Local makeup artist brings skill and experience for weddings, pageants or just a night out

Cosmetology covers hair, skin and nails, but it’s makeup that really brings a glow to Escape Salon licensed cosmetologist Allie Gundemir’s face. 

“This is something that I’ve always, always loved doing,” Gundemir said. “I love the transformation that I can give them to enhance their natural features. It’s so fun and so rewarding to see them light up.”

“They are so much more beautiful than they think they are. And it’s really gratifying to be a part of that. I love that I am able to serve the town of Manchester and make it a little more beautiful.” 

Gundemir has over ten years of experience in the art of professional makeup application and is a graduate of Paul Mitchell School in Murfreesboro in 2023.

About half of her time is spent doing makeup. Clients come in for occasions that range from bridal events and maternity photoshoots to proms and pageants. Sometimes it’s a mom bringing in her daughter for her first makeup session.

The difference between a professional session and a daily makeup routine is what Gundemir calls more “glam,” with a full face of makeup — bronzer, concealer, lashes, heavy foundation, full coverage, extra things for that special occasion.

“I always encourage lashes,” Gundemir said. “It makes it look so much better. I have thick, heavy lashes and some lighter ones.”  

Most cosmetology schools don’t focus on makeup unless it’s a makeup academy. Gundemir said she has a leg up from her experience doing her and all her friends’ makeup.

“They teach you the basics on what things are, sanitation, but you kinda have to be self-taught if you want to make this into a profession,” she said.

Makeup colors are carefully matched with skin tones and eye color.

“For a richer complexion, you would want a more gold tone highlighter, while a fair skinned person would want a lighter highlighter.”

Orange shades bring out blue eyes, while green eyes call for dark gold or pink to brighten the eye.

“As soon as I look at them, I visualize what would look best,” Gundemir said. “My kit includes a bunch of different shades that I custom create for my clients. It may take me two to three to four different foundations that I mix together. I can visualize it and mix it on my palette.”

Escape Salon is located at 113 E Main St. For more information, call (615) 772-1967 or find Gundemir on social media at Beauty by Allie.