Every girl I know has been there before– the dreaded teen years. For me, I was a gawky kid complete with braces and permed hair that was dyed a different color almost weekly (including pink Kool-Aid). I tried it all because, of course, I wanted to be the pretty girl in school. I aimed for Alicia Silverstone’s character in the movie Clueless but my look more resembled Brittany Murphy’s character, Tai.
Tai was the kid that most girls in high school turned their noses up at. Daily, she wore ripped jeans, muddy red hair, and a flannel to match. I was Tai. I was the girl that hung out with the boys and made fun of the popular girls. But deep down inside I wanted to be a popular girl. Silverstone’s character Cher gave Tai a chance at popularity. First came the makeover, which had to be my favorite scene in the entire movie. Cher, and her friend Dionne, stripped that muddy red color out of Tai’s hair to reveal a more natural brown shade. Then came the mascara, blush and lipstick! Finally, the outfit and Tai was complete. A debutant unveiling of sorts lead off the next scene and Tai was a hit at high school– virtually saving her from teenage hell! 
I know it sounds absolutely ridiculous but this scene gave me hope. Hope for my future. Hope that I would eventually learn how to wear my hair and makeup properly and pick out a smashing outfit for my body type. Mission accomplished. And now, even better, I have the knowledge and products to rescue girls like Tai!
If Brittany Murphy has taught me anything, it’s that regular girls can make a big hit– given the right beauty products and fashion!
Brittany, you will be missed.
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About The Author
Victoria Stiles is a make-up artist from Washington, DC working in New York and worldwide for commercial print, editorial fashion, red carpet events and weddings. Victoria’s client roster includes celebrities Roberta Flack, Jordin Sparks, Real Housewives of New York’s Jill Zarin, and publications Glamour, O Magazine, Vogue, Surface, Virginia Living, and Washingtonian. Stiles’ expertise in make-up is frequently called upon by local and National publications. Recent articles in Washingtonian, Real Simple, Women’s Health, American Baby, and Northern Virginia Magazine showcases and quotes her knowledge in make-up and labels her as an industry leader.
In addition to artistry, Stiles is a presenter for The Powder Group-- an organization uniting makeup artists worldwide with relevant industry information and career guidance. She has presented seminars nationally at The Artist Summit and The Makeup Shows.
Follow her on Twitter @victoriastiles and add her on other social media networks here.
www.VictoriaStiles.com
