Three local celebrity beauty experts aim to please and pretty.
STORY: Olivia DeLong
Photos: John Stevens
We seem to hear every detail about a celebrity’s life, but it’s not often we talk to the gurus behind their hair and makeup. They are the behind-the-scenes artists who make their clients shine. Meet three local makeup and hair stylists who excel in their industry and learn a little about what beauty means to them. Here, they share their fabulous beauty secrets, their go-to spots in Buckhead and what it’s like to work with the Hollywood of the South.
This beauty guru has worked with stars like Serena Williams; actress, TV personality and author Lala Anthony; and singer Kandi Burruss, and recently embarked on a dream endeavor— opening her own studio. The Buckhead workspace, The Wright Look, opened last spring, and is where Wright creates makeup magic. Classes like “Beauty Basics—The Wright Way” for the everyday woman to learn more about makeup application, in addition to her typical oneon- one client consultations, are all part of the services she provides.
Another claim to fame: Wright styled Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams for the 2013 Super Bowl reunion performance with Destiny’s Child. Rowland’s a big fan—she contracted Wright’s talents for the 2013 Grammy Awards, 2013 Oscars Red Carpet Live show (which Rowland co-hosted) and as the makeup artist for all of her X-Factor USA appearances.
Top Beauty Tip: “For whiter and clearer nails, soak your fingernails in baking soda, hot water and hydrogen peroxide.”
Go-to Beauty Spots in Buckhead: Sephora at Lenox Mall, MAC Makeup Counter in Nordstrom, Tom Ford at Neiman Marcus, The J Spot Hair Salon and Wax by Andreia
The Wright Look Studios, Inc.
2115 Piedmont Road
Atlanta 30324
470.819.8863
latashawright.com
Mequilla “Mikki” Farrar’s interest in the beauty industry was piqued when she worked with music video production group B Squared in Atlanta six years ago. “I became intrigued with the makeup artists on set, watching them use their tools, interacting with the clients,” says Farrar, who provides at-home makeovers and hair styling for many Buckhead-based clients. Farrar first pursued her career in makeup when she was a Counter Beauty Expert at Estee Lauder, and then later refined her craft at Van Michael Salon as a Master Makeup Artist. Since then, she has worked with celebrities, such as Cynthia Bailey, Melissa Gorga, Jeff Foxworthy and Jennifer Hudson. Plus, she’s currently working with Turner Broadcasting, where she grooms guys, such as Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Rick Fox, Kenny Smith and many others. Farrar is also the makeup artist for WSB-TV Channel 2 News with Jovita Moore, Linda Stouffer, Karen Minton and Erin Coleman.
Top Beauty Tip: “Remember: A natural look is always better. To me, the definition of natural is balance, so choose a focal point to highlight and let everything else remain more muted.”
Go-to Beauty Spots in Buckhead: Woo Skincare and Van Michael Salon Buckhead
Makeup by Mikki
404.414.0198
mikkifarrar.com
In 2013, hair and makeup styling team Scoobie West & Company was born, the beauty love child of hair stylist and makeup artist Hubert “Scoobie” West, a Chamblee resident.
A self-taught makeup and hair artist, West began his career at a friend’s wedding. From there, he branched out to bridal shows, fashion shows and photo shoots. He has styled for Badgley Mischka fashion shows, Essence Magazine photo shoots and a special wedding gown segment on WE Television Network. Most recently, West worked with classical violinist Lindsey Stirling and nutritionist and fitness expert to the stars J.J. Virgin, getting them both ready for live television. His signature style is clean and classic, and he especially enjoys providing women of all ages and ethnicities with the tools to feel beautiful.
Top Beauty Tip: “If you’re short on time, pull your hair into a high ponytail and put a little volume in the crown. Dab a little tinted moisturizer all over your face, a bit of bronzer, two coats of mascara and your favorite lip color!”
Go-to Beauty Spots in Buckhead: The NARS, MAC and Laura Mercier counters at Bloomingdale’s
Scoobie West & Company
Studio Wed
1500 Southland Circle Suite C
Atlanta 30318
678.609.3149
scoobiewest.com
