Conrad Sanchez: Skin Care and Makeup

By Noelle Bartl

Theatre major Conrad Sanchez-Sikes (Attended) had big dreams of making it in Hollywood while learning the craft at ENMU. Little did this young man from Albuquerque know, his future career would take him not only to California, but to Chicago, New York, Paris and Milan as well.

After leaving ENMU, Conrad moved to the City of Angels to try acting. A fellow Los Angeles actor gave him advice that would forever change Conrad’s career path. The friend said, “Say ‘yes’ to anything!” So Conrad did.

He landed a job as a makeup artist for Lorimar Television’s series “Sisters.” His background in stage makeup gave him the ability to decipher the makeup for the TV show’s “extras.” From that first gig, he was hired to do makeup for more episodes, then was asked to do makeup for the actors’ personal head shots, then other photographers hired him for photo shoots.

“I never felt pulled away from my acting dream,” recalls Conrad. “Instead, I was introduced to the world of makeup.” Conrad built his makeup kit by trading his training skills for products from a friend who worked for Chanel. Conrad continued to expand his

résumé while doing makeup for Los Angeles runway shows and some of his work was published in Seventeen Magazine.

While this New Mexican built a name for himself in Los Angeles and Phoenix, Chanel was watching him. They were aware of his consistent promotion of their products, and although they originally asked him to interview for a regional makeup artist position for all of the west coast and Arizona, the iconic fashion company hired him instead as a national makeup artist. Conrad was one of only four who held this role.

Conrad moved to Chicago and traveled to New York, Paris, Milan and all over the United States. He was responsible for the makeup and training of the other Chanel artists, as well as for New York Fashion Week and runway shows in Europe. His 12 years with Chanel included doing makeup at the Academy Awards for Hollywood stars including Nicole Kidman, Demi Moore, Lindsay Lohan, Hugh Grant and more. Conrad was also responsible for the Saks Fifth Avenue account and he pulled Chanel up to the number one spot over all other cosmetic brands offered in the luxury department store.

“ENMU professors taught me all aspects of theatre, not just acting,” reminisced Conrad. “It was all hands on deck with our stage productions and that really helped me shine in my career.”

In 2007, Conrad returned to his roots and be closer to his parents. Returning to Albuquerque, he worked as a makeup artist for the series “Breaking Bad,” as well as other productions and commercials. After being treated like makeup royalty for 12 years with Chanel, however, Conrad didn’t much enjoy being called to work in the middle of the night on Albuquerque productions. This inspired him to pursue his New Mexico aesthetician license, and five years ago Conrad started his own business. As you would guess, his work was a hit and Conrad Sanchez Skin Care was awarded “Best of the City” for four years in a row.

So, if you are ever in Albuquerque and want to be treated to the best skin care by a world-class experienced aesthetician (and fellow Greyhound), you can reach Conrad at ConradSanchezSkinCare.com.

“Give me a year. I will change your skin,” Conrad pledged.