This blog has moved...

I thank you so much for following KMA over time. I have finally moved all posts exclusively over to www.makeupisart.com. Please come join me over there while I cover the same topics I did here and more!

Have a Happy 2010!

xoxo,
Kat

Out in Theaters and Behind the Scenes: Gretchen Mol for "An American Affair" Premiere

Hair/Makeup for Gretchen Mol by Kat Aragon
Originally uploaded by "The Aragons"

Hi guys!

Just a quick update as I still have more to come from other events I have been up to lately.

Most recently I had the opportunity to do hair and makeup for the beautiful and talented Gretchen Mol who was in town for her new movie premiere for "An American Affair" showing at the E St. Cinema in Washington D.C.

Gretchen has a classic Hollywood Startlet look so we kept with a simple yet classic makeup and hairstyle that I highlight in my blog at www.makeupisart.com.

I look forward to seeing more from Gretchen. She is such a genuine beauty on the inside and out and great joy to work with!

xoxo,
Kat

KATARZYNA HAUTE COUTURE

Ok, so this is kind of an older shoot (as in last year) that my husband and I did with Hairstylist James, and Wardrobe Stylist Ope in NY of ANTM's Katarzyna.

Not too long after the photos were released we found this video on youtube that someone made of that photoshoot. I always think it's so cool what people can do with photos and videos. I'm still trying to learn all this myself but I don't think I'll be able to pull it off. I keep kidding with the maker of this (Malakus on YoutTube) that I want 'em to do all my shoots like this. haha! Or am I kidding? ;)

Kat

Check it out.

(Makeup by me, Kat Aragon)

Behind the Scenes- Fox 5 News Edge

Last week I had the opportunity to do an HD makeup consultation for Fox 5 (DC) news anchor Brian Bolter. He had been using products that were just too light in color and cakey in texture that showed up unforgivably since the news station changed over to full HD.

I find the best compliment I can be given for any makeup job I have done is to be not only called back but referred to others, which is what Brian did. He called upon me to see if I had interest in doing consults for the rest of the Fox 5 News Edge team. I called upon one of my mentors and local friends Suzanne Patterson who is known for her HD training and work (as well as her makeup artistry and special effects work). We made our way to Fox 5 News Station in Washington D.C. on the 2/11 and got to work doing consults for almost all of the on-air talent that evening.

Brian, the funny man that he is, took a behind the scenes video that I wanted to share. It is hilarious and definitely self explanatory...

Us Right Now - HD Makeup Consultation from Brian Bolter on Vimeo.

I then went ahead and took my own video while Fox 5 was on live for their 10pm showing. Everyone invited us to stay as long as we liked during the broadcast. It was a great experience seeing how they run their operation with everyone on the same set.



and of course we had to take a memoir photo of a great night. Unfortunately Sue Palka and Laura Evans were off for this segment but we were able to get Sportscaster Dave Feldman, Brian Bolter, and Shawn Yancy in the photo. I'm in black between Dave and Brian and Suzanne is next to Shawn. Please excuse my "Are we taking the picture now?" look! :D



xoxo,
Kat

Out on Stands- Glamour Magazine March '09- Women of Obama's Cabinet

The week before now President Obama's Inauguration I was called by my D.C. agency to do a photoshoot for a client who has become a regular client by now, Glamour magazine. This time we were doing a photoshoot for 7 of the Women from Obama's Presidential Cabinet.

I blogged all about the experience at my other blog http://www.makeupisart.com/ so I definitely encourage you to check that out, but I wanted to go ahead and post the group photo that came from that amazing and fun day.

I did makeup/grooming for those who's name/titles are highlighted in yellow. We wanted to keep the makeup very natural and professional. No Diva's in this crowd, they are all business, and such a pleasure at the same time!



Click on photo for full size.

xoxo,
Kat

Out on Stands- Fox News Bret Baier and Family for People Magazine

Hello everyone!

I have been on a total unexpected hiatus due to my internet connection throwing a temper tantrum. I went almost 2 weeks without anything but my blackberry and it was a nightmare not being able to be in the loop of things like I usually am. Regardless, I am back and I have a lot of updates to add today. I will still break them up into separate posts as not to muddy the lines. Thanks for sticking by!

A few months back I got called by my LA agency to do makeup/hair/grooming for a photoshoot for Fox News' White House Correspondent Reporter Bret Baier, his lovely wife, Amy, and son Paul who was born with a heart condition.

This piece in People magazine tells their moving story about their trials with Paul's heart condition, starting at birth, and their inspiring story of giving back to the Children's Hospital.

Here are some photos from that article:
(Hair and Makeup by Kathy Aragon)















Click on photo for full size version.

New Frugal Fashionista Challenge I did for Washingtonian.com

I recently accepted a challenge from Washingtonian's writer McLean Robbins to come up with a whole look for the Washington (DC) Woman under $50 dollars- we are talking full size products here! The article came out today Washingtonian.com. I hope you enjoy!

Washingtonian.com Frugal Fashionista Challenge w/Kathy Aragon



Photo by Luis and Kathy Aragon of Katje Lael from T.H.E. Artist Agency.

Out on Stands- DC Modern Luxury

Hello all!

I hope everyone is starting to get back into the swing of things and are fully recovered over the Holiday break! My year started off with a bang in being able to do a photoshoot for the Women of Obama's Cabinet on my first day back to work. I wrote an entire post about it at my new blog Makeup is Art Beauty Blog . Right on the heels of that I actually got word that the shoot I did not too long ago, for DC Modern Luxury, came out (digitally) and that it should be hitting the stands next week on the 12th!

I think it turned out beautiful regardless of the chilly weather, the crazy time constraints, and the tons of tourists wanting to get up close and personal with our shoot. Who knew grade school field trips came out to the Lincoln Memorial at 9:30 on a school night? I didn't until this shoot! :)
Here is the new cover...


January DC Modern Luxury Cover@Lincoln Memorial Steps
Makeup by Me
Hair by one80 salon/ DC
Styling by Krystal Ugo
Photography by Sota Dzine
Models: Rita and Ali w/THE

I also did another men's grooming photo in the same issue that discussed the intricate sculptures being made at Window's catering for the different Inaugural Balls.

This shoot was shot in the kitchens of Windows Catering, Alexandria, VA: http://www.catering.com/ by photographer Patrick King.

As for behind the scenes shots, we were on a major time constraint being we were shooting on a National Monument with a timed permit. So I ended up getting a couple of touristy night time shots instead. :D Enjoy!

xoxo,

Kat

New Year! New Look! NEW BLOG!

Hello folks and Happy New Year!!!

I hope everyone had the time of their lives celebrating the New Year, whether that means you partied all night or stayed at home in your jammies watching TV. As long as you enjoyed it, that is all that matters!

With New Year's come new things and new chapters so I have decided to take on another project and bring forth unto you my new Beauty Blog called Makeup is Art.

My "K M A Blog" will still be running as this one keeps readers up to date of my personal life and collection of work. The Makeup is Art blog will bring together many beauty related topics on makeup and hair which will market to a wider audience span. I hope to have you enjoy and follow both of these blogs until they are one day merged together in holy matrimony. :)

Again, Happy New Year's and may your 2009 be the best ever!

xoxo,
Kat

Out on Stands- Virginia Living Jan 09 Editorial

Normally I would have more posts between the "Behind-the-Scenes" shots of an editorial I worked on, and the editorial itself, but I've been enjoying the Holidays and haven't been able to organize my thoughts well enough to create a post. :) See! Just look at that horrid sentence!

So I'm realizing I may still be partially checked out, therefore, I will just leave you with some beautiful images. :D

Here is the new Virginia Living Magazine Jan.09 Fashion Editorial that I did makeup and hair for. Enjoy!!






Photographer: Cade Martin
Stylist: Neely Barnwell Dykshorn and Richard Stone
Art Director/VA Living: Tyler Darden
Makeup Artist/Hair Stylist: Kathy Aragon
Model: Zuzanna/ Wilhelmina


XoXo,
Kat

Behind the Scenes of upcoming Virginia Living Editorial.

Hi all! I haven't been able to update lately but wanted to make sure to fill everyone in on what I have been up to now that I have some time.

I normally don't put out any Behind the Scenes photos up until after a story is published but "boss man" Tyler Darden of Virginia Living told me to go ahead and post whatever I please! Thank you Tyler! :)

Of course, being that I am a creature of habit, I will go ahead and post some fun stuff now but leave a few great behind the scene shots for when the story comes out in this January's issue! :)

The setting of this Virginia Living shoot was at the Rice House in Richmond, VA. This is a home, made historic landmark, for it's unique architectural structure and rich history on the James River. The home itself is also known for being the lavish backdrop of high end and extravagant parties thrown by Ambassador and Mrs. Rice. I hope you enjoy the behind the scenes shots and make sure to pick up a copy of Virginia Living magazine mid January to view the full story and great photos!

Fabulous shoes! Fabulous gowns! Fabulous JEWELRY! Don't expect less from Virginia Living!

What do you expect my hair to look like for a 7a.m. call time in Richmond? lol.
I swear it was better than this before I started running around doing 5 faces of makeup/hair :)

Richard and Neely styling things brilliantly in "2 moves", again!

Photographer of this issue: Cade Martin ; Model: Zuzanna w/ Wilhelmina.

I do believe Madonna's "Holiday" was playing in the background.

Thank you Tyler for the great Behind-The-Scene's photos and I will get more out soon.

Also, here are a couple of photos I was personally able to get with my new G10 (thanks Luis!) that day.

I may even upload a quick video or two later!

I call this "The Portrait of a Model". :P

A room full of fog can cause some serious side effects.

This view will be missed!

Pics from Sean Armenta's Beauty Workshop weekend at Studio400.

We had the pleasure of hosting Sean Armenta's Beauty Photography workshop at our studio in the DC Metropolitan area, Studio400. I won't post all the random pictures taken that weekend, but instead did want to post some photos I got back from different photographers.

It always intrigues me how differently photographers can capture a subject, even when the same styling, model, and lighting applies. Here are a couple of examples of what I mean.

Here is a photo shot by Sean Armenta of Kate Z.

Makeup by moi. Hair by Noogie.

And here is the same setup shot by Photographer Josh Marks who spent the weekend with us as well.

After the workshop was finished I did makeup for an impromptu shot Josh Marks had in mind. Here is his shot from that set.

And during that setup Luis Aragon was able to take a few shots of his own. Here is his resulting photo.

I just love how unique each photographer's view of the same subject is. I truly appreciate all their talents and continue to be in awe of their personal vision.

xoxo,

Kat

New Story "The Immoralist"

New story I did grooming for. Men get special hair and makeup tratment too. :)
Photography by Luis Aragon. Model: Daniel Pino





And here is how Daniel worked it out on set.

We had a great time and were thrilled with the results. More coming soon!

xoxo, Kat

Warning: Brain cells may be lost

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I have to update more work related stuff but today is a Holiday so I'm just relaxing. I'll leave you with a freestyle song my daughter wanted to share with the world. The warning applies: Brain cells may be lost trying to make sense of any of it. :) This goes out to everyone who loves squirrels!

Have a great Thanksgiving!

xoxo,
Kat

A haunting photo...

A haunting photo...
Originally uploaded by "The Aragons"

Just wanted to do a quick update and show a photo taken by Luis during a shoot yesterday. I was shooting with our studio partner, Damion, and Luis decided to try a look before the model left. This is where we ended up going with our one look. It's nice to be able to shoot with my husband any chance we get. :)

Kat

CosmoGirl Dec/Jan 09 w/Nancy Pelosi

CosmoGirl Dec/Jan 09 w/Nancy Pelosi
Originally uploaded by "The Aragons"

Just wanted to stop by quickly to upload what I found in CosmoGirl! today. this was a shoot with Madame Speaker- Nancy Pelosi and CosmoGirl!s lovely 2024 interns on the Capitol steps on a hot and steamy day in June. Thank you Mark cosmetics for sponsoring this shoot. I discovered a lot of products that day by Mark. that have become a regular in my kit.

Key Makeup:me.
Key Hair:Susan H.
Thank you to our assistants Demi and Margoux as well!

Fashion Washington's (FW) Second issue out today!

Today The Washington Post released their new issue of FW, the new fashion magazine insert included bimonthly that covers the newest trends and looks in the Washington DC area. This issue is showcasing Inaugural ballgowns and looks. I had the grand pleasure of working with the magazine at the Corcoran Art Gallery in Washington DC amongst many beautiful gowns, jewelry, and their lovely bodyguards. (We seem to get a lot of those guards on the shoots I'm on).

Here are some of the photos with a few more in my portfolio under "Fashion Editorial". Enjoy!

xoxo,

Kat

Anderson Cooper 360: THE FIRST DOG

I had the pleasure of doing grooming for Anderson Cooper while he was in town at the CNN DC bureau along with Tom Foreman, David Gergen, and other regular contributors who were on his show- AC360.

Tom's dog, Nola, was in studio and was absolutely adorable on her own. (Shown around minute 2:14 on clip). I have to say she didn't need my grooming experience whatsoever. :) Word on the street is that had she known the other dog would be doing tricks she would have unleashed her A game. :) I told Tom having that dog sit still and behave for that whole thing was a huge trick in itself. Good dog!

Check out the clip here: Anderson Cooper 360 clip

Out on Stands and Behind the Scenes

The December 08 issue of Virginia Living Magazine has hit the stands! You can see all the photos from the shoot I worked on under the "Fashion Editorial" section on my website now.

For this particular shoot called "The Byrds of Virginia", we worked on the Westover Plantation in Richmond, VA. It was an absolutely gorgeous drive to get into the area which I was able to capture with my horrific Blackberry camera phone through a dirty windshield. It was THAT beautiful!

The wonderful team behind the shoot included (but was not limited too!):
Photographer: Robb Scharetg
Assistant Photographer: Nick Jbara
Model: Catherine Kennedy @ Ford NY
Stylist: Neely
Stylist assistant who can style things in "2 moves!": Richard Stone
Hair and Makeup: Myself
and of course Tyler Darden and interns.

Renovated website!

I'm assuming most people will come to this blog by way of the website, but JUST IN CASE it is the other way around I wanted to post that I have just given my website a complete makeover. I am putting out a disclaimer that I may change it 5 more times today, we shall see. :)

The folks over at http://www.webphotomaster.com/ just put me onto one of their new templates that allows me to change colors/music/anything and everything, ANYTIME I like! This is too much for my self diagnosed ADD brain to handle, yet it is definitely keeping me entertained!

So far I may stick with this color set up, at least until I get new photos up that I want to match my background to. (Wish I was kidding) :D

Please enjoy and if you have any feedback on how the site is performing, please feel free to email me at makeup@kathyaragon.com. Have a great day everyone!

My site is http://www.kathyaragon.com/.

xoxo,
Kat

Out on Stands and Behind the Scenes

You can find some of my work out on stands now in the Oct/Nov 08 "Virginia Living Magazine" as well as in (and on the cover) of the Holiday issue of "Capitol File" with Jason Taylor. You can find the full Virginia Living layout "In the Driver's Seat" at http://www.kathyaragon.com/ under the "Fashion Editorial" section as well as Jason Taylor's photos at the beginning of the "Grooming/Portrait" section.

I hope you enjoy and definitely make sure to check them out in person as well. I'd like to leave you with a few outtakes of the Virginia Living photoshoot. Enjoy!

History has just been made...

Please excuse the lack of words at this time but this is such a huge moment for America that it kind of takes my writing abilities away. I would feel wierd not to blog about such a historical moment being made. The first black Senator to be nominated has won the Presidential election.

Congratulations to Barack Obama and I look forward to seeing what lies ahead.

God Bless America! No matter who you supported, it was such an inspiring and proud day to be an American.

xoxo,
Kat

My 3 and 5 year old and their theories...(Obama/McCain)

I voted for the first time!

kathyaragon
Originally uploaded by TR3NT

I exercised my right to vote for the first time today. To date, in the past I always found myself in circumstances where I was not able to get to the right voting precinct on time. This time I was going to make it and there would be no stopping me.

Having worked at CNN for the past year I have definitely been exposed to strategists, politicians, and even the candidates themselves to get the inside scoop on how the campaigns were working. I completely educated myself on all sides of the issues and went out and felt proud that not only was I going to vote for the first time, but that I was making an educated choice.

I'm so excited and can't wait to plop myself in front of the TV and just follow the results along. Of course, me being me, I'm still going to watch CNN and wonder if Wolf decided to go with cream or airbrush makeup tonight. :)

Kat