An Interview with Michelle Ernest, Head Stylist at Je Revele
1. So tell us… What is a day in the life of Michelle Ernest LLC, Head Stylist at Je Revele Fine Art Photography like?
My days start very early. I greet clients as they arrive at the studio since most of our clients have hair and makeup styling added for their shoot. I’m excited I get to work with them. I love that I get to know each client individually, and learn a little about his or her life and intentions for their experience at Je Revele. In addition to hair and make-up styling, I also provide wardrobe consultation, helping accessorize and narrowing down their favorite pieces. Not only do I enjoy being a part of styling and accessorizing the shoot, but I get to see all the beautiful portraits since I handle all viewing appointments at Je Revele. I love helping our clients decide on portrait options for their home. Seeing their faces as they watch the slideshow is truly incredible. It’s a fast moving pace at times and requires stamina, but I keep up pretty well!
2. As a makeup artist and hair stylist, are there any celebrities whom you would aspire to work with someday?
I admire the models employed by Victoria Secret. They have a universally glamorous look; skin tones and shades from all around the world, which all together create the most exotic looks. It’s flawlessness at the most extreme level. Victoria Secret models emote total sexiness.
I’d also love to work on the set for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. They set the stage for upcoming trends for the season.
3. How would you describe your own “look” and what is it about your style that sets you apart from other stylists?
My signature look can be described as romantic. I love to bring out the most feminine and/or glamorous side of the everyday woman. I feel proud when a woman’s appearance is luminous after I’ve worked with her. I’m not a fan of special effects or abstract looks, as it doesn’t realistically translate to what a woman can aspire to look like everyday. My style celebrates diversity as I have worked with every age, gender and skin color, bringing out the individual’s special glow. For me it’s like I get to provide mini-makeovers for REAL women and witness the transformation first hand.
4. What is the most important beauty advice that you can give to women regarding skincare and hair?
The most important advice that I can give to women is to be your self. Confidence will always make you look more beautiful than any hairstyle or layer of makeup. On a confident woman, makeup and the right hairstyle makes her irresistible!
I’d also strongly encourage women to take care of their skin, especially while young. Use sunscreen religiously! Good skin is the best cosmetic. I once read a study about truck drivers. After years had passed, the truck drivers had noticeable effects on their facial skin. The left side of their faces, the side most exposed to the sun as they had been driving, had aged dramatically compared to the right side.
As for hair, be sure to condition it regularly. Hydration is so important! Well moisturized hair and skin is so important. Try not to use too much heat. And when preparing for a big event, such as a prom or wedding, be sure not to dye your hair to close to the event. Give it a few weeks prior to having your hair styled. Be sure to use color-safe products, and a nice deep conditioning treatment every so often always helps.
5. What are some common beauty mistakes that women make?
I think with makeup, less is more. A woman should think about the shape of her eyes and her face when applying makeup. There is no need to follow trends when you discover a look that is right for you. Comparing yourself to others is never helpful.
6. Do you feel that looking and feeling beautiful is important in regard to a woman’s confidence and self-esteem?
Confidence, feeling beautiful is so important to a woman’s self-esteem. I think pampering brings out a woman’s self-confidence. Taking care of yourself is empowering. I think that is why the work that I do at the castle is so effective. The whole experience of preparing for a photo shoot is a huge confidence booster, which later translates well in the actual photographs.
7. Do you feel that you have achieved all of your goals as a successful stylist?
I feel that because I am so early into my career, I still have so many aspirations and accomplishments to look forward to. I am proud that I have already achieved so much in my early twenties as a business owner. In my industry, there are so many paths to consider. A large part of what I currently do is beauty consultation. Perhaps someday I will explore this as a more in-depth venture. And for now, I really enjoy styling weddings. I am a makeup artist for NJ weddings and hair stylist too. I have a talented team that works with me styling weddings in the NYC metro area.
8. Who are some people that have inspired you throughout your career?
I can’t really think of specific people, as I find inspiration in most people and event I encounter. I am amazed by the ways that a simple conversation with a client can lead me to a wonderful product or realization about life. Having real people come into the castle and transform is a wonderful reoccurring reminder of all of the possibilities there are in life.
9. Do you see yourself someday creating your own line of beauty products?
I am pleased to say that I am already looking into creating skincare products. Eventually, I’d like to create my own line of products for the everyday woman. One day, I hope to say I will be able to share them with everyone.
10. What are some of your favorite products on your styling table?
Generally speaking, I use a lot of MAC products, because of their heavily pigmented colors. I have a variety of mascaras and blushes as well. I like to use Hypnose mascara by Lancome, paired with a good lash primer.
11. What products do you think should be a staple in every woman’s purse?
Staples for every woman’s purse are lipstick/lip gloss/Chap Stick, translucent powder compact, blush, and mascara.
12. In an overall look, what is more important- hair or makeup?
I think it’s important to make sure both hair and makeup is balanced. You don’t want one to overpower the other. Both are equally of importance in a beauty regime. I recommend setting the hair style first, then completing the make-up application, followed by completing the hair style for the finished look.
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Additional info about Michelle Ernest, head stylist at Je Revele on our website here: https://www.jerevele.com/WorldofJeRevele/The-Team/
~Charity
Director of Social Media
Je Revele Fine Art Photography Studio & Gallery
433 River Road | Highland Park, NJ 08904 | Studio: 732-964-3773 | Mobile: 917-886-5666
Website: www.jerevele.com | Blog: www.blog.jerevele.com
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International Award Winning Photographers
