By: Deyanira Martinez
Behind the confident appearance and all the expertise of who today is a renowned makeup artist and celebrity stylist, there was a young man who over 20 years ago dreamed of fame and fortune. While living his native Puerto Rico, he dreamed of being famous in a big important city, like New York.
Today, Carlos Otero is one of the most recognized beauty professionals in the capital of the world. He has several beauty TV segments on local television and is the CEO/ founder of his own company, Latino Makeup Show. Sitting in the cafeteria of an important New York newspaper, Carlos speaks passionately about his plans, projects, beauty tips and trends in fashion and beauty.
Who is Carlos Otero?
I am a person who as a child had to learn to fight for what he wanted in life for personal reasons and taboos in Latino culture. I had big dreams and knew what I wanted. I’ve always been a person with determination.
How did you get to the beauty industry and begin working with celebrities?
It all started in Puerto Rico, Working for the Miss Puerto Rico Petite contest. Luis Santiago took me under his wings, and I began working with personalities like Roselyn Sanchez, who was beginning her career at the time. The rest is history and I have been fortunate to work with numerous stars such as Lily Estefan, Jackie Guerrido, Cindy Taylor, Miss Universe and many others.
What is Latino Makeup Show?
It’s a company founded with the desire to highlight the work of stylists and makeup artists. We want to have the recognition we deserve and stop being ghosts that hide behind the show of great designers and famous models. This company also has a social role; we help patients of cancer and other diseases to look and feel beautiful. Offer training and workshops to prison inmates, we also provide night gowns, makeup and hairstyle to low-income students for their prom day. We are basically turning dreams into realities.
What makes you different and unique and why do so many stars prefer to work with you?
I am a perfectionist, sincere and direct with my clients. Having a very strong work ethic, I care about my reputation and the people I work with.
What are the current fashion trends?
We are in the era of keratin and natural styles. The multicultural hair: America is not white anymore; we now have new and different texture of hair, skin tones and physical features. Beauty professionals are challenged to learn from these mixtures of races and cultures.
What colors and styles are used in 2014?
We are now living the return of neon colors from the 80’s and modern and well maintained afros from the 70’s. Women now prefer natural hair, avoid harsh chemicals, wear soft makeup, and really care about their skin.
Tell us about the use of extensions being so popular among the rich and famous?
It is important to know that the scalp usually does not support the weight of the extensions without the risk of severe hair loss or alopecia. Over 33 million women suffer from Alopecia due to medical conditions, chemical products abuse or extensions. Stars like Kim Kardashian and Britney Spears have suffered from this disease. The hair extensions must be removed after six weeks; I strongly recommend the use of clips extensions, if you want a glamorous look.
What Beauty tips can you share with our readers?
• If you want beautiful makeup, take care of your skin
• Never sleep without cleaning your face
• Drink plenty of water
• Eat fruits and vegetables, your skin and your hair is a reflection of what you eat
• Leave the use of chemicals, dyes and permanent to the professionals, do not try at home
Carlos Otero’s track record, experience and work speak for itself. This outstanding professional is a down to earth person who does not forget all the people who have helped him through his career. He gets very emotional when talking about his mother, his family and “all these angels and special people that give me the strength and energy to be a better person, and to continue revolutionizing the world of beauty.”
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