Beautiful Baby, Beautiful! Supermodel…COVERGIRL

Posted on April 10, 2014 by queennzingha

Written by NZINGHA for ZFACEINC,nyc

The two supermodels I loved from the 60’s were Twiggy and Peggy Moffitt (loved their makeup & hair!!!) and both are still alive and kicking. Peggy actually did a photo shoot not to long ago recreating her iconic 60’s look. And guess what she’s still wearing her famous top and bottom lashes!!
TWIGGY

PEGGY MOFFITT

The modelling industry…
BEAUTIFUL BABY BEAUTIFUL DOCUMENTARY
Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Makeup Artist Way Bandy applying makeup to Model.

Makeup Artist Joey Mills applying makeup to Supermodel Brooke Shields.

Artist & Photographer Andy Warhol shooting Supermodel Naomi Sims.

DIVERSITY ON THE RUNWAY

SUPERMODEL | ALEK WEK

•LINDA EVANGELISTA

Talk about transformers, chameleons, shape shifters…it would’ve been her name Linda Evangelista killer model during the late 80’s-90’s. And a Makeup Artists fantasy face.

There are models who can bring makeup (the product) to life. And some women just really look good in makeup, meaning they have a face for makeup and can wear pretty much any style of makeup a Makeup Artist can come up with.

That face would be Linda Evangelista’s. the symmetry of her face and brow just all works! Here’s to Supermodel Linda Evangelista.

• 80’s-90’s SUPERMODELS

I also was a a big fan of the new kind of stardom that arose in the ’90s, the category of supermodels. In the ’70s and ’80s there were only about 4-5 models that were pretty well known (Iman, Brinkley, Porizkova, Dickinson etc). It was George Michael’s “Freedom” music video in 1991 and later his music video “Too Funky” (my favorite one for fashion, especially the Therry Muglier motorcycle bustier…what whas he thinking?!) that shed a different kind of light on models and their potential to not just sell a product but become a brand themselves.

•NAOMI CAMPBELL

My personal favourite 6 models were always Naomi Campbell (British Caribbean). Second favorite was Yasmeen Ghauri (Canadian, but half-German and half-Pakistani). Third, Linda Evangelista (American). Fourth Roshumba (African American), Tyra Banks (African American) and Alek Wek (African).

“The big-5” of the ’90s (on record) were Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington and Linda Evangelista. These ladies were in high demand and had the same status in celebrity as any singer, musician or actor.

Additional models among the top-20 according to Zothike’s list included…Niki Taylor, Tatjana Patitz, Yasmeen Ghauri, Carmen Kass, Shalom Harlow, Carla Bruni, Helena Christensen, Karen Mulder, Tyra Banks, Amber Valetta, Kate Moss, Nadja Auermann, Stephanie Seymour, Eva Herzigova, Elle Mac Pherson.

•YASMEEN GHURI

A second-tier model celebrities according to this Zothike listing , below the top-20, included Bridget Hall, Estella Warren, Estelle Halliday, Daniela Pestova, Emma Sjoberg, Kristen McMenany, Natalia Vodianova, Rebecca Romijn, Yasmin LeBon, Brandy, Milla Jovovich, Iman (Iman was more 80’s supermodel and then 90’s super-brand with her cosmetic line)and just a few more. You can see all these models at Zothike’s web site, but for some weird reason the black supermodels are not in his/her list (I emailed him/her about this back in the day, he/she never replied).

Here is a list of the “Top 10” Black Supermodels in the 90’s. Now mind you only two ladies on that list have had supermodel status from the 70’s!!! That would be IMAN (African) and Beverly Johnson (African American). And let’s be clear those ladies don’t show the signs of ageing like they’re era’s contemporaries. So that proves….

a.) The myth about one having to quit early because they will age quickly is not applicable to all.

and

b.) The old adage “Black don’t crack” ehm it’s true, period.

Okay The Top 10 Black Supermodels list includes IMAN (who was Co-Contributing Beauty Editor with me for VIBE Magazine) Roshumba Williams, Beverly Peele, Beverly Johnson, Alek Wek, Tyra Banks, Kimora Lee, Veronica Webb, Liya Kebede and of course Naomi Campbell. I would add to this list Lana Oglvie, Beverly Peele, Karen Alexander, Waris, Gayle O’Neil, Mounia, Sheila Johnson, Anna Getaneh, Khadijah Adams, Louise Vyent, Katoucha Niane and more (look for Black Supermodel in an upcoming post).

In the current decade the “supermodel” has just vanished. There are only 3-4 new known models (Gisele, Heidi Klum, Karolina Kurkova etc) while Tyra Banks’ (who is so, beyond supermodel but now a super multimedia brand) “America’s Next Top Model” show has failed to bring supermodeling back into its previous stardom status. I guess you can say that the “golden era” of super modelling seems to be relegated to the ’90s. It will be missed.

Why Do Most Makeup Artists Wear Black? (Part 2)

Posted on April 9, 2014 by queennzingha

Written by NZINGHA for ZFACEINC,nyc

Wearing black is the Artists “uniform” if you will. Wearing black is tasteful and is well groomed not over or under dressed. As one of my favourite designers Tom Ford says ” Dressing well is a form of good manners”. Hospitality is also a form of dress (atmospherical dress, setting the tone of your dressing room). Also your clients should only be able to see you and not all that you wear or anyone else on set while you’re working as being too flashy can cause distractions (more about that below).

We first discussed the functionality of black in the theater, what types of clothes to wear, some unconventional things to know in what to wear and why. I shared with you some additional Makeup Artists thoughts in Why Do Most Makeup Artists Wear Black? (Part 1)Okay, so lets talk a bit about the psychology and history of why Artists wear black.

The fashion world goes hand in hand with the beauty world. In fact this marriage had a plan starting long ago. Designers like Coco Chanel made “The Little Black Dress” in the 20’s and it was a must have for every woman’s wardrobe because it was stunning, simple yet powerful.

It’s was said to make every woman look their best. Well worn for a night out and looking elegant. Best dressed for ladies in suits and now trousers for work during the day. Chanel was always known for her black and white clothing designs making the wearer most chic after the post war era. Black and white both became a power colors. But black always signified both power, authority and irreplaceable style.

And because Chanel had such an impact on the fashion world her mark has clearly been left. Now designers make their most stunning pieces in black.

So wearing black became a fashion forward trend. Not to mention wearing black creates an optical illusion in making one look more slender in their garments. Many years later not only was wearing black functional for working backstage but it also became “fashionable”.

CHANEL MODERN STYLISH COMFORTABLE FOOTWEAR

Speaking of fashion, when I first saw the film “The Devil Wears Prada” I had a range of emotions. I went from level 1 angry to level 3 angrier! Why? Well, because I’m a firm believer in people wearing what they want to wear within reason at work.Then I thought to myself “Now it’s the truth! If you were an oil rigger you would not show up to work in LaBoutin’s, if you were a doctor you wouldn’t show up in a policeman’s uniform. Snap out of it!! It’s not personal, it’s business. And you are your business, you are your brand.”

So ask yourself viZionaire…”What am I selling?” Are you selling clothing, the products found in your makeup kit or are you selling your skill and expertise as a Makeup Artist? What are you selling…be clear about that and that will help you establish who you and your skill as an Artist.

I wished I could come to work in this outfit however what would my level of comfort be? I’ve done it but modified my footwear. And how would I be perceived by the client? Taken seriously or a one shot deal, never to be hired again. Choosing your wardrobe is strategic and you must use wisdom on so many levels. You definitely want to leave an impression on the client yet save your personal fashion statement for your personal down time.

EXAMPLE: While working on set one day a fellow Artist came to set with an arm full of jangling bracelets. They were beautiful gold bangles, simply stunning. However while we were shooting we had to stop several times due to the fact that the sound man (who was recording live sound) could not only hear the actors doing their lines but hear those bangles just jingling!! They eventually got a word spoken to them and ultimately wound up removing them. CAUSING DISTRACTIONS AND DISTURBANCES ON SET IS HIGHLY FROWNED ON.

The point here is, ….you dress the part and appropriately for your position in your career. If you work in the fashion, beauty and entertainment industry you dress fashionably, smartly comfortable and polished. My thoughts on “The Devil Wears Prada” I will discuss in an upcoming post.

EXAMPLE : I remember when I was working on the set of Spider-Man 3 for three straight months I would see the director of the film Sam Ramy and be amazed. Why? Because he wore a suit and shirt everyday! We worked long hours 12-16 hours in a day some days and he was always well groomed. It was rare to see but it reminded me of the splendour and dignity of Old Hollywood. Back then directors wore suits and Makeup Artists (back then it was all male Makeup Artists) wore suits or lab coats. This was how the studios crew came to work.

Makeup artist Jack Pierce and Conrad Veidt on the set of THE MAN WHO LAUGHS (1928).

Jack Pierce in the makeup room with Boris Karloff 1935. Jack is wearing a lab coat.

http://www.cherrybombed.com/2012/10/boris-karloff-becoming-frankenstein/

In closing viZionaire all I’m saying to you is this. This business should not be and is not for everyone. You set the tone for how you and your work will be perceived. You set the tone for how the thought of a “Pro Makeup Artist” is perceived. So, lets strive to be excellent and restore dignity, and respectability to the title of “Makeup Artist”.

Why Do Most Makeup Artists Wear Black? (Part 1)

Posted on April 9, 2014 by queennzingha

Written by NZINGHA for ZFACEINC,nyc

I’ve been asked this question on several occasions about why Makeup Arists always wear black. My response is not just about wearing black but about what we wear and how we present ourselves in general. You may not be the top fashionista but at least be presentable and groomed. You may not have the money now to build your wardrobe but in time you will and then you build your wardrobe piece by piece.

With that said here’s my answer to the question.

A: The real reason why Makeup Artists (and work crews) originally started wearing black was because in the live theater world backstage the crew wore black so they could still keep working backstage and not be seen by the audience while working.Crew would blend into the background with the black curtains and walls and usually everything backstage is black.
~NZINGHA

Just a few of My personal suggestions.

1) Personal hygiene
…lets just say we work extremely close to people in their faces and in tight places most times

2) Keep a clean kit
…most people think that this is not important to what you wear on set BUT a clean kit is part of your wardrobe! It speaks volumes about how you are personally, how you keep yourself and the health, care and hygiene of the products you use and how you will ultimately care for your clients.

3) Wear comfortable shoes and clothing
…being comfortable is key here because you will find yourself in some situations where you will be working exceedingly long hours or varied weather conditions. Also a word to the wise as a caution… Never be too flashy with you dressing i.e. your designer wear and jewelry collection (save it for your personal down time). I once heard my client fire the wardrobe stylist because she felt like she was attempting to out dress her, look better than her (yes it’s they’re insecurity but I can cost you your job). Stay well groomed yet dress smartly.

4) Wearable workable nail length
…simple clean manicured nails for the men and clean groomed mid length nails for the ladies.

5) Know what time it is
…in other words get info about what,where, whom, time, location and weather conditions are going to be. This will put you ahead of the game so you don’t look or be prone to act the fool.

LETS HEAR FROM OTHER MAKEUP ARTISTS…

A few more answers from other Makeup Artists about what they wear to work and why. All great answers…check it out.

A: A call sheet (the document supplied by your agency prior to a shoot, which contains all the details about the job you have been booked for) very rarely mentions clothing, but there are exceptions. On occasion for instance, it might say “dress warm” if the shoot is going to be outside on location. Once on a trip to Barbados, I remember we were instructed not to wear army camouflage clothing, and another time when we shot a campaign at a working men’s club in central London, the guys in the creative team were told they had to wear long trousers. At fashion shows when you are working for a brand, you might be given a team T-shirt. At the ones I’ve done for MAC, for example, I was supplied with a MAC Pro tee and it was requested that I wear it along with their signature shade (black). Beyond this, it’s really up to you. ~Private

A: Luckily, when I’m working everyone’s eyes are on the model, not on me. Most of my work wardrobe is black. I typically prefer pants or jeans and like flat shoes for the sake of comfort and practicality. Skinny black jeans teamed with a plain sheer T-shirt or crisp white bat-wing shirt and a pair of black sneakers is my usual uniform. If the conditions are cool, I will throw a jumper on and add a coat with leather lapels to the mix. Sometimes I will wear a cute little black dress paired with tights and pixie boots, and depending on my mood and the weather, I may pop a cashmere chunky-knit cardigan on top. Once I’m dressed, it’s all about getting my makeup kit in the car and getting to the job on time.
~ miss_supra

A: Black simple clothes (T-shirt, pants, skirt & tights, etc)

Closed in black flats, some sets and workplaces require closed toed shoes for health and safety reasons. Avoid dangly bracelets, earrings, necklaces etc.

The idea is to look chic & stylish yet be comfortable because you’ll be on your feet all day long. Try to avoid trends that are too out there as your outfit will detract from your work.

Same goes with your makeup, hair and personal grooming. Simple elegant makeup and well groomed hair that is styled well for medium to short length or tied/pinned back if long will enhance your image as a professional makeup artist. ~Private

A: I’m not trying to look cute on set, not trying to impress anyone with my outfit. My makeup and hair are always done professionally. I figure the scrubs help me blend into the background when I am not needed, I don’t disappear on set when I am doing touch-ups, and no one forgets who the makeup artist is on crew. ~ Samantha Reeder

A: When I went to my makeup training schools, they always advise us to wear black. They say it’s the signature “makeup artist attire.” The same thing was followed when I was in L’Oreal. I did retail training for the beauty advisers of Shu Uemura and the rule was to have all our makeup artists wear black. Well it only makes sense — black looks professional, it almost never looks unpolished and it any dirt hardly looks obvious on it. ~Dior

THIS COMES FROM AN UNDISCLOSED MAC COSMETICS EMPLOYEE.

Wow!!! Who knew? And Yes, after reading the ryder, I strongly agree with MAC’s policy, with the exception of Artists who are working freelance and not for MAC but on location sets. Most freelance Artists are not sales people on freelance fashion, music, misc. projects or Union film, TV and Broadway projects.

MAC is a “brand” and has irrefutable standards and that I applaud. In addition the same grooming standard should apply to all makeup professionals. If you are a Pro Freelance Makeup Artist you should consider yourself a “brand” too. It’s simply wise business on the behalf of a freelancer.

“Here’s word for word in my paperwork”
~ Unknown

*All M.A.C Staff are required to wear 100% professional black.

*A white shirt may be worn with a buttoned-up jacket or cardigan/sweater.

*Black clothing must be clean, not fade, pulling or torn (cotton is not recommended due to fading).

*Materials with Lycra of some stretch are ideal (more durable and color fast).

*Translucent or sheer clothing must be tasteful and worn over/under solid black clothing.

*Clothes must be tastefully fashionable and appropriately fit.

*No brand logos permitted.

*Pinstripes and stitching detail need to be minimal.

*Scarves must be black, but ties may have some color.

*A M.A.C pin, chain must always be worn.

*Jewelery and accessories such as belts must be black fashionable and appropriate.

*Shoes must be professional , black and not scuffed. Tennis shoes, flip flops, “nursing shoes” or slippers are not permitted.

*Hosiery is optional, but if worn must be black or neutral. Socks also be black.

*Athletic wear such as fleece, or yoga pants and “hoodies” are not permitted.

*M.A.C theme/even shirts such as Viva Glam should only be worn on theme days as a group and not individually.

*Hair accessories and black hats may be worn at the counter so long as it does not obscure or shadow the face.

*Baseball caps are not permitted.
Hair must be neat, clean, well groomed, styled and should reflect the current trends in the industry.

*There is no restriction with hair color.

*A full well executed make-up must be worn to work at the start of shift. (For example, foundation 3 eye shadows, mascara, blush, three lip products are required (lipstick, liner, lip gloss).

*Employees may be required to wear applicable “look” associated with a new product launch. The requirement of wearing such look shall be determined by “your market” for the product(s) being launched and the current industry trends, and may be changed at discretion of M.A.C at any time.

*Personal hygiene needs to be regularly monitored bt the individual. Nails should be manicured and toes should have a pedicure when open toes are worn. M.A.C nail polish must be worn.

*Deodorant or other personal alternative to odor prevention must be qorn at all times.

*It is preferable for fragrance to be worn. If worn, the fragrance must be a M.A.C fragrance.

*Fresh breath is mandatory. If you smoke, please be sure to wash and sanitize your hands prior to returning to te counter and serving customers. Breath mints are required ater smoking.

*Absolutely no gum – small mints are acceptable.

*Cell phones, pagers etc. should be turned off and kept with personal belongings and are not permitted to work on the counter or in your brush belts. Emergency calls can be accepted at the counter.

M.A.C is admired for respecting and embracing individuality. However, it is important to remember that while at work you are expected to look, act and service our customers in the most professional manner possible.

Be EXCELLENT!

Posted on April 9, 2014 by queennzingha

Written by NZINGHA for ZFACEINC,nyc

***SOME ADVISE***
Always walk with a spirit of EXCELLENCE! There will be individuals who’s paths you cross that may be threatened by your personal standard of EXCELLENCE. They will always say something to try to discourage you…DON’T LET THEM ROB YOU!!!

I have been on set and haven’t even started doing Makeup and can feel the thickness of INTIMIDATION IN THE AIR…mind you I’m not the one intimidated but the others were intimidated by me or rather what’s in me!

Keep pressing forward!!!

Two reasons why you may be released from a project:
1) Because they are somehow threatened by you (and that has nothing to do with you and everything to do with them and their unresolved issues).

2) Simply because you deserved it…your attitude, their sense of entitlement or simply they’re not bringing the EXCELLENCE…and they know it!

e.l.f Cosmetics Review

Posted on April 9, 2014 by queennzingha

Written by NZINGHA for ZFACEINC,nyc

Has anyone tried e.l.f Cosmetics? You find them frequently at Target, Harmon Beauty, Salley Beauty, and now they have their own store downtown Manhattan!!

When I look for products I don’t just look at their packaging but how I can best use it and sometimes price point.

Well, these are some of my faves from e.l.f Cosmetics (EYES ,LIPS, FACE) and you will see these items in my Pro Makeup Kit.

Top: Moisturizing Cleanser Wipes $3.00

Bottom Left: Body Shimmer Stick $3.00

Bottom Right: Brush Cleaner Shampoo $3.00

Why do I LOVE these products?
1) the Moisturizing Wipes are the gentlest I’ve found for makeup removal and dare I say the quickest breakdown and conditioning of skin.

2) the Body Shimmer Stick reminds me a lot of Michael Kors body stick without his signature scent. The stick is compact and light with blend able coverage.

3) the Brush Cleaning Shampoo is some of the quickest and effective brush cleaner I’ve used yet (and believe I’ve used many). It’s rich and concentrated so expect it to last a long while, instantly breaks down any residual makeup left in the brush, it’s got a neutral scent and leaves the brushes squeaky clean and shiny.

Ok, here’s another fave of mine from e.l.f Cosmetics are the Shimmer Sheets! Just rub it on and throw away the sheet when you’re done! No messy applications or glitter all over the place…and I think they’re maybe like $2!

Nuff said…
Curl On, Paint On viZionaire!
NZINGHA
Memoirs from the VIP Makeup Kit

Why we 💗 Lupita | Lancôme’s Latest Spokesmodel

Posted on April 8, 2014 by queennzingha

Written by NZINGHA for ZFACEINC,nyc

Nairobi’s rose and now America’s darling. Lady Lupita Nyong’o has taken our breaths away in all of her visual forms from us seeing her as her character Patsey in “12 Years A Slave” to her glorious self on the covers of magazines and in every tweet, post or comment. Even when you thought it wasn’t going to happen she was still winning!

Oh and can we say her name correctly please, especially after she’s been on several talk shows showing you how to say her last name not “GO” but “O”softly, smoothly and rhythmically.

I’m hearing people say she just came out of nowhere and stole our hearts. Well, I’m here to tell you she didn’t just come out of nowhere (no one just comes out of nowhere, everyone has a place of origin, a beginning before we met them)…she came from Kenya, Africa born in 1983 to Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o a Kenyan politician.

Her father is the Secretary-General of the Orange Democratic Movement is currently serving as the Senator for Kisumu County

Lady Lupita has a degree from Hampshire College in film and theater studies and her Masters of Fine Arts from Yale University. She has written and directed a documentary film called “In My Genes” stories of life for the albinos population currently living in Africa. She’s also directed a music video that was nominated by MTV Africa in 2009.

Lady Lupita is one of the few actors who has won an Academy Award for their debut performance in a feature film. Lupita was chosen as one of the faces for Miu Miu’s Spring campaign. She has won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actress and numerous other awards.

And yes Lady Lupita is *THE FIRST AFRICAN* Actress TO WIN an Oscar.

Ralph Lauren cape dress | Lupita the fashionable

http://youtu.be/bjwYJ11RDcA

Lupita Nyong’o is the newest face of French beauty brand Lancôme

“I am truly honored to join the Maison Lancôme, a brand with such a prestigious history that I have always loved. I am particularly proud to represent its unique vision for women and the idea that beauty should not be dictated, but should instead be an expression of a woman’s freedom to be herself,” Nyong’o said in a statement released by the French beauty house.

“I had to give a speech about beauty right before the Oscars,” she told WWD, “and for me, beauty is a compassion for yourself and those around you. And I think that in focusing on that, the light inside illuminates the beauty outside. The idea that Lancôme now has a few actor ambassadors is significant because actors are not just faces, they are spirits that people enjoy and relate to more than in an aesthetic way. We have the privilege of standing for something other than just looks.”

The ads will start running in September 2014.

RUPAUL

Posted on April 8, 2014 by queennzingha

Here it is TERRIFIC TUESDAY. Tuesdays I like to spotlight celebrities, icons and notable people (who aren’t Makeup Artists) and I wanted to spotlight a dear friend RuPaul.

The Glam Squad Files...

The Legendary RuPaul
Written by NZINGHA for ZFACEINC,nyc

💗 U Ru!! My history with RuPaul is a long one, actually when my career really took off is when I met RuPaul. It all started in 1991 when I first saw Ru at a Drag show in NY and was mesmerised by his makeup and really how tall he is. I’m 5’2 so you could imagine the pain in my neck having to look up to him. Actually he’s so gracious that he actually finds a way to meet me halfway by bending his knees.

Truth is, we’d never actually talked before I made a phone call. Yes, a phone call (honey sometimes that’s all it takes is 1 phone call) I wanted to meet Ru and just chat. Well, I made a few inquiries and got a managers number for Ru, called the manager and told the manager I wanted…

View original post 792 more words

Way Bandy (80’s) Superstar Makeup Artist #2

Posted on April 7, 2014 by queennzingha

Written by NZINGHA for ZFACEINC,nyc

Ronald Wright aka Way Bandy born on August 9,1941 in Birmingham, Alabama and died August 13,1986 in New York City, New York. Bandy was dare I say it one of the first Celebrity Makeup Artists along with Joey Mills, long before Kevyn Aucoin or any others. Long before social media hyped Makeup Artists or makeup enthusiasts.

Bandy first arrived in New York City in the mid-1960s and began working at a modeling school as a makeup teacher. He soon got a job as makeup director at Charles of the Ritz before leaving the company in 1971 to do makeup for the Broadway show No, No, Nanette.

Bandy gained fame when he and friend Maury Hopson transformed Martha Beall Mitchell, wife of John N. Mitchell, during a photo session with Francesco Scavullo.

Bandy only technically spent 16 years at his superstar status before his passing away. Unfortunately, Bandy had died of AIDS-related pneumonia at New York Hospital.

Way Authored two Beauty Books by the names of “Design Your Face” and “Styling Your Face” both vintage beauty books are high on my wish list. Bandy’s book, Design Your Face, teaches his signature style of heavy eyemakeup, bleached brow, sculpted contoured foundation makeup application. Way and his contemporary Joey Mills changed the way Makeup Artistry would be viewed by the modern fashion and beauty scence. Joey and his artistry were featured in the 1978 film “Eyes of Laura Mars”. This was the beginning of the making of “Celebrity Makeup Artists”, Artists coming out from back stage to becoming center stage!

Way’s Makeup Artisry was the first Makeup work I had ever been inspired by outside of Joey Mills (who I will feature soon) and Kevyn Aucoin’s. Now He could beat a face like no body’s business!

A true Pioneer Paving the Way for further viZionaries!

Sofia Loren

Renee Russo

Brooke Shields

Bandy and Joey were the first Makeup Artists that could command fees in the thousands due to their celebrity status and sheer makeup genius at the same time.

WAY FRANK SCAVULLO’s STAFF MAKEUP ARTIST

Joey Mills (70’s-80’s) Superstar Makeup Artist #1

Posted on April 7, 2014 by queennzingha

Written by NZINGHA for ZFACEINC,nyc

Before there was a Way Bandy, Kevyn Aucoin, Pat McGrath, Bobby Brown, Francois Nars, Sam Fine or any others (including myself) there was JOEY MILLS!!

And yes, Joey was one of the first noted African American Male Makeup Artists in his time. There were probably other African American Makeup Artists that we may not know of but he is on record as one of THE FIRST noted.

Remember in the history of Makeup Artists they were all noteably film Makeup Artists and Caucasian males i.e. Max Factor, Ben Nye, William Tuttle amongst others. In addition, Mills was the first African American Makeup Artist and Makeup Artist in genral Black or white to have the most magazine covers…ever!

Over 1600 magazines to be exact! He was also the Key Makeup Artist for the 70’s film “The Eyes of Laura Mars”. Joey set the look for Calvin Klein fashions as well as the well known Calvin Klien Jeans ads and commercials with none other than Brooke Sheilds. Joey has worked with Legends Diana Ross, Rachel Welch, Melba More , Pauline Poritzcova and many more.

Mills’ makeup mastery has donned the covers of Vogue, Bazaar, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, etc. and some of the most iconic ad campaigns ever.

In addition he has headed up runway shows for Calvin Klein, Valentino, Versace, Bill Blass and Oscar de la Renta, makeup design for Broadway shows and TV.

Joey is also the author of New Classic Beauty: A Step-by-Step Guide to Naturally Glamorous Make-Up. Mills’ style of makeup was lush colourful and well blended also having a groomed brow but left natural in its appearance different from the brow styling of Way Bandy which included extreme arching and “bleaching” and a heavier contouring makeup style (Kevyn Aucoin patterned his style of makeup after Bandy)

CALVIN KLEIN JEANS AD’s

CALVIN KLEIN COMMERCIALS

EYE OF LAURA MARS (trailer)

Here in this short clip of the film you will see a young Joey doing what he first best applying makeup, and he obviously is cast as himself in the film not only is he featured once but twice!

Music, Interviews & Photos from the 1970’s film “Eyes of Laura Mars”

Still going strong and lively where his contemporaries have long since passed away…Joey still remains as a LIVING LEGEND all I can say is…”Joey Mills is BAAADD!”

M.A.C. Cosmetics honors Legendary Makeup Artists Pablo Manzoni, Joey Mills and Mary Greenwell.

CHECK OUT THIS INTERVIEW WITH MILLS IN BLACK ENTERPRISE 1977
http://books.google.com/books?id=iAJYrOAJGNUC&pg=PA31&lpg=PA31&dq=joey+mills+makeup+artist&source=bl&ots=7Qm8qLDYvT&sig=t4LjLZKw4Xy6JdGfy-3anjXh6xE&hl=en&ei=mj6wTrmZBMfY0QHagoyyAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8&ved=0CH4Q6AEwBw#v=onepage&q=joey%20mills%20makeup%20artist&f=false

The famous Joey Mills and I. We first met about 2 months before this photo was taken (April 2012) at IMATS (where he was giving his demonstration)and guess what?! He remembered me!!!

I love Joey and look our glasses are the same color! I just had to rub on him with all that knowledge and wisdom in the room, I was over the moon !

Joey and I at the MAC Pro demo (June 2012) of legendary Makeup Artist Peter Robb King (Rocky Horror Picture Show Makeup Designer).

Just browZING…

Posted on April 4, 2014 by queennzingha

Written by NZINGHA for ZFACEINC,nyc

MAX FACTOR at work applying makeup

The precision in shaping the Brow really is in the steady hand of the Artist and with great tools. Like a Doctor has instruments of accuracy, precision and design so does the Makeup Artist!

Every Makeup Artist of note will tell you about the original Max Factor Fineline Retractable Pen with great veneration and praises. The package contained the original pen and a case if mini colored leads. The lead refills you’d have to purchase separately after buying the pen. Most will say “Why did they discontinue it!! I hate when they do that!!”

I recall my Mum having loads of these in her makeup kit (cause she was the original Brow Queen). I don’t know the actual year they were first created (I’d like to say the 50’s because back then makeup packaging was always gold bling).

Well as modernists we all are looking for the next smart, precise, compact new thing. Today in this era the “Fineline” has taken on a whole new dimension in a marker pen almost like an extremely pointed …dare I say it Sharpe!!

BROW PENS

This is the closest this generation is going to come to the OG (Old Glams) Fineline Pen! They’re really not bad…in fact I like them a lot however, there is and was nothing like the Max Factor Pens…sadly…nuff said!

This post is not just about the brow pencil but, brows in general and brow products to give you smartly groomed brows. How do you get that polished brow?

Here are my weapons of choice:
*BE ADVISED THIS IS MY PERSONAL TECHNIQUE*
1) A great canvas (skin)
2) Healthy brow hairs (moist and firm hairs, not dry and brittle hairs. See my previous post on mascara)
3) Brow scissors & Brow Shapers
4) A good pencil, pen or powder
5) A good brow wax (to start training the hairs in place)
6) A good brow gel (to style and finish the brow and in some cases to lighten or darken as a highlight)
7) Jolen Creme Bleach (*optional, if you’d like to tint your brows)

Everyone achieves the perfect brow their own way. What counts ultimately is that you get there!

BROW WAX
Brow Wax to lay unruly brows down and just train them to line up.

BROW PENCILS
Hands down my current brow pencil of choice is by MAC. But I tell you if Max Factor ever bought Fineline back again Id be considered a defector easily! Sorry I just jave to tell the truth. However of all the brow pencils Ive worked with after Fineline MAC is the only one that I’ve found that gives me that look and feel. BRAVO MAC!!! A word to the wise MAC…dont ever get crazy and decide to change up the formula’s consistency or discontinue the pens, okay?!

BROW GELS
Brow Gel Clear and Tinted are my favorite final step to perfect brows. I use them to “stylize” a brow at times meaning, I use different colors to create highlights in the brow much like you would the hair on your head. Why do that, you may ask?

I do it to sometimes lighten up an extremely dark brow to create the illusion of softness. Or I may want to thicken a brow with a slightly darker gel. It all depends on the style of brow you are looking to create.

PS if you find any of those OG’s (Old Glams) please send them over!!!

OK, ladies and gentlemen, there are some looks that are simply UNACCEPTABLE! LET’S GO THERE…I’M GOING TO NEED YOU TO STOP DOING THIS!!!!

AND THAT😔

OH AND THIS….PLEASE HAVE MERCY🙏🙏🙏

NOW HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF GOOD BROW GROOMING

When you have your brows well groomed it makes all the difference to your appearance and even outlook. You simply feel better. Here are a few of my brow clients before and after’s. These ladies are some serious power brokers in business and they know what it takes to be taken seriously and look good doing it!