Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Shorrosh.
Hi Amy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
If you had told me ten years ago that I’d become a certified makeup artist, beauty educator, and small business owner on top of leading an HR Technology team by day… I probably would’ve laughed and asked if you’d had your coffee yet.
By profession, I’ve built my career in HR Technology; bridging the gap between people and systems, and making sure the tools we use at work actually work for us. But in 2019, something shifted. My husband and I were about to become empty nesters, and for the first time in a long time, I realized I’d have the space to rediscover me, what I loved, what sparked joy, and what I wanted my next chapter to look like.
I’d always loved beauty, fashion, and helping others feel confident, and I knew I wanted to do something creative and purposeful with that passion. So I enrolled in a professional makeup artistry program and became certified in early 2020. Then… the world shut down. That unexpected pause gave me the chance to go even deeper—learning, researching, and connecting the dots between my love of beauty and my background in tech and education.
What emerged was a mission: to help women over 40 feel confident and empowered in their skin. I now specialize in pro-aging beauty education, teaching makeup techniques that actually work for our evolving features, breaking down the science behind skincare, and helping women cut through the noise of an industry that too often overlooks us.
It’s been a winding path, but every turn has brought me closer to this second-act career that feels like home.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not even close! Honestly, I’ve learned more from the bumps than the easy stretches.
When I made the decision to pursue makeup artistry in my 50s, I knew I was entering an industry that often sidelines women our age. The beauty space is dominated by youth, filtered perfection, and fast-moving trends that don’t reflect the reality, or the needs, of the women I serve. I wasn’t just learning how to apply makeup professionally, I was learning how to advocate for a demographic that’s constantly overlooked.
There were practical hurdles too: I earned my certification in early 2020, right before the world shut down. Everything I thought I’d do, hands-on lessons, building a client base, in-person networking, was suddenly off the table. But I’m no stranger to reinvention. I pivoted into research and education, digging deep into the science of skin, makeup formulations, and techniques that actually work for aging features.
And then there’s imposter syndrome. Oh yes, she shows up—loudly. Especially in the early days when I’d look around at creators half my age with massive followings and wonder, “Who’s going to listen to me?” But I’ve come to realize that experience, empathy, and authenticity are my superpowers. And the women who find me? They’re not looking for perfect, they’re looking for real.
So no, the road hasn’t been smooth. It’s been challenging, humbling, and full of growth I didn’t know I needed. But along the way, I’ve gained something far more meaningful than technical skills—I’ve found my voice, reclaimed my confidence, and built a community of women who are done playing small and ready to show up fully.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work is rooted in a pro-aging philosophy (I really dislike the term ‘anti-aging’), meaning I don’t try to “fix” aging, I help women work with it. I focus on techniques that enhance, not hide, and I teach my clients how to adapt their routines to evolving skin, features, and lifestyles.
I’m known for translating beauty into something accessible and empowering. Whether it’s a one-on-one lesson, or an honest product breakdown on YouTube, I approach it all with the heart of a trainer and the eye of a technician. My background in HR Technology shaped the way I think. I’m process-driven, solutions-focused, and curious by nature. That means I’m constantly researching tools and techniques that truly serve my audience, not just sell to them.
One session that still gives me chills was with a client named Kai. She was in her early 60s and struggling to apply her makeup due to limited mobility in her hands. We walked through adaptive tools and tailored techniques that made the process easier and more enjoyable for her. She left our session glowing, not just from the makeup, but from the feeling of being seen and supported. When she followed up days later to tell me how excited she felt to do her makeup again, I knew I was doing exactly what I was meant to do.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend technical knowledge with emotional intelligence. I don’t just teach women how to apply makeup. I help them understand why certain things work better for them now, and what to ignore from the mainstream beauty noise.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I’m a life-longer learner and I wear that badge proudly! Let’s just say my podcast queue and YouTube subscriptions reflect that. I’m constantly toggling between beauty science, business mindset, and HR innovation because they all feed different parts of who I am.
In the beauty world, I gravitate toward science-backed, smart creators who don’t fall for the fluff. I love Lab Muffin Beauty Science, Doctorly, Dr. Sherene Idriss, Dr. Amir Karam, Dr. Anthony Youn, Dr. Brighten, and Chemist Confessions. I also appreciate platforms like The Eco Well for calling out clean beauty myths with actual chemistry. And of course, Glam Girl Gabi and Breaking Beauty bring the perfect balance of education, product deep dives, and trend insights.
On the creative side, Artist to Artist by Angie Di Battista speaks to the professional makeup artist in me, and Brooke Shields’ new book “Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old”) has been a favorite lately.
For mindset and business, I always come back to The Mel Robbins Podcast and Chalene Johnson, especially when I need that “get-it-together-but-still-love-yourself” energy. I’m currently reading Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller, which is helping me refine how I speak to and connect with my audience.
And then there’s the HR tech brain in me. I still keep that side sharp with Digital HR Leaders and The Josh Bersin Podcast. It keeps me plugged into the corporate world while I build a business that’s fully my own.
At the end of the day, everything I consume helps me show up more informed, more intentional, and more in tune with the women I serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beautywithas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amy.shorrosh
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeautywithAS
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshorrosh/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@beautywithas
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@beautywithas
Image Credits
Crystal Smiley Photography
Kirill Abdullaev
