Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Charis Michelsen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Charis thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
It thrills me to uplift others personally and professionally, and I’m so grateful I’m able to do this regularly by being a Co-Editor and columnist for two luxury global publications, Elle Global Woman (EGW) Magazine (egwglobalmagazine.com) and Bella Vida Magazine (bellavidamagazine.com). Since childhood, I’ve been passionate about empowering and educating others, so all can fully participate in the joy life offers. When I see people struggle with an activity or not being valued, I’ve always loved to lend a hand to help them along and shine on them, so they can participate in what they want to be involved in and be acknowledged and appreciated. I’ve always been my own advocate and use what’s helped me to help others.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I moved to New York City alone from my small hometown in Oregon to attend the best design school in the world, Parsons School of Design/The New School. My plan was to become a fashion designer. I didn’t apply to attend any other school, so I’m grateful I was accepted.
When I was scouted by a photographer for Harper’s BAZAAR magazine within two weeks of being in Manhattan, my professional modeling career was launched. I’ve worked for several renowned brands such as Levi’s, Pepsi, Tommy Hilfiger, Dell, and Conair, been in top magazines such as Mademoiselle, Paper, Glamour, Redbook, People, Hamptons, Seventeen, Surface, and Psychology Today, and starred in music videos for bands such as Type O Negative.
After my modeling agent sent me to audition for a movie, which I booked, I was offered the lead in another film by the project’s producers, which launched my professional acting career.
My life changed again when actress Liv Tyler and her singer/model/manager mother Bebe Buell spotted me in the crowd at a rock concert, and they were introduced to me. Bebe was managing the careers of both Liv and Debbie Harry of the legendary band Blondie, and became my career manager. She connected me with the talent agency Innovative Artists and the Celebrity Division within the modeling agency IMG. I was invited to star in a music video with Liv for her stepfather’s band and went on to work with some of the most talented people in the entertainment industry, such as Academy award-winning directors Martin Scorsese and Curtis Hanson and major stars such as Robert Downey Jr., Michael Douglas, Katie Holmes, Tobey Maguire, Radha Mitchell, and Nicolas Cage.
I loved watching what makeup artists and stylists did while on photoshoot and movie sets and noticed a connection between their work and fine art. Having a natural interest in fine art from studying at Parsons School of Design/The New School, I gained my professional makeup artist certification, and was then offered a position as a national and international spokesperson for one of the world’s top five luxury cosmetic companies, which I accepted.
During and after speaking on behalf of the luxury cosmetic company at events, attendees would ask me, “What should I do to look my best?” Not initially having all the answers, and being someone who’s passionate about helping others, I went to work to answer this question for everyone, so all could look and feel their best. Thankfully, I succeeded! I created what I call the Universal Beauty Standard System™, which is a science-based system that prescribes to each individual what they can do to maximize their physical appeal. I used my system to create the world’s most comprehensive beauty books, which I self-illustrated and which include techniques I invented, titled Hollywood Beauty: The Art of Star Makeup and Grooming for Men: Dirty to Polished. My books can be viewed from my website, charismichelsen.com. Through the education offered in my books, an individual should no longer feel compelled to copy the beauty looks of their favorite stars, as they now have better tools than stars to look like their own celebrity. Former president of Universal Pictures Thom Mount, who independently produced films such as Natural Born Killers, kindly wrote that my books will “have meaning and value in society and will stand alongside the work of other authors who understand their subjects at an extraordinary cellular level; think Julia Child’s [Mastering] The Art of French Cooking.”
I met Thom while starring in a film he produced, and during one of our conversations, he discovered I had written a screenplay and asked to read it. He loved it and wanted to develop a project with me, which we did. I’m now commissioned to write feature-length screenplays, have created and developed TV projects, one of which is fashion & beauty-related, which I’ll be hosting and which is connected to a legendary Hollywood establishment, and am producing an important movie with an A-list Executive Producer. Much of my screenwriting work is in alignment with what is meaningful to me: inspiring and uplifting others.
To help people know what they should do to look their best from head to toe, I used my Universal Beauty Standard System™ to answer the age-old question “What should I wear?” for all and created an algorithm which was used to build an artificial intelligence (AI) personal stylist. My AI Stylist helps one choose personally ideal fashion and beauty products and styles one better than a celebrity stylist without making stylists obsolete, due to a Pro feature. My AI Stylist will also help fashion and beauty vendors reduce returns, so they can retain more revenue.
In homage to my initial goal to be a fashion designer, I designed and patented a signature diamond-dot pattern, which is intended for use with a line of conscience fashion and accessory products I’ve designed. My pattern is expressed in twenty colors and contains a unique color technology that makes each act as a neutral, allowing each color to be more compatible with various outfits. Brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Goyard have gorgeous signature patterns, and I wanted to create my own that employs unique, beautiful, and wearable color combinations.
My achievements and problem-solving capabilities have inspired others to offer me C-level positions, and I’m currently consulting with major brands to help them build more and better business. I also consult with individuals and groups who are interested in being walked through how to use makeup and grooming to maximize their physical appeal, and I have a charity that accepts donations, so those in need can access the self-confidence-building tools that can change their life for the better. To give to my charity, please visit my website (charismichelsen.com) and click the STORE tab, then CHARITY on the drop-down menu.
I’m so very grateful for all the honors I’ve received, such as invitations to be a Co-Editor and columnist for EGW Global Woman Magazine and Bella Vida Magazine, whose Editor-in-Chief, Erin Schmidt, chose me to be on the cover of Bella Vida’s first issue. I’m also thankful to the many other wonderful publications who’ve put me on the cover, included me in important “top” lists, and given me several kind compliments. About me, Forbes wrote “Her contributions to the beauty and fashion industry are commendable.” L.A. Weekly qualified me as “One of Top 10 Entrepreneurs.” And World’s Leaders Magazine wrote that I am “One of the World’s Top Brands.” Other publications have kindly deemed me “A Beauty & Fashion Icon and Innovator.”, “The Martha Stewart of Makeup.”, and “The New Face of the Beauty Industry.” I’ve also been ranked one of the world’s top five makeup artists and been awarded several awards, such as a Bemy for “Makeup Influencer of the Year 2023.”
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My passion to help all look and feel their best and be the most they can be in life drives me. Everyone should be able to enjoy their life to the fullest and be their most successful. When you feel good in your own skin, you have more confidence, which gives you the courage to reach personal and professional goals. Everyone deserves to fly, and I want to be the air under their wings that lifts them as high as they want to go.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
To see how my work transforms lives and businesses for the better. Building up individuals and businesses ensures stronger families and communities, and I want to see all of humanity thrive!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://charismichelsen.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charismichelsen_official
Image Credits
Daniel Weber, Mikhail Goldenberg