Beauty Survival

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Beauty Advisors: meet the experts

Beauty Survival is fortunate to have a group of talented pros who comprise our Panel of Beauty Advisors. Each individual is experienced and well respected in his or her field. So, with no further ado, meet the experts.

Michelle Cutler - Professional Makeup Artist and owner of Absolute Radiance

Michelle Cutler has been working as a professional makeup artist for over 18 years. Her vast experience has included work on many well known television shows including Good Morning America, The Today Show, CBS This Morning, The View, 20/20, All My Children, Rosie O’Donnell, Paula Zahn Now, 360 With Anderson Cooper, Connie Chung Tonight, One Live To Live, and As The World Turns, just to name a few. During her 5-year stint on Good Morning America, she not only made up Joan Lunden, Charles Gibson, and the news anchors, but many famous faces prior to their going on camera as guests. She has also served as personal makeup artist to Joan Lunden, Connie Chung, and Debra Roberts. Michelle’s work has also graced the covers of many magazines, and has been seen in numerous television commercials. Michelle’s work is not limited only to the famous. Through her company, Absolute Radiance, she also uses her skills on Sundays to turn nervous women into beautiful brides. Michelle is a welcome addition to Beauty Survival’s panel of advisors.

Lidia Czurgiel - Aesthetician and owner of New York City based Finesse Day Spa

European trained Lidia Czurgiel opened her first salon in 1990 in Warsaw Poland. Partnered with a dermatologist, she successfully ran the salon for five years prior to moving to the United States. Since arriving in the U.S., Lidia has worked at some of the premiere NYC salons where her clients included a number of celebrities. Over the years, Lidia has established a loyal clientele and in 2003, Lidia once again opened her own spa, the Finesse Day Spa in New York City. Lidia’s experience includes treating a variety of skin problems such as acne and acne scars, rosacea, sun damage, broken capillaries, stretch marks, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and premature aging. With her vast experience, Lidia is a welcome addition to the Beauty Survival Advisory Panel.

Steve R. Fallek, MD - Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Steve Fallek, Clinical Assistant Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, obtained his B.A. degree from the University of Pennsylvania , cum laude, in 1987. and received his M.D. from Mount Sinai School of Medicine New York, NY in 1991. After medical school, he completed a general surgery residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, where he then received fellowship training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. A Diplomate-American Board of Plastic Surgery and American Board of Surgery, and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Fallek has been co-author of over 25 scientific papers and abstracts. He has been featured in magazines and newspapers such as Allure, The New York Times, US Weekly, Life and Style, the New York Resident, Maxim and the Newark Star-Ledger. Dr. Fallek practices in New York City . We are extremely grateful to Dr. Fallek for bringing his training and experience to Beauty Survival.

Christopher Gamper - Colorist and Co-Owner of the Christopher Stanley Salon in New York City (212-924-1127)

Christopher Gamper began his career in 1985 and in 1990 he became a senior color educator for Goldwell Metro NY, one of the premiere professional hair color brands. During his years at Goldwell, Christopher initiated systems and educational programs for colorists of all skill levels, many of which are still in use today. In 1996 Christopher joined the NYC based Antonio Prieto Salon as the Artistic Director of the color department. While there, Christopher both built a large clientele and trained and sought out talented newcomers including the now well known and respected Paul Cucinello (who is a member of the staff at Christopher Stanley). Over the years, Christopher’s skills have been recognized by the media. He has been quoted frequently as an expert and named in several “best” lists. We are grateful to have Christopher’s expertise at Beauty Survival.

Lusine Galadjian - Professional Makeup Artist and owner of Los Angeles area's Makeup Spot

Lusine Galadjian's career has run the gamut of fashion shows, photo shoots, press junkets and premiers. In additon her work is regularly published in magazines such as Instyle, Lucky, OK!, Redbook, People, Teen People, Venice and Hollywood Life among others. She has had the opportunity to work with such celebrities as Bryan Greenberg, Dane Cook, Hugh Laurie, Jeremy Piven, Josie Maran, Mariah Carey and Randy Jackson among many others and more recently, has made up celebrities for the 2006 Academy Awards, the 2006 SAG Awards, the 2005 Golden Globe Awards, as well as the 2005 premiere of the film “The Producers" to name only a few. In addition to her celebrity clients, Lusine also enjoys making up beautiful brides on their wedding day. More recently, she obtained an easthetician license because she believes that good skincare is very closely related to beautiful makeup. We are delighted to have Lusine bring her vast experience and knowledge to Beauty Survival.

Katrina Hess - Professional Makeup Artist and Owner of Katrina Hess Weddings in Boston

Award winning makeup artist Katrina Hess has been working in the beauty industry for 20 years. Her diverse experience includes working with the respected international design team at Intercoiffure Salons and with Revlon Professional products. In addition, Katrina trained and supervised the cosmetic staffs at several May Company stores. In 1998 Katrina opened Katrina Hess Weddings, a studio that specializes in creating makeup designs for brides and their attendants. Katrina’s work has also been seen in various bridal magazines and bridal shows as well as CD and book covers for area artists. For three years in a row (2003, 2004, and 2005) Boston Magazine has named Katrina their choice for top makeup artist in their “Best of Boston” issue. We are delighted that Katrina brings her years of experience to Beauty Survival.

Nancy Jacobson - Certified Health/Fitness Instructor and Owner of Passport 2 Wellness

Nancy Jacobson has over 10 years of experience in the health and fitness fields including that of a personal trainer and wellness coach. In addition, she holds an M.S. degree in Sport Fitness and Sports Medicine and is certified as a Health/Fitness Instructor by the American College of Sports Medicine. Nancy’s experience has made her well acquainted with the fitness challenges of people of all ages including those of cardiac patients, pregnant women, and those with back problems. In addition, she has been trained and involved in the ShapeDown Program which offers a weight loss curriculum to parents and their children/teens. We are grateful that Nancy will bring her knowledge and experience to Beauty Survival’s advisory panel.

Katerina Kolokotronis - Aesthetician at Grettacole Day Spa in Boston

Katerina Kolokotronis studied and graduated from the well known and respected Elizabeth Grady School of Esthetics while attending and graduating from The University of Massachusetts. Deciding to make esthetics her career, she went on to study the Valmont skincare and technique method in Boston. After a stint at Hair FX Studio, Katerina joined the team at the prestigious Grettacole Day Spa in 2001 where her work is in demand by a wide range of clients including athletes, actors, and actresses. Considered a rising star on the Boston beauty scene, Katerina was named Best of Boston for facials in 2003 and has been quoted in such magazines as Instyle and Lucky. We consider ourselves most fortunate to have Katerina as part of our panel of beauty advisors.

Nicole Le Bris - Professional Makeup Artist-www.nicolelebris.com

Nicole Le Bris has forged her career by making up faces for the fashion and entertainment industries. After graduating from the well-known and respected Joe Blasco Makeup Center East, in Florida, Nicole began pursuing her career and has since worked in the areas of film, television, videos, commercials, print, advertising and fashion. In addition, Nicole has led makeup seminars in New York, New Jersey and Canada including ones for Mehron Inc., a theatrical makeup company. Nicole’s talents range from special effects makeup to creating simple, flawless faces. We feel fortunate to have Nicole lend her expertise to Beauty Survival.

Wendy Levitt - Professional Makeup Artist

Wendy Levitt has been creating beautiful faces for over 21 years. After receiving a certificate of make-up application from Robert Fiance School of Make-up, Wendy began her career as a make-up artist with Barone cosmetics in New York City. From there, her diverse experience has included working as a make-up artist for such brands as Lancome, Shisedo, Laura Mercier, Paula Dorf, and Trish McEvoy as well as working along side numerous celebrity make-up artists including Sue Devitt, Trish McEvoy, and Vincent Longo. Wendy has also had experience working on a number of photo shoots. In addition, Wendy works with individual clients teaching them professional make-up techniques, helping them choose the most flattering products, and creating elegant make-up looks for their special occasions. Believing that looking good helps the healing process, Wendy has donated her time to helping women with terminal illnesses and eating disorders look and feel better. We are delighted that Wendy brings her years of experience to Beauty Survival.

Stanley - Stylist, Colorist and Co-Owner of the Christopher Stanley Salon in New York City (212-924-1127)

Stanley’s roots are in the areas of theatre, music, and dance. This along with his experience as a professional dancer and model give Stanley a unique perspective as a hair stylist. He began his career as a stylist and colorist in 1988 at the Steven Gray Salon where he worked for eight years. In 1996 Stanley joined the team at the Antonio Prieto salon. His clientele, many whom have been clients for years, range from Oscar winning actresses and models to CEOs and other high-powered professionals. Respected as both a colorist and a stylist of all hair types, Stanley is, perhaps, best known for his work with curly hair and is considered one of New York City’s “curly hair gurus.” We, indeed, feel fortunate to have Stanley’s expert advice here at Beauty Survival.

John Ottavino - Professional Makeup Artist and Educator

John Ottavino has been a professional makeup artist, hair stylist, spokesperson, and beauty education consultant for more than 20 years. His clients include well-known celebrities and models in the television, film, entertainment, publishing, and fashion worlds. He has worked on such notables faces as Deborah Norville, Carnie Wilson, Cindy Crawford, Jules Asner, and Montel Williams, among others. In 1995 John was chosen, along with supermodel Cindy Crawford, as the official media spokesperson for Revlon's ColorStay Haircolor. In addition, he regularly conducts Beauty Education seminars and workshops (in New York, nationwide, and in Canada) for professional makeup artists at major cosmetics companies including Revlon, M.A.C., and Aveda. He also teaches beauty seminars for Laura Geller Make-up Studios, The Powder Group, the 92nd Street Y and Makor Center in New York. Recognized as a beauty industry authority, John is approached regularly by major magazines for his expert advice on makeup and hair care. QUEST's magazine recently named him one of New York top "hair & beauty essentials." We are delighted that John will bring his vast expertise to Beauty Survival.

Shobha Tummala - Hair Removal Specialist and Owner of New York City based Shobha Studios

Shobha Tummala’s career as the owner of one of New York City’s premiere hair removal salons had an interesting route. Educated as an electrical engineer and with an MBA from Harvard, her passion for good hair removal emanated from her own personal experiences. Through the years, Shobha has tried and learned about the various methods of hair removal and by opening her own two salons in Manhattan, she is one of the few to offer alternatives to waxing. For the face, Shobha’s salon uses threading and for the rest of the body sugaring, both ancient methods of hair removal. Most would agree that these methods are less irritating to the skin and allow for more precision than waxing. This is particularly true for those using certain drugs and skin care routines (Accutane, Retin-A, glycolic, etc.). Shobha has been quoted in such magazines as Vogue, Allure, New York Times, Health, etc. and we feel particularly lucky to have her as an advisor to Beauty Survival.

Jillian Wright, Aesthetician and Owner of New York City based Glow Skin Spa

Jillian Wright’s route from a University of Arizona graduate with a fine arts degree to a well-known and respected aesthestician and entrepreneur has been an interesting one. Jillian first found her love of spas after opening an espresso café in Las Vegas that catered to the spa next door. She found that the spa held far more appeal for her than the café, so in 1997 she sold the café and moved to New York to pursue her passion for skincare. Jillian’s initial training was at Christine Valmay in New York City and then went on to advanced training with Anna Dee Reinhart at Central Texas Clinical Skincare Center. In 1999, Jillian launched Glow Skin Spa with the philosophy that clients were looking for a cozy, boutique environment staffed by people they trusted rather than an assembly line atmosphere prevalent in many spas. Her philosophy succeeded and now her client list includes many well-known names including Alicia Silverstone, Tea Leone, Catherine Hickland, Michael E. Knight, Gabriel Byrne, and Heather Graham. Jillian and Glow Spa have been mentioned in In Style, Marie Claire, Daily Candy, WWD, and Time Out New York, among many other media sources. In addition to Glow Spa, Jillian owns Spacadet.com, which sells an eclectic mix of spa and beauty products. We are delighted to have Jillian as part of our team of beauty advisors.

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