Karen Siat, 46, Mentor
Commercial makeup artist and owner of Sparkle & Shine Makeup Studio in Mentor and a blogger.
How long have you been doing makeup?
This is my 30th year in the beauty business. I’m a cosmetologist and a barber. It’s my 15th year doing commercial makeup. I can do hair, makeup and styling so that’s an asset on commercial jobs. I’ve also done some acting as a hobby and I did pageants. I was even on Electric Avenue, a local 90’s dance show.
What can we find at Sparkle & Shine?
It’s a learning hub for makeup. We offer lessons, makeup application and Girl’s Night Out parties. I carry several quality “clean” boutique lines of makeup. We’ll even help you with other makeup brands sold at the drug store or other outlets if that’s best for your skin. We also carry a few locally made products like soap and oil from Swell Skin and soap and spa products from the Gourmet Soap Market in Willoughby.
Tell us about your blog.
It’s about my life behind-the-scenes of what I do every day. I’ve worked with on-air talent, athletes like Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving. I did his cover shot for Madden Sports. I did makeup for 26 celebrities last year in Cleveland including makeup for many at the RNC. So, if I have a job with ESPN, I give you a description on the blog of what happened that day.
Fashion Flash: Karen Siat of Sparkle and Shine Makeup Studio in Mentor
How do you describe your style?
I like to be trendy, sophisticated and within my age range. I’m petite and like things to be more form-fitted, not baggy. I like fun and flirty. I like to dress up to fix a bad mood or a bad day.
Where do you find fashion inspiration?
I like to see what people on TV are wearing because those are taped earlier, so sometimes you’ll see what trends are coming right now as the shows got the trends before they hit the stores. I also look at a lot of magazines to keep up on the styles.
Where does your love for fashion and makeup come from?
I always say that playing with Barbie dolls was my training. I braided their hair and did fashion shows. I loved the little closet and the shoes. As for makeup specifically, my aunt was a makeup artist. She died at 27. I always wanted to do hair and makeup from when I was in junior high. When I started working I was doing hair. I was acting as a hobby and my talent agent suggested that I start doing hair and makeup for local talent, that I would get more jobs. I went from doing wedding makeup to doing on-air talent.
What do you spend your fashion dollars on?
Clothes are not really my thing even though I really like fashion. I spend more on beauty products, makeup and hair supplies.
Where do you like to shop?
For jeans I’ve found the best ones at Banana Republic or the Loft. I like T-shirts from Tommy Hilfiger. I like outlet stores. I also like Old Navy and H&M. I find that if I buy a bit better quality items, the fabrics are better and if I get a stain on it, it’s more likely to come out.
What’s your favorite season for fashion?
I like summer because I like sleeveless tops. I don’t like to wear layers when I work. I get hot.
How has your fashion changed?
I wore a school uniform for nine years and when I went to high school, I was one of those girls that liked to wear skirts and dresses. My mother made our clothes when we were younger and we often matched, but as I got older I said that I wanted to go to the stores that my friends were going to. Now I like to dress-up when I can because my work attire can be casual. I wear trends, but I remain age appropriate.
Do you stick to any rules?
I won’t wear a returning trend that I wore when it was new, like legwarmers in the ’80s. I won’t wear them now. I do stick with clothes that make me feel comfortable and confident.
Do you have any fashion icons?
Princess Diana was magnificent. She wowed me; she must’ve had the best closet.
What are the biggest mistakes people make with their own makeup?
I think people sometimes try to be too trendy. Right now, everyone wants a cat eye. Not everyone can pull that off, it depends on your eye shape and it can have very heavy lines and make the eyes look small. Heavy contouring is another trend that doesn’t work on most people. It’s meant for photography, not real life. It ends up looking clownish. If you’re going to use a contouring kit, a lesson in using the product properly is important.
Give us some makeup advice.
There is not one foundation for every event and every time in your life. Your skin might be a little tan in the summer so that changes the color of your foundation. You might not need full coverage all the time, either. Use sunscreen and treat your skin well. Also, clean your makeup brushes every day or two for foundation brushes and once a week for powder brushes.
What products do you recommend?
I tell people to use a pore reducer. If you have larger pores and you’re over 25, they can really show through your foundation. A pore minimizer will help.
What’s the price for a visit to your studio?
If you just want a consultation and no services, we set up a time, there’s no charge. If you make an appointment for a lesson, it’s $75 for 75 minutes. A makeup application for a special event runs between $65 and $75 depending on if they want lashes. Airbrush makeup application is $115.
Where can people find out more about your services and your blog?
See my website, karensiat.com for information and the blog. For appointments and hours see the Sparkle & Shine Facebook page at facebook.com/sparkleandshinemakeupstudio.
Read more Fashion Flash features here.
Fashion Flash is always looking for Clevelanders with a fresh take on style. If you or someone you know has a great fashion sense click here for the submission form or email me at acarey@plaind.com.
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