Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Olivia Aguzzi

4/2/2020

Olivia Aguzzi - Illinois
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Faith Aguzzi
Photography by Veronica Adams Photography
Issue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: I am nominating Olivia because what first started out as a hobby in playing with make-up & art in junior high has turned into a successful learning experience as the ‘make-up chick’ for her high school theater department to having artwork presented & placing at Conference. Olivia has led to teach other students about theater makeup to prepare them for productions & to take over after she graduates. Proud to also state that she got accepted into DePaul University’s BFA-Wig, Make Up & Technology Program & will start Fall 2020!! Follow your passion!!

Photography by Veronica Adams Photography

Do you remember when you first discovered makeup? How old were you?
I was about 10 years old when I first discovered makeup. My parents and I were scrolling through TV channels when we stumbled upon a show called Face Off. It was a special effects makeup show where 10 artists would compete through a series of challenges and create extravagant makeup and costume designs. I immediately fell in love with it. I would create my own designs, on paper or doing makeup on myself, based on the challenges of every episode.

Tell us about the evolution of your makeup - where you first started to where you are now.
I first started using my mom’s makeup to create different looks that I saw on Face Off or from YouTube videos. I kept practicing with more materials that I’d receive as gifts or from my parents, fueling my passion for special effects. Once I hit high school, my love and passion for art and special effects sky-rocketed. I’ve taken art classes since freshman year, have been a member of the National Arts Honor Society and I’m currently the President. I’ve learned many different techniques in painting, drawing and sculpting, and how it went hand-in-hand with special effects. I’m also Head of the makeup department for my school’s theatre program. I’ll be starting college at DePaul University’s Conservatory, BFA- Wig, Makeup & Technology program.

Photography by Veronica Adams Photography

What is it like being the head of your makeup team for the theatre department?
Being head of makeup for my high school’s theatre program is a blast, but definitely a challenge. We would have approx. 1 class per month that is open to everybody to teach the basics of stage makeup. Then, in the weeks leading up to opening night, I’d lead classes for the makeup people to teach them how to do specific looks; bruising, fantasy, stage makeup for the boys, and anything special. I would oversee around 5 makeup people guiding and directing them on how to do different character makeups for the different shows.

Photography by Olivia Aguzzi

How difficult or easy was it learning how to face paint with your makeup background?
It was a challenge to learn how to face-paint on other people. But, through my background of being in painting classes and the makeup department in school and doing special effects on myself, helped me with the foundation to learn new skills for my business. I have also practiced on my parents and my friends to help get over a fear of working on someone else’s face.

Photography by Melissa Liegl

What is it like being on a badminton team? My high school does not have a badminton team so I would love to hear about it!
Being on a badminton team is so much fun! But competitive badminton is not the same as backyard badminton. It’s so fast-paced and hard on our bodies to where I tore a ligament in my ankle playing. I have been on my school’s team since freshman year and I have made so many friends over 4 years. I’ve made amazing memories playing on my team through bonding and becoming a family. I became a varsity player during my sophomore year, and I became a Captain my senior year. Sadly, my senior season was over before it started due to the heart-breaking pandemic occurring currently, but my coaches are keeping tabs on every-one through Zoom calls and group text messages.

Olivia will be featured in issue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 32

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Isabella Connery

5/7/2019

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Isabella Connery - Texas
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Angie Read Photography
Issue 21 - Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: I am lucky to have Isabella Connery on my senior model team this year. She is currently a Junior at Klein Collins High School, and loves make up! She not only loves to wear it, but she loves to wear it well...playing up to her best features. And, she knows when to go light and pretty, and when to go for the more dramatic look. Isabella has a side job as a makeup artist. She can easily apply what she has learned about make up to other people as well! I'm sure that I can learn some make up tips from Isabella! :)

Where did your love for makeup come from?
My love for makeup comes from my early days of competitive dancing. I had to learn how to properly apply my makeup, so I was ready to perform on the stage.

Tell us what your everyday makeup look consists of.
My everyday makeup look consists of light eyebrow filling, a coat of mascara, a moisturizer with SPF, tinted face powder, and Vaseline.

What are your favorite types of makeup brands to use? If you had to pick one to use for the rest of your life, which one would it be and why?
My favorite types of makeup brands to use are budget friendly and inclusive ones like NYX and Urban Decay. If I had to pick one to use for the rest of my life, it’d have to be Benefit because it’s totally underrated.

What has been your favorite job you have had with your makeup artist career?
I worked with an adult client who was going to celebrate her 25th wedding anniversary. She hired me to apply her makeup, and when I was done, she felt rejuvenated and was ready to celebrate! It was very cool and fulfilling.

What are some tips for someone who is suffering with acne? Do you have any special treatments you could recommend them?
When it comes to acne, I know the struggle. Especially as a teenager. When I’m breaking out, I find it beneficial to cut down on the amount of product I’m using and apply a salicylic acid spot treatment twice a day. Stick to just a cleanser, moisturizer, and spot treatment for daily use. Be careful not to strip your skin of its natural oils, as it can lead to breakouts.

What about you inspires others?
Something about me that inspires others is my ability to attain my goals despite my daily obstacles with having Tourette’s Syndrome, a neurological disorder that causes involuntary movements of the body known as “ticks”. Life with Tourette’s includes learning information differently than others and working relentlessly around the clock to be able to comprehend subject matter. Tourette’s can be very distracting and disruptive to even simple daily tasks. Having this condition has taught me self-discipline and other essential lifelong skills for anyone who aspires of being successful. Living with something that has no cure could be looked at as a curse, but I just see it as a part of me that challenges me to do my best. I believe facing your challenges head on is a valuable life skill for anyone to have.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
My advice to anyone who wants to be where I am today is the following; know your worth, market your skills, be persistent, maintain an efficient mindset, and let your actions reflect your goals.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I see myself as a senior in college getting ready to enter the world with my higher education and making my dreams reality.

Image by Joan Connery

How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
I am a firm believer of both mental and physical organization being successful approaches to maintain everything that you seek to accomplish.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
My appreciation of Fine Arts.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
Singing!

Who do you find inspiring?
My dance teacher of 13 years, Kim Kelly at Progressions Performing Arts.

Pizza or Tacos? Taco pizza (it’s a thing).
Soda or water? Water.

Cats or dogs? Cats

3 things on your bucket list
See my name in lights, cliff jump, and be on the cover of a magazine.

Isabella will be featured in issue 21 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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Amelia McGovern

3/13/2019

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Amelia McGovern – 17 - Pennsylvania
Interview by Caroline Alegado
Nominated by her school
Photography by Inspiring Teens
Issue 17 | STYLE

How did you start and how long have you been designing?
I started doing drag about a year and a half ago, it’s just kind of happened. I got bored one night during the summer at around 1 am and did a makeup look inspired by one of my favorite drag queens, Miss Fame. I discovered that I was actually pretty good at it and had a lot of fun doing it. Since then, my looks have branched from just makeup into wigs and fashion.

How long did this piece take? Does it have any accessories?
This piece is one of my most intricate pieces I’ve ever made. The clothing and shoes are garments that I put together, but most of the accessories are completely handmade. The main accessory of this look is of course the umbrella. It took me about a week of coming home after school and working until I went to bed. I started with a clear umbrella and added everything else myself. I brought it back recently for a fashion show, and it took me around the same amount of time to add more to it.

How did you learn makeup?
I would consider myself self-taught. I’ve been watching YouTube makeup tutorials practically since YouTube started, but I taught myself everything I know.

Where do you wear these outfits you make?
There’s really not many places I can go yet, so pretty much just my house. But I did go to Rupaul’s Dragcon in NYC this year and finally had an excuse to go out in drag for 2 days. I did perform in a show a couple months ago as well.

Have you met any inspirations?
I’m so grateful to have met so many of my inspirations. Sasha velour, Kim Chi, Naomi Smalls, Bob the Drag Queen, Dusty Ray Bottoms, Miss Fame, Monet X Change, Acid Betty, the list goes on and on. In the drag community, it is much easier to meet your inspirations than being a fan of a someone like Shawn Mendes or Ariana Grande. I’ve met 25+ queens since I started, and I can’t wait to meet more!

Do you have a backstory on your stage name?
My name Loona Tunes, sort of just incorporates everything that I wanted my drag persona to be. My favorite name has always been Luna, but Loona seemed a like a fun and unique way to spell it. I’m also very interested in musical theater and have been singing and performing for almost my entire life, so I wanted to incorporate that. Of course, it’s also a play on words of the show Looney Tunes as well!

What are your plans for your future?
I’m a senior in high school right now, but I do have plans for after graduation. In the fall, I’m going to be attending Makeup Designory in New York City’s financial district. The 6-month course involves everything makeup, ranging from color theory to special effects. For my future, I would love to be a makeup artist for movie sets, Broadway shows, etc.. I also hope to continue being a drag queen for as long as I can.

Amelia will be featured in Issue 17 of Inspiring Teens Magazine.

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Raina Saldivar

2/23/2019

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Raina Saldivar
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Alicia Crosson Photography
Issue 18 | Sports
California

The Nomination: I am privileged to nominate Raina as an inspiring teen! In school, Raina is involved in year-round sports including basketball, softball, and golf. She is also involved in many clubs and is a part of student council. Raina is an amazing teen of many gifts and talents! Her hobbies include special effects makeup, woodcarving, wood burning, and painting. She also enjoys any community service projects that she can be a part of. I admire her love for family, friends, and life. Thank you so much for considering Raina as one of our amazing and inspiring teens!

Tell me about your sports you’re involved in.
I’m a tri-sport athlete. I play golf, basketball and softball at my high school. I love being involved in sports because it helps me meet new friends, teaches me life lessons and good sportsmanship! Playing sports has taught me to think of others and be a better team player. One thing I’m most proud of is my ability to work hard and maintain a 4.0 GPA. I started playing sports year-round when I realized it also helped me focus better in school! I am dyslexic and playing sports has helped me have a quicker response time in my academics because it keeps my brain sharp and ready at all times!

How are you involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes on your campus?
I am the secretary for FCA on my high school campus. My job duties include getting guest speakers to come share their testimonies. It has been really cool because I get to work with many retired athletes and influential business owners who also share the same beliefs I do. I try my best to invite new students from our campus to join our monthly meetings so they can learn more about Jesus! One thing that is important to me is not to just say I’m a believer but to show it through my actions by loving others and being a positive role model. I have made amazing friends through FCA!

How did you become interested in special effects makeup?
When I was 9, I had my makeup done for Halloween to represent a sugar skull style and I realized I could do amazing things with makeup! My dad and I go all out for Halloween on our costumes and special effects every year. This past year we had over 700 people come through our haunted house! I love seeing the kids happy when they get candy and they enjoy looking at all the displays we have set out. In particular, I love the gory zombie stuff and I always hand make my entire costume. Last year, I was Maleficent! For fun, I enjoy donating my time to local organizations to run the face painting booths to help bring in support for their cause.

Raina took this picture of the outfit she made!

What are your plans for the future?
I want to attend a 4-year Christian College and I plan to get a business degree. I would like to open my own small business one day, but I haven’t decided what just yet. I’d probably like to open my small business in my home town so I can be involved in the community, give back to everyone that has supported me and live a kind, simple life. I am super proud of the community I am a part of!

Raina will be featured in Issue 18 of Inspiring Teens Magazine.

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click here to nominate an inspiring teen you know

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Drugstore Finds

8/24/2018

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By Julia Ischinger

The drugstore is a great place to find affordable makeup. In addition, the drugstore has a very large variety of makeup. I am going to narrow it down for you by showing you my favorite, go-to, makeup picks that you can find at the drugstore. These items are all very good quality for the drugstore and also aren’t pricey compared to makeup you would find at Sephora.

Moisturizer
Whenever I do my makeup, I like to make sure i moisturize my face. My favorite moisturizer from the drugstore is the Clean & Clear dual action moisturizer ($4-$8). I like this moisturizer because it makes my skin nice and smooth. A smooth face allows you to apply your makeup easier and gives your face a fresh base.

Face Primer
Before I apply my foundation, I like to make sure I apply a face primer. My favorite drugstore primer is the Maybelline New York Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser primer ($5-$8). This primer closes all your pores and makes your makeup last longer, as well as also supplying a smooth base.

Foundation
If looking for a makeup look with coverage, I recommend using a foundation. My favorite foundation from the drugstore is the Maybelline New York Fit Me! Matte + Poreless foundation ($5-$7). I go for a matte foundation, but if you like a more dewy foundation you can get the same foundation with a dewy formula. This foundation last me all day long. What I like about this foundation is that it isn’t too heavy coverage.

Concealer
When it comes to concealer, the Maybelline New York Fit Me! Concealer ( $5-$8) is my go-to for a cheap, high quality concealer. This concealer is really good for covering up any blemishes, and also works great for an under eye concealer.

Powder
After you apply foundation and concealer, a powder is really helpful to make your makeup stay matte throughout the day. My favorite powder from the drugstore is the Rimmel London Stay Matte Long Lasting Pressed Powder($3-$7). This powder will have your makeup looking matte all throughout the day.

Blush
If you’re looking for a good blush from the drugstore, e.l.f has a really good blush palette for only $6-$9! These blushes are really pretty and pigmented. These blushes give your cheeks a nice rosy tint and I always make sure to put this on whenever I do my makeup.

Bronzer
If you want your face to have a bronzy look, I recommend using a bronzer. My favorite bronzer from the drugstore is the Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer ($13-$15). This bronzer is more on the pricey side for drugstore makeup, but works really good and just as well as some high-end bronzers.

Highlighter
When doing your makeup, it is nice to have a little glow. My favorite highlighter from the drugstore is the Wet N Wild MegoGlo Highlighter Powder ($4-$5). This highlighter is really pigmented and beautiful and will leave your face glowing. It also is really cheap and comes with a lot of product.

Eyeshadow
If you’re doing an eyeshadow look, Wet N Wild has a lot of good eyeshadow palettes for only $4-$7! These eyeshadow palettes come in all different shades. They are really cheap and come with beautiful eyeshadow colors.

Mascara
There are many mascaras at the drugstore. However, my favorite mascara from the drugstore is the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational mascara ($6-$7). This mascara adds a lot of volume and length to your lashes. These make your eyelashes look more full and longer and is overall my favorite drugstore mascara.

Lip
NYX Professional Makeup has many good drugstore lip products. My favorite lip products are the NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream( $4-$7)These lip creams come in all sorts of gorgeous colors and are really cheap.

Buying makeup can be very expensive, but these drugstore finds are cheap and seem to work just as well as the more pricey items. You don’t have to break your budget, and can have beautiful, glowing skin at the same time.

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Olivia Aguzzi

Olivia Aguzzi - Illinois
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Faith Aguzzi
Photography by Veronica Adams Photography
Issue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Isabella Connery

Isabella Connery - Texas
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Angie Read Photography
Issue 21 - Inspiring Teens Magazine

Amelia McGovern

Amelia McGovern – 17 - Pennsylvania
Interview by Caroline Alegado
Nominated by her school
Photography by Inspiring Teens
Issue 17 | STYLE

Raina Saldivar

Raina Saldivar
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Alicia Crosson Photography
Issue 18 | Sports
California

Drugstore Finds

By Julia Ischinger

Featured

Archives

Categories

Olivia Aguzzi

Olivia Aguzzi - IllinoisInterview by Zoe D’AngeloNomination by Faith AguzziPhotography by Veronica Adams PhotographyIssue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Isabella Connery

Isabella Connery - TexasInterview by Zoe D'AngeloNomination and Photography by Angie Read PhotographyIssue 21 - Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Amelia McGovern

​Amelia McGovern – 17 - PennsylvaniaInterview by Caroline AlegadoNominated by her schoolPhotography by Inspiring TeensIssue 17 | STYLE​

Raina Saldivar

​Raina SaldivarInterview by Zoe D’AngeloNomination and Photography by Alicia Crosson PhotographyIssue 18 | SportsCalifornia

Drugstore Finds

By Julia Ischinger

Featured

Archives

Categories

Olivia Aguzzi - Illinois
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Faith Aguzzi
Photography by Veronica Adams Photography
Issue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Isabella Connery - Texas
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Angie Read Photography
Issue 21 - Inspiring Teens Magazine

Amelia McGovern – 17 - Pennsylvania
Interview by Caroline Alegado
Nominated by her school
Photography by Inspiring Teens
Issue 17 | STYLE

Raina Saldivar
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Alicia Crosson Photography
Issue 18 | Sports
California