New York Profile: Emily Kate Warren

I had the honor of meeting Emily Kate Warren during my college days at LSU. Most people change drastically from the time between college life and professional salaried employee, but Emily didn't have to. She has always been determined, focused, hardworking, social, and reliable. Emily never failed at anything and she was quite the class favorite. Always laughing and encouraging others, it makes sense that her career choice is to make people look and feel their very best. From the first time I talked to her, I saw her confidence and passion to not settle for anything second best.

Emily has conquered so much since our days at LSU. She has worked for O magazine, Latina, CosmoGIRL! and Art + Commerce. All the while tackling the responsibility and pressure without breaking a sweat.

Emily recently left her editorial positions and followed her entrepreneurial spirit to work as a freelance makeup artist. She has an amazing resume of talent and a fantastic new website. I know this is merely her initial stepping stone because there is so much more for her to share...and conquer.


At what point in your life did you realize you wanted to be a makeup artist and why?
When I was a little girl [Emily grew up in Houston and attended Cy-Fair High School] I was always begging my friends to let me do their makeup and hair. So I guess you could say that's when I decided, unofficially. However, when I got my first job at O, The Oprah Magazine, I knew it was a good place to learn about all the different kinds of makeup and so I began prepping myself to have a long career as a MUA. That's when I started working toward my goal, but I only officially became a full-time MUA September of this year.

Have you taken any courses or schooling to teach you these skills? Or is it intuitive for you?
Well, I practiced on just about any face that would let me through the years, but I also took MAC Pro classes when I was at Oprah and CosmoGIRL! and a year ago, I took an extra intensive one month long program at the Makeup Designory.


What steps have you taken to break into the industry?
The cool thing is, I'm sort of working backward. Meaning, I never really left the industry. But the way I broke into in the first place as you know, is by completing several internships.

Have a lot of your jobs stemmed from the first relationships you made in the very beginning?
Yes! Definitely. The person who first helped me get an internship really helped change my life. Since then, I've met lots of other people through that first connection. I.E. Working at my first internship, I met the beauty editor at O. Then when I came back after graduation, my mentor at Latina told me about an open position at O. After O, a woman I met there told me about the position at CosmoGIRL!. I definitely believe in networking!

What are the obstacles and challenges that you have faced in your field since you began?
The hardest one for me is when I'm working on someone, and they are so used to a certain thing about themselves and can't try to see it differently. For example, I did a wedding two weeks ago where (if I do say so myself!) the bride looked gorgeous! But she was used to bathing in bronzer and my hand is a lot more natural than that. So, I just did what she asked for, even though I knew in my own mind, she looked a lot prettier before the extra layer of bronzer. Also, working in freelance means your jobs are very unpredictable. I had a client for a TV spot two weeks ago who was very demanding and just dealing with people like that can be a challenge.

Can you outline an idea of what a day is like in your [very pretty] shoes?
I'll use tomorrow for example: I arrive at the Hearst bldg at 6:45 AM where I'm going to do makeup and hair for the editor-in-chief, Susan Schulz, for an awards ceremony. After leaving her, I am doing four eyebrow shapings and then I have to be at Burberry at 10 AM to do makeup on models for a trunk show in store. After that, I am tentatively done. Though I never know when someone is going to ask me to do a last minute job so I'll just have my kit ready in case.

What is your favorite thing about your job?
I am my own boss! That, and I love working on people. No two faces are the same and everyone has something beautiful and unique about them. It's always fun!


Is there anyone that you hope to work with in the future?
I'd love to get to work with Pat McGrath or Charlie Green.

How would you best describe your own personal style?
Casual, kind of boyish and fun. Ironically, I don't wear much makeup! (Just mascara and concealer!)


What trends are you seeing in hair and makeup that you think will be significant in the next few seasons?
Soft waves in the hair, going with your natural texture (praise the Lord!) and big lashes! I recently completed training to do the NovaLash method for eyelash extensions by the girls at the Lash Co (in Houston on W. Alabama!) and people are foaming at the mouth for them! This method really is the best and it lasts the longest.



What is the one thing in life you can't live without?
Makeup related: Mascara! Life related: Jason and my family and friends

Who or what inspires your work?
All women inspire me. I love how most all women love beauty so much!

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?
I'm obsessed with Forensic Files and Dr. G Medical Examiner :)

What is your greatest accomplishment?
Going off on my own as a freelance MUA.

Favorite places in New York shop, eat, etc?
I love ABC Home and Carpet, Barney's CO-OP in Chelsea (when I can afford it), the kitchen supply store in Chelsea Market and this great Indonesian restaurant called Bali Nusa by my house where everything is bursting with salty, spicy flavor.

Favorite aspect of New York?
The diversity in people, foods and personalities!