Michael McCarthy credits his childhood fascination with all things theatrical as the origin of his interest in the transformative power of cosmetics. Initially a performer, Michael’s focus evolved into designing makeup as part of his training at the Cornish College of Fine Arts in his nativeSeattle and later at The American Academy of Dramatic Art in New York. During the 1980s, Michael designed looks as a makeup artist for both high fashion and retail cosmetics in the United States and Europe. He increased his professional scope with an aesthetics license upon his return to Seattle, where he began developing his reputation as an aesthetician with an artistic perspective by consistently incorporating cosmetics as the completion of any client experience. He provided makeup lessons, brow design, bridal makeup and trend updates as frequently as facials. Michael revolutionized the industry in Seattle during the 1990s as the first aesthetician to develop a makeup studio and retail boutique venue within larger salon and day spa businesses. He concurrently honed his theatrical makeup skills as a principal makeup artist for the Seattle Opera.
Michael discovered Colorescience in 2000 when it was first introduced in Makeup Artist Magazine. His enthusiasm for the brand’s innovative benefits led him from being one of the early Pacific Northwest Colorescience partners to feature Colorescience exclusively in his studio, fashion and theatrical work. Drawing from these experiences, Michael continues to advocate the brand’s philosophy of “no sacrificing health for beauty, or beauty for health.” Michael joined the Education team in 2000 and currently travels North America, passionately sharing his keen makeup application expertise with partners and clients as the Colorescience National Makeup Artist.
