“Care” Is In My Name and You Will Certainly Experience It!

Caren Elle has been in the business of beauty transformations for over 20 years working in the fashion and entertainment industry as a makeup artist and hair stylist.

Early Life & Inspiration

A first generation American to Filipino parents, she was born on Valentine’s Day, and raised in Southern California. At the tender age of six she developed such a strong curiosity for makeup that she picked the lock of her Mother’s door, and then doused herself with everything she could get her hands on before she would eventually get caught. The next day her skin produced such a terrifying reaction, which made them believe she must be “allergic” to makeup.

Thankfully, by high school she outgrew her alleged “allergy”, and makeup became her desired reward for achieving good grades. She did before and after photos with her friends which fueled her enthusiasm to learn more about her canvas; the skin. Though dermatology was an option (and certainly sounded exciting for her parents to hopefully have the first doctor in the family), she opted to explore all things related to skin and beauty by getting her esthetician license at Citrus College in Glendora, CA. 

Training & Teaching

While in school she landed her first job as a Makeup Artist at the infamous makeover studio franchise at the local mall called “Glamour Shots,” where she quickly learned to transform dozens of everyday women into “glamorous” celebrity-like photos.

Her formal training began at The Makeup Institute (where she would later teach), and Makeup Designory’s (MUD) journeyman course of beauty and character development for television and print.

Brand Expert/ Lash Specialist

A unique job opportunity came to MUD as the iconic makeup brand, Shu Uemura was looking to hire a licensed esthetician- makeup artist at their West Hollywood boutique. She landed the interview with flying colors, and became the resident brow artist, and only licensed makeup artist on the team to represent the brand as the solo traveling guest artist to all 5 west coast accounts for 6 years. During this time she was also a traveling hair model-stylist and sales educator for the product brand, Ariella (created by the revolutionary SOHO hairstylist, John Dellaria), and ERGO styling tools at beauty shows throughout the nation. Since Shu Uemura had only 2 boutique locations in the U.S. she met many celebrity makeup artists she admired, and later assisted them as the “lash expert”, donning the lashes of A-list celebrities like: JLo, Scarlett Johansson, Sandra Bullock, and Eva Longoria. Her flair for hair styling began by assisting top celebrity stylists on shoots with the legendary photographers David La Chapelle, Steven Klein, Tony Duran and Annie Leibovitz. 

Career Highlights

Soon enough her experience, portfolio and reputation led her to be signed with the artist agency, Photogenics Media where she worked on a variety of magazine shoots like Lucky, Elegant Bride, People and dozens of runway shows for LA fashion week. Some of her television credits include being the Key makeup artist for Finola Hughes on the Style Network’s makeover show, “How Do I Look?” (which included a few on camera appearances), The Giuliana and Bill Show, American Idol Ford music videos, E! News, and E! Live From The Red Carpet (countless awards shows). Music videos for Pharrell Williams, Toby Keith, Kelly Clarkson, and Project 86. 

Long time clients include legendary fashion designer, Monique Lhuillier, actress Amy Brenneman (Judging Amy, Private Practice, Leftovers) and Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, CEO to ECOS, the world’s first company to achieve Climate Positivity. One of her favorite bodies of work have included educating beauty professionals through intimate workshops (ranging from a few hours-5 days) at California Makeup Academy (CMA) formerly known as Makeup Institute, and larger classrooms at beauty shows in California and Florida for ten years specializing in the bridal business. 

Current Passions

Her most passionate topic of conversation is whole health and wellness goals. Beauty from the inside out, as for so many years she learned that the outside would inevitably reflect the inside (gut and mind). Through her journey of overcoming health obstacles and many self development courses, she attained a certification in nutrition and personal training from ISSA which has complimented her unique approach to makeup, hair and overall health. Her attention to detail, easygoing personality, adaptability to create quick solutions, vibrant humor, and calm energy make her a sought-after stylist and confidante. “Care” is in her name, and you will certainly experience it!

She also loves sharing her story of how she found her “favorite anti-aging beauty secret” that is not found in stores! When she isn’t working or creating, Caren enjoys cooking, resistance training, Zumba, basketball, karaoke, rock climbing, ALL things biohacking and Jesus.