I'm excited to share some of my favorite people and local business's in a new series. Erika is one of my favorite Makeup Artists in LA and my clients just LOVE her! Instead of being selfish and keeping her all to myself, here is a little about her.

Hey Erika! Tell us your backstory, how did you get started, why did you decide to pursue makeup full time?   

Well I decided to go to Cosmetology school because college just wasn't for me. Once I graduated and got my license, I worked in a salon for awhile doing hair. I was passionate about makeup and was always playing with it on myself and friends and decided that that is where my heart was. So I took a leap and left the salon to apply for a job at M.A.C. From there I worked the retail circuit for about 10 years, until finally I felt comfortable enough to branch out on my own and be my own boss. Best decision I have ever made!  

What is your favorite thing about doing makeup? 

My absolute favorite part about doing makeup is getting to meet so many wonderful clients. Helping women realize how beautiful they are is a very empowering experience. 

What makes you stand out from the other MUA's?  

I don't know if I necessarily "stand out" from other artists haha but I do try to be very easy going and easy to work with, so the experience for the client is comfortable and enjoyable. 

What is a funny or odd story about a client or a job?

While working behind the counter at M.A.C, we had a client who came in and started putting nail polish on her lips before we could stop her. While we were telling her that it was in fact for you nails, she refused to believe us and told us her daughter uses it all the time on her lips and it lasts all day!!!!! 

What is a simple makeup tip for the ladies?

If all else fails, get brows, lashes and lips on and you will look ready to conquer your day.

What makeup product are you loving right now? 

Oh boy! That's like asking a mom which kid is her favorite?? Can't choose just one!! Well I'm loving everything I get from Anastasia Beverly Hills. Their liquid lipsticks and glosses are amazing, and their eyeshadows are so pigmented. And the Pat McGrath Skin Fetish highlighters are INCREDIBLE!!! I've used them on everyone since getting them from Sephora. 

What is one of your guilty pleasures?

I don't know if this is a guilty pleasure, but I throughly enjoy finding new ways to organize a lighten the load in my kit!! Finding simpler and easy ways to carry all my things around is like a never ending game. 

Where do you like to shop around town?

My favorite makeup store is Naimies Beauty Center! They have EVERYTHING I need. And everyone in there is so nice and knowledgeable. 

What is your go-to karaoke song?

Hahaha I'm a Disney nerd, so I'm going to have to say "Part of your world" from the Little Mermaid! Hahaha, But I don't karaoke because nobody wants to hear me sing!! Well except my son, he's only 1.5 so he doesn't mind things being out of tune Hahahaha. 

What is the last book you read?

Well my son loves books, and he really likes one right now called "That's Disgusting" Hahahaha, It's basically a book that just names all the disgusting things you could go around the house (like wash your feet in the toilet)..... Hmmmm maybe I should stop reading that to him, might give him ideas.

How/where can we find out more about you and your work?

Well I have my own website. www.erikareno.com.  But if you want to see the most up to date work as it rolls in, my Instagram handle is @erikareno_artistry