Mo caught everyone’s eye while on television this fall. An electric beauty and celebrity makeup artist, Maura ‘Mo’ Lewit has officially been voted off her new Lifetime reality competition TV series “Blush: The Search for the Next Great Makeup Artist.” Although lucky enough to become one of the ten contestants chosen from around the country, she was competing for a contract as a professional artist with Max Factor, a cash prize of $100,000 and the opportunity to be the makeup artist for an upcoming InStyle magazine photo shoot. Hosted by Vanessa Marcil, in each episode, the contestants all lived under one roof in Los Angeles, and competed in different makeup competitions designed to test the skills and personality traits necessary for success in their field.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Mo moved to Los Angeles and attended UCLA while training in make-up with Joe Blasco’s school of makeup. After a six-year makeup career in Los Angeles, she decided to move to Las Vegas where she is currently a senior makeup artist for the Bellagio Salon in the Bellagio Hotel and Casino.
Over her career span, Mo has worked with Cirque Du Soleil, the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, Rachel McAdams (“The Notebook”) and Omorosa Manigault-Stallworth (Donald Trump’s NBC show “The Apprentice”) and Norma Strait, for the Country Music Awards. Her regular clientele includes actress Jennifer Tilly and author Lucie Venture. She is currently the head makeup artist for the Las Vegas-based cable television show “In My Corner”, starring Rasheeda Ali.
LA’s the Place interviews Mo on her experience with BLUSH.
LA’s The Place: What did you think of the entire BLUSH TV show experience?
Mo Lewitt: If I had to sum up my experience on Blush in three words it would be, exhausting, challenging, and extremely fun!
LATP: Would you have done anything differently?
ML: I am very proud of my performance on Blush. I made quick creative decisions and worked well under pressure. I think if I could have done anything differently I think I would have fought Maxi for the spot light just a little more. A tall order, I know!
LATP: What did you learn from the experience?
ML: Through this experience on Blush, I have learned that there is very little reality in reality TV, and sometimes you just have to roll with the punches. Having had this experience though, I know that I am walking away a more seasoned makeup artist and I have learned to really think outside of the box.
LATP: Did you get close with anyone from the cast?
ML: The one thing I would not trade for the world is the friendships I have made with the cast; even Maxi! I am so pleased to call myself their friends; especially Farah. We have become so close and I couldn’t ask for a better partner to work with.
LATP: What is up next for you in 2009?
ML: I am so excited for 2009. I would really like to see myself as a beauty consultant on television and someday have my own school for makeup design.
Catch Mo on rerun episodes of “Blush” Tuesdays at 10 pm EST/PST on Lifetime.
Find Mo online at: www.myspace.com/momakeup, on her Facebook under “Mo Makeup” and on Lifetime’s website www.mylifetime.com/on-tv/shows/blush.
View a preview at: www.mylifetime.com.
