cosmetics her , during which she worked with Nicki Minaj , Bruno Mars , The Struts and other high-profile clients .
During this time , Figueroa continued to follow the work of Eve Pearl , afive-time EmmyAward winner of whom she says “ She ’ s an education and abig influence in my career .” Pearl ’ s publicist had been sending Figueroa products to use on sets , and in 2010 , she asked her if she ’ d like toassist Pearl at the International Beauty Show at Manhattan ’ s Jacob Javits Center . As usual , Figueroa brought her focus and energy to the job .“ Icleaned her brushes and did anything she needed ,” she says . “ It was agreat experience .”
Her dedication didn ’ t go unnoticed . “ I built arelationship with her ,” says Figueroa . “ She asked , ‘ Do you want to work for me ? Youwork hard ,’ and I became her executive assistant , working with her on QVC and assisting increating makeup looks .”
Jacob Hyzer , afriend and colleague who worked with Figueroa atthe Rebecca Minkoff New York Fashion Show last season , has seen her grow as aprofessional . “ Not only does her work itself always have a ‘ wow factor ,” but her beautiful genuine energy gives her clients total confidence ,” he says . “ She is honest and has ahigh level of integrity and consistency , which is extremely admirable to me and makes it easy to choose towork with her again and again .”
The COVID pandemic presented career challenges to Figueroa , as it did to everyone else . She remembers losing over 40 wedding bookings in one weekend . “ I closed the doors ofmystudio and was in avery dark place ,” she says . To get out of it , she channeled her abundant energies into virtual makeup tutorials for students who ’ d seen her on social media and her website , facesbynydia . com . One woman was abride who had to do her own makeup for avirtual wedding ; Figueroa also gave free lessons to medical workers , teaching them how to put on makeup while using masks .
RAISED TO GIVE BACK
When Figueroa was eight years old , her family threw aparty for homeless individuals atwhich they ate and danced . It made astrong impression on her .“ My purpose is not only to just
GOOD LOOKS (( This page and opposite , clockwise from top ) Figueroa on The Dr . Oz Show ; atthe Victoria ’ s Secret Fashion Show ; Figueroa and her parents serving food at the annual Banquet of Dreams event in 2022 and ( inset ) 1998 ; at her makeup master class in San Antonio , Texas , for nearly 100 women from all over the country .
COUTESY OF NYDIA FIGUEROA
22 MAY 2023 MONTCLAIR MAGAZINE