LEIGH PENMAN – RX MUSCLE
Many of you reading this will be very familiar with the name Elise Firestone as she is fast becoming known as one of our sports leading entrepreneurs.
From her days as a competitive dancer and her work as a personal trainer and aerobics instructor through to her competitive career in both figure and bikini, Elise has always brought a strong and burning ambition to her pursuits.
Possessing a gift for turning her passions into professions, Elise is now carving out quite a name for herself as a make-up artist and stylist on the competition circuit.
So just what goes on inside the mind of a maverick and how did this journey all begin for Elise? I just had to find out…..
First of all Elise, I understand that you have a strong background in competitive dance, where do you think your love of dance came from?
“My love of dance actually comes from my mom; she danced for over 20 years. At the age of 3 my mom put me in my first dance class and at the age of 5 I started competitive Irish Step dancing. I competed regionally and nationally… and at the age of 16, I competed in the World Irish Dance championships in County Claire, Ireland.”
I understand that at 19 you were diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension…those kinds of moments can be life changing. What impact did it have on you personally?
“Being diagnosed with such a rare disease at a young age was very devastating. It’s a very serious disease, and unfortunately, although controlled with medication there isn’t a cure just yet. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the disease, PH causes high blood pressure in the lungs which causes the right heart to enlarge, which in essence can cause right heart failure. This disease is rare, yet often diagnosed. I try to stay optimistic and take every day as a blessing. If anything it has pushed me to work harder, and live each day like it could be my last. For those who are affected with this, many cannot exercise due to shortness of breath. I’ve been very lucky that I’ve been able to accomplish all that I have and I have some excellent doctors who monitor my condition.”
You became a certified personal trainer and aerobics instructor in 2002 but waited till 2006 to enter your first figure competition…what inspired you to enter the world of competition?
“It was my very good friend Colette Nelson that inspired me to start competing. I always wanted to do a show but just didn’t know how to get started. I met Colette at the gym taking one of her aerobics classes, and I asked her for guidance along the way. In 2001 I started helping her backstage with photo-shoots with hair and makeup, and eventually I started developing my own cosmetic business called Cosmetic Artistry by Elise. Since then I’ve worked with over 200 figure, fitness and bodybuilding competitors. I have also worked with some companies on supplement ad campaigns that are now featured in many fitness magazines on the stands today.”
Do you still have goals in terms of competing?
“As much as I love being behind the stage and camera, I love being onstage. Now that the NPC has added the category of Bikini, I’ve found my niche. Last year I competed in three NPC bikini shows, placing 1st at the NY Mets, and placing in the top five at two national level shows. I am currently working with a new coach this year and I plan to change my body so that I can come back stronger than ever, and hopefully turn pro down the line.”
Your interest in cosmetics led you to beauty school and working with several cosmetic lines in NYC…what product lines were you involved with and on what level?
“I have freelanced for many companies including MAC and Laura Mercier. My own makeup box has such a variety of colors and products from 4.99 CVS lashes to channel $30 dollar lip-gloss. Everyone has their favorite products to use and I certainly have mine…”
Turning to ‘cosmetic enhancement’ what are your thoughts on the current Botox epidemic…it seems everyone is getting it these days…..
“It’s true… cosmetic enhancement is everywhere! Every magazine I open I see more and more stars turning to the knife or at least non-surgical procedures like Botox. I work as a cosmetic consultant at a plastic surgeons office in NY. From breast augmentations, tummy tucks, to liposuctions, I’ve seen it all. For many of these clients surgery is elective and, in my experience, the people who are the most happy with their surgeries are those who come in for breast reduction surgery.
“As far as Botox is concerned, I’ve done my research and found that it’s okay to start using Botox in your early 20’s, because it can be preventative in such areas as around the eyes (to prevent ‘crows’ feet’) and in the forehead area.”
Would you say there are any risks involved in this procedure and what advice would you give to someone considering it?
“There are risks with any kind of surgical/non-surgical procedure. The best advice I could give to someone is to thoroughly do your research before considering any procedure. Be sure to go to a medical doctor that is board certified, even when it comes to Botox. Cheaper isn’t always better, especially when it comes to your body!”
What do you think about all the various ‘anti-aging’ creams on the market…are there any that you have witnessed results with or are they mostly hype?
‘Most anti-aging creams -especially ones behind the cosmetic counters in department stores -are just high priced items that make high claims when it comes to reversing the signs of aging. Although, I think certain ingredients are beneficial to the skin, I’ve found that the best skincare comes right from your dermatologist’s office. They often recommend Cataphyll which is a mild soap that can be found right in CVS. Doses of Vitamin C and protecting your skin with the use of an SPF in your daily moisturizer are just some ways that you can prevent aging.”
What do you think about the harsher drugs that are used to treat conditions like acne, such as Roaccutane?
“For those people who have severe acne, I think it’s best to see a dermatologist rather than to treat the problem yourself. They have the right prescription drugs that can work more effectively. I also believe in laser treatments. We perform them in our office, and we’ve seen some significant differences in the skin because the laser light can get down into the dermis of the skin.”
Now let’s be totally honest here…many competitors use significant amounts of androgens these days. Are there any ways to counter the effects of these drugs or prevent them having such an impact on the skin?
“The best thing competitors can do is to take care of their skin by keeping it clean, and free of debris which can cause blocked pores. For a fresh look, I do recommend Botox and fillers two-weeks prior to your competition. If you notice a lot of the competitors can start to look very ‘weathered’ over the years. This is a result of dieting and water depletion, which can cause the skin to lose its elasticity.”
On the contest side, can you tell us what services you offer to competitors when it comes to getting them stage ready re hair and make-up and the likely costs?
“I offer a wide variety of services from private airbrush tanning for both men and women, to makeup, and hair services, as well as customized cosmetic packages which include cosmetics and everything you need to be the makeup artist yourself. My prices are very flexible and I work around pretty much any budget. I know how hard these competitors work with dieting and exercising, and the finishing touches, of makeup, tanning and hair really can make a difference in how they feel when they are on stage and ultimately how they place.”
What advantages are there in hiring a professional such as you rather than going it alone…?
“I would compare it to having someone guide you with a nutrition and exercise regime to prepare you for a show…a makeup artist does the same thing. Over the years, I’ve found that most girls either don’t wear any makeup whatsoever or, if they do, they don’t know the difference between regular everyday makeup and stage makeup. The types of makeup and color choices really make a difference. Makeup has a way of highlighting someone’s best features. Your style of hair has the same effect. The color, the cut, and the way you style your hair should be esthetically pleasing to the eye. And yes, although we are judged on symmetry, when you have two girls neck and neck for a placing, the way you present yourself with posing, suit choices and hair and makeup can be the deciding factor.”
What is the biggest mistake women make in your opinion when it comes to stage make up?
“The biggest mistake I frequently see is that girls tend to match their eye-shadow to the color of their suits. Also, just because it’s stage makeup doesn’t mean it has to be bright and caked on like a clown. There are many ways to apply shades of colors that add just enough color for stage makeup. I also see that a lot of girls have problems matching foundations, or trying to get away with using mineral makeup, which is not for stage, more for everyday use.”
Aside from all this you have also expressed an interest in becoming involved with a supplement company, is this still an interest?
“It sure is, I would love to become a part of a supplement company. I really love working with people, educating them on a good product, and of course I’m not too shabby at sales!”
While we are talking about supplements, are there any you would recommend for skin and hair health?
Collagen pills are great to take, as they help keep your skin and nails healthy. Essential Fatty Acids and vitamin C pills should also be included in your diet consistently whether you are preparing for a show or not.”
What about Hyaluronic Acid for internal or external use?
“I think if prescribed correctly it’s okay but personally I prefer I Retin A because it can be given in different dosages, by a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon.”
Now with all the shows coming up it looks like you are going to be pretty busy in the next few months…when you do get time to yourself what do you do to get away from it all?
‘Well now that the season has begun I’ve been filling up my weekends with shows, photo-shoots, hair, makeup, styling, and lecturing at fitness camps. I hope to travel to more shows this year so that I can continue to provide assistance to competitors.
“That being said, I really don’t have much time to myself, other than fitting in a workout at the gym, and maybe a trip to the nail salon. I’m always keeping busy, between emails and phone calls, but to me this isn’t work, it’s something I love to do!”
You seem to have a true entrepreneurial spirit….so what are your ultimate goals and aspirations?
“My ultimate goals are to continue to do what I love best… combining beauty and fitness. I am also in the middle of developing a line of cosmetics and hope to get that out in the next couple of months.”
Finally, how can people contact you?
Please visit my website at elisefirestone.com. I can also be contacted directly at elisefirestone@yahoo.com
Leigh Penman
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