Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Romano.
Christina, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started working in the beauty industry thirteen years ago when I was asked to do makeup for my first wedding. My career started without any formal training so I spent several years doing bridal and prom makeup on the weekends in order to get faster and better at makeup application. I eventually realized that the beauty industry was what I wanted to do full time, so I took a job as a business manager/makeup artist for a NARS cosmetics counter at Lord & Taylor in New Jersey. The position required that we receive training every six months on the latest products and trends and it was during my three years with the company that I received my first real hands-on makeup and skincare training.
While working for NARS, I truly fell in love with the world of color, makeup, and artistry. After leaving the company, I spent about six years working as a freelance makeup artist in the bridal industry and for Chanel which sent me to various department stores for beauty and skincare events. While I was freelancing and working in the medical field, I attended Esthetician school and earned my Esthetics license. Since then, I’ve worked for brands such as Laura Mercier, Kate Somerville, First Aid Beauty and I’ve provided makeup application for photo shoots on the East and West Coast. Currently, I go on location for beauty and skin care treatments, I work for Lulu & Bass (bridal makeup/hair agency,) and I also take clients at Exquisite MD Spa located in Bankers Hill. This upcoming year, I’ll begin classes for my Nursing Degree to achieve my next goal which is added Botox and Fillers to my service list.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been an extremely tough road to get to the point that I’m at now and I’ve had plenty of disappointments and setbacks. I’ve worked long hours on my feet, offered free makeup services for professional images, sought out continued education, and worked countless seven day work weeks. My advice to other women is to network as much as possible and not to turn down any opportunity that arises. Each job, no matter how small is a door that is opening, even if it doesn’t make sense to you now. Months or even years down the road that person could hire you, refer you or become a client themselves! You never know what will inspire you to take your life in a new and exciting direction.
What should we know about CRG Skincare and Beauty? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My true passion is and has always been makeup. It gives me a chance to be creative AND makes women feel confident which is an exhilarating combination. I specialize in bridal makeup because I love the rush and the honor of being apart of the most important day of a persons life, hearing a bride tell you “this is exactly how I wanted to look” is the best feeling on earth. I’m most proud of my work for stylized bridal photo shoots which is usually more edgy and creative than a traditional wedding. With that being said, I’ve found, that one of the most important elements of great makeup application is great skin which is how my journey took me further into skincare. I’m excited to be able to help women improve the overall health of their skin which helps the right makeup look flawless.
I believe what sets me apart from other estheticians/makeup artists is that I really listen to my clients during my consultations and ask a TON of questions. If you understand what the client wants and set the expectations from the beginning, everyone leaves happy.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
Kevyn Aucoin’s Books inspire every makeup artist I know! I received them as a Christmas gift when I was young and it left me in awe of what makeup can do!
Contact Info:
- Phone: 732-407-5255
- Email: crgskincareandbeauty@gmail.com
- Instagram: @crgskincareandbeauty
Image Credit:
Carmen Lopez Photography, Douglas James Studio, Anthony Ziccardi Studios
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