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Jackie Zook
Welcome back to Becoming Next on Scene, everybody. It is your host, Jackie Zook. It is another awesome day for another awesome episode of how to become Next on Scene in your field of business or in your passion. Before I bring on my amazing guests, I always like to start with a marketing tip and tie it into some self care to really inspire you to reach your next level. Today. I think it's so important to get super clear in who you are to the core, right? And when you are super clear in that arena, whether it's working on the internal work, showing up as that person, you get super clear in who you surround yourself with, right? And how you're showing up and how you look and how you feel. All of those things, right? And I feel like as I'm going into 10 years in business in January, the clearer that I've learned things from experience and I love to share the importance of like, only have people around you in your space, fear that are going to even if it's something that you're meant to learn, right? Like you're always going to learn from something in your life, whether it's fulfilling or not. But being clear in your boundaries, your time, your worth, all of those things, right. I think that that is super important and I think you're going to thank yourself when you look back and be glad that you tried, even if it's not always the outcome that you expected. You took away something from it, whether it was a person or an experience, and it became a really good learning experience. So I hope that inspired you today and I can't wait to hear what chance you take on yourself next. So my guest today is my personal makeup artist, Carla Balzano. She is the founder of Creative Contour by Carla. She is also. We also do a ton of work together. She does personal branding for a lot of my clients. She's so amazing in her craft. So today we talk all about, you know, social media trends and makeup. When is it good to hire an expert? All the things. So if you are looking for expert advice when it comes to makeup, this is the podcast for you. So stay tuned for Carla.
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The ups, the downs and all the in between. What it takes to become next on Scene. Are you next? Follow us at Next on Scene.
Jackie Zook
Welcome back to becoming Next on Scene, everybody. I'm so excited to be here with the amazing Carla Balzano, who is the owner and founder of Creative Contour by Carla llc. Hi, Carla. How are you today?
Carla Balzano
Hello. Thank you so much for having me.
Jackie Zook
Love having you. And it's been a couple of years since you've been on this show. So we're so excited to have you back. So excited.
Carla Balzano
Oh, my God. I think the last time I was on here, we weren't even video recording the podcast.
Jackie Zook
Talk about, like, transformation, like, such a different time. Right. And Carla has been my personal makeup artist for seven years.
Carla Balzano
Seven years.
Jackie Zook
Something like that.
Carla Balzano
Yeah.
Jackie Zook
I'm like, damn, time has blown. So you know how much I love you. I think you're amazing. I'm so excited for my audience to get to know you. If they don't, and if they do, be sure to say hello. So, Carla, let's first talk about. Because my business is all focused on helping people stand in their next level. Right. And personal branding is a huge piece of that. So as a makeup artist, why is it important to get your makeup done for this day?
Carla Balzano
Oh, you came up with the big gun. Strong. I love this. This is like the most important question first. I love it. Awesome. So regarding makeup and having your personal branding. So first of all, the obvious one is that you are going to be in front of a camera. That's the. The first step. Okay. That you are going to be in front of a camera and not to be a little harsh, but the camera picks up everything. But also it's also just kind of like fun to have like a really, like, easy makeup look, something that you would normally wear yourself, if that makes any sense. So when you're doing makeup with a professional versus putting it on yourself, obviously everybody has their own experience level and their own taste, but a professional does things a little bit differently than the everyday folks do. We just have different techniques, we have different products. But also, like when you, when you're in front of the camera and you have a professional makeup look, it's always going to look good. And another thing that's just kind of come up for me when working on our personal branding sessions is that I'm giving a lot of pep talks. I know. And I'm like, oh, I didn't know this was going to be part of the job.
Jackie Zook
It's a good time though. Therapy is part of this. For.
Carla Balzano
It's good though, about therapy. But it's a good time, like a.
Jackie Zook
Combination though, because your help boosting, like, even for me, like when I've done it, like boosting my self esteem. And I just feel like there's something to like you said it. But like when you look your best and feel good inside, it shows on the outside. When you're doing your. Your video branding, your photo branding, like all that stuff. So, you know, I couldn't say better things about that. And I loved so much that you talked about how it had to be authentic to you, because I have seen shoots in general, but like, people don't look like themselves. People, like, how can you even let that happen? Like, that's not the point of this. Right. This is why they need us, Carla. But I'm just, I'm not selling, but I'm selling. Right. I'm just like people that listen. I'm like, we want you to be your authentic self. Like, that's what we want here. And if you're with somebody that's not pulling that out of you, you're not with the right people.
Carla Balzano
Right, right, exactly. And you brought up authenticity and I was going to bring it up anyway. So we're like two peas in a pot on this one. But if you're going to be yourself, you want to represent that to your audience. So that's why I mentioned, you know, you have to, you know, everybody has a different taste. And I'm going to give this, this very generalized example. There are customers that sit in my chair who say, I really love that no makeup look. Okay, well, we can make that look like a no makeup look on camera. In person, it's not going to look like a no makeup look, but on camera it does. So you still look like yourself. And then my glaministas, all the way on the other end of the spectrum will have their glaminista off camera and on camera.
Jackie Zook
Sure, for sure. So explain, like, can you define what the no makeup look even is like? Explain like elaborate more for people that might not know.
Carla Balzano
Sure. So it's very self explanatory. The no makeup look is meant to look like you're not wearing makeup. Literally, that is it. And then when people find out what it really takes to do it, it's more makeup than you think.
Jackie Zook
That's true. I'm so sure that's true. It's so funny. Share with us again, like, how many years do you business this year? It's been so awesome to like see you evolve and.
Carla Balzano
Oh my God. I know. So I opened Creative Contour by Carla LLC in 2017. And so in September of 2024, we will be celebrating our seventh anniversary.
Jackie Zook
Oh, girl.
Carla Balzano
My baby's getting.
Jackie Zook
Something to be really proud of. So congrats. That's amazing.
Carla Balzano
Thank you. It's so exciting.
Jackie Zook
I know. So I of course now want to talk about, like on Tick Tock, you see all of these, like, makeup Tips and people. And there's nothing wrong with the DIY approach. Like, you can't always afford a makeup artist. Like, I'm being totally transparent here. Right. So, like, what is your take on things that are worth, like, trying on your own versus when it's really time to hire an expert?
Carla Balzano
Oh, this is this. You are hitting all the good questions spay Jackie. So thank you so much for asking all the good ones. I feel like I'm called to answer this question as a makeup artist anyways, so let me get to the answer now. So when is it time to call a makeup artist versus using the kind of fun techniques you see on social media? I'm going to say this. If you want to do it right the first time, always call a makeup artist. That's first. How I'm going to start this. But a lot of my clientele come to me and they say, I've tried this, I've tried all these things. It just doesn't look like how it looks like on the tutorial I'm watching. There's a few reasons for that. Number one, even if you find somebody who has who looks similarly to you, you are not that number one. That's number one, everybody. You are not them. That's why whatever they do on their face does not translate the same way on your face. Number two is that they're in professional lighting. They're in a professional. In front of a professional camera. They're doing things for the sake of being filmed. So just like I spoke about how earlier in the branding that even if you're wearing a no makeup look, you're still wearing a full face of makeup and it looks different in person. The same thing applies for these tutorials. These people who are filming these, they have probably five or six lights on them. It's not just one cute little ring light and you call it a day. There's no way. They're probably filming with a really expensive video camera. And also another thing that I should mention this is that they also have people editing their content for them. So they hire teams once they kind of make it big, if you will. That's why you see them growing and glowing and all these, like, fun things because they've worked their way up. So now they have professionals working behind the camera for them. So there's a few things to think about. And I don't even want to get into filters. Filters, the whole other. That's a whole other piece for another day, but just something to consider as well. So there's a few Factors on that. Now, some people that are watching this have some experience in applying their own makeup look. They might be like me, and they like just their specific looks and they're like, I know I can do this every single day. No big deal. And then when you try the things you see, you're like, this is a whole other beast. That's when you call a makeup artist.
Jackie Zook
You're hilarious.
Carla Balzano
If you want laughs, you call this makeup artist specifically. But that's a conversation for another time. Okay. I'm just trying to think if there's any other things that I haven't covered for.
Jackie Zook
I have something I want to add on that maybe you could elaborate on. Is like, okay, right. Like when you do your own, especially as somebody who doesn't wear makeup on a regular basis. Right. I'm not the person that's necessarily going to try doing it on my own and on a regular basis, but if I wanted to. What is your advice around patience when it comes to doing your own makeup? Because obviously you're efficient. You do things within 30 minutes to one hour. Very efficient, Carla. But like, for somebody who is like, really just getting into the swing of things, like, what is your advice around that too?
Carla Balzano
Patience is hard to have. That's what I always say all the time. Isn't this so funny that you mentioned. I'm always like, patience is so hard to have. It is hard to have. Another thing is that you also want to make an evaluation of for what you need and what you know you can do. I'm going to use you as the example, Jackie, because you used yourself. You have two kids, a dog, a husband, a house, and a very busy business. You don't have tons of time to put a full makeup look on every day or to go on to podcast interviews like we're doing today. So if somebody sees, sat down with me and they were like, oh, my God, like, I just want to wear a makeup look and I just don't. I have all of these things that I have to take care of. I would say, okay, well, we could talk about a five minute makeup look. We can go over what you can do versus what you have the time to do. Because if you can do a mascara, a lipstick and a blush, then that's all you're doing. Go about your day. There's your five minutes.
Jackie Zook
Totally.
Carla Balzano
Whereas somebody like me, who does not have children, a dog, a husband and a house, and a very busy business to run, I have a little more time than you do, so I can put a little bit more Time into my makeup looks.
Jackie Zook
Yeah, but listen, your business is busy, and you look beautiful as you should because you are a makeup artist. You know what I'm saying? Like, you have so many good things going for you. I love seeing that you're seven years in business. Like, go you, Carla. So give yourself. You know, like, we are each other's hype woman. Okay? That's what I'm here for. So I just want to. That's right, I do. I really want to share that, because I think you're amazing. So let's tie in now to your makeup classes, because that also is partly where you. Well, really is where you give the looks. And, like, I love the pieces of paper where you show the face and you break down. Like, this is what goes here and this. So can you walk us through, like, what that looks like? Like, what's the commitment? All those things.
Carla Balzano
Sure. So, first of all, this kind of ties into your first question, which is when should you hire a makeup artist? So first one, elaborate on that first. And bring back what I said before is when you are first starting out or if you want to have, like, a new makeup look. These are great opportunities to call your new favorite makeup artist. Hello. So a lot of my clients do to me with, I'm starting fresh. I don't know what to do. I want help or I want a new look. I don't know what to do help, essentially. And the first thing we need to think about is what products do we have? You know, do you. Are you like me? And you have, you know, a big box like this of makeup, and it's full, and you're like, okay, like, I can work with what I have, or are you somebody like you who has nothing and has to start fresh? That's where we have to start. Because if you have nothing, we have to go shopping first so we can get the right products for you. So first I'm going to break down that shopping, and then we can talk about classes. So when we're going shopping, something that we want to think about is, first of all, your budget. How much money do you want to spend? Second is how much time do you want to allot every day to this makeup look? Or is this just for a special occasion? If so, how much time do you have for your occasions? And then another thing is, what do you want to look like? So for myself, I can use myself example. I can also use you as an example after this, because we like two different things. I myself am what I would call a glaminista. I will try the soft glam. I will try the big lashes and the bright colored lipsticks. I will try it all. I like to do those things. But you like more of that soft, natural style. You're like, I still want to see myself even when I'm glamorous. Those are two different styles. So if I came to me and you came to me, we would be buying two different sets of products first. We want to start with that. So now that we've got our shopping session all done and completed, it's time for class. Now, one thing I like to assess is, again, what you need and how you need to apply it, because everybody learns differently. So one thing that I've learned with my clientele is that a lot of people who like the full face of makeup don't want to learn everything in one day. So they need a little bit of extra time, which is a good thing, because then, if anything, you learn it the right way the first time, and it's easy to practice at home. So more often than not, half of my clients will be booking two classes. And then what they'll do is they'll book an eye makeup class and they'll book a complexion makeup class. So they learn two parts of their look and they can put it together. Exactly. Isn't it awesome? I was like, you know, that's so cool. But then I also realized from doing it and actually being the teacher that people are picking this up so much faster because they have this. They come in with this kind of discipline of like, okay, today I'm only learning eye makeup. I have 90 minutes to learn my eye makeup look. It's no big deal, right? And then the next time, okay, I'm learning my complexion class, or vice versa, whatever, you know, whatever class, whatever. Look, people are learning when they come in. So it's just something that's a little bit easier. People, when you break things down and then I fill out a chart for you and I send you that so you can go home and practice. Make it easy. I'm always the type of girl that, like, if it's. If you tell me it's easy, I have to be able to do it with my eyes closed. And you not even close. I can't call you. Like, I. I want it to be so easy that I can just do it without thinking about it. That's how I am.
Jackie Zook
That's always the goal. Yeah, everybody wants. Because everyone is so busy and everyone's time is becoming more and more limited and especially brilliant. It's really Smart. So I want to talk more about the soft glam natural look.
Carla Balzano
Okay.
Jackie Zook
Because as somebody who like, like, I think today you're glowing in it. Okay. So let's just compliment this. Right. But I want to talk about, like, has it always been a trend? Like, what's what really, like, fill us more in on this. I'm curious.
Carla Balzano
Sure. So just for background context, I've been a makeup artist for 10 years, and I noticed that with the rise of Instagram, that's where soft glam officially became a real concept, if that makes sense. So before it, it was just, like, very, like, glamorous. Like, people didn't really have, like, a, like, a name for it now. Like, what soft? Like, if you look at me, I'm wearing a soft glam makeup look. This is what soft glam. It's, you know, it's not one of those no makeup styles. It's very obvious I'm wearing makeup. It's very obvious. I have a full coverage face on right now. Like, there is, you know, it's very obvious that this is glamorous versus the no makeup styles. People have to really look at you. Like, wait a minute, I think this person has makeup on. So that there's a few differentiations now because of how trends work on social media. I feel like soft glam comes and goes, which is interesting because I've been watching just, like, what, you know, like, with, like, Tick Tock and Gen Z and Instagram with us millennials, like, there are some divides between the generations and what we like to wear, like, clothing wise, makeup wise, hair wise, all these things. So, like, and you probably remember this because we're pretty close in age, but, like, back in the day, we wore something completely different than this. Just. Just to say it that way, we wore something completely different. And then, you know, these younger folks, you know, they have all of these different things at their fingertips. Like, they could just be like, oh, my gosh, I want to wear this, I want to wear that. You can really come up with any look you want. But the soft glam always comes back. Everybody always seems to like it. I feel like it's something that was in the past. Maybe, like, maybe since the pandemic, I would say really has come back and kind of stay. Yeah, like, more people want that soft glam style. Like, I'm getting it more and more of a request. Whether people are sitting down in the chair or whether they're learning, like, that's really what people are wanting.
Jackie Zook
So what are you finding is the most glam part people are doing when it comes to soft glam. Is it their eyes? Is it their lips? Is it their brows? Like, what is it?
Carla Balzano
I think it's more complexion. Like foundation blush. Like, I think. Yeah, that's really where I've been getting, like, more requests lately. I think people are feeling very intimidated by eye makeup, which is completely understandable because it's. Everybody has different eye shapes. Everybody has different bone structures. It's its own beast. So that's when you should call makeup artists, too, when you want to learn to apply your makeup. Oh, my God. We're turning this to a whole ad now. Okay. Anyways.
Jackie Zook
We'Re being authentic. That's what we're being authentic. Like, yeah.
Carla Balzano
But, yeah, most of my requests have been more so for the complexion classes. I also find that this is a root from a skincare background, and some people are working, you know, faithfully, working with estheticians and really taking care of their skin, and some people just are not. And they just need a little bit of, like, a nudge in that direction, which is fine. You know, I'm a licensed Tician. I can give very basic advice. You know, after that basic advice, I'm like, you need to have a facial with a practicing esthetician, and they can go over everything with you. But that's just something that I found that has been coming up a little bit more lately. And then people seem to be really enjoying their results. So I think it's just that we're working together and finding what works for you.
Jackie Zook
I love it. And as I'm drinking water, I'm like, you always tell me to drink water because it helps my skin look better, right?
Carla Balzano
Yes. Right? Yeah.
Jackie Zook
Every single time.
Carla Balzano
Thank you for the reminder. I'm so thirsty.
Jackie Zook
Don't forget to drink your water.
Carla Balzano
Don't. Right? And don't forget to exfoliate. Exfoliate. Drink your water. Wear your sunscreen, everyone. And your moisturizer. Four steps.
Jackie Zook
Great. Great advice. You're just the best. So how can people, like, follow you? How can they get in touch with you? How can they book with you all the things?
Carla Balzano
Sure. So you can. To book and learn more about my company and myself. Creative Contour by Carla, LLC. You can head over to my website, www.creativecontrol by Carla.com. you can follow me on social media. Just look me up. Creative Contour by Carla. It's that easy.
Jackie Zook
Do it. You will never regret it, I promise you. I wouldn't be with this woman for almost seven years. I wouldn't be here, and she is the best. And I have to give you credit. I always tell everyone this, including yourself. You are one of the cleanest makeup artists, too, that I've ever, like, outside of your amazing talents. Like, being clean in that arena is so important to me because I'm just a germaphobe. And, like, I just appreciate you for that, so I just wanted to throw that out there.
Carla Balzano
Well, thank you. I really do try my hardest. But also, you're, like, one of, like, 10 people in, like, the past, maybe two or three years. I've been like, your brushes are so clean. And I'm like, everyone should be using clean brushes. Everyone. Everyone.
Jackie Zook
Well, I just do, and everyone should be doing that. And if you don't follow Carla or haven't hired her, you should. So thank you, Carla. You're the best. I really appreciate you taking the time today. And thank you, everyone, so much for tuning in to be coming next on scene. And stay tuned for who's next on scene. Bye.
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The ups, the downs, and all the in between. What it takes to become next on screen scene. Are you next? Follow us at Next on Scene.
Becoming NEXTonSCENE™ Podcast Summary
Episode: Utilizing Social Media for Makeup Tips vs. Hiring an Expert
Release Date: September 12, 2024
Host: Jackie Zook
Guest: Carla Balzano, Founder of Creative Contour by Carla, LLC
In this episode of Becoming NEXTonSCENE™, host Jackie Zook delves into the dynamic world of makeup within the realm of social media. With a focus on balancing DIY makeup tips and the benefits of hiring professional makeup artists, Jackie brings her expertise alongside her long-time collaborator, Carla Balzano. Together, they explore trends, personal branding, and the nuanced decision-making process behind makeup application in the digital age.
Jackie opens the episode with a valuable marketing tip intertwined with self-care advice. Emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, Jackie states:
“It's important to get super clear in who you are to the core... How you're showing up and how you look and how you feel.” ([00:00])
She reflects on her decade-long business journey, highlighting the significance of surrounding oneself with the right people and setting clear boundaries. This foundation not only enhances personal branding but also ensures meaningful growth and learning experiences, regardless of the outcomes.
Jackie warmly welcomes Carla Balzano back to the show, celebrating Carla's seven-year tenure as her personal makeup artist. Carla is praised for her expertise and significant contributions to personal branding for numerous clients. Their long-standing professional relationship sets the stage for an insightful discussion on makeup trends and professional versus DIY makeup application.
“I'm so excited for my audience to get to know you... You're amazing.” ([02:27])
Carla Balzano underscores the critical role of makeup in personal branding, especially for those in front of the camera:
“The camera picks up everything... a professional does things a little bit differently than the everyday folks do.” ([04:00])
She elaborates on how professional makeup ensures a consistent and flattering appearance on camera, differentiating it from everyday makeup routines. Carla emphasizes that professional artists use specialized techniques and high-quality products to achieve looks that photos and videos alone cannot replicate.
Jackie and Carla delve into the balance between looking good and staying true to oneself. Jackie highlights the prevalence of inauthentic makeup looks and stresses the importance of authenticity:
“You have to be your authentic self... if you're with somebody that's not pulling that out of you, you're not with the right people.” ([05:36])
Carla echoes this sentiment, explaining that authentic makeup should reflect one’s true self while enhancing their natural features. She discusses the versatility of makeup styles, from the "no makeup" look to more glam styles, ensuring that clients maintain their individuality while appearing polished.
When asked about the "no makeup" look, Carla clarifies its intention and complexity:
“It's meant to look like you're not wearing makeup. Literally, that is it... it's more makeup than you think.” ([06:23])
She explains that achieving a natural appearance often requires meticulous application, which can be more involved than it appears in tutorials or social media posts.
The conversation shifts to the comparison between DIY makeup tutorials prevalent on platforms like TikTok and Instagram and professional makeup services.
Carla Balzano advises:
“If you want to do it right the first time, always call a makeup artist.” ([07:26])
She outlines several reasons why DIY attempts may fall short:
Carla emphasizes that while DIY is accessible, hiring a professional ensures a tailored and effective makeup application that aligns with personal branding goals.
Jackie raises a pertinent question about the patience required for those new to makeup application:
“What is your advice around patience when it comes to doing your own makeup?” ([10:23])
Carla Balzano acknowledges the challenges and offers practical advice:
“I want it to be so easy that I can just do it without thinking about it.” ([15:47])
Jackie and Carla explore the popularity of the soft glam makeup trend, particularly amplified by social media platforms like Instagram.
Carla Balzano provides background:
“With the rise of Instagram, that's where soft glam officially became a real concept.” ([16:14])
She explains that soft glam is distinct from both no makeup and full-on glamorous styles. It offers a balanced, polished look that is often adaptable to various personal styles. The trend resonates across generations, with its resurgence post-pandemic indicating its enduring appeal.
When asked about which elements of soft glam are most emphasized, Carla shares her observations:
“It's more complexion. Like foundation, blush... people feeling very intimidated by eye makeup.” ([18:27])
She notes that many clients focus on achieving a flawless complexion, as it serves as the foundation for any makeup look. Eye makeup remains a challenging area for many, reinforcing the value of professional assistance in mastering these techniques.
Carla highlights her structured approach to teaching makeup application through classes:
“More often than not, half of my clients will be booking two classes. They’ll book an eye makeup class and a complexion makeup class.” ([12:22])
By dividing the learning process, clients can focus on mastering one aspect at a time, ensuring they build confidence and proficiency without feeling overwhelmed. Carla provides personalized charts and follow-up materials to facilitate practice and retention of techniques.
Towards the end of the episode, Carla and Jackie exchange essential skincare and makeup maintenance tips:
“Don't forget to drink your water. Wear your sunscreen, everyone. And your moisturizer. Four steps.” ([20:04])
These foundational practices not only enhance makeup application but also promote overall skin health, aligning with the holistic approach to beauty and self-care emphasized throughout the conversation.
Jackie wraps up the episode by lauding Carla's professionalism and cleanliness in her makeup artistry, reinforcing the importance of hygiene in beauty services.
Listeners are encouraged to connect with Carla through her website and social media for bookings and more information:
“You can head over to my website, www.creativecontourbycarla.com... just look me up. Creative Contour by Carla.” ([20:23])
Jackie and Carla share a heartfelt appreciation for each other’s work, underscoring the collaborative spirit that fuels their professional endeavors.
This episode of Becoming NEXTonSCENE™ offers a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between social media-driven makeup trends and the enduring value of professional makeup artistry. Through engaging dialogue and expert insights, Jackie Zook and Carla Balzano provide listeners with actionable advice on enhancing personal branding through authentic and effective makeup application.
Notable Quotes:
Jackie Zook ([00:00]): “It's important to get super clear in who you are to the core... How you're showing up and how you look and how you feel.”
Carla Balzano ([04:00]): “The camera picks up everything... a professional does things a little bit differently than the everyday folks do.”
Jackie Zook ([05:36]): “You have to be your authentic self... if you're with somebody that's not pulling that out of you, you're not with the right people.”
Carla Balzano ([07:26]): “If you want to do it right the first time, always call a makeup artist.”
Carla Balzano ([16:14]): “With the rise of Instagram, that's where soft glam officially became a real concept.”
Jackie Zook ([20:04]): “Don't forget to drink your water. Wear your sunscreen, everyone. And your moisturizer. Four steps.”
This detailed summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, highlighting the key discussions between Jackie Zook and Carla Balzano. It serves as a comprehensive guide for those interested in the nuances of makeup application in the context of personal branding and social media influence.