Oré Make-up Design: for those ‘special times,' she helps women look their best

STANHOPE - Those special times in a woman’s life where she wants to look her best - her prom, her wedding day - are the domain of Karen Orefice, owner and manager of Oré Make-up Design. Orefice has been helping make these special days even more special for 12 years with her beauty services, although her experience in the beauty and bridal industry goes back 20 years. Her goal is to provide a woman with the confidence to flawlessly carry her through that out-of-the-ordinary occasion. “Trends come and go and can be confusing when it comes to the do’s and don’ts of makeup choice and application,” said the beauty consultant. “It’s really about personal style, and whatever works for your individual taste.” Although she describes her education as “self-taught,” she has taken many and varied classes in beauty and design. She believes that in the beauty industry, talent and intuition are as important as schooling. “With an eye for make-up and clothes, I saw the need within myself to bring that out,” she said. Bridal assignments comprise a major part of her business, but she has also done events at Crystal Springs in Vernon and at venues throughout the state and in Manhattan. She has done work for television, including Fox 5 News, the WB channel, and a wedding segment on ABC’s Regis and Kelly. She has also participated in runway shows for Tommy Hilfiger. Orefice always had an interest in make-up and fashion, even as a student of Lenape Valley Regional High School. A lifelong Stanhope resident, she says she does not work out of a studio because her forte is working at the client’s site. Working with a team of hair and make-up professionals, she will travel to on-site locations of the client’s requirement. “Our studio is your home, hotel, whatever,” she said. Her technique involves assessing individuals in order to choose the proper make-up to fit their lifestyle. “It’s all about subtleness,” she explains. “Make-up should be in the background, not the first thing you see when you approach a woman.” She first meets with her clients to perform a trial based on her evaluation of the needs of the client and the event taking place. “I like selling my skill; I’m not about selling product,” she said. Orefice said that as cost is a consideration more often than not, she will recommend products based on the client’s budget. In addition to the specialty care, Orefice gives lessons in make-up application to both groups and individuals. She confidently says that her clients learn “worry-free techniques to enhance their overall look.” Included in the classes are theory of color and placement, skin care preparation, and brow shaping. Orefice also works in cooperation with Exquisite Bride in Sparta. “I take great pride in the individual’s overall impression,” she adds. “I hope to make them feel good within themselves.” She accepts bookings up to six months from the event, but will oblige last-minute appointments if available. Oré Make-Up Design, Stanhope; call 201-230-1573.