What is your background and when did you know you wanted to become a makeup artist?

Growing up I never knew or thought of makeup as a career. I always loved to play with my mother’s makeup and the feeling it gave me to see myself transform with products. It wasn’t until I was in college for journalism that I was watching the Academy Awards one year and saw the award for hair and makeup. From there I researched more about it and discovered a whole world of a professional makeup artist. It encompassed everything I was looking for and all my passions – artistry, fashion, entertainment, travel, independence from a 9-5 desk job, and helping others feel good in their skin.

You’re worked with many well known celebrities. Do you ever give your clients beauty advice?

I give beauty advice all the time to my celebrity clients. Anywhere from product information, to information about skin devices or treatments, wellness, or makeup techniques. It’s very fun to share my knowledge with anyone interested.

When did you become aware of sun safety as a component of beauty and health?

My mother always taught me about the effects of sun exposure from a young age. I constantly could remember her wearing big hats and always using sunscreen, or staying out the the sun entirely. Later in life she became an aesthetician and now she shares even more sun safety information with me.

How can we encourage our loved ones to take good care of their skin as part of their overall health?

I think nowadays most people are aware of sun damage, but its harder to get some people to do the work and use certain products that will help. Be specific with certain products that you like and work for you. I think its helpful to say “use this SPF by so and so and you can buy it here,” or actually give them them certain products as a gift (birthdays, Christmas etc). I think if someone physically has skin care products, they’re more likely to use them.

How do you integrate sun safety as part of your beauty routine?

I have personally seen the effects of sun damage on myself with age. I was not always the best with wearing sunscreen through my twenties – mostly because I was either lazy about it and/or didn’t like any SPF products on the market. Now, in my 30’s I’m much more aware of spots and wrinkles and wanting to take as many precautions against having more. I’ve found a plethora of really amazing sunscreens that have good ingredients that fight UVA rays while feeling light on my skin. I use it everyday after my moisturizer (or sometimes mixed in on hotter days).

For more about Carissa, go here.