The Case in Washington That Has Impacted Almost Every Powerful Figure

My job is to make politicians and celebrities look their best. I'm not a publicist, press secretary or a lobbyist. I never even have to speak a word, although I do listen an awful lot. Incredible words are frequently spoken behind closed doors but are never repeated. Raw emotions are displayed. Imperfections hidden. By very powerful people. Stars. Pundits. Congressman. Senators. Cabinet Members. Kings. Queens. Prime Ministers. Vice-Presidents. Presidents. I am a television make-up artist and with this opening paragraph, I lose my virtual virginity by writing my very first blog. I could not think of a better place to do so than on The Huffington Post, created by my friend and client for over twenty years, Arianna Huffington.

So why "blog" now? Since I have served as the make-up artist for so many people that have been previously (or for that matter are currently) embroiled in controversy, the opportunity to sell a story or write a book has always been there. But unless carefully done that would mean breaking confidences, telling secrets and appearing no different than so many others that want to seek out their fifteen minutes (or seconds) of fame. With all of the things that I have seen, with all of the faces that I have touched, I never quite put my entire professional life experience in perspective. It took the late Tim Russert to do that.

So much has been said about Tim, and he is deserving of every tribute. He too was a client of mine for over twenty years. I will always treasure him and the moments that I was fortunate enough to share with him in the studio, or at The White House, or wherever we were. How many people can say that they got to share a few minutes alone with John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Tim Russert in a 6'x 8' room? How many people are then asked by his family to provide make-up for his widow and son of one of our most respected colleagues at his nationally televised memorial service? Even when people are at their very worst, they want to look their best or have friends that know that they should. We are comforted in this digital age by people that look their best. We want to grieve with their pain, not at how they look.

Tim told me before he passed that my make-up capes were of great historical significance. I casually dismissed his repeated suggestions that they should be donated to a museum. Tim always tried to make his friends and colleagues feel good (as opposed to those sitting across the table from him during Meet the Press.) Tim told me he was going to give me the name and number of a museum curator the week he died. We were taping The McLaughlin Group when Tim died. I never got the number from him.

Now, with some invaluable encouragement from friends, including Arianna, Tim's advice will be followed. As usual, his instincts were razor sharp. The Museum of American History at the Smithsonian Institution will soon become the new home of my make-up case and one of my very special capes (you'll have to wait and see the extra special reason why). People will soon see exactly what Tim thought was so important. I have been busily replacing all of my make-up before the donation is completed. It had even given me the impetus to take meetings with manufacturers in Italy to create a new line of cosmetics. I can't believe I am about to be a part of history.

Why do my friends keep telling me to tell just one more story? Maybe I will start a weekly blog and reveal some declassified state secrets or better yet, some classified beauty and style tips. The reaction to this post will let me know if I should. Where do I start -- with President Mubarak or the secrets behind the successful application of mascara on another world leader that will also work fabulously on you or your favorite gal pal? The reality is that politics, style and make-up have all merged together in our Hi-Def entertainment world. I think I am finally ready to chat about it. Are you?

Comments

[newmilljulie]

Rose... save some of your great stories for the book you must write someday... but by all means... please share classified beauty and style tips! immediately! congratulations!

[Cynthia Brannan]

Incredible! Congratulations, Rose! Keep the blogs coming!!

[OverIt]

How exciting! Congratulations. You ARE the proverbial fly on the wall. Can't wait to read more!

[Andrew Barondess]

good read

[krambam]

This is fascinating. Please tell us more!!