Sweet Dreams with Makeup Artist Dawn Episcopo

After graduating from beauty school at 19 and working in salons, I quickly realized it was not a space I enjoyed. Odd jobs were leaving me unfulfilled until finally I sat quietly alone and asked myself “Dawn, what are you good at and what do you love to do?” My immediate response was “I enjoy applying makeup because I’m both good at it and I love making women feel beautiful.” With that, I made it my intention to become a freelance makeup artist - working with photographers and women all over the world! 

I met the beautiful Amy Voloshin at a friend's party many years ago, long before Printfresh was a thing. Then one day I got a call from her producer to come be part of a shoot with her team. I was blown away by how friendly and kind everyone was! One of the shoots that stands out in my mind was the time we camped in a gorgeous A-frame cottage by the beach and shot for holiday 2023 sleepwear. The photographer was a joy, the models lovely and the team as always ~ fantastic.  

I have so many makeup and hair favorites that I find it difficult to pin just a few! For the girl who loves a natural holistic makeup and skin routine my favorite option - hands down - is anything from Fitglow Beauty, particularly the lip gloss. You can order it online but if you are like me and you like to play with the product, see the colors, and test it on your hand, visit the amazing Note to Self Wellness Spa in Philly. My newest obsession is a brow felt-tipped pen. Many makeup brands make one, I have tried several good ones but am currently into the NYX Lift & Snatch. For the most undetectable look - which is what I like - go with one shade lighter than what you perceive your brow color to be. Comb your brow hair up with your brow gel of choice to hold hairs in place for the day, allow it a minute to dry, and then with a very light touch add hairs where you think your brows are thin. It can be a bit tricky at first, though you’ll get it and I think you’ll love it.

It is dizzying navigating all of the new skincare and makeup trends. It can feel like a job in itself. I resist by keeping my social media viewing limited. If I find that there is a product that I want to try, but the one I have works perfectly well, I will use the existing product until it is empty and then I’ll purchase a new variety of the product. That tends to work well for me. Otherwise, it is so easy to end up with five of the same things in different brands that all work reliably the same! Lipstick, well, that is a different story - I am weak - I have entirely too much lipstick in the same color. 

My idea for Valentine's Day date night makeup is simple elegance. It is about LOVE ~ so spotlight your lips and brows. For your lip choose a bold approach that matches your personality. No matter your preference for texture, whether it’s gloss or matte, satin or tint, choose a deep rose color of any hue - pink or red and own it. Fill your brows to perfection, then with a dampened beauty blender add a thin veil of foundation and some cream-pink blush to elevate your complexion. Use concealer only if you really need it and a glossy highlighter on the high points of your face if you have one, if not a dap of Aquaphor ointment before you apply your foundation will do well. For your eyes keep it simple - a soft stroke of black eyeliner to your liking on your upper lash line, definitely curl your lashes and use the lightest touch of black mascara being careful to push the wand all the way to the tips of your lashes for no clumps and a perfect “no mascara, mascara look.” Lightly powder your face to lock in the look. Gorgeous ~ 

I find it incredibly enriching to spend time with my girlfriends. I am certain I have some of the most amazing humans in the world surrounding me. I try to make time weekly for at least one long catch-up on the phone where we talk about everything and at least twice a month I meet up with a friend and have lunch. Those times are always the most impactful - with so much love, we share our dreams, accomplishments, and failures which is when you know you have a true friend sitting in front of you.  

For anyone new to cleaning and nurturing their skin I would say you have so many options. I personally like to keep it really simple. However, I do have one very important rule to always follow: Wash your face every PM end of the day. Yes, even if you do not wear makeup. Start with an oil cleanser - something like Kumari Cleansing Oil by Wilde Gatherings.  Follow with a cleanser made for your skin type preferably with a toner in it, then apply a night moisturizer. In the AM - splash your face with warm water, pat it dry, and apply a day moisturizer with SPF and you are ready to start your day. If you have special needs skin - visit a professional and give them a few months to regulate it and prescribe a regime that is perfect for you.  

Enjoy this article? Here’s more we suggest!

1. Sincerely, Amy | Community Building & New Friends
2. Behind the Collection: Spring in Bloom
3. Behind the Collection: Vintage Valentine 
4. Sincerely, Amy | Happy Valentine’s Day
5. Printfresh x Simon & Schuster | Meet Author Martha Waters