A Star Treatment In South Kingstown

Wakefield resident Jennifer Hodge had her heart set on going to art school and making a living as a painter, but her parents cautioned her that she needed a more marketable degree so she ended up at URI, graduating with a psychology major and and art minor.

Once out of college she still craved creativity and enrolled in cosmetology school, learning hair and makeup design. She went to work for a company providing makeup for television news interviews and advertising and learned to work calmly under pressure with politicians, actors, models, sometimes at the last minute as they rushed in for their appearance.

“You have to be calm when you are working with someone's face, invading their space” she said, “the calmer you are, the calmer they stay.” After two years, Hodge realized that she needed to move into a job that provided benefits, and found work in public relations while continuing to freelance in hair and makeup during her spare time.

A few years ago Jennifer wondered how, with all the recent advances in technology like High Definition TV and super sharp camera lenses, people appearing on camera were still looking so flawless. It was in reading trade magazines that she found the answer – airbrush makeup.

Now married to fellow Wakefield native Bill Hodge and bringing up a family, she thought “I'll never do that. The training is too expensive and it's a hard learning curve.” But the more she learned, the more determined she became.

Three years ago she attended the training academy in New York City for the Temptu brand of airbrush makeup and founded Spectrum Makeup Artistry. This year she returned and received her master's certification. “I kind of finally found what I was looking for with painting” she said.

While still at URI a painting instructor had told her that she was a very good painter, but more importantly, a master colorist. Since the makeup has to be custom blended to each person's skin tones, this is a very important skill to have.

The makeup looks and feels like skin and and does not run, smear or need touch up. It lasts through sweat, oily skin and high heat, making it perfect for studio lights or a summer wedding. It doesn't feel tight or dry on the skin but can cover bruises, tattoos and skin conditions like Rosacea, to create a truly flawless look.

Even though it is highly durable it washes off with soap and water. For extended shoots like television shows, tattoos can be created exactly each day. There are all kinds of occasions that are perfect for airbrush makeup. Your wedding day, a special night out, an important television interview, a modeling portfolio photo shoot, the prom – or anytime you want to look your absolute best. Flawless without the fuss.

 Many of Hodge's clients are from out of state who come to Newport, Block Island or Boston for destination weddings. Although she is based in Wakefield, Hodge will travel all over New England to handle the makeup for wedding parties or television and theater productions. Now that we locals know that the same makeup that the celebrities get is available here, maybe we can keep her in SK.

 To view her portfolio and find out more about her services visit www.spectrumri.com or contact Jennifer at 401-290-8890 or by email jhodge@spectrumri.com.