY area. I have six years experience as a pro and at least 5 as part time freelance amateur.
I used to model and act myself so I learned to do my own makeup as well as others'.
This craft always came naturally to me.
Growing up in the Ukraine I used to draw and paint.
I came to NYC with my family in 1988.
My parents even sent me for a summer course at NYC's legendary FIT but fashion design was not my calling.
I dreamed of being an actress but after a while I came to realize that it was not who I was.
Working behind the scenes was more my style.
I guess my parents did "know best" after all!
After years of searching for my passion I discovered that making people beautiful was rewarding and fulfilling in so many ways.
I trained and worked hard to perfect my skills and here I am today!
I am always learning new techniques and expanding my expertise. Some day I hope to have my own cosmetics line...or maybe a salon/spa or who knows...
..But enough about me...
Here is a little about makeup and why I absolutely love it!
(if you are in a hurry just skip this by scrolling down or proceed to "Service and rates" page.)
Beauty History
In researching the History of makeup, it was apparent to me that like many other things it originated way back in our history being used for religious and spiritual purposes.
The Bible has a reference of face painting, possibly similar to the Green White and Red chalk also used by the Egyptians around 10,000BC.
These chalks or dyes derived from Henna plants, charcoal from ashes or other natural organic substances.
Water was the first mirror to be used and archaeologists have discovered polished metals used for the same purposes more than 4,500 years ago.
African culture had braiding as the main way to keep your hair but in 1790 the first concept for hairspray via an aerosol can was invented.
In 1865 a man named Anthony Overton was the inventor of powder for the black woman. He called it ‘High Brown’.
Powder today is still one of the most popular forms of makeup for ethnic women, even for those who ‘Don't wear makeup’.
Makeup and foundations are worn, to create the illusion of perfect skin, covering up blemishes and imperfections. Applied wrongly, too heavily or with the wrong shade gives devastating results and does not compliment in any way.
In 1979 Estee Lauder launched many brands, one in particular, MAC.
This brand was developed by makeup artists for professional use.
Estee Lauder also control Prescriptives who customblend the foundations but it wasn't marketed to the audience who would benefit from this the most.
......Amazing and fascinating facts, right?
Did you know?
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Makeup has been In existence of over 3,000 years.
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In ancient Greek times both men and women wore makeup.
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In some ancient Indian and African tribes the types of makeup denoted the status and wealth of a person.
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Makeup first originated from plants, flowers, mud, and root plants.
In early 1900's an outbreak of TB caused a lot of women to obviously look rather pale and sickly. Women healthy enough to wear makeup, surprisingly copied this look and did some amazing things to keep it popular. Not only did they drink vinegar and arsenic, they even dropped belladonna into their eyes, a poisonous liquid that would dilate the pupils giving them a dreamy, misty look.
I wonder if they could thank Queen Victoria's distaste for cosmetics for their strange appearance. It was chic to look sick. Actually, it could have been some of the ingredients used in the cosmetic formulations that were causing some of the problems. It is a well known fact that some lipsticks contained some very questionable ingredients.
Makeup in the USA
• In the United States, cosmetic sales increased by 100% during each decade. The highest quality makeup originally came from Europe.
• Guerlain was the first brand to offer lip color in stick form.
Leave it to the French to perfect lipstick! It would appear in the U.S. much later.
• This was the beginning of the Flapper era and with it, the Cupid bow, the bee-stung and smear lips became fashionable.
• During this decade, both Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden opened salons. These two women were rivals their entire career, but never met each other.
• 1909, Max Factor opens up his first makeup studio in Hollywood. That was the beginning of his cosmetic empire.
We sure have come a long way! Aren't you glad we live in the age of technology? I know I am!
Makeup now is so advanced, it is no longer a concern of clogging your pores or damaging your skin. It will even protect your skin against pollution and sun damage. With the trends ever changing I, as a makeup artist have to always stay on the cutting edge of this very competitive industry.
Learning to airbrush was a big step towards that goal.
See more about AIRBRUSH MAKEUP on "Rates And Services" page of my site.
Fewer people are having allergic reactions to make up as manufacturers are more and more cautious to use gentler hypoallergenic ingredients and less perfume.
Silicon and mineral based make up is now the latest way to have a long lasting and flawless makeup application.
It is easier then you think to use and cheaper too.
I will be more then happy to make recommendations according to your skin type. I am here to help and advice you in any way that I can. I do give makeup lessons as well. Knowing how to put on makeup correctly will give boost your confidence, save you time, money and prevent so much stress! It doesn't have to take you an hour to "get gorgeous"! Your man will surely appreciate this! LOL!
I use only the best and I want you to know that fancy packaging does not always mean QUALITY! Of course I am always continuing my research as new products come out every day!
I love being creative, working on professional models/actors but I prefer working with "regular people" so much more!
Bridal makeup is so much fun for me.
It is a huge responsibility and I do not take it lightly!
The way you look on your special day is going to be immortalized in pictures, video and most importantly in your memory and the memories of your friends and family.
It is a big job and I give it my all. You will spend a fortune on your special day, the photographer will take the pictures but it is up to you to look amazing and that's where I come in!
I take pride in my work and I am confident you will soon see why!
I want everyone to just be blown away when the bride enters a room. You will look like a Princess!
Sweet Sixteen parties are the latest trends. Young girls see this as their "coming of age" ritual. It would make me so happy to make your precious "little girl" feel"all grown up". She will have a blast, learn valuable tips on makeup application and feel like a million bucks!
Makeovers are my favorite! They also make a great gift!
Please see "Make-Over Magic" page for a few samples.
I could always use more "before and after" shots for my site.
If you or someone you know is interested in being my makeover model please let me know.
Special Anniversary, Valentine's, Birth Day Gift Certificates for any occasion are available and will be custom designed to your preferences.
Nothing makes me happier then to see a person transformed and the joy it brings.
Please see some of my work on the "Portfolio" page.
You can see click on "Rates And Services" to find out more about cost.
May your life be beautiful!
