Expert Bio: Dara Klein

"I believe that absolutely every woman has the ability to enhance her own features."

Based in New York City, Dara Klein has traveled the globe developing a unique style that has made her not just a makeup artist, but a true educator in the world of makeup. Dara has worked with and learned from the industry's greats having been personally trained by some of Hollywood's top celebrity makeup artists such as Jeanine Lobell (founder of Stila), Gucci Westman, and Sam Fine to name a few.

Now, after years of perfecting her teaching style, Dara has recently launched Daramascara, where she is set to put her mission to work - teaching women how to take the cosmetics and tools they already own and learn specific techniques for their face. Dara teaches individuals and large seminars as well as makeup artists, how to de-mystify the 'back stage' secrets most women find intimidating and unattainable. Drawing upon her 12 years of executive level training and experience in both artistry and retail at Stila and Lancôme, Dara is redefining the artistry consulting business with this philosophy: I can teach women the techniques necessary to maximize their own features.

Authentic and inspiring, Dara's simplified approach to makeup has taught makeup artists and clients alike how to own a technique, as well as a vision, when applying makeup. Dara's unique approach uses her blend of artistic skills and abilities, coupled with a magnetic personality and calming energy, giving them the confidence and knowledge needed to enhance their own features. Dara's clients repeatedly express "I’ve been doing my makeup my entire life and couldn’t wait to wake up this morning and put on my makeup after your lesson."

During her career, Dara has worked on many TV shoots, including Oprah Winfrey, MTV, Good Morning America, ABC Chicago, New York Fox Morning News, and Life and Style. She has also participated in New York City Fashion Week for the past nine years, working for such designers as Diane Von Furstenberg, Nicole Miller, Richard Tyler, Daryl K, Cynthia Steffe, Alice Roi, Banana Republic, Lily Pullitzer, Nanette Lepore and Claire Pettibone, and the list goes on.

Dara has created diverse, red carpet looks for Lake Bell, The Pussycat Dolls, Paula Abdul, Jennifer Coolidge, Nicole Miller, Cynthia Steffe, as well as Lancôme spokesmodels Selena and Elettra to name a few.

Dara's editorial work has graced the pages of WWD, Zink, Glamour, and Women's World, as well as photo shoots for major fashion houses like Bill Blass. She has worked with elite talent from famed photographer Kevin Sturman to celebrity hair stylist Oscar Blandi. Her consulting expertise has been sought out by some of the cosmetic industry’s biggest players such as Lancôme, Clinique, and Caudalie.

"Everyone can appreciate a well decorated room but you have to be taught to adapt the design to fit your living space. I would argue that everyone has a beautiful face and with the right tools, techniques and instruction everyone can enhance their features to look and feel beautiful, and I am the right person who can teach them how."

Dara currently resides in New York City with her husband, Miles.

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