Designed to offer a creative haven for the individual, Make-Up Pro New York, the very now, hip and happening downtown makeup studio that manages a roster of 100 makeup artists during Fashion Week, was founded by pro entrepreneur sisters Chika and Cheve Chan who are motivated by sisterhood, collaboration and quality cosmetics. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a burning desire to give all women a platform that rejects traditional paths, Make-Up Pro believes their clients should wear the make-up, not the other way around. They are dedicated to classic simplicity that makes a statement.
We joined Chika, the studio’s director and a veteran of Estee Lauder and Bobbi Brown, to talk about real-life beauty solutions and, of course, runway trends. Although Make-Up Pro New York’s studio, a SoHo storefront, bustles with young women (a Sweet Sixteen party was exiting as I arrived) and even the occasional supermodel (Chika tells me there is one famous face who arrives on set with her makeup done by Make-Up Pro), it is also dedicated to training the next generation of makeup artists who may start behind the counter but soon ascend to editorial and commercial work.
Artistry is not enough, Chika says, explaining how she teaches those who want to become makeup artists that the real world is vital to grasp, an understanding, she emphasizes, of how people work and how to balance professionalism with creativity. Her own early experience as a pharmacist’s assistant taught her well, giving her the patience, thoroughness, and serenity to deal with the occasionally volatile individuals who populate the fashion world.
A genuine lover of people, Chika is originally from Hong Kong, where she now sees a cultural evolution: “Women are becoming very effective, there’s even a woman president now; women are okay with being single. The culture is changing as marriage becomes less important in the overall value system.”
But the community closest to her heart is the one that surrounds her Broome Street Studio, “Our neighbors are like family—we’ll have a group in just for fun, or for a spontaneous girls’ night out. Of course, we have bridal parties too, planned well ahead; even tourists who make the studio a destination feel like family to us.” Although Make-Up Pro New York offers on-location services, many prefer to come to the studio for its sense of community.
Next up for Chika and team is a cover shoot for VOGUE with the glorious gowns of Hollywood favorite Naeem Kahn. we saw Make-Up Pro’s artistry at work at this designer’s (a Hollywood favorite) Bridal runway show earlier in the season. Specializing in high fashion, Make-Up Pro New York is a go-to choice for many of the top designers who depend on their artistry behind the scenes, as the makeup forms a subtle backdrop for the season’s fashions. There is never an intention to overwhelm or distract, only to complement and create a look that is remarkable for its synchronicity.
Keeping it real is what counts for Chika and team at Make-Up Pro New York. This on trend, ahead of the curve make-up studio wants to send every individual out into this Instagram world looking like the best version of themselves: comfortable, confident, and ready to engage the creative forces that surround them.
FALL BEAUTY FORECAST FROM MAKE-UP PRO NEW YORK + PRO TIPS
So, what’s coming, then, for September? What looks will we be seeing on the runway that may translate into real life? Here are Chika’s thoughts on how to be beautiful as the seasons change.
- Foundation, as sheer as possible. I love seeing freckles.
- Light eyebrows are OK. No need to over-darken. Emphasize something else on the face.
- Express yourself. Gender boundaries are less specific.
- Men are entitled to a peacock moment too. It’s the new normal for men to wear makeup.
- Merlot is the new lipstick color for fall. It’s more romantic, mysterious too. Everyone can wear it. The deep berry tone livens up the skin.
- Don’t go too blue with a red lipstick, it will make you look tired. Keep the shade warm.
- Eyes are more natural. Mascara is not overwhelming. A neutral highlight in bisque is classic; you can never go wrong. Perfect for all complexions.
- Subtle and bold lips. But the focus is on just one area of the face. Focus on two and the effect is loud.
- Strong eyes and bold lips are distracting. Strive for a balanced look, symmetrical and authentic.
- You have to wear the makeup. Take ownership. Do not let the makeup wear you. Feel comfortable in your own face.
- Makeup empowers and transforms. It brings joy and ecstatic release when done right.
- Skincare is more important than foundation. Take care of your face from within.
- Use a light touch on the foundation and avoid excess powder (especially true for mature skin that’s dry).
- Each individual has a special asset. There is no single convention that applies to all.
- Instead of covering up, distract. Arch the eyebrow. Opt for red lipstick. Try dramatic eyeglasses.
- Don’t force a look. Don’t over-paint the face to hide what you see as a flaw.
- Think of your skin like a canvas and do not overload it with makeup. Keep an easy balance.
Make-Up Pro New York is located at 365 Broome Street in New York City. To book a session, call 212- 226-2960. For all the ways to work with Chika and her team, go to www.makeuppro.org
©Lori Simmons Zelenko, all rights reserved, 2017
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