
Today we’d like to introduce you to Jane Cohen.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jane. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My career began in London, England. I was at university studying history of art when I realized that my real love was makeup. Instead of art history books, my desk was covered in makeup and my friends used to line up for me to do their makeup before parties! So I left university to pursue a career as a makeup artist.
I was recommended to start testing with photographers (testing is creating images with a hairdresser, makeup artist, stylist, and photographer for free, to build a portfolio) and the first photographer I tested with ended up booking a huge advertising campaign, and he booked me for makeup!
The campaign ended up on billboards and movie theater screens across London which led to an agent asking to represent me. I worked in London for a few years on advertising campaigns, and fashion magazines like “The Face,” and “Cosmopolitan,” and then decided that I wanted to work in Hollywood. I made the trip across the pond, and amazingly, within a week I was working on a movie, got representation with a really good agent, and decided to make the move to LA.
After getting my visa, my first job in LA was doing Leonardo Di Caprio’s grooming for the golden globes when he was nominated for “Titanic.” It was an amazing first job, and my career in Hollywood took off from there. I have since worked with some of the most iconic names in Hollywood, and also some of the world’s best photographers. I have really enjoyed the ride, and continue to do so.
Has it been a smooth road?
There were definitely some struggles. In the beginning, in London, work was sparse, and the promise of work often led to nothing. The competition was fierce, and the fashion and entertainment industries attract some shady characters, even at the highest levels. I had one London agent try to steal money that was owed to me by sending me fake checks. I also had an agent here actually steal money not only from me, but the whole agency roster. There are many stories like this in our industry, and that’s why it’s so important to seek out the best, most reputable agencies when you’re looking for someone to handle your career.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
As a freelance makeup artist, my specialty is bringing out the natural beauty of my client. When I look at a face, I can visualize it with the finished look of the makeup I want to create, and how I’m going to emphasize and beautify their features.
I specialize in creating the look of natural, fresh, glowing skin, defining the eyes, and lightly emphasizing the lips, to create a look that brings out the beauty of each feature. I am known for matching the skin to the perfect foundation, without the skin looking heavily made-up. I trained in London and have worked with every shade of skin tone, so I can confidently match any skin tone from the fairest to the darkest.
I am proud of the countless women, from a-list celebrities, to office workers, to stay at home moms, that I have helped with a makeup routine or just a makeup session, that shows them their true beauty, and helps them face the world with more confidence.
I have worked with abused women in shelters, and loved seeing the results of how a makeup session boosted their confidence, and the delight in their faces as they looked in the mirror, which convinced me that the power of looking good through makeup and self care cannot be underestimated, for women in all circumstances.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think Los Angeles is one of the most advantageous places to be if you’re a makeup artist. There are numerous productions taking place every day, and there is so much opportunity, especially if you’re enthusiastic, positive and confident in the service that you’re offering.
I definitely recommend future makeup artists to start out in LA, because it is the home of the entertainment industry. There are world class photographers, directors and film companies based here, and there are many established makeup artists like me, who can hire new makeup artists on shoots, and pass on our knowledge.
Pricing:
- Makeup session: $350
- Makeup lesson: $450
- Virtual Makeup Lesson: $200
- Makeup Bag makeover and lesson $500
Contact Info:
- Website: www.janecohenmakeup.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @janecohenmakeup
- Twitter: @janecohenmakeup

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