Zendaya in the Variety Portrait Studio at Beautycon Festival Los Angeles
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Entertainment Spotlight: Brooke Lewis Bellas
Brooke Lewis Bellas can currently be seen in the film The Mourning. She also brought her talent to the role of Pam Deluca in the comedy ½ New Year, about a tight-knit group of friends letting loose at their annual Half New Year Party. Brooke is a veteran of the horror genre and is returning to those roots with a role in the upcoming zombie film set in 1950’s Hollywood, The Day of The Living Dead. Her other film credits include the critically-acclaimed films Psycho Therapy, iMurders, and Sinatra Club, opposite Danny Nucci. Brooke’s TV credits include Fox’s Quintuplets. She will next be seen in the steaming series Red Rooms, which she also produced. Alongside her acting work, Brooke is a life coach and author of Coaching From A Professed Hot Mess, is a Celebrity Ambassador for the Breaking The Chains Foundation, participates in LA Mission Feed The Homeless, and is a staunch LGBTQ and AIDS Activist.
You have worked extensively in the horror genre—what is it that draws you to that particular genre?
I have always embraced my inner detective and have loved solving mysteries. No wonder I have been a huge fan of Alfred Hitchcock and Brian De Palma most of my life! I was also obsessed with vampires as a young girl and loved the ‘80s horror films when I was growing up. I have always been drawn to the darkness, unknown, mystery and escapism that horror offers. I also love how the horror genre embraces women of all body types (and curves) and offers strong roles for women!
If you could, is there anything that you would want to change about the horror genre?
If I could change anything about the horror genre, it would be the mainstream and public perception. Horror is often perceived as B-movie quality, evil, cultish, or less respectful than comedy or other genres, and that can be a false perception. There are many mainstream movies that we have all loved throughout the history of cinema and these are the type of horror genre films that I grew up watching. I have never been a fan of gratuitous horror and I could reference my favorites, from Alfred Hitchcock to Agatha Christie to Stephen King to Brian De Palma to the current thrillers and mainstream entertainment brought to us by Blumhouse or Jordan Peele, that are timeless. I wish people would understand how smart some of these screenplays are, the subtext of the stories being told. I wish the judgment and stigma of a lot of horror would be removed.
What would you say makes for a good scene partner?
I have been fortunate to act opposite some veteran greats and brilliantly talented actors, and I would, humbly, say that the most important components that make for a good scene partner are generosity, vulnerability, and openness—a partnership in which we listen and support each other. I have worked for over 20 years as an actress in this crazy industry, and there is little I have not experienced. I cannot say that working opposite the most “talented” or trained actors have necessarily been the best scene partner experiences for me. But working opposite generous actors who give and who support you, as you do for them, and you become like a well-oiled machine where the parts work better together…those actors who want you to succeed, who want to bring out the best in you, and you and them, a give and take—that is when movie magic is created!
Fashion Spotlight: Fiona Frills
16-year-old beauty, fashion, and lifestyle influencer and entrepreneur Fiona Frills launched her YouTube channel at the age of 10, and has since amassed over 1 Million followers. At the age of 13, Fiona decided to turn her obsession with makeup into a beauty brand and began developing her own makeup and skincare line, Frilliance. She personally formulated and designed all the products in the line. She is also a model and actress, appearing on Disney Channel’s GameOn and several national commercials. Fiona took the time to answer some questions. Check it out:
What inspired you to create your own makeup line?
I know firsthand what it’s like to have teenage skin and regular breakouts. And, I love and have always loved all things makeup. When I started breaking out with pimples, I decided to research makeup ingredients to see if that could be the problem. I found that so many products use ingredients that cause acne and pimples or make them worse! That’s when the light bulb went off and I decided to make the products that I couldn’t find - clean, natural products that won’t irritate your skin or cause acne.
What do you never leave the house without?
I hate to say this but my I can’t leave the house without my iPhone!
If you could only use one type of makeup for the rest of your life, what would you pick?
That’s tough. It’s between lip gloss, mascara, and concealer. If I had to pick one, I would pick lip gloss - it can double for a glossy eyeshadow or even rosy up my cheeks!
Can you describe the process of creating your own makeup line?
The first products I decided to create are my daily essentials - lip gloss, highlighter, blush, facial mist and a serum. These are the basics for any teen wanting a natural look and to get that amazing dewey glow.
I started from scratch and formulated my makeup and skincare line for what I call “teen-prone” skin, a kinder way to say “acne-prone” skin. I worked closely with my lab to create makeup products that are natural and work best for sensitive skin. All of my products are non-comedogenic (won’t clog your pores!), cruelty-free/animal-friendly (I love animals!), hypoallergenic (won’t bother sensitive skin), fragrance-free (ideal for all skin types), free of parabens, phthalates, SLS, mineral oil, and petroleum. It was a long process but loved creating this line so much.
The last part was coming up with a name. My YouTube channel and all my social media is Fiona Frills. One day I was doing some schoolwork and the word brilliance came up and somehow I saw Frilliance! Brilliance with and F. It stuck with me and I love that even the spell checker wants to correct Frilliance to Brilliance. The name Frilliance reminds me to create products that highlight the brilliance all teens already have.
Do you have a favorite video or tutorial that you’ve ever made?
My Living Like Billie Eilish For A Day video! It was a full transformation - hair, clothes, makeup! For this video, I really stepped out of my comfort zone and it actually had a lasting effect on me and how I feel about myself - it gave me more confidence.
Who would be your dream person to collab with?
Probably not a surprise, but I would love to do a collaboration with Billie Eilish. She is such an inspiration for teens. I love that she is very raw and open, she is even open about her Tourettes. I have learning challenges because of my amblyopia and she inspires me to be more open about that too.
If you could take a masterclass on any subject, what would you learn and who would you want to teach you (e.g. a cooking class with Gordon Ramsay)?
A business and beauty industry course by Kylie Jenner & Kris Jenner.
Lighting round! Describe each of the following in one word: Who you are, what you value the most, and what you’d be if you were a food item.
Who are you: Spontaneous.
What you value most: Happiness
Food item: Taki’s because they are spicy and unexpected.
What’s next for you?
Expanding my makeup and skincare brand and continuing to inspire more gen Z'ers with my YouTube channel and helping them find their passion to go for it!
Pictured: A Jedi master poses in front of fan art from Tumblr at the world premiere of Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Entertainment Spotlight: Dara Renee’, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
Los Angeles-born and Baltimore-raised, Renee’ has entertainment in her genes. Since the age of 11, Renee’ has studied at her and her mom’s performing arts studio, “Encouraging Youth to Dream.” She recently starred as Savannah in Disney Channel’s Original Movie Freaky Friday, has guest starred on ABC’s The Kids Are Alright and recently landed the recurring role of Stunts on the hit ABC show black-ish. Renee’ plays the role of Kourtney, Nini’s ride-or-die best friend who’s obsessed with makeup tutorials and feminism in equal measure. Kourtney works on the costume crew of “High School Musical,” pulling together runway-ready fashion on a high school budget. Check out our interview with her:
Describe the role of Kourtney in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
Kourtney is a powerful force to be reckoned with. She is Nini’s BFF and prides herself on being a feminist. She is most known for her makeup tutorials and whipping up runway fashion on a high school budget. She works on the costume crew for “High School Musical,” making sure everyone looks fierce and sickening at ALL COSTS!
What is your favorite line of hers (without any spoilers)?
To Big Red, Ricky’s best friend: “I’m dismantling the patriarchy this year and I’m NOT afraid to start with you.”
Describe High School Musical: The Musical: The Series in emojis.
😱😍🤯☕️😭🙌🏾
Did you get a chance to meet with any of the original HSM cast members?
I actually got a chance to do an interview with Monique Coleman before I even auditioned for High School Musical: The Musical: The Series! She was legit so sweet and just straight up AMAZING. She has been a role model to me ever since I was young, and I feel like now that I’m older, I truly understand the powerful impact she has on people around the world. I love her soooo much!
I ALSO got a chance to meet Corbin Bleu in person at D23 Expo. That was beyond crazy due to the fact that he was my childhood crush! And seeing him now?! OMGOSH – he’s still as fine as can be!!!
What’s the funniest photo that you have on your phone right now (either share or describe it)?
So I go to a coffee shop here in LA and the waiter gives me a cappuccino on the house! And I’m over here thinking he’s flirting with me, so I took this selfie thinking I was cute. I go to the waiter to thank him - and I was low key flirting because I’m smooth like that! - and he proceeded to tell me that another customer ordered it but quickly realized he had a harsh allergy to the coffee…and the waiter was obligated to give it to someone else. The only other person in the shop was me.
Thanks, Dara! Catch High School Musical: The Musical: The Series on Disney+, and stay tuned for the rest of the HSMTMTS Spotlights, going live all week right here!