THE MAN BEHIND THE MAKEUP ROBERTO CASEY

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TIMES SQUARE GOSSIP BEAUTY
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Roberto Casey


How did you get into makeup?


I first learned to do makeup when I was dancing and singing in community theatre. I got pretty good at it, and soon I started helping other people with theirs as well. A couple of years later I moved to New York City and was working for a handbag company as a merchandise coordinator in several stores around Manhattan. Wherever I went, it seemed that the people working at the makeup counters were having a lot more fun in their jobs than I was, and the staff was certainly much more attractive. So I talked to one of the makeup guys (Darren) and he helped me to get into the industry. For the next year and a half I worked for Lancôme and focused intently on learning the beauty of makeup. When you start out with anything new, there are plenty of people who want to give you advice. Darren always said “don’t listen to anybody” and this, coupled with everything Lancôme had to offer, proved to be very helpful in establishing my own makeup style.


What are some of the things you’re working on now?


In addition to private events I am teaching makeup lessons and group classes, shopping for beauty, and, as always, ad campaigns and editorial work for magazines. I am also working as a freelance art director with photographers and designers to come up with innovative concepts.


Where can we see your work?


This month my work is featured in Genlux magazine, theKnot.com, marthastewartweddings.com (Priscilla of Boston, 2010) and of course my website www.robertocasey.com.


You’ve been doing makeup for over ten years now. Why do you think you’re known as the Bridal Guru?


I don’t do bridal makeup - I do fashion-conscious, beautiful makeup for women who are taking that trip down the aisle. I also have the inside scoop on bridal fashion as the makeup director for the Priscilla of Boston Group for the past five years. Each season I get together with every one of the seven designers and collaboratively we come up with the looks that embody their visions for the new collections.


So where can we find you when we want to get beautiful?


I am working by appointment only at Studio 522, 526 West 26th Street in the heart of the gallery district, where I am lucky to be in the company of hair expert Antonio Soddu, a co-founder of Bumble & Bumble and one of the kindest people I know. Appointments can be made ahead of time via e-mail or telephone at makeup@robertocasey.com or 917.520.0209.


What do you do when you’re not working on makeup?


I’ve recently become a part of the growing number of bicycle addicts and one of the most enjoyable things I’ve done in the past year was customizing my own vintage bike. Otherwise, I love to cook, check out new restaurants, practice yoga, and sometimes at Studio 522 I might even pull out my guitar and sing a song.

Editors Note: Roberto Casey is the winner of Two New York Emmy's....

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