Redefining Beauty at The A LIST Hair and Makeup Studio – Sally Van Swearingen

Sally Van Swearingen, a talented makeup artist, hairstylist, and owner of The A LIST Hair and Makeup Studio, has built her career on one guiding principle: to make every woman feel like a celebrity. Drawing inspiration from her time working in the entertainment and sports broadcasting industries, Sally noticed how stars received extra care and attention. This sparked her desire to bring that same level of care to her clients. In 2009, she launched The A LIST, an intimate salon she describes as a “best kept secret,” and 15 years later, she continues to help each client rediscover their “Beauty Power.”
The journey to success was not without its challenges. When most businesses were closing during the pandemic, Sally made the brave decision to open a new location. “It was scary, but my ladies gave me their support, and I’m beyond grateful,” she reflects. Her determination and faith in the future allowed The A LIST to thrive in its new home in Old Town Newhall.
Throughout her career, Sally has achieved many notable milestones. She was recognized by Allure magazine in the 1990s as one of the best makeup artists in the country, a recognition that propelled her career forward. She also joined the Local 706 Makeup and Hair Artists Union and had the opportunity to work with Team USA Olympic athletes, MLB All-Star Games at Dodger Stadium, and the KTLA Channel 5 makeup team. Sally’s résumé includes the Kings Hockey Stanley Cup Finals, Dodgers World Series, and the publication of her book It’s Not Over Yet. After moving to Santa Clarita in 2003, Sally’s talent was honored by élite Magazine 11 times, with awards including Ultimate Makeup Artist, Ultimate Hair Colorist, Ultimate Bridal Makeup, and Ultimate Hair Extensions.
Sally specializes in assessing the face and the lighting to create a younger, cleaner image on camera. She incorporates her extensive knowledge and experience with clean camera makeup for both women and men, ethnic makeup, special events makeup and hair, and creative projects to deliver the desired result for her clients.
Her impressive list of clients from the entertainment and business industries includes Alicia Silverstone, Amber Lynn, Amaury Nolasco, Ashley and Mary Kate Olsen, Bea Arthur, Benjamin Bratt, Blake Lively, Brad Garrett, Carson Daly, Chace Crawford, Christy Smith, Danny Bonaduce, Dick Clark, Dominic Purcell, Donald Faison, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Faith Ford, Gavin McLeod, Hal Sparks, Holly Robinson Peete, Jayne Wyman, Joe Estevez, Kristin Chenoweth, Lake Bell, Linda Ellerbe, Lou Ferrigno, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Mario Lopez, Mark Ballas, Merv Griffin, Miguel Ferrer, Paul Marciano, Peter Onorati, Richard T. Jones, Robert Hayes, Robert Knepper, Shemar Moore, Shirley Jones, Timothy Leary, Tom Arnold, Rick Chambers, and Courtney Friel.
Balancing her professional and personal life has been made easier by her love for her work. On her days off from the salon, Sally is often working on shoots, which she considers fun. Her hobbies include music, hiking, and dancing, which help her recharge. A pivotal moment in Sally’s career came when a simple conversation with a stranger made her realize she had become invisible in some ways. That conversation led to her reclaiming her own “Beauty Power,” which has since become a central theme in her mission to empower women through beauty.
Sally’s business model focuses on providing a close, intimate experience, and her two-station salon in Old Town Newhall is a reflection of that. She defines success by the smiles and heartfelt messages she receives from her clients, knowing she has made them feel beautiful.
Beyond her business, Sally is an active volunteer in her community. She has contributed to the Beauty Bus for the SCV Senior Center in Santa Clarita. Sally was also a member of Zonta International, a group dedicated to helping women globally, and continues to look for ways to give back.
For more information about Sally and The A LIST Hair and Makeup Studio, visit www.sallyvanswearingen.com or call 818-974-3990.

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