Woman gets second in makeup contest

Westmore Academy of Cosmetic Arts awards scholarship

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Las Vegas resident Keri Jones said her years as a dancer with the Stardust's former "Enter the Night" show served as inspiration for her second-place submission at an international makeup competition June 5.

"I always liked the glitter and rhinestones," the 40-year-old Jones said.

The Westmore Academy of Cosmetic Arts held its themed competition Fairy Tales, Fables and Folklore at the Las Vegas Convention Center as part of the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Convention.

Fourteen contestants competed to win $16,000 total in scholarships to the Westmore Academy, based in Burbank, Calif.

The contestants had to be current students enrolled in beautician schools. They were given two hours to create a unique design on a real-life model, based on a character from a book or fairy tale.

The contestants were judged on theme, design, color, use of materials, techniques and application, costume and professionalism.

Jones drew her inspiration from Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen."

"The Snow Queen interested me because she's beautiful, but she's evil at the same time," Jones said.

Jones' version of the character incorporated the cold colors of white, silver and blue. She dressed her 6-foot model in 5-inch heels, with a flowing, silver skirt, icicles and glittery blue lipstick. The model's face was painted white, with blues running along her nose and eyes.

"The costume was part of it, too," Jones said. "I went to town on that, I think, because of my dancer background."

Jones attributed her experience as a dancer to her fascination today.

"Applying makeup six nights a week for years got me interested," she said.

She started as a ballet, tap and jazz dancer in the fifth grade, continuing through high school.

"In high school, friends would ask me to do their makeup in shows," Jones said.

She started doing makeup for her husband, Phelston Jones, at his photography studio. She said she realized she had to get a license in order to be taken more seriously. Jones said she wanted to do makeup for fashion shows, conventions and other major events.

"The funkier it is, the more fun it is," she said.

To prepare for the competition, Jones said her instructor Diane Wade at the Academy of Hair Design allowed her to practice during class at the academy.

Marvin Westmore, who founded the Westmore Academy, was on-site to view the contestants' entries. Westmore is a third-generation Hollywood makeup artist whose film and television credits include "Vegas Vacation," "Escape from L.A.," "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," and "Blade Runner," for which he received a British Academy Award nomination. Westmore also received six Emmy nominations for his work.

Westmore said the fantasy theme was meant to help the contestants have fun and demonstrate all of the skills they use as makeup artists, as well as stretch their imaginations.

"It's got to be a passion," he said. "Makeup is an art form."

At 75, Westmore said he is still constantly learning.

"Any art form, if you have a passion for it, is a continuing education until you die or you can no longer hold a brush," Westmore said.

For individuals hoping to become makeup artists, art classes are key, he said. Westmore Academy offers students post-graduate classes and gives them the chance to learn every aspect of the makeup field, including television and motion picture makeup.

Alison Raffaele, founder of Skin Alison Raffaele Cosmetics, served as a judge for the competition.

"A great education is very important (to aspiring makeup artists)," Raffaele said.

She said one of the best ways to learn the craft is to "get into the trenches" and take a job at a cosmetics store.

"Make over as many faces as you can," she said.

Raffaele also stressed the importance of supporting other artists.

"You have to support the industry," she said. "Don't compete with other makeup artists. Help in any way you can."

Raffaele said makeup is one of the most amazing art forms. She gave the example of a woman who came in wearing too much makeup at a session she was giving at Sephora in The Venetian. Raffaele said she made her over, and the woman left feeling better about herself.

"That's the power of makeup," she said.

Jones said she plans to use her second-place $4,000 scholarship to attend Westmore Academy.

"I have a husband and a 3 1/2-year-old," she said. "My husband already agreed that, yes, I would have to go."

She said her family plans to relocate to California for the three-month course. Jones said she hopes to continue working with her husband in her studio, doing makeup for conventions and galas, and possibly doing work for television and movies.

Lilia Castillo of California received first place and $5,000 for her design of the White Witch from "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe."

For more information on Westmore Academy, visit westmoreacademy.com.