Archive for the ‘Cosmetics’ Category

Hey Glossies,

Jennifer James is an uber-talented makeup artist and super cool diva.  I was introduced to Ms. James via Specktra.  I did not realize that she was a local lady until a fellow Specktrette mentioned that she worked at one of the premier malls in the area.   I find her to be a generous artist, sharing tips and giving encouragement.

Jennifer James is offering makeup classes, so check her site, Jennifer James Beauty, for more information.

Please share a little about yourself personally and if you attended school or you are a self-taught makeup artist?

Well, I am a free and creative person who has been busy in several areas for a very long time.  I truly made my first push when I moved to NYC at 19 years old to pursue modeling. I had already been working as a Nail Tech and Make-Up Artist for years then, so being in NYC was more than inspiring. Living there for 3 years sealed the deal with me and  make-up. So full of energy and opportunity, it is truly an amazing place that I plan to get back to this year – permanently!

Jennifer, did you always wanted to be an artist, or did you stumble upon your talent by chance? Who or what inspired you to become a makeup artist?

Being a make up artist interested me very early. I have 2 older sisters that were very instrumental in my exposure to the whole fashion industry. I am from a family full of artists, so my expression showed up in every thing I did.

I have always been a product and beauty junkie who started penciling in my own brows in the seventh grade. I began to play with make up around then and it just felt right. I could not get enough. I had to read all of the beauty sections of the magazines, find the newest tips and tricks.  Plus, I was always on the hunt for a great new product. I went in, and never have looked back.

Which  individual products and brands you’re “addicted” to at the moment and you use on a daily basis?

Personally, I am currently addicted to my LaMer Eye Concentrate, Smashbox Photo Finish Primer and Maybelline Age Rewind Foundation. The combination of these 3 products makes my complexion look & feel just right. They are my perfect formula right now, I refuse to do without them.

Professionally, I would say Smashbox Photo Finish Primer again, Mary Kay Corrective Concealer and Make Up Forever HD Powder. For the bulk of my work these days, I am able to give clients the look that they had no idea they could achieve.

What are some of the most basic but effective skin care tips in general that you have, that are really important?

I am a stickler for regular exfoliating (mechanical or chemical) that is customized to skin type and sensitivity because it serves to keep your skin in top condition combined with moisturizing. Of course basic cleansing with the gentlest products that one can find to work for their skin. Very important! I advise everyone to make sure they have a skin care routine in place.

How about airbrush spray makeup trend? Are these products better or easier to use than standard sponge or finger application? If yes when would you recommend using them?

I transitioned to make up airbrushing make up in the early 90s because of my exposure and practice of airbrushing in the nail industry. As I mentioned before, certain situations require airbrush.

I took my first Special FX course in 1994 and airbrush was a huge part of the curriculum. Depending on how something is going to be filmed, broadcast or photographed – airbrushing of foundation is great because of the smoothness you can achieve – which is also necessary for high definition formats in TV and photography. I would say professionally, airbrush make up is not a trend as it has been used in film and photography since the 1950s. If you are a Make Up Artist, offering the service keeps you competitive because you have to be prepared to be anyone & everything at any given job.

In terms of it being a trend for the consumer market, I think it may have legs – but for a very limited number of people. I just do not believe most people will look at airbrushing at home as something they want to get into.

Which feature(s) do you love to accentuate and why?

My opinion is that nothing is above beautifully accentuating the skin…but my true love, my fetish, and my obsession – BROWS! I said this the other day, necessity is the mother of invention. We all know that cliché. Well, I happen to not have been blessed with the beautiful brows that I have always been attracted to, so that birthed compulsion for brow shape.  Then, when you consider facial anatomy, we see now important attention to having great brows is and should be.

The brow has been widely referred to as the ‘frame’ for the face and I tend to agree. When brows are not to their potential, it takes so much away from the complete look.

What are your steps for the perfect, flawless, natural look?

Moisturize and color matching of foundation approached almost scientifically.  Once I have achieved that, I really love to buff foundation onto the skin with a full, dense kabuki. I think that the buffing serves to make almost any formula foundation mimic the skin’s natural texture whether it is liquid, cream, mousse or powder. This is my preferred method, although airbrushing is irreplaceable in some situations.

Would you share some of your future goals, your life motto, any words of wisdom that get you by in life and professional career?

My ultimate goal is to be an on-going editorial contributor to fashion/lifestyle publications and expanding my film and television resumes.

It is ALWAYS on my mind to work the hardest, longest & do beautiful, clean make up that has global appeal. Personality should accompany you in everything you do. Be an ambassador to the world on behalf of your work, it goes very far.

What tips and advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists just starting out?

I would advise anyone starting out to be relentless in your self-educating by first doing as much make up as you can. Orchestrate opportunities to do make up on other people. Experience can be the best teacher.

Study the history of our industry; know who the greats are  and what made them that. Learn their stories and gain insight as to what motivated them and how they were inspired. Study the cosmetics industry & cosmetics chemistry as much as you pay attention to the entertainment, celebrity & fashion aspects of make up. It is important to be well versed about everything related to your industry. You want to prepare yourself to be considered and expert and produce accordingly.

• Also imagine ans plan for your career to extend beyond your local market:
• Be able to do way more than a few looks
• Don’t allow yourself to be pigeonholed into any style or trend
• Represent yourself [well], so you [can] be welcomed everywhere

Lastly, be careful to BRAND yourself and your business by being consistent in imaging, promotional aspects and choosing a company name that represents who you are and does not limit your advancement. Kevyn Aucoin, Bobbi Brown, Sam Fine, Francesca Talot, Billy B, Viktorija Bowers…the names are the brand. Be yourself.

Please connect with Jennifer James via:

Twitter: @JenJamesBeauty
Website: www.JenniferJamesBeauty.com
Blog: www.JenniferJamesBeauty.blogspot.com

Mix Maven

Hey Glossies,

Here is the rundown of steals and deals of many of the sales at our favorite drugstores and beauty emporiums.  Added to the list are Meijer KMart and  Target stores.

Ulta

• Almay (B2GO Free)*
• Japonesque Brushes and Beauty Tools  (BOGO 50% Off)
• L’Oreal Cosmetics (BOGO 50% Off)
• Maybelline (B2GO Free)
• Napolean Perdis Foundation – (20% Off)
• Neutrogena (B2GO Free)
• Revlon Lip, Eye, Nail and Beauty Tools (BOGO Free)
• Ulta Brand Cosmetic Brushes and ULTA Professional Brushes (BOGO Free)

*B2GO Free – Buy 2 Get 1 Free

Sale ends April 3, 2010.

CVS

• Maybelline Cosmetics (BOGO 50% Off)
• Milani Cosmetics (BOGO 50% Off)
• Revlon Foundation, Powder, Blush, Concealer (BOGO Free)

Sale ends March 20, 2010.

Rite Aid

• Almay Cosmetics Foundation, Powder, Concealer or Blush (BOGO Free)
• Bonne Bell Cosmetics (BOGO 50% Off)
• Jane Cosmetics (BOGO 50% Off)
• L’Oreal Cosmetics (BOGO 50% Off)
• Maybelline Eye Cosmetics (BOGO 50% Off)
• Revlon Colorstay Cosmetics and Beauty Tools (BOGO 50% Off)

Sale ends March 20, 2010.

Walgreens

• Revlon Cosmetics and Implements  – 40% Off
• Rimmel Cosmetics

Sale ends March 20, 2010.

Meijer

• CoverGirl Clean Makeup or Pressed Powder 2/$7
• CoverGirl Lip Color or Eye Makeup (Excludes Outlast Up Color) $1
• Rimmel Eye, Lip or Nail

Sale ends March 20, 2010.

KMart

• Maybelline lip, nail – 33% Off
• Milani Cosmetics  (BOGO Free)
• L’Oreal Cosmetics (BOGO 50% Off)

Target

• CoverGirl Olay Simply Ageless – $10
• Maybelline Lash Stiletto Voluptuous Mascara – $6

Sale ends March 20, 2010.

Drugstore.com – BOGO 50% Off Sale on many brands

Sale ends March 19, 2010.

Happy Haulin’,

Mix Maven

While hovering around the Target clearance (Target endcaps tend to have many clearance items), I found the Soap and Glory cosmetics bags marked down from $24.99 to $6. and change.  Ok, I will say that one tassel is missing, but does it really matter. I don’t think so.

Head on over to Target, there might be some left.

Just some little ditties that I am jamming to today!!

The Noisettes – Never Forget You

The Noisettes – Cover of The Killers “When You Were Young”

Keep it Glossy,

Mix Maven

No, not the Swedish pop group who had hit songs like “The Sign” and “All That She Wants.” I am speaking of makeup artist extraordinaire, Toni Acey.

She is a sought-after celebrity make-up artist, based in Atlanta,  who did not imagine that she could even work as makeup artist.  Toni worked in corporate America for many years, as well as working as a model.  Toni found that the MAs either  were not qualified to do make-up for Women of Color (WOC), specifically African-American women.  So she took matters in her own hands and came to the shoots already made-up.   By doing so, industry professionals as well as close friends and family took notice and encouraged her she to get into the business.  Ms. Acey does not have formal training in make-up artistry, but she worked as a freelancer for MAC Cosmetics where she learned a lot through the MAC training programs.  She has continued to hone her craft and teaches airbrushing classes.  Ms. Acey is also well-known for  her signature “Wearable Art” body painting and “Celebrity “Knock-Off Makeovers.

Eight years ago, Toni was one of the first makeup artist to use airbrushing for glamour makeup.  Most artists in the entertainment industry used airbrushing, primarily, for special effects. Her go-to brands for airbrushing are Temptu and Air Makeup.  Toni enjoys the creativity of airbrushing because she can create one-of-a-kind foundations,  lipsticks,  and even blushes to fit her clients’ needs. She has many clients including  LisaRaye, Kenya Moore, Meagan Good, Karen Clarke-Sheard and Sheree from The Real Housewives of Atlanta.  They have all been very pleased with her work and seek her out time and time again.

We talked about beauty trends for the winter/holiday season.  Toni definitely loves to see all women wearing red lipstick, a throwback to old Hollywood glamour. She does recommend that golden tone women wear tomato reds, fair/light skinned women  can wear pretty much any shade of red, but they should stay from bordeaux, unless they are going for a goth look.  For darker skinned women, she loves loves bordeaux.  Red lip color, she believes, can work for  a daytime look, but it should be sheer.  Her must-have lip product is MAC Money Honey dazzleglass.

For the eyes, she loves Urban Decay eye liners and MAC pigments to create a bold, shimmery look for all the holiday parties we will be attending this season.  She loves Urban Decay eye liners because they can be easily smudged and set to wear as shadows.  For the cheeks, Toni raved about NARS blushes and as a fan myself, I definitely think they are must-haves for all beauty aficionados.

She had words of wisdom for all up-and-coming make-up artists ” Be the best that you can be. Be serious about your craft, treat it as a business, (continue) to learn about the craft by staying ahead of the trends.  Make sure to have  a website!”

I asked her about her future goals, she wants to do a follow-up to her book, Make-up FAQs,  to continue with her foundation, “Lipstick Theory” to assist  women’s charities, produce training DVDs and  create her own makeup and skincare line

She was a delight to interview and I will be looking out for all of her upcoming endeavors.  I do wish her all the success, she has a great spirit.

So check out her book and website, definitely will provide inspiration.

Mix Maven

I must share the NARS Cosmetics discount find. Receive 20% Off on Orders of $65 or More! The coupon code is CORPOCT0910. <—Click on this link to create an account (if you do not already have one) to activate the coupon code.

So stock up on the Holiday collection 2009 and whatever else catches your eye, but you have until October 31, 2009. Some of my faves include Torrid and Desire blushes, NARS sharpener (THE BEST!!!), Brumes Duo e/s and any of the nail polishes (to name a few.)

Happy Haulin’

Mix Maven

Stock up on your favorite beauty goodies @ Cherry Culture.

Happy Haulin,

Mix Maven

I had the honor and privilege of attending FACEDRAMA Cosmetics launch party.  The company’s tag line is “Where beauty is a serious matter.”  As a beauty aficionado, I agree with  that statement 100 per cent.  The event was filled with color and merriment.  The young, beautiful African dancers doubled as models, while the African drummers enticed the crowd with rhythmic force.  The Vu Lounge was decorated in pink, silver and black.

Keka Riley is the founder and creator of FACEDRAMA Cosmetics, a former model turned make-up artist. She also won Mo’Nique’s F.A.T Chance in 2006. Ms. Riley has been working as a professional make-up artist for over 8 years and wanted to create a line of cosmetics that would be extremely pigmented where a little goes a long way.  Plus, we don’t always have time to apply layer upon layer.  Her shadows are pigmented and the lip gloss are shimmery and luxurious.  FACEDRAMA Cosmetics has a full beauty line including concealers, loose pigments, lipsticks, lip liners, and eye liners. She also has an extensive foundation line with 17 shades.  Keka said that she wanted to create foundations that her family and friends could use i.e no more mixing.  The foundations are hypo-allergenic and contain Aloe and Vitamin E.

One of the many great things about FACEDRAMA Cosmetics is that Keka and her staff care about the community.  The company has partnered with Humana Organizations After School Enrichment program and Aspire Higher Girls Empowerment program. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of FACEDRAMA products will assist these organizations.  What a great idea!! You can get your beauty and philanthropy on at the same time.

I sampled the eye shadows and lip gloss and the colors are quite pigmented. In the pics below, I only swiped once to get each swatch.  For the matte lovers, the eye shadows will not disappoint. The colors are soft and blendable.  I think if you do not like matte, you will quickly become a convert.  I am impressed with the quality of the products.  A single shadow is $18 and the palette is $52.  Definitely worth price since some of the money will be re-invested into the community.

On a personal note, Keka Riley is an amazing person.  She brings everyone in and makes them feel like they have been friends forever. She also highlighted another Beauty Maven, Felicia of ThisThatBeauty Blog, who has developed a line of make-up brushes. What is quite evident is that her staff adores her.  The care that the FACEDRAMA Cosmetics staff takes with the products, let’s me know that they also care about the customer and her needs.

Please, please, please check out this line, you will be pleased.

Keep it Glossy,

Mix Maven

I was introduced to the cosmetic brand,  FACE atelier via Specktra.net.  Some of the members loved the products, especially the foundations.  I was re-introduced to this brand at The Makeup Show in Los Angeles.  The Pro-Team was quite helpful. FYI: FACE atelier is the official makeup sponsor of Madonna’s Confessions Tour.

I was matched up to the Ultra Foundation PRO in Cocoa #10, which happens to be the darkest shade FA carries in the line.  FACE atelier needs to create darker shades because it is the right thing to do, BUT FA does offer products called Zero Plus and Zero Minus to foundation darker or lighter.  The foundation costs $30 for the size is a bit steep, but I love it.

I really like the coverage and the liquid does not burn or tingle my face like some other high-end brands. I love the fact the foundation is unscented. There is no SPF in the products, so users can always add the desirable number of SPF.

Sidebar: Use the Beauty Blender sponge for smooth application.  All beauty mavens  should be using the Beauty Blender and cleanser, which is the best EVER!!!

Face Atelier products can be found online as well as in salons and boutiques around the world. I wish that FACE Atelier was available in more stores.

Mix Maven

Who remembers the The Wu-Tang Clan’s song, C.R.E.A.M (Cash Rules Everything Around Me)?

In the FOTD, I tried the Cinema Secrets Hollywood Lights (loose e/s) in Dolla Bill.  This brand is popular among professional makeup artists who work in the theatre and/or movie/tv production .  The Hollywood Lights are similar to MAC pigments and Reflects Glitters (both of which I love!)  I prefer foiling the (non-glitter) Hollywood Lights as the color payoff is more intense.  The cost is 7.50/USD and be easily found on the web.

All MAC Products unless stated.

Face

• NC 50 Studio Sculpt Foundation
• NW 43 Studio Sculpt Foundation
• Natural MSF in Dark

Eyes

• Matte Gel
• Pharoah P/P
• Electro Sky P/P
• Purely Cosmetics Cream To Powder Bronzed Brown
• Smut e/s
• Signed, Sealed e/s
• Cinema Secrets Dolla Bill loose e/s
• Era e/s (highlight)
• Stila Smudge Pot – Black
• Black Russian Pearlglide e/l
• Milani Black e/l
• NYX Teal e/l
• Napoleon Perdis mascara

Cheek

• Warmed MSF
• Stark Naked Blush

Lips

• Sweet Tooth T/T
• NYX Mauve l/l
• Hello Kitty Cute-ster
• Cremesheen Glass Boy Bait

Mix Maven

I have been eying Too Faced Beauty Mark for awhile. The duo is part “Black Foil” and “Gilded Rose”.  The “rose” side is a soft neutral color that could work well for day and night and is  similar to MAC’s Expensive Pink.  The color payoff is less gold on me than Expensive Pink.*I just love it*

I do not recall all the products that I used
other than Too Faced Beauty Mark.

So I have decided that, once and for all, I am giving the Pink e/s a rest (as in acquiring more).  For some reason, most brands, Too Faced and Nouba are the exceptions,  have healthy fall out.  Is there an ingredient in the color that does not agree with my skin…probably.

Anyhoo, if you are a WOC and like Pink e/s, I find the best bases for them are:

1. Benefit Pre-nup creaseless eye shadow – A metallic rose
2. MAC Nice Vice (from the Fafi collection) – A reddish purple.  (Hard to find, so check your local CCOs)
3. NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil Hot Pink
4. HiP L’Oreal Color Rich Cream Crayon in Unmistakable (A deep pink)

Stay Pretty,

Mix Maven