There are people on this planet who have the ability to make you laugh even on the worst days. People whose presence is comforting and inspiring. People who have zero shame about almost everything, therefore make absolutely anything into an opportunity to (as my grandmother would say) "ham it up". Francesca Giaimo is one of those people.
I met Francesca nearly a year ago. In the time since we have worked together, had rather weighty conversations over coffee, and shared the sacred bond of makeup shopping. She brings wisdom and light into my life in such an unexpected way. She is blunt to a fault, but never without reason. You ask her how you look, and you better be prepared for the real answer, sugar coating is left for the clients (even then... honesty is king).
Francesca is a fun sized Italian with a huge heart, has an out of this world sized sense of humor, and is the proud mama of Gizmo, the cutest French Bully you ever did meet (don't believe me... follow her on instagram). She is also one of the most talented makeup artist in all of Los Angeles. Francesca has the ability to make you look and feel flawless; the phrase "you look like a million bucks" has never rang more true than when she hands you the mirror at the end of a session and you see what you could look like if you possessed magical beautifying powers. Seriously, I think she is a makeup wizard (it would explain so much). That being said, she realizes most people aren't as savvy in the makeup department as she is and has, ever so kindly, started a youtube channel for those less fortunate.
On top of all that, she drives a vintage Mercedes with a car phone (OG), knows all of the most interesting things, the memory of an elephant, illustrates the cutest creatures, writes poetry (she even has a published book!) and is fearless to a fault. Girl Crush worthy x 110%!
Ladies and gents, without further ado, Francesca Giaimo.
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Q.Where does your sense of humor come from?
A. My sense of humor is definitely a combination of my mom and dad. I am half super weird and fun and half super quick-witted and dry. I don't mind being a sarcastic goofball.
Q.Ideal beauty regimen?
A. One that would magically cure my pimples and wrinkles using only all natural, organic ingredients without much effort on my part. Also, if it can make me rich, that would be ideal too.
Q.Actual beauty regimen?
A. I am using the Dr. Hauschka line at the moment. Every evening I wash my face with the Cleansing Milk, spritz on the Clarifying Toner and apply the Eye Contour Day Balm before bed and pray that I will wake up with perfect skin. In the morning, I see that my prayer didn't work and just get on with it. I use the toner and a few drops of the Normalizing Oil. I have to be diligent with my skincare because I have a tendency toward hormonal acne. I keep products to a minimum to avoid complexion confusion!
BTS on Cescadarlings youtube channel
Q.Why did you become a makeup artist?
A. I have always loved makeup. I mean, I was truly obsessed even at a young age. My mom owned a hair salon so I was very familiar with the art of transformation and the effect it had on people. As a child, I spent many days after school looking at the fashion magazines my mom brought home from work. I was so enthralled with the photography, the models, the colors, and the glamour that I ripped out my favorite pages and taped them to my bedroom walls. I began doing my own makeup at 10 which consisted of swiping on Clinique lipstick in Mauve Crystal and curling my eyelashes. Throughout high school and college, many of my friends would request I do their makeup for special events. After receiving my Bachelor's Degree in Studio Art, I went on several very unsuccessful interviews in the graphic design world. I decided to attend a makeup school in Hollywood where I could really hone my amateur makeup skills and the rest is history!
Q.Who do you get compared to most often?
A. Hmmmm. People often tell me I remind them of Rachel Zoe. Which I obviously think is bananas.
Q.Favorite moment of your career thus far?
A. I did Eva Herzigova's makeup for the Academy Awards about 6 years ago. She had been one of my favorite Guess models growing up. I had her black and white advertisements all over my bedroom walls. In the midst of working with her, I thought to myself how freaking cool it was that I was applying makeup to the beautiful face of a woman I had fawned over 15 years earlier! That was a surreal moment that taught me you just never know what the future holds.
Q.Biggest pet peeve?
A. Bullies. Tardiness. Servers at restaurants who ask "And how are WE doing today?"
Q.If you weren’t a makeup artist what would you be doing?
A. I would like to be a singer even if it's limited to the Karaoke circuit.
Q.Little life luxury you can’t live without?
A. Good candles and nice perfume and going out to eat.
Q.How would you describe Gizmo?
A. Gizmo is my little clown. He is a funny and sweet entertainer with the biggest stubborn streak of anyone (including humans) I know!
Q.Favorite food/drink, where to get it?
A. Okay, this is really tough! I am going with the Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice from Katsuya or Kiwami in Studio City. OMG. It is so good, I wish the serving size was more than 4 pieces. My husband and I always get two orders so we don't have to share. I hate sharing my Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice.
Q.Quote you live by?
A. "Good taste is better than bad taste but bad taste is better than no taste" - Arnold Bennett
Q.Spirit animal?
A. I had no idea so I took an online quiz that told me I was a crow!
Q.Guilty pleasure?
A. Instagram. I am an addict. Follow me!
Q.Makeup brand(s) you swear by?
A. Laura Mercier's foundations, concealers and powders cannot be beat. NARS for staying on trend with their amazing range of colors. And I do love my Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent for their gorgeous and elegant packaging!
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I wish for your sake that you could all meet her... but selfishly I am glad that you can't.
For more of her hilarity check out her youtube and instagram.
Francesca, you are a dream! Thank you for being your amazing, funny, talented self, and wasting hours with me on a regular basis.
xx
