Popp uses makeup to help promote confidence
For decades, makeup has been used for many different purposes: building confidence, prepping for photos, and for hiding any of those natural blemishes that come with age.
For Fremont High School junior Alena Popp, makeup has become a way to build confidence and create new relationships.
“Doing makeup for others has created an outlet for me to communicate and create new friends,” said Popp, “while I am also able to do something I enjoy.”
Popp has been interested in makeup art ever since she was a young girl. It all started for Popp when she would watch her mom apply her daily makeup.
“I would always watch my mom do her makeup when I was younger and I’d always run off with it,” said Popp. “So, when I was about 12, I started my first job babysitting. I then used all of the money I had earned to pay for my makeup. From there, I pretty much taught myself all of the things I know about makeup. It’s always been so fun for me to mess around with different techniques.”
Doing makeup for some of her friends has allowed Popp to capitalize on her talents.
“Some of my friends would recommend other people to come get their makeup done by me,” said Popp. “I have actually made a few friends through makeup. It is a good way to socialize with new people.”
Junior Isabel Miller received a makeover from Popp prior to going to the homecoming dance her freshman year.
“Alena and I were hanging around in the same group, and somehow she ended-up being my makeup artist for homecoming,” said Miller. “She (Alena) really helped me feel beautiful that night. She used so many different products that I had never even heard of. I was like her canvas.”
Popp said she did some makeup sessions with other FHS students before this year’s prom.
“I was really excited to do some of my friend’s makeup for prom,” Popp said. “Not that makeup is required in order to be beautiful, but it definitely helps boost the confidence of some people. Prom was a very exciting night where everyone could express themselves through makeup and fashion. I just wanted to help people do that. It’s definitely fun to get dolled-up every once in a while.”
Popp says she plans to take her makeup talents to the next level after she graduates from FHS.
“I plan to become a professional makeup artist after high school,” Popp said. “I love how free doing makeup makes me feel. You really get to express yourself in any way you want. I consider it (makeup) as an almost therapeutic activity.”
Miller said she is very supportive of Popp’s desire to become a makeup artist.
“In all honesty, I couldn’t imagine a more perfect career for her,” Miller said. “Seeing how she treats doing makeup, it’s like actual art to her. She reminds me of the makeup artists I see from videos on TikTok. I think if anyone has a chance at becoming successful through makeup, it should be Alena. She not only does a good job, she also makes anyone she works with feel beautiful and confident, which is really important.” Story by Megan Rayl
For Fremont High School junior Alena Popp, makeup has become a way to build confidence and create new relationships.
“Doing makeup for others has created an outlet for me to communicate and create new friends,” said Popp, “while I am also able to do something I enjoy.”
Popp has been interested in makeup art ever since she was a young girl. It all started for Popp when she would watch her mom apply her daily makeup.
“I would always watch my mom do her makeup when I was younger and I’d always run off with it,” said Popp. “So, when I was about 12, I started my first job babysitting. I then used all of the money I had earned to pay for my makeup. From there, I pretty much taught myself all of the things I know about makeup. It’s always been so fun for me to mess around with different techniques.”
Doing makeup for some of her friends has allowed Popp to capitalize on her talents.
“Some of my friends would recommend other people to come get their makeup done by me,” said Popp. “I have actually made a few friends through makeup. It is a good way to socialize with new people.”
Junior Isabel Miller received a makeover from Popp prior to going to the homecoming dance her freshman year.
“Alena and I were hanging around in the same group, and somehow she ended-up being my makeup artist for homecoming,” said Miller. “She (Alena) really helped me feel beautiful that night. She used so many different products that I had never even heard of. I was like her canvas.”
Popp said she did some makeup sessions with other FHS students before this year’s prom.
“I was really excited to do some of my friend’s makeup for prom,” Popp said. “Not that makeup is required in order to be beautiful, but it definitely helps boost the confidence of some people. Prom was a very exciting night where everyone could express themselves through makeup and fashion. I just wanted to help people do that. It’s definitely fun to get dolled-up every once in a while.”
Popp says she plans to take her makeup talents to the next level after she graduates from FHS.
“I plan to become a professional makeup artist after high school,” Popp said. “I love how free doing makeup makes me feel. You really get to express yourself in any way you want. I consider it (makeup) as an almost therapeutic activity.”
Miller said she is very supportive of Popp’s desire to become a makeup artist.
“In all honesty, I couldn’t imagine a more perfect career for her,” Miller said. “Seeing how she treats doing makeup, it’s like actual art to her. She reminds me of the makeup artists I see from videos on TikTok. I think if anyone has a chance at becoming successful through makeup, it should be Alena. She not only does a good job, she also makes anyone she works with feel beautiful and confident, which is really important.” Story by Megan Rayl
Junior Alena Popp practices some makeup application techniques on senior Galilea Santillan at Popp’s house last month. Popp, who aspires to be a professional makeup artist after high school, used NYX’s Filler Instinct Lip Gloss as her finishing product of Santillan’s makeup session. Photo by Megan Rayl