makeup artist extraodinaire.

Meet Beth Level.

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K first things first - isn't she adorable?  Her sweater is to die for, and her eyelashes are killing me right now.

She is the owner of Blush Makeup Artistry.  And also the lovely lady that did my makeup for our photo shoot with Erich McVey.

Of course I loved how it turned out.  All I did was send her a couple of pictures ahead of time to give her an idea of the look I was going for, then just let her work her magic.  I'm a straight-up chap stick kind of gal, and when I told her I was leaning toward red lips, she totally encouraged me to go with it.  So glad I did.

Take a look at some of her work.

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When she came to do my makeup, this is what she pulled out, aaaand I thought to myself, "wow crap, this lady is going to do a number on my face".

Here's a little more on our friend Beth...

1.) How long have you been doing makeup?

I got my start back in 1998 working for Bobbi Brown as a counter manager. I began freelancing in 2000 and have worked for many of the major cosmetic lines over the past 11 years.

2.) Have you always owned your own business while doing makeup?

I've always done private work and weddings on the side, but started a small business two years ago, focusing mostly on bridal/special event makeup!

3.) Where did your passion for doing makeup come from? 

Growing up, I was an athlete and a tomboy, so I suppose it's a bit ironic that I've chosen this as my career! My beautiful mom has been one of my biggest influences! She has always been polished and perfectly pulled together, but her gift of helping others realize their worth and beauty is what impacted me most. My passion for makeup was born when I saw how my work as a makeup artist could change the way people felt about themselves. Nothing brings me greater joy than seeing a client feel their most beautiful and the confidence that comes with that!

4.) What has been the most rewarding thing about your career so far? 

I've always been inspired and motivated by the inner transformation that takes place when a woman is feeling her best! The confidence and radiance that comes from my clients' physical transformation is what makes this job so rewarding! I'm so grateful for the opportunity to do what I love!

5.) What has been the most challenging thing about your career so far? 

Honestly, I love the challenges that being a makeup artist provides! With each face I work on, it's a new challenge in determining what colors/application will make a woman her look her best! Many clients come to me with a specific idea of what they want, so it's a fun challenge to interpret that vision and complete it for them!

6.) You have kiddos, HOW in the world do you balance it all?

Yep, I'm a lucky mom to four little people! The majority of my work happens over the weekend, so it's been fairly easy to balance! Dad takes over and I'm off to "work"! Seriously, can I call it that if I genuinely love doing it this much? :)

7.) Speaking of your kiddos, what's the funniest things one of your kids has ever said/done to you?

 Recently, after telling my three year old he'd be in trouble if he didn't obey, he responded with "well, I hate your sirt (shirt)...in sact (fact), I hate ALL your sirts...but I looooove Dad's sirts!" I guess he couldn't think of anything else to say. Either that, or he really does hate all my sirts.

8.) If you were stranded on an island, what three things would you take with you?

Hrrrmm...I'll be up all night thinking about this one! :) Can't live without beauty products? Bronzer, blush, and mascara!

9.) Do you have an embarrassing moment doing makeup? 

Oh geez, there are lots! I'd have to go with the time I accidentally drooled on myself while working on a customer! I had popped a Starburst a couple minutes before getting started, and apparently there was just enough stuck in my teeth to keep the juices flowing! There was no covering that one up and I finished the makeup with a cherry red drool mark down the front of my white shirt.

10.) What is your ultimate goal with your makeup artist career? 

 My dream job would be to work as a Victoria's Secret makeup artist for the catalog shoots!

11.) What's you favorite part to make up on someone's face? 

Favorite part to work on is the eyes! I love making eye colors pop!
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Isn't she just the cutest? I know I know, I already said that.  But I can't help it!

I'm also super happy that she's doing my BFF's makeup for her wedding in November.  Eek!!

I highly recommend any of my Salem-area folks to book Beth for any of your special events... she's was a breeze to work with, and is an expert at what she does!  Contact her via Facebook.  "Like" her page while you're over there, will ya??

Cheers.