Hometown Heroes: Judy Twine

An Emmy-nominated make-up artist makes her mark with Take 5 Cosmetics.

While the saying suggests putting your best foot forward is the way to make a good impression, in image-conscious Los Angeles , it's all about putting your best face forward. But that doesn't mean you're limited to being a model or actress to find success in tinsel town. Just ask make-up artist Judy Twine.

Twine's interest in faces started young, dating all the way back to childhood doodles that favored eyes as a highlighted feature. But her first major exposure to the beauty industry came when she entered the world of modeling at 15.

"I found myself more interested in the make-up and artists than the latest model talk," Twine recalls. Although she was landing high-end modeling jobs and saw herself well on her way to a successful modeling career, Twine wanted something more. After spending time watching all the make-up artists work, getting a feel for all the colors and tones, Twine began doing make-up for other models on photo shoots.

Twine got some career-affirming recognition after working with one of San Francisco 's most sought-after photographers, who – after seeing her artistry – invited her to work with him exclusively. She declined, deciding instead to enroll in Beauty College and take specialty courses while entering make-up competitions, always placing in the top two. After completing her schooling she set out for Hollywood , and though the road was tough, she landed her big break when an interview with a casting agent turned into a gig to replace another make-up artist for a music video.

And the rest, as they say, is history. Twine's fruitful career has seen her work with the casts of shows like Ugly Betty and Eve, doing specials like the Grammy Awards and American Music Awards, films like Hilary Swank's upcoming Freedom Writers among many others. And, of course, there's her Emmy nomination. But rather than rest on her laurels, Twine took the next step and created an exclusive make-up line, Take 5 Cosmetics.

"Take 5 Cosmetics transcends all ages and all ethnicities," Twine notes. "We target everyone from those in front of the camera to those who are not. We believe the spotlight falls on everyone, even when we are unaware of this. People are judged based on appearance alone within just three minutes of meeting someone."

Drawing her inspiration from her fashionable daughter Monique – as well as the wants and needs of both celebrity and non-celebrity clients – Twine's Take 5 Cosmetics offer a broad range of styles and skin tones to compliment even the most difficult faces. Couple that with changes in season, and Twine has her work cut out for her. "A make-up line and fashion line are very similar, as color dictates the season. Making sure there is something for everyone is our biggest challenge," she says.

But she's definitely on to something – the entire line was purchased by the production of Ugly Betty, and is used on all the shows actors and actresses. Ask Twine what the most essential piece of the line is, and she'll tell you the Complete Face Palette is the way to go, taking you from day to evening without hassle or worry. Is she obsessed with any recent trends?

"No, make-up trends come and go," Twine says. "We never want to be obsessed with one look, as this stifles creativity."

We can't wait to see where Twine's creativity takes her next.

Take 5 Cosmetics can be purchased by visiting http://www.take5cosmetics.com or calling (888)205-5680.