Alter Ego Beauty Bar offers its customers the opportunity to wear their art.

"It's glam," commented Jennifer Jensen as she dabbed white dashes onto Gayle Henneberry's topless body this past Tuesday afternoon.

Surrounding her were boxes of stencils, various paints and brushes.

"Body painting is a personal thing - it's what makes you feel your best."

Located at 743 Broadway inside Sanford and Son Antiques in downtown Tacoma, Alter Ego Beauty Bar will stage its grand opening at noon, Saturday, Dec. 13.

"We are really stoked for this," Jensen added. "We've had lots of calls for our work, and we are really looking forward to this."

It's the body painting that is, however, eye-catching.

"I heard a story about a lady in New York City who had her body painted, walked outside and down the sidewalk, and no one could tell that all she was wearing was the paint," Jensen related. "The work is that good."

>>> Kayla Altman enjoys the beauty make-up she received from Serena Cook, co-owner of Alter Ego Beauty Bar. Photo credit: Nancy Corbin

Unlike tattoo and other forms of body art, body painting is temporary, painted onto the human skin and lasts for only several hours.

Having one's body painted, though, can take up to six hours, Jensen said.

"But the effect is stunning; what the model wants painted is strictly up to them. It's a way to express yourself in an unique and different way."

>>> Alter Ego Beauty Bar co-owner Jennifer Jensen paints Gayle Henneberry while Jen Prewitt watches during a body painting experience. Photo credit: Nancy Corbin

Joining her in one of Tacoma's newest and cutting edge enterprises is Serena Cook, a hair and beauty make-up artist.

"It's the interplay of light, much like what you see with good photographers, that I work with," Cook said as she applied a layer of foundation to Kayla Altman's face. "When I have faces under my hands, I can work the magic."

Altman's boyfriend, Dustin Cahters, agreed.

"I think this is interesting; it's a great way to see creativity done is this way," he said. "And my girlfriend looks stunning!"

>>> Jennifer Jensen paints pants on Gayle Henneberry while Serena Cook works with Kayla Altman and her boyfriend Dustin Cathers.  In the mirror is Jen Prewitt. Photo credit: Nancy Corbin

Both women stressed repeatedly that clients are treated with respect and are made to feel comfortable.

"There is always a maintained degree of privacy and modesty," Jensen said. "This is a professional business that treats everyone with respect.

Both are open to supporting special events.

Jensen can be reached at 253.326.3339; Cook can be reached at 347.464.9053.

Alter Ego Beauty Bar's business hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Private appointments are available.