By age 14, already excelling in Theater and Painting at the Rudolf Steiner School in New York City, Nicole’s passion for creative expression soon translated into the form of being a Makeup Artist. By 16, Nicole traveled to Paris and met there with legendary Behind the Scenes Fashion Photographer Roxanne Lowit who invited Nicole to trail her work backstage at the Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Lacroix shows.
Today, Nicole’s Subjects faithfully count on her integrity, reliability, creativity and flawless execution. Her Client list includes Stunners such as Melania Trump, Ivanka Trump, Brooke Shields, Hilary Rhoda, Molly Sims, Michelle Monaghan, Dee Hilfiger & The Hilfiger Family, Beth Stern, Mary Alice Stephenson, Maria Menounos, Kathie Lee Gifford & Queen Noor of Jordan, to name a few.
I had the privilege and honor of catching up with Nicole while she was enjoying a brief vacation in Berlin. She was friendly, witty and down to earth in her explanations of what drives her, what she enjoys so much about her job and more.
You were interested in make-up artistry at a very young age. What changed your inspiration into fashion and beauty that seemed to stem originally from theatre and the arts?
I have to say that I loved the whole idea of breaking down a character, which was what originally got me into the theatre portion of the arts. Memorizing scripts and diving into each character was intriguing to me. The topper though, was that when I was getting ready to perform, my favorite part of the whole process in fact was always the hair and make-up and creating the look for my character. It was just more fun to me than anything else.
Every little girl loves to sit and experiment with make-up and this was a running theme from the beginning for me. I always seemed to come back to it. Painting. The use of color. Sitting in grandma’s mirror and putting on all of her lipsticks. Fashion and beauty. If you are obsessed with things that are beautiful, there is no better way to indulge your life than to actually be a part of that world.
The performing part was an expression of scripts, characters and the internal dialogue of each character. Living each character and researching where they came from and how they hoped to evolve was something that was fulfilling at the time.
The process from beginning to end was always an extraordinary journey. But in the end, make-up and beauty won out as my absolute favorite! Of course learning a script and acting it out is creative too, but I always felt `Now, let’s get back to what’s important here; lipstick, glamour and all the pretty colors.` If you’re constantly drawn to this, you think to yourself ‘maybe memorizing lines isn’t quite as exciting’.
That being said, when I work with actors now, having once had that training I am extremely sensitive to their creative process and the mental space they might need to prepare for their day. I have, on many occasions acted as a sounding board to them and helped them break down their script. I can work twofold; because I understand what they need in order to focus on their task. It’s a great way to connect with the people you spend your day with and contributing to their lives in a productive way is always ultra-important to me!
Whose style in particular would you say inspires you or embodies a sense of your own?
I am a huge fan of Renoir. His style of painting has always inspired me as an artist. There is a delicacy in his technique which creates soft, romantic, powerful images of beauty. This is something that really resonates with me and feels natural.
Even if there is a request for a really dramatic makeup look that should make a huge statement, the overall feel must be blended to perfection; romantic and beautiful. There should be no hard lines. That’s the best classical example I can draw from that I love. As an artist, it’s really important (no matter what kind you are) to look at paintings.
Looking through fashion magazines are equally important and equally inspiring, but to delve into the true essence of your creativity I feel one must look at the classic painted masterpieces. Now that is truly astounding.
You can then expand upon whatever is current just having opened up your senses to these original works of art. Sometimes I will just go to the MET and stare at a certain section of paintings for a while. It inspires new ideas for me and unlocks my intuition. For your work to be unique, it has to be intuitive. I think every creative person can find that for themselves. This is if they are not concerned about what other people are going to think of them and the choices they make as an artist.
Who is your favorite designer? Why?
Somehow I am always drawn to the jewelry first. Ranjana Khan has for many years been my favorite jewelry designer. She is the wife of clothing designer Naeem Khan.
Her massive and iconic jewelry pieces are outstanding statements to dress any outfit; whether classical or non-classical. Her pieces are really exceptional. Her jewelry is sold at stores such as Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf GoodmanÒ´s and I have already slowly started acquiring a collection of my own!
That being said, Melania Trump who has impeccable taste in well everything, is now offering a more affordable jewelry collection of her own on QVC. It’s definitely worth checking out. She sells out every time we are there and the pieces, although quite different from Ranjana’s, are also impressive!
From your answer, I would say you’re a big accessory fan.
Absolutely! I love to build off of accessories. I’m non-traditional in that way. I will actually take the accessories that I want to wear and use that as the focus. Then I’ll structure the outfit.
In terms of clothing designers, there are so many that I love! It’s hard to pick just one. Let’s see; Carolina Herrera for her timeless ensembles. Dior as the pinnacle of French cool. I went to see the Alexander McQueen exhibit and that was of course over the top and fantastic. Valentino. Marc Jacobs.
I have also been known to utilize Tommy Hilfiger for a classic daytime look which you can buy at Bloomingdales. That is where I personally like to shop for my everyday things.
You had some unique opportunities to work backstage at some of the biggest fashion shows with the hottest designers and their teams. Doing this at sixteen had to be a bit overwhelming. What kept you grounded and focused?
My enthusiasm and excitement of being in Paris at these shows at 16 is definitely what helped to keep me focused. I was a kid in a candy shop of glamour so I basically had tunnel vision the whole time I was there! When you’re a teenager, being in that environment is mind blowing.
What helped to keep me grounded was fashion photographer and icon Roxanne Lowit . She kept an eye on me and her daughter Vanessa (my best friend at the time) as we trailed her backstage, front row and all around town. I knew I was fortunate to be able to have that sort of intimate guidance from someone so well established and loved. I did not take it for granted; not even for a minute!
She was super supportive of us and our future dreams and she introduced us to all of her friends which included visionaries such as Paloma Picasso and Christian Lacroix. It was a creatively inspiring and life changing experience that would stay with me for many years to come.
You’ve worked with some amazing celebrities and personalities. How do you approach bringing out each person’s originality and beauty?
Well, the first thing you want to do is figure out what the event is that they are going to so you know what kind of entrance they need to make. Then the question after that is what outfit they will be wearing so you can see what look they are going for that day.
Once I see the clothes, including their accessories, then what I want to create for them make-up wise just comes to me naturally. I usually explain my vision to them and they either expand upon that or say, ‘ok -perfect’.
Either way, there is a discussion had so that we are all on the same creative page. I do feel they should be involved in their own image since it is in fact their face that will be photographed all over town. This is how I would want to be respected if I were the one in front of the camera and hiring me. I make sure to extend this courtesy to them at all times!
Of course this is not to say I donÒ´t have a very strong opinion on things, (laughs) but listening to their needs is vital! Once they are dressed, I put on the final makeup touches. It always varies depending on the event and the person. Evening red carpet is a totally different look from a morning appearance on let’s say ‘Live with Regis and Kelly’.
You have to realize it’s early and that the viewers might be startled by too much glam at that hour so you aim for fresh; pretty and natural. Unless of course I’m dealing with, let’s say Lady Gaga. Then, anything goes. If someone is making a Letterman appearance- that would be a late night look so it’s no holds barred. It’s all about what image they are going for at the time and what the event is.
Building off of the outfit is usually where you would begin and from there you can design the rest of their look. Sure, it’s always fun to glam it up, but sometimes it’s about focusing on oneÒ´s natural beauty and keeping it simple and fresh. Other times, it’s about making a statement.
Part of the amazing thing about having done this for 26 years now is having learned to deal with different personalities and understanding how to work with them. You gain sensitivity about how to relate with each person individually. If someone is engrossed in their script that day, you discuss your vision with them briefly and then stay quiet and focus on execution so they can concentrate on their preparation.
Others like to talk and giggle the whole way through. You have to be flexible to different personalities and go with their flow while still being able to focus on doing a great job on their face. This too is part of the craft of being a make-up artist. Over time you become better at this.
Understanding each personÒ´s character is a joy to me and meeting their needs in order for them to feel comfortable also brings me great happiness. To me that’s what I’m there for, to give people a fantastic day and make them look and feel their very best. Either way, it should all be looked at as fun. Although we are all professionals, itÒ´s so important to enjoy your day and the life you are living from day to day. Otherwise, whatÒ´s the point in the privilege of being a working artist and living your dream?
What is your favorite brand of make up to work with?
One of my favorite things about my job is that I have the opportunity to play with many different makeup brands. I’m always receiving new products to try out and my absolute favorite ones always get added to my kit.
For example: DiorÒ´s Airflash is an incredible spray foundation. Estee LauderÒ´s Double Wear Maximum cover foundation is great for really troubled skin, discoloration and blotchiness. BenefitÒ´s One Hot Minute bronzing powder can turn anyoneÒ´s skin into a smooth, silky canvas.
Sally Hansen also has really great affordable products as well; such as Sheer Bare Lip Inflation Extreme; a must have for plumping lips. Mostly everyone is caught up in buying fancy products, so donÒ´t rule out the affordable ones that you can pick up at any drug store and integrate into your bag of tricks.
Jemma KidÒ´s Showstopper year round body glow is sexy hot must for body and face. A few Lancome must haves that I cannot live without are Eclat Miracle complexion illuminator and an awesome water proof protective concealer called Effacernes which comes in different shades.
La Base Pro face primer by Lancome also smoothes out skin and preps it before covering flaws such as red raised pimples. Chanel always has beautiful lipstick shades with creamy consistencies. There are so many wonderful products to choose from and for each shoot, products that I use will vary.
What was it like to do the makeup for the Queen of Jordan?
Queen Noor of Jordan is extraordinary every time I work with her. She is a super intelligent, educated and regal woman. Yet, she is also down to earth and has the best posture I have ever seen. She makes me want to do pilates so I too can obtain such good posture! What is cool is when she’s in NYC she’s ok with not being called `your majesty` to fit the casual ways of our American culture. It could be quite intimidating being in the presence of a Queen, but sheÒ´s witty and understands how to go with the flow with each city she visits. That certainly puts all of us at ease.
She is a peace builder and focuses her life on human rights and cross cultural understanding. It is always a fascinating way to spend my day listening to her lecture on things that matter globally. She takes really good care of herself, eating and drinking only natural and alive products with no chemicals. This certainly shows in her perfect and unblemished skin.
She is truly an inspiring confident woman of the world; very positive and upbeat. ItÒ´s empowering to be around a woman of this magnitude who has overcome such obstacles in life and still holds a strong positive message. Making her look pretty is a thrill, sure; but spending the day with her and listening to what she is doing is a fantastic way to spend your life. I am blessed.
What one make up tip would you give to all women; those that like make-up and those that don’t, and also what’s one great tip for keeping skin healthy?
For skin I would say drink a lot of water and stay away from alcohol and soda. It dehydrates your skin and is too sugary. On a daily basis, alcohol and soda are hard on the liver and it makes you puffy and dries out your skin. Hydration is so important. You should also spray rosewater on your skin for hydration. Skin is happy if hydrated!
People have to remember that skin is not just topical. If you’re putting a lot of junk in your body, it’s hard for your liver to digest and it will show on your face. Be nice to your skin. A happy liver means really nice skin!
In terms of make-up application for people who don’t like make-up, lipstick is a must if you want to get down to the bare minimum. Whether it be a little lip stain, gloss or lipstick, it wakes up your face overall.
A rosy cheek should follow, even if it’s just a light bronzer. It really will make you look alive and fresh. Lipstick first. Cheeks second. A happy lip wakes up your face. A rosy cheek makes you look healthy and as if you just came out of the sauna.
Being a born and bred New Yorker, what are some of the craziest things that you’ve witnessed when getting prepared to cover some high end and frenetic events? How do you remain calm in the midst of all the frenzy?
The list can be endless with the crazy in this city and in this business. When emotions are high and you’re dealing with creative people in a time crunch, it can get out of control. During a live show especially, people tend to feel overly stressed out. This is the time when I usually get quiet and focus on exactly what I need to do to get the job done well and on time. This is much better than getting caught up in all the frenzy.
I explain to my subject that if we can concentrate together, we will get what we need accomplished. For example; no speaking, or being on your blackberry, then they will be done on time and will look great. It chills down the panic vibe and communicates a sense of calm. This also helps the people around you who too need to get their jobs done.
When a person’s stress level is high, really bad things can be said in the moment. In the end, all you will have done is have made a whole bunch of people feel bad. This leaves a nasty taste in everyone’s mouth. I say don’t dwell on what didn’t happen. Instead, focus on what needs to get done and how we can better it for next time.
You obviously have a lot going on. Between your work schedule, travel, shows, photo shoots and what not, how do you make time for yourself?
Isn’t that the 10,000,000.00 dollar question?? (laughs) Well, to me that usually means locking my door at the end of a long day and getting in the bathtub for a half an hour. If I take a bath in silence, I am able to unwind. Unless I am in some remote destination with no tub, thirty minutes a day in a quiet tub just to myself to relax in the hot water makes a huge difference in recharging my batteries.
A lot of energy is expended throughout any given work day. If you don’t do something for your physical self each day, you won’t have the chance to recharge. Without allowing myself this time, I would be exhausted the next day and not have much to give. Unplugging from the phone, T.V. and computer for just 30 minutes is my miracle worker.
It’s amazing how you can feel like a human being again just by doing something so simple. Everyone needs to find what works for them and really put it to practice at least once a day. Otherwise, burn-out can occur and thatÒ´s not productive at all.
What are some of your upcoming projects and where can people find more of your work, or learn more about you?
People can communicate with me for make-up related questions and updates directly through my Nicole Bryl, Make-Up New York Facebook fan page.
As I am returning from vacation in Berlin, I am headed straight into my pre fashion week/fashion week/post fashion week schedule which includes a 26 day in a row run with no stop. From faces who sit front row for the shows during fashion week to Campaigns, T.V. and red carpet appearances is what my clients’ schedules usually consist of. There is a lot of running around town at this time, but I love it and am certainly grateful to be here.
You can find out more about Nicole Bryl, Make-Up New York and her work, as well as viewing her portfolio on her website or connect with her ever-climbing fan base via face book . You can also follow her on twitter.