NJ People Profile: Winter Make Up Trends with Make Up by Amelia, Emmy Nominated Beauty Pro

With the rise of social media influencers, new brands, and other innovations, beauty has evolved over the years. All the choices and personalities aside, there are always a few highly regarded artists who remain popular and true to their craft as sought-after talent. As one of the many projects Amelia Durazzo-Cintron participates in, you might already know some of her work on NJ Spotlight News and other TV news stations.  Every day, she creates glamorous looks for the news anchors and television guests. She is also an Emmy-nominated artist with many bridal clients across the country who book her for their special day. Between booking and travel Amelia was able to sit with Raritan Neighbors NJ so we could hear more about her work and upcoming projects. Amelia is passionate about her work and is always eager to share her knowledge with others. She hopes that by teaching others how to create looks, she can help more people express themselves through makeup. Amelia Durarzzo-Cintron is a true master of the craft. 

Donnella, Raritan Neighbors NJ Editor: Would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Makeup by Amelia: Hello! A bit about me...I’m an Emmy-nominated and international Beauty Award Winning Makeup Artist with 30 years of experience. I’m also a dog Mom of two Chihuahuas and have a large collection of antique and vintage makeup. I love keeping my skills diverse, performing makeup and grooming services for TV shows, production companies, corporate functions, fashion shows, stage productions, and special events. I currently work as the key Makeup Artist for NJ PBS and NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi.  I love my job! It’s so rewarding to help people look and feel their best!

Donnella, Raritan Neighbors NJ Editor: What made you start as a makeup artist?

Makeup by Amelia: My mom and the late, great, Kevyn Aucoin were the two people who influenced me to become a makeup artist. From the time I was a little girl, I admired my Mom’s style. I was totally mesmerized by her beauty routine. Once, she gave me an almost empty Max Factor eyeshadow to try. I wore that powder blue shadow every time I played dress-up! Though I always had a love for beauty and fashion, I didn’t become a makeup artist until my late 20s. I bought Kevyn Aucoin’s book Making Faces and was blown away! He was a makeup master I became obsessed with honing my skills and creating different makeup looks on anyone who would sit still for me. I quit my job in the medical field to work at Nordstrom. I worked for several different makeup brands. At the time, they had extensive training for their associates. It was there that I truly learned color theory. Being a retail artist afforded me the opportunity to with every age group, skin type, and skin tone.

Donnella, Raritan Neighbors NJ Editor: What are some of your favorite looks for your clients?

Makeup by Amelia: I always try to take a client's preferences into account. Not everyone is comfortable with a lot of makeup. I tend to ask a lot of questions so we can be on the same page. I like to customize a look for each individual client rather than a “paint by numbers” approach that you see so often on Instagram and YouTube.

First and foremost, I like to focus on skincare. It makes all the difference. A dewy, fresh makeup look with a pop of color on the cheeks and lips is my go-to but I can do anything from a no-makeup look to totally glam!

Amelia is an IBI Awards Finalist 2020-2021 Best On Set Makeup

Donnella, Raritan Neighbors NJ Editor: If someone isn't good with makeup - what should they start with in their makeup bag?

Makeup by Amelia: If you’d like to keep it simple, Multi-purpose products are the way to go Skincare/makeup hybrids are great because they provide coverage to even out the skin plus offer skincare benefits. There are many brands of serum foundations, BB Creams & balm foundations in every price range…from drugstore brands to high-end.

A tint that can be used on lips and cheeks like Tarte Cheek Stain in Tipsy can easily be applied with your fingertips. Jones Road Beauty (Bobbi Brown’s makeup line) excels at keeping things simple but giving beautiful results. Her Miracle Balm is a great example of a product that doubles as skincare and makeup. It comes in shades for every skin tone.

Face Palettes are a great investment because they take a lot of the guesswork out of color matching and figuring out which shades go well together. There are a ton of resources out there...YouTube will show you how to do just about any makeup look. You can follow along with a makeup tutorial step by step. Check out Lisa Eldridge. She’s great at tutorials and her looks are easy to follow. If you’re really struggling to find the right products, try retailers like Ulta and Sephora. The staff there are well trained and can easily color match or show you how to use a particular product. Sometimes, they even have makeup events. Usually, a purchase is required. You’ll have the opportunity to sit with a pro artist who will walk you through the steps for a complete makeup application.

Donnella, Raritan Neighbors NJ Editor: What are the color trends for women and men now in cosmetics and beauty?

MakeUp by Amelia: For fall/winter 2023, bold shades of red/burgundy lipstick were seen on many of the models during Fashion Week. I love Patrick Ta’s She Must Be New lipstick or Blood Red by Besamé Cosmetics. If a bold lip isn’t your thing, You can’t go wrong with a warm nude. such as Velvet Teddy with Spice Lip pencil by MAC Cosmetics or Chocolate Kiss by Besame for deeper skin tones. I always stress to my clients to wear what makes them feel good. Trends are fun and a great way to keep your look fresh, but you don’t need to spend a fortune every season. A new lip or shadow color can easily update your look without changing your entire routine.

For the guys, having a concealer to cover up any blemishes or redness is key. Laura Mercier's Secret camouflage is a staple in my kit. it blends seamlessly into the skin and lasts all day due to its drier consistency. Also, NYX The Brow Glue will keep brows in place without any residue. Finally..an on-set makeup trick is to use Clinique Black Honey lipstick..just a hint of it applied with a Q-tip then blotted. It will just give a little color and life to the lips and works well because of its super sheer quality. If you’re like me and very pale, mixing Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi drops with your foundation or moisturizer will give you the benefits of antioxidant-rich peptides and add a little boost of color to your skin. It’s super lightweight and works with any skin type.

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