Keeping Celebs Looking Their Best: Sara Rose

Sara Rose is called to work with celebrities in film, music, fashion, and just about anything you might assume contains elements of glamour, but that’s not the only reason she gets called. The famous — as well as the not so famous — will concede that while Sara’s skill and talent are unequivocal, her disposition is a key influencer in their decision to work with her. Ask anyone in the entertainment industry and they’ll tell you that there is an overflow of qualified professionals, but what they are really looking for is someone great at the job whom they also enjoy working with.

“Every day brings a new challenge. Working on a person’s personal aesthetic is a very honorable job. You are working within their personal bubble, so you need to be aware of their energy, their personal aesthetic and also within their personal comfort level. I have a passion for people; learning about them and making them feel their best version of self. Sometimes all they need is a little bit of lipstick and if that moment puts an extra pep in their step for the rest of the day, my heart is full! I tend to put everyone before myself but I know I wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t do that. I believe my clients see that and that’s a part of why they come back,” says Sara.

When celebrities come to Canada, securing Sara is often the first call that goes out to make sure appearances are of the highest quality at major events. Whether hairstyle or makeup, matching looks to the personality of the individual is Sara’s forte. Vetting this statement are Sara’s numerous recognitions such as Westender’s Voters Choice as Top Three Makeup Artist/Salon in 2017 and a Leo Award nomination in 2015. Of course, the greatest accolade is her continuing work with some of the most recognizable names.

Actor, Jacob Tremblay, attended the TIFF premiere of his 2016 film Burn Your Maps in Toronto and Sara was hired as his groomer for the star-studded event. Known for his work in the triple Oscar-winning film Room, in which he starred with Brie Larson (Oscar winner for Best Actress in a Lead Role for this film) and the Oscar-nominated Wonder (with Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, and Mandy Patinkin), Jacob had a full day of interviews followed by the Red Carpet event. Sara ensured that he appeared as the major star he is every moment along the way.

When model (Christian Dior, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Jean Paul Gaultier, Donna Karan), Victoria’s Secret Angel, and Estée Lauder’s Global spokesmodel, Karlie Kloss, visited Vancouver in 2017, she caused quite a stir around the city. Sara was hired to beautify her and admits that Karlie’s striking natural good looks were a breeze to work with. Sara did her own research in advance to familiarize herself with Karlie’s personal style to create looks for both day and evening that would feel natural and intuitive for the celebrity model.

Primetime Emmy, Juno, and Billboard Music Award winner, Carly Rae Jepsen, performed an evening with the Vancouver Orchestra, which featured numerous costume changes, augmented with hairstyles by Sara. Carly’s ubiquitous hit “Call Me Maybe” was 2012’s biggest selling song. Carly’s appearance with the orchestra was both natural and elegant; varied as the musical styles she sang that evening.

No one is as surprised as Sara that her career has evolved in this manner. What began as an aspiration to work in the world of fashion (during two seasons of New York Fashion Week) left her feeling unfulfilled, so Sara focused on practicing her skills in salons with private clients. It wasn’t long before her acclaim spread and celebrities and their teams came looking for Sara.

“I love beautifying women for special events and working at the hair salon. The versatility is what keeps me going. Working at a hair salon offers stability and allows me to keep in touch with a phenomenal array of clients, helping them become their best selves. On the other hand, I adore doing special events. When booked for special events, about 95% of the time I am doing both hair and makeup. I love creating the full look for my clients. I’m very hands-on and it’s hard for me to not do one or the other,” Sara explains.

Most recently, Sara’s work can be seen on television as she is serving as Key Hairstylist on E! Network’s newest series Nat & Liv, featuring the breakout stars of WAGS, Natalie Halcro and Olivia Pierson.

The talent and temperament of Sara Rose continue to make her one of the most in-demand professionals in the entertainment industry…but she’ll always continue to make time for those of us who aren’t celebrities as well.