Nicole Bryl- Make-up
New York Interview
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 script and that was what originally got me into the theatre
portion of the arts. Going over and memorizing the scripts and learning the
characters were intriguing to me. What I
found interesting though was that when I was getting ready for any type of
film, screen etc. my favorite part was the hair and make-up.
Every little girl loves to sit and
experiment with make-up. That’s a
running theme from the beginning, and you always seem to come back to
that. Painting. Use of
color. Sitting in grandma’s mirror and putting
on lipstick. Fashion and beauty. If you love things that are beautiful, what a
better way to indulge your life than to actually be a part of it.
The
theatre part was an expression of scripts, characters and digging deep. Exploration of characters and researching
where they came from is something that is enlightening. The process from
beginning to end always was a journey. But hair, make-up and clothing was
always my favorite. Ok, learning the script and playing so and so was fun. Now, let’s get back t what’s important; lipstick, hair spray and mascara. If you’re constantly coming back to that, you
think to yourself ‘maybe memorizing lines isn’t quite as exciting’.
That being said, when I work with actors
now, having had that training it really makes me understand the time that they
need to do that and the mental space they need.
I can actually grab their script and help them. 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 people overall and that’s what we do,
as artists.
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 is always something
that was very inspiring to me. Romantic
and soft. A soft and delicate feel is something that
really resonates with me and feels natural to me.
Even if someone wants a really bling bling
and dramatic eye look, the skin will be blended and soft. There’s no hard lines. That’s the best classical example I can
really draw from. I love it. As an artist, it’s really important (no
matter what kind you are) to look at paintings.
I mean, you’re going to look at fashion
magazines and all of that, but to really go back to the true essence of your
creativity looking at other’s painted works; now that is
astounding. U can expand upon whatever
is current. Sometimes I will just go to
the MET and stare at a certain section of it.
It’s intuition for me. For it to be unique, it has to be intuitive. I think everyone can find that, if they are
not worried about what other people are going to think.
Who is your favorite
designer? Why?
Ranjana Khan is definitely my favorite
jewelry designer; Naeem Khan’s
wife. Her jewelry is extraordinary and
she makes really unique and massive pieces that go with any outfit; whether
classical or non-classical. She’s really exceptional and her jewelry is sold at
Bergdorf’s and some other high end retailers.
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. Carolina Herrera is amazing
and has a really clean and classic look.
Dior is absolutely one of my favorites
as well. I went to see the Alexander
McQueen exhibit and that was certainly over the top, yet beautiful. I certainly utilize Tommy Hilfiger a lot for
a clean preppy daytime look. I usually
choose my designers according to what kind of look I’m going for at the moment.
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 my excitement is
definitely what helped to keep me focused.
If you love beauty and fashion, then this was truly the quintessential
Parisian beauty experience. Their sense
of beauty and fashion is over the top.
When you’re a teenager, being around that kind of environment is mind
blowing.
What helped to keep me grounded was that I
was with a very established photographer who I would stay close to; Roxanne
Lowit. She was sort of the mother hen of
the group. I was a really good friend
with her daughter growing up and was lucky to be able to have that sort of
intimate guidance from her.
She was so great to work under and she
introduced us to everyone including Paloma Picasso and so many of her
friends. I was lucky enough to be with
her and surrounded by people on a personal and intimate level. I was constantly
around stimulating and creative people that were established in the industry
and in their craft. It was very
inspiring.
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. Then the question after that is what dress
are you wearing? Once I find out the
whole outfit, including the accessories, then it just comes to me what I want
to do. I explain my vision and they
either expand upon that or they will say, ‘ok -perfect’.
Once they are dressed, I put on final
touches. It’s all different and really
would depend on the event and the person. Red carpet is a totally different look. In terms of a morning appearance, you have to
realize it’s early so you want them to look fresh, pretty and natural. Let’s say it’s Letterman- that would be an
evening look. It’s all about what image
they are going for. Whether they want to
glam it up or take it down. Build off of
the outfit. From there, you can design a
look.
Of course you always want to make them look
as beautiful as you can, but sometimes it’s about simply focusing on their natural
beauty and other times it’s about making a statement. Part of the wonderful thing about doing this
for 26 years is learning to deal with personalities and understanding
them. You gain sensitivity and realize
how you need to deal with each person individually. If you’re dealing with
someone that’s engrossed in their script and doesn’t care, you discuss your
vision with them briefly and then stay quiet and focus on execution.
Some people have their own vision of how
they want to look. I am totally happy to
embrace whatever vision anyone wants to do and what they want to create for themselves. As I go along, I will discuss what I’m doing
with them, just as I would want to have done if I were in their position. I’m totally fine with stuff like that. I don’t usually have problems, to tell you the
truth.
Personal experience with people and
understanding artists is something that I live for.
Different people need different things in
order to feel comfortable. That’s what
I’m there for, to give people a great day.
Although we are all professional, you need to enjoy your day. The fact that I can help to provide that for
others is something that I truly appreciate.
What is your favorite
brand of make up to work with?
One of my favorite things about my job is
that I get to play with all different kinds of brands. I’m always getting new things to try and
enjoy and I mix them put them into my kit.
Dior has incredible spray foundations and bronzer. Estee Lauder has a foundation good for really
troubled skin, discoloration and blotchiness.
Benefit is also a favorite of mine.
Sally Hansen has some really great
affordable products as well. Everyone is
so caught up in fancy products but you can’t negate the simple ones that you
can pick up at the drug store and integrate into your little bag of
tricks. Sally Hansen sheer bare lip inflation
glosses plump up your lips.
Jemma Kid showstopper body glow is amazing
and I love the bronze goddess by Estee Lauder.
There are Lancome must haves that I can’t live without like Eclat Miracle
and an awesome concealer called Effernes.
Its water based and it has different shades. La Base pro primer by Lancome also really
smoothes out skin and covers flaws, like a pimple with ease. Benefit has a really fun one hot minute, bronzing shimmer powder that
is a must for my kit, no matter what. Chanel
as well has great lipsticks and shades.
They are a really great line. I
love too many to choose! I love using a
variety of products for different looks or for tackling different issues with
the skin.
What was it like to
do the makeup for the Queen of Jordan?
Nicole- She is
amazing and so was the experience. She
is extremely intelligent, very educated, very regal but when she’s in NYC she’s
ok with not being called her majesty. She can be down to earth, yet her posture
is the best I’ve seen- EVER. It
definitely makes you want to do pilates and stand up straight. She’s also witty
and understands the flow of NYC as well.
She is also a visionary and loves to help
people around the world. She takes really good care of herself. She watches what she eats and is very healthy
and it shows in her skin. She is truly inspiring
as a confident woman of the world; very positive and upbeat.
It’s
truly empowering to be around these incredible kinds of women that have
overcome massive tragedies in their life.
How can you be upset with people wanting to do good things for the
world? Making them look pretty is great,
but you get to stay with them and listen to what they are doing and it’s a nice
way to spend your life. She is truly
remarkable.
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?
One thing for skin that I would say is to drink
a lot of water. Stay away from
alcohol. It dehydrates your skin. On a daily basis, it’s hard on the liver and
it makes you puffy and dries out your skin.
Hydration is so important.
You can spray rosewater on your skin for hydration also.
People have to remember that skin is not
just topical. If you’re putting a lot of junk in your body, it’s harder for
your liver to fight it and digest it and it will show in 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 appear perky and makes
u look like 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. 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. I usually get
quiet and focus on exactly what I need to do.
Instead of going crazy and shouting and
screaming, I focus on the time and getting the job done. I explain to them that we can concentrate together
to get what we need accomplished. For
example; no speaking, or being on your blackberry. Then you can hone in on what you need to
do. No one is panicking at that
point. Don’t panic and communicate that
to them- your sense of calm. That also
helps the people around you on focusing.
When the stress level is high, really bad
things can be said. Afterward, all
you’ve done is make a whole bunch of people feel bad. That leaves a bad taste in everyone’s
mouth. Don’t dwell on what didn’t
happen. Move along to what needs to
happen.
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 dollar question? That usually means closing my door at the end
of a long day and getting in the tub for a half an hour. If I take a bath, I can unwind.
Unless I’m going to another part of the
world, thirty minutes in the tub just to myself to relax in the hot water makes
a huge difference. A lot of energy is expended
energy throughout the day. If you don’t
do something for your physical self, you won’t have the chance to
recharge. For me that’s the hot bath; lock
on the door, blackberry on the desk.
Without allowing myself this time, I will be tired or not have much to
give. Exclude the telephone and
television and take the time to recharge your physical body.
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 directly through my face book page where I will be giving out info as much as I possibly can. That's the best place to catch up with me and what I'm doing. I'm constantly posting updates about what I'm doing and pictures of some of my latest work.
You can find out more
about Nicole and her work, as well as viewing her portfolio on her website or connect with her ever-climbing fan base
via facebook . You can also follow her on twitter.
Qiana
