Name: Rea Ann Silva
Age: “A lady never reveals her genetic blessings!”
Location: At the moment, Dubai, but usually somewhere between NY, PA and LA
Education: Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising
Job title: President, Owner and Creator of Beautyblender and Rea.deeming Beauty Inc.; Celebrity Makeup Artist; Mother
What she does: What’s pink and soft and fits perfectly in every makeup bag? Well, it’s the Beautyblender, of course. Now ubiquitous in every makeup artists’ toolbox, the Beautyblender is a soft, pink makeup sponge made for precision makeup application. And as the creator of the BeautyBlender, Rea Ann Silva is revolutionizing the makeup industry with her multi-use cosmetics tool. In fact, it was named Best Beauty Tool by Allure magazine no less than three times. “My jobs is to create, design and oversee product development as well as consult about the marketing of our products with our PR and social networks and blogs and twitter managers,” says Rea Ann. “All of the tools, bags and professional accessories are designed based on my experience as a celebrity makeup artist.”
How she got her gig: Rea Ann started her career in beauty as a celebrity makeup artist in Hollywood. “As a student at FIDM, I needed a part time job to survive, so I was offered a position as a perfume model at Macy’s. I quickly learned that my natural talents would be better used behind the makeup counter! It was then I became a makeup artist traveling for a well known brand. I also realized that I preferred painting faces to pattern making and grading designs,” says Rea Ann. She also learned that she could increase her income by working on movie and TV sets. The best part about working in Hollywood? You never know who you’ll meet. “I was given some great opportunities where I rose to the occasion and the referrals still keep coming, even 20 years later,” says Rea Ann.
Beauty Queen: Beautyblender has been crowned best makeup tool by the authority on beauty – and it’s won that title more than once. “My most memorable moment would be being chosen by the elite team of beauty editors for three separate years for ‘Best of Beauty Award – Tools’ for Allure magazine,” says Rea Ann.
Go for the Goal: Although Rea Ann has created a product that’s become a part of every makeup artist’s arsenal, she still feels like she has so much more to accomplish. “Intellectually, I can see the growth, press, awards and spreadsheets,” says Rea Ann, “but I don’t feel like I am done! I still don’t feel like I can buy my private island and spend the rest of my life sipping mai tais. Don’t know if I really would like that any how! I love creating my designs and watch them come to life. It’s almost like giving birth – very rewarding!”
Day in the Life: There is nothing typical about Rea Ann’s schedule. “I wish there was anything typical about my days, but waking up around the same time is as good as it gets! After that it’s an exercise of balancing schedules, time zones and family that dominates my day,” says Rea Ann. She lives in LA, but Beautyblender’s headquarters are on the East Coast, so she always has early morning calls and emails to be up for. She also still works as a makeup artist, which puts her at mercy of other people’s schedules. Then, on top of it all, “There are school activities, afterschool activities, homework and play dates,” says Rea Ann.
One Day at a Time: Rea Ann knows that To Do lists are BS. “There are no expectations to finish everything everyday! I do try but sometimes succumbing to what changes happen organically every day and trying to accept a blip in the schedule helps a lot,” says Rea Ann. “I make sure I get enough sleep and workout regularly. Spending time with my son and daughter is the real medicine though. It makes me remember why I push myself… a very maternal grounding exercise.”
Jane of All Trades: Rea Ann points out that she has 3 jobs: mom, makeup artist and business owner. As a business owner, she loves seeing press and window displays for her products as she walks or drive by a store, or having her makeup artist peers and regular women thanking her for creating her products. As a celeb makeup artist, Rea Ann loves the recognition. “Seeing the projects I work on across the Big and Small screens across the world and seeing my name in the credits is a favorite part of my job.” So, what does Rea Ann love about being a mom? “Knowing that I am completely independent and that I can take care of my family on own without having to negotiate with anyone,” says Rea Ann.
This job’s for you if: you are friendly and sincere and can maintain a positive perspective. You’ll also need a good dose of follow-through and the discipline to show up! “I read somewhere that just showing up is 90% of what it takes to succeed in anything. That doesn’t just go for meetings but showing up for yourself. Showing up to manage your dream everyday! It is a discipline that supports your own dream,” says Rea Ann. “We can easily get caught up in supporting other people’s dreams – invest your time in yourself.”
