An Interview with Francesca Guerrera-Olsen

Francesca is first and foremost a makeup artist, who was born and raised in Italy.  She came to the states as a young girl and quickly set her sites on the beauty industry.  Her career has led her to a multi-faceted beauty world, as the owner of Vista Del Mar Spa on beautiful Cape Cod, the creator of the beauty E-commerce website Visagebeauty.com and the designer of her brush collection and soon to be launched makeup line, Francesca Beauty.  Aside from her professional life, she is a mother of 2 and believes very strongly in the importance of family life.

1. Eva: You were born in Italy and arrived as young girl. Was it difficult to adjust to the culture here in the US?

Francesca:  Very much so!  As you know Europe has so much history and culture, which touches on many aspects of life: the way we think, the way we eat. Here things are different, faster, more about the present.   I now enjoy both cultures equally, although I do get confused as to where I fit in best.  I have an accent in both languages when I speak, and that is how I feel inside- just like my accent!   Luckily, we settled in beautiful Santa Barbara, and adjusting to life in America was not so difficult.

2. Eva: When did you realize your artistic talents were so strong? And how did this talent present itself in the form of makeup artistry?

Francesca:  As a young child I was involved in lots of Art Exhibits and Competitions. When I was 15, I took part in a huge exhibit in Santa Monica, California. I was the youngest artist and I recall people were thinking that my father was the artist- not me! Being a makeup artist has always been second nature to me. At age 13, I was applying professional makeup to young women.  I was quite tall and never looked my age! I can remember my blue makeup case filled with makeup I bought with my lunch money.  I would buy paintbrushes at my favorite town art store in Sicily and used them for my makeup applications.  I also remember melting lipstick colors together and crushing shadows and mixing powders to create a new color.  My parents were very supportive of my passion for art and set up an art studio for me.

3. Eva:  How did your career evolve to all you have accomplished today?

Francesca:  After a year of business school I decided to go to cosmetology school.  I knew that my goal was to educate the public on beauty.  I spent 4 years working in a local salon and then at age 24, I opened my own salon.  I was known for great hair color and corrective color.  I was also involved in makeup artistry for fashion shows and sometimes did some modeling! Today I am the proprietor of the only full service, European Day Spa and a prestigious cosmetic boutique in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and this is where I love to be the Artist that I am! I enjoy bringing out the beauty in everyone.  I have worked on some great faces as well as famous ones.

4. Eva:  You are extremely knowledgeable with regard to skincare, since you’ve worked with only the best skincare lines at your spa. How can the average consumer become as savvy as the professionals? Any general tips when deciding on a regimen?

Francesca:  Try to learn about your skin type and get facials often. Ask as many questions as possible from the experts, and also keep in mind, that it is not a rule to use products from only one skincare line. It is better to use the best products for your skin type and I am a strong believer in quality. Great products are a must for a great complexion, but you must find what agrees for you.

5. Eva: Brushes have become another cosmetic category, which can be intimidating to the customer. Some brushes are not only too expensive, but are so strange to the novice that the information on usage is hardly ever explained in detail. Any thoughts on how we can quickly learn what the pros have mastered throughout their careers?

Francesca:  Everyone who wears makeup must own a few brushes.  It is the only way to apply makeup correctly and effectively. The first step is to invest in a good set of brushes, which will make a difference on how the hairs will pick up powder and apply it. Easy instructions are another important way to understand the purpose of different brushes.  Find a makeup artist in your town and have this person teach you how to use brushes and I guarantee you that you will benefit from learning the importance of good quality brushes and their correct use.  It is exactly like an artist who needs great brushes to make great paintings! My brushes come with instructional booklets and detailed sketches on usage and also tips I have learned along the way!

6. Eva:  E-Commerce, E-Beauty…new words for new millennium. There are so many great beauty sites to choose from. How did you plan for Visagebeauty.com to compete with the others?

Francesca:   Visagebeauty.com is quite different from other sites since we are an extension of our Spa.  We like to make people feel that when they are buying on line they are at our Spa Boutique and that they are in contact with real aestheticians, body therapists, makeup artists and hair specialists.  Our spa technicians answer any questions our customers might have, and we carry only high quality products, which is part of the luxury feeling you experience at our spa.  Our staff is trained and extremely knowledgeable about each of the lines we offer. We also offer a samples and color charts to our on-line shoppers to help them make better choices.  Whenever guidance is needed, someone is there to help either on-line, by phone or in person!

7.       Eva: The home spa experience is something many people are recreating to de-stress and rejuvenate us in the comfort of our homes. What are some key items we should keep on hand to achieve the luxurious feeling whenever needed?

Francesca:  Body salts are a must to have on hand. The salts relax the muscles, detoxify and purify the skin.  Aromatherapy oils are also great to have around.  They are so effective for many problems both physically and mentally.  A normal bubble bath can immediately be turned into a spa bath with the addition of any combinations of essential oils, which will be beneficial to your skin and well being.  Top that off with a good body moisturizer and the spa feeling is recaptured. 

8.       Eva:  Sun-damage, harsh elements and poor diets can cause our complexions to show signs of aging prematurely. As a licensed esthetician, which products should we consider most important to address aging?

Francesca:  The main products I feel strongly about are a good night cream, eye cream and moisturizer with sunscreen for day use.  During the night, your skin is relaxed and should be comforted by a nurturing cream for the face and eyes.  This ritual is essential for preserving youthful supple skin.

9. Eva:  Finally, beauty is emanated through a complete sense of well-being emotionally as well as physically. What do you recommend for the busy mom or professional, who forgets to make adequate time for pampering herself?

Francesca: Pampering yourself does not have to take so much time and can basically fit into your daily routines.  Take a bath, take a  walk- anything, which can distract you from your stressful schedule, will be beneficial to you.  You will notice almost immediately a change in your face, from the sheer pleasure of spending time for only you. I personally think the notion of pampering creates a sense of indulgence or extravagance, when in reality it is just renewing and reviving oneself in order to perform at the top of your capabilities. Taking care of oneself in this way makes good sense. It improves your performance in all aspects and phases of your life.

Beautybuzz would like to thank Francesca for taking the time to talk with us.  She is very supportive and proud to be associated with

our website and would like to extend a free gift to Buzzers who shop at visagebeauty.com

Vista del Mar Spa is located in Cape Cod at 35 Scudder Avenue in Hyannis, Mass. (508) 771-0788, fax (508) 775-9631