Lets talk about eyebrows shall we. It seems to be an important beauty trend these days. I look all over the net especially Instagram and all I see are pictures of women with they’re eyes war painted and eyebrows that strike no form of reality! And as a Pro Makeup Artist with 25+years of work with clients; I can’t figure out where these women are going with these heavily painted eyebrows?!?!
Now clearly I love makeup and have been doing for many years but some of the stuff I’m seeing really scares me! And a lot of these women I imagine in person are hard to look at. There once was a time when a woman looked a certain way that illicited a certain negative response from both men and women but, in this generation that look is becoming coveted and even applauded!!!
Summer is right upon us and now’s the time to peel back all the winter layers. Winter was the time you did all your skin prepping for summer right? Now is the time for the big reveal…FREEDOM!
So I’ve got 5 tricks to keep your Summer Makeup Fresh! If you read in my previous blog 7 Tips to Prevent Summer Makeup Meltdowns! you’ll learn a few tricks in makeup melt prevention. Take it from me who’s done makeup on tour with sweating dancers who still managed to maintain beautiful makeup even in hot costumes and lights!!
1) Always begin with a good skincare regimen. Giving yourself a mask once a week will promote healthy regenerating skin cells, smooth surface skin and a glow because you got rid of all the dead cells.
2) Always use a primer. It neutralizes skin discolouration and acts as a barrier between you, your skin and the sun (if you use a primer with SPF in it).
3) Always go for less is more during summer months. Just think its a time to let your skin breath and enjoy the summer too. It’s okay to have dewy fresh looking skin in the summer.
4) Always opt for waterproof or water resistant makeup. Those are usually cream blushes and shadows.
5) Always carry a spritzer to hydrate your skin during those summer months this helps your skin stay hydrated, look dewy and yes even set the makeup you have on. I always personally prefer Rosewater.
I love a warmer climate always, guess its in my Caribbean blood. I always like a shimmery liquid Bronzer on the body something about the way the light reflects off of the skin. Just looks like a healthy glow.
When I’m back at home in the Caribbean (US & British Virgin Islands) I take que’s from the sun and water. The summer sun is all about less being more. I use the sand as my body and foot exfoliator, then treat my skin with Coconut Oil or Manoi Oil.
I recall early 1998 I got a call from an industry colleague and friend of mine who worked at SONY Music, while I was on a shoot for Black Enterprise Magazine who was featuring me for their entertainment issue. Well, this call was not the usual call to book me for another music makeup gig but, a call about a book being put together and authored by my friend Thembisa Mshaka who then worked in the publicity department at SONY Music.
I asked “What kind of book are you doing? What’s it going to be about?”, “An entertainment business guidebook for women? Me give advise to women who want to get into it? Sure I’m down!” I was so happy to hear about a guidebook and wondered why we never had one coming up in the biz? HEY?!?!?
But then I realized that what was happening was A FIRST, and all the women contributing to this book were FIRSTS on this level of the music side of the entertainment business! We all were pioneers so there weren’t people before to give us a guidebook, OUR LIVES IN THE INDUSTRY WAS THE GUIDEBOOK!! We were “THE GAME CHANGERS”!
The way we all HANDLED OUR BUSINESS while working in the music business was indeed “THE GAME CHANGER”. We were forever changing the game and how women would be received, move and be viewed in the music business.
Photo by Michael Benabib for Black Enterprise Magazine
At that time I was about 26-27years old. I was constantly on tour, an advisor to several beauty and music magazines, had 2 rotating makeup assistants to cover me on multiple shoots when I had multiple bookings in the same day or was out of town, was the contributing beauty editor of the internationally known urban music bible VIBE Magazine, I’d just inked a deal with Wilhemina Models Celebrity Division to work with all the clients they book, and later would ink a deal with MAC Cosmetics and world renowned Photographer David LaChappelle for their second ever Celebrity Beauty Ads for Viva Glam featuring two of my then clients Lil Kim & Mary J Blige.
Whew!!! I was a busy lady!! And this was all before people started talking about self promotion, branding, marketing, social media blasts etc., etc..
We all were on our global grind! Every woman I knew back then was on their grind working!! Not trying to be cute, or someone’s arm candy, or taking Selfie’s to promotes our talentless selves or YouTube faking expertise! These women were hands on doing the work and not compromising any level of integrity or their chastity!!
Put Your Dreams First
Handle Your Entertainment Business
Written by Thembisa M’shaka
After my initial conversation with Thembisa we attempted to schedule a sit down conversation or perhaps a phoner. Well, that never happened!!! It took close to 3 years for us just to link up. I had just finished working on 2 films and working at the TV show the Sopranos and then I was made to slow down. My Mum had passed away. I was on pause now and mostly in shock but somehow Thembisa’s project seemed at that moment of the utmost importance to me.
This was an opportunity to share.
I wanted to share all I knew at that time, perhaps to spare someone what I had just experienced in the throws of workload and life experience. What a perfect title…”Put Your Dreams First…Handle Your entertainment Business”…yeah…that’s what I’d always done for sure! And I was glad and honoured to be in the company of so many influential women in the industry. Women whom I’d worked with and who’s work ethic I admired. To know I was so well thought of was humbling to me.
About this item
Product Description
There is a great mystique about the entertainment industry and a fervent desire in many to be part of it. But what many women don’t realize is that most entertainment career guides are written from the point of view of the male executive, or are filled with industry and legal jargon-making them difficult to read and understand.
Now, in PUT YOUR DREAMS FIRST, Thembisa Mshaka uses her 15 years of experience in the music industry to expose the hidden truths that women need to know as they aspire toward entertainment careers, such as how to avoid compromising one’s self-respect and the little-known fact that women run a large part of the business. This highly informative guide is for every woman wanting to know how to navigate the entertainment superhighway and find that job of a lifetime.
.
About the Author
A cornerstone of integrity and stability in a highly competitive business, Thembisa has worked for over 17 years in service to the entertainment industry, spanning the areas of touring and management, magazine publishing, recorded music and technology, advertising, music supervision for film, voice over and most recently, television in her role as the Telly Award-winning Copy Director for BET Networks. The former GAVIN rap editor has also written for Honey, essence.com, LAUNCH, and served as contributing editor for The Hotness.com and BLAZE. A native of Los Angeles, Thembisa is an alumna of Mills College in Oakland, California. She now resides in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn with her husband and son.
In addition to Thembisa and foreword contributor Vanessa Williams, you’ll be supporting the work and accomplishments of the women featured: CELEBRITY CONTRIBUTORS:
Brenda Russell * Grammy-winning singer/songwriter and composer, The Color Purple on Broadway
Dawn Haynes * stylist (Jamie Foxx and others) Dawn II Dusk
Kimberly Kimble * film and celebrity hair stylist/salon and product line owner
Pamela Watson * Celebrity stylist and children’s apparel designer
FILM CONTRIBUTORS:
Dolly Turner * independent marketing consultant, ABFF
Erika Conner * producer, Idlewild
Lana Garland * screenwriter/director
Lisa Cortes * producer, Monster’s Ball and former record label president
Nayo Wallace * actor
Nefertiti Strong * emcee, film director/producer, Patriot Pictures
GLOBAL BUSINESS CONTRIBUTORS:
Ebonnie Rowe * founder, Phemphat Productions Toronto-Barbados based event producer and mentor
Celia Faussart * Les Nubians
*Helene Faussart * Les Nubians
Thami Ngubeni * actor, producer, former EIC, O The Oprah Magazine
Vivian Scott-Chew * Owner, Time Zone International and former A&R executive (George Clinton, Patra, Shabba Ranks)
Wendy ‘Motion’ Brathwaite * Award-wining Canadian poet and radio personality
IMAGEMAKING/PR CONTRIBUTORS:
Dyanna Williams * founder of Int’l Association of African American Music (IAAAM) and PR veteran (Usher, Bow Wow, Ne-Yo, Lil Kim, etc)
Gwendolyn Quinn * Renown publicist and Founder, African American PR Collective (AAPRC)
Jasmine Vega * 20 year music PR vet (Ice Cube, D’Angelo, Janet, Lenny Kravitz) turned esthetician
Kasema Kalifah * former assistant to Nzingha Stewart
Mimi Valdes Ryan * Editor-In-Chief, Latina
Stephanie Abdullah * Army reservist/media liaison, personal publicist to Bobby Brown
Nzingha Stewart * Video Director and Young Women’s Advocate
Yvette Noel-Schure * SVP Media, Columbia Records
Managers/Agents/Legal
Alexa Pagonas * Michael Black Management (Jody Foster, Tommy Lee Jones)
Angie Aguirre * Manager, Chase Entertainment, former manager of Outkast, Pharoahe Monch
Jennifer Coles * Television host/judge talent agent
Kim Ward * Entertainment attorney
Louise West * CEO and Attorney, West Entertainment (Missy Elliott, Timbaland)
Mona Scott-Young * CEO, Monami Entertainment
Tina Davis * Manager, Chris Brown and former A&R Executive, Def Jam, Columbia
Vanessa Gilbert * CEO, TGMD and agent, George DelHoyo, Don
LaFontaine (King of Trailers)
MUSIC CONTRIBUTORS:
*Abby Dobson * Independent soul artist
Brenda Russell * Grammy-winning singer/songwriter and composer, The Color Purple on Broadway
*DJ Kuttin’ Kandi * Champion Filipina turntablist and activist
DJ Princess Cut * Champion Chopped-n-Screwed DJ
DJ Reborn * DJ, instructor, and theater musical director
LaRonda Sutton * SVP, Foxx King Music
Lenora Zenzalai Helm * Jazz/opera singer, teaching artist
Leslie Ann Jones * Director of Scoring, Skywalker Sound
Leslie ‘Big Lez’ Segar * Choreographer, physical trainer and media personality
Monique Martin * Theater marketing and production pioneer (Soul Erotica, Sarafina, Bring In Da’ Noise, Bring In Da’ Funk), and Operations Director, New York’s City Parks Foundation
Sasha Dees * Amsterdam-NY based event producer and business manager
Ooooo there’s nothing worse than seeing women who suffer from summertime makeup meltdown! And I’m going to be honest with you…I get a feeling, this summers gonna be a scorcher! It’s great when you’re in your house in the cool of your powder room applying your lovely makeup for the day. It’s great when you get to the office and there’s ample air conditioning to keep that makeup pristine but, what’s gonna happen when you’re out in the street dealing with the heat?!
You see what I’ve learned is that my professional 9-5 ladies can have it bad if they’re having to wear full dress suits and full sleeve button up shirts. Company rules no short sleeves or open toe shoes and short shorts. You must be professionally dressed at all times. These are company rules! How do you comply yet still remain as lovely coiffed? I’ve got a secret from the Caribbean that will save the day and help your skin stay lovely and supple.
Being a Caribbean Lady and being accustomed to living in climates that are high heat you learn little actedotes for beauty. Okay so lets keep it all the way real…ask the question “Just how do women in high heat countries and islands keep their makeup on when its over 70 degrees and rising?” Keep reading 🔽
Makeup melts not just because of heat and sweat, but because of natural body oils. Your skin produces more oil in the summer months, so be sure to grab an oil-preventing cleanser, use masks once a week, carry a water spritzer (rosewater my personal fave) and blotting papers throughout the day.
1) Try using a clay mask once a week to reduce your skin’s oil production. Also try a clay based foundation the clay has a cooling effect and keeps pores closed so less oils come through for longer makeup wear.
2) Apply foundation only where you need it – and if you can, skip it altogether! Especially in the summer, do not over-apply. Sometimes less is more!
3) Light, sheer coverage is best – choose a tinted moisturizer and use concealer only where you need it.
4) If you can’t skip foundation, use a primer first (most women who live in the Caribbean use a thin layer of Noxema to stave away melting, yes Noxema, old trick the menthol, tea tree oil, eucalyptus and peppermint are all cooling agents to the skin and keep the skin smooth, conditioned under the makeup ), and then apply the foundation with your fingertips. This will warm it up and when you hit the summer sun, it won’t be such a shock.
5) Heavy, oil-based cosmetics do not wear well in hot weather. Light, shear and waterproof makeup will stay in place longer. Please take note, everyone’s skin type and texture is different just be patient in finding a method that works best for you.
6) Set with translucent mineral powder.
7) Use an eyeshadow primer (NYX White ,White Pearl or Skin Tone my personal faves)- it helps keep your color vibrant and keep it from sliding or creasing. Cream and pressed powder eyeshadows are best because they’re less likely to move. Silicone-based are also good choices.
*Tip :
When using eyeshadow primers; eyeshadow primers neutralize the natural tone on the skin of your lid so whatever pressed powder colors you choose will go on looking just like the color in the pan!
And cream eyeshadows can also act as your eyeshadow primer! If you can get a pressed eyeshadow Color the same as your cream eyeshadow you have a winning combo! My fave cream waterproof eyeshadows are by Makeup For Ever and my fave waterproof liquid liners are by Makeup For Ever and Stila. My fave waterproof eyeliner pencils are by Makeup For Ever…I’m just saying!
Remember when applying eyeshadow always firmly press it into the primer, in opposition to wiping it on with a brush the fluffiness of the brush will automatically begin to blend the eyeshadow and you won’t get the full eyeshadow color you want.
*NOTE
Noxema
This old-school face wash deep-cleans and removes makeup without drying skin. It’s best for oily or acne-prone skin, but the heavy fragrance is not for everyone and can be irritating for sensitive types. You’ve been informed…hope this helps.
THE ANCIENT EGYPTIANS (Africans/Black People):
Egypt is located in Africa. The Ancient Egyptians were the first physicians and first noted to create and mass produce makeup (eyeliner, eyeliner palettes, foundation, lip and nail tint), have makeup artists, hairstylists/ wig makers and manicurists. The first aestheticians were Africans. These were noble positions as many would serve the Royals and all in their Courts of the day.
*All information below was researched on Wikipedia:*
THE EGYPTIANS:
The ancient Egyptians regarded beauty as a sign of holiness. Everything the ancient Egyptians used had a spiritual aspect to it, including cosmetics, which is why cosmetics were an integral part of their daily lives. In tombs, cosmetic palettes were found buried with the deceased as grave goods which further emphasized the idea that cosmetics were not only used for aesthetic purposes but rather magical and religious purposes.
Ancient Egyptians wore cosmetics regardless of gender or status, as they believed that cosmetics had magical power. They paid extra attention to eye makeup and they usually lined their eyes with a black galena, kohl (black eyeliner), that was placed in small kohl containers and applied with a wooden stick, creating an almond-shaped eye. The almond-shaped eye resembles the falcon eye of the God Horus.[citation needed]
The eye of Horus was believed by the Egyptians to have magical protective powers from the myth of the battle of Horus as revenge for his father Osiris, where it was said he lost his left eye which was later magically restored (Mannichie 34).
Therefore, the ancient Egyptians wore the black kohl and used green eye paints under their eye to ward off evil spirits and as a way to keep their eyes protected from eye diseases. The use of eye paints played an important role as well in the afterlife of the ancient Egyptians.
“Before presenting himself (the deceased) at the tribunal in the ‘Hall of Justice’ the candidate must purify himself, dress in white garments, make up his eyes and anoint himself. Only then may he enter the realm of Osiris” (qtd. in Sacred Luxuries 136). The deceased had to line his eyes with kohl in order for him to face the judgment of Osiris and move on to the afterlife. Moreover, ancient Egyptians, especially royalty, wished to preserve their youthfulness and be always depicted in an ideal state in art as part of their divine nature. They used oils such as castor oil, sesame oil and Moringa oil in their daily skin care regimen to fight wrinkles (Personal Hygiene and Cosmetics). Their favorite colors were black, green and purple.
THE HISTORY OF FOUNDATION:
Foundation is a skin coloured cosmetic applied to the face to create an even, uniform colour to the complexion, to cover flaws and, sometimes, to change the natural skintone. Foundation applied to the body is generally referred to as “body painting.”
The use of cosmetics to enhance complexion has been known since antiquity. “Face painting” is mentioned in the Old Testament (Ezekiel 23:40). Ancient Egyptians used foundation.
In 200 B.C., ancient Greek women applied white lead powder and chalk to lighten their skin. It was considered fashionable for Greek women to have a pale complexion. Roman women also favoured a pale complexion. Wealthy Romans favoured white lead paste, which could lead to disfigurements and death. Men also wore makeup to lighten their skin tone.[1] They used white lead powder, chalk, and creams to lighten their skin tone. The cream was made from animal fat, starch, and tin oxide.[2] The fat was rendered from animal carcasses and heated to remove the color. Tin oxide was made out of heating tin metal in open air. The animal fat provided a smooth texture, while the tin oxide provided color to the cream.[3]
Throughout the Middle Ages in Europe, it was considered fashionable for women to have pale skin, due to the association of tanned skin with outdoors work, and therefore the association of pale skin with affluence. In the 6th century, women would often bleed themselves to achieve a pale complexion.[4] During the Italian Renaissance, many women applied water–soluble lead paint to their faces. Throughout the 17th century and the Elizabethan era, women wore ceruse, a lethal mixture of vinegar and white lead. They also applied egg whites to their faces to create a shiny complexion.[5] Many men and women died from wearing lead-based make-up.
In the 18th century, Louis XV made it fashionable for men to wear lead-based makeup.[1] Theatrical actors wore heavy white base.[6]
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Victorian women wore little or no makeup. Queen Victoria abhorred make-up and deemed that it was only appropriate for prostitutes and loose women to wear it. It was only acceptable for actors or actresses to wear make-up. In the late 19th century, women would apply a whitening mixture made out of zinc oxide, mercury, lead, nitrate of silver, and acids. Some women stayed out of the sun, ate chalk, and drank iodine to achieve whiteness.[7]
In the Edwardian era, women wore base and did not bleach their skin as much as they did in previous centuries.[8]
Modern foundation can trace its roots to Carl Baudin of the Leipzeiger Stadt theatre in Germany. He is the inventor of greasepaint. He wanted to conceal the joint between his wig and forehead, so he developed a flesh-coloured paste made of zinc, ochre and lard. This formulation was so popular with other actors that Baudin began producing it commercially, and, as such, gave birth to the first theatrical makeup.[9]
This would be the standard for theatrical make-up until 1914, when makeup artist Max Factor created Flexible Greasepaint that was more reflective under the lighting on movie sets.[10] Although make-up would evolve dramatically from Baudin’s invention, theatrical make-up is, to this day, not too far removed from the original blend of fats and pigment.
Pan-Cake
The first commercially available foundation was Max Factor’s Pan-Cake. Originally developed for use in film, actresses were so taken with the results that Max Factor was overwhelmed with demand for the product for their personal use.
The breakthrough in his formula was the first “foundation and powder in one”; traditionally, an actor was made up with an oil/emollient-based make-up, which was then set with powder to reduce the reflection and ensure it would not fade or smudge.
Pan-Cake used talc—rather than oil or wax—as the base, and, applied directly to the skin with a wet sponge, it offered enough coverage (it could be layered without caking on the skin) to eliminate the need for a foundation underneath.
This was considered significantly more lightweight and natural-looking on the skin than the standard method, hence people’s eagerness to wear the item in public. Although foundation make-up was widely available and used within the film industry, the use of cosmetics in general was still somewhat disreputable, and no one had tried to market foundation (although lipstick, blush and nail polish were popular for daily use) as an everyday item.
Factor had the product patented in 1937, and, despite the economic turmoil of the era, Pan-Cake became one of the most successful cosmetic launches of all time. By 1940, it was estimated that one in three North American women owned and wore Pan-Cake.[11] As of February 2009, Procter and Gamble, the brand’s current owner, confirmed that the original formula Factor developed and used himself is still sold today.[citation needed]
MY FINAL SYNOPSIS OF THE HISTORY OF MAKEUP/FOUNDATION:
It’s been pretty interesting reading up on how over the centuries mankind has interpreted physical beauty. The things people did and still do to achieve what would be considered beauty. No wonder the beauty industry is a billion dollar industry.
I noticed a vast difference in the Ancient Egyptians methods to achieve beauty never required their deaths, drinking iodine and lead poisoning and such. They’d figured out the ways to medicinal health & beauty were by herbs, plant based pigments and oils. Why didn’t the rest of the world figure that out?! Was it because all of the Egyptian libraries containing those secrets were burned to the ground by the Roman invasion of Egypt? Mmmm…you do the homework on that.
However I must be frank. After combing over several articles written and photos I looked at in the researching of this article. Had I not done the extra homework one would think People of Color never existed in the creation of the cosmetics we’ve come to know today. The way some of these information sites and vintage photographs would have you think we never even existed.
Even after its been noted that we were the inventors of cosmetics that we had nothing to do with it. And though I give credit to Max Factor and the like we must remember we lived in a racially segregated and racists country during that time. And certainly no black people were allowed on those sets other than to play the help.
Black people were never seen in films other than as the unattractive, ungroomed and basically ignored house help. So no makeup was ever created for us during Hollywood’s Golden Era! Oh yes we had Madame CJ Walker who had a cosmetic empire based on Black Haircare (1900’s) our own films Directors (Oscar Micheaux and others) and Actors and Actresses and the basic lipstick, nail polish, blush and liner were available to us but no skintoned makeup was created for us in those early years. No nude colored stockings for our grandmothers that matched their nude tones.
Lets be honest here. And if this portion of the post makes some feel uncomfortable that’s good! We’ve come a long way in the world and in the beauty industry but we’ve still got far to go!! This article was meant to be one to grow on.
Okay so I’m corny and a Star Wars junkie, I could watch them all over and over again…seriously! So now you put one of my favorite actors in a Star Wars film?!? I’m done!! Lupita Nyong’o in Star Wars? Yaaaasssssss!
I loved Natalie Portman as Queen Amadala! Loved makeup and hair all day all the way on her character accept for Hayden Christianson’s hair as Anakin Skywalker that weave was a disaster (sorry I have to tell the truth)!
So anyway, not even the Hollywood Reporter has given a hint as to Lupita’s latest role but I have a guesstimate of who I think she’ll play and trust me its not a Jehdi! Some dumb report said she would be playing a Jedhi and not just a Jehdi but a supposed descendant of Obi Wan Kenobi…I think that’s just terrible!
Ok, here goes my guess: I think she’ll be playing…
Asajj Ventress
Yes, a villainess! Ok for my Star Wars junkies who can really relate and know their galaxy characters…here goes…
Asajj studied under Dooku during the Clone Wars. Although she was only a Sith apprentice, her powers quickly drew a lot of attention. A lot of which came from Palpatine who ordered Dooku to destroy his apprentice (which he failed to do). Asajj struck back at Dooku with two Nightsisters, but was unsuccessful in her assassination plot. Asajj wiped the floor with Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan on more than one occasion. Before Palpatine thought she posed a threat to him, he was impressed with her lightsaber skills.
“The child’s skills with a lightsaber are most impressive. You have found a promising disciple, my apprentice. She shall serve us well.” ~Palpatine
I like the direction JJ Abrams is going in with this cast and if my guesstimating is correct he won’t have Lupita as some wimpy character with no gut. I like his quick cut film edit style that keeps you on the edge for Sci-Fi films. Yet he manages to tell a good story in the midst.
This role will not be a passive one…no sir! This one will call for some serious physical dexterity which I think Lupita is ready for. I’m sure shell have to train in combat and some martial arts and most assuredly fencing. It will be a vast difference in character from what we saw in her role as Pasty in 12Years.
Time to move away from those visuals to a new visual for her as an actress.
I could be all wrong about this one but Mmmm I dunno, I could be right. Any feedback what do you all think?
Makeup sponges have been around for many years and gone through many changes believe it or not. Who knew something so small had such impact in the daily application of makeup.
As a rule most MUA’s use makeup sponges. And in truth it goes in waves how we manage to apply makeup and the tools well decide to use for that purpose. One thing for sure with me is I’m not the Lady to go for hyped beauty products, just because someone or some magazine tells me it’s the best. I have to see it feel it and use it myself to give a thumbs up in my book. And trust me I’m a hard sell with seeing myriads of products over the years (25+) that have come and gone!
If there’s one thing I will do is give credit where credit is due. I’d waited a long time before I’d ever used the beautyblender. I waited mostly because I’ve never really been a sponge kind of MUA (mostly brushes and fingers). And times where I wanted to blend what would be heavy stage makeup. I’d use them if they were given to me on sets doing extras and such and at times purchasing the traditional triangles en mass for their disposable purposes when having to do several people in one day and not just one person.
Well believe it or not I recently acquired the beautyblender in all three colors (go hard or go home) at The Makeup Show 2014, just to see for myself what all the hype was about. I’ve seen beautyblenders before at all of the manufacturers shows (all made in Asia)HBA (for years), Luxe Pack, Makeup Paris and others. So this was really not a new thing; but the right time, at the right place, with the right resources was obviously in place.
So in my blender acquisition I have made several assessments. Some good and some I have concerns with. Well the first thing that’s a plus for beautyblender is timing as I’d stated before and that signature hot pink sponge! That’s a winner because its eye catching. And truthfully will be a classic beauty item. The sponge a MUA colleague of mine ReAnn Silva has bought attention to the elegant use of the well known makeup sponge.
BEAUTYBLENDER PURE
Now honestly I personally don’t get the hype on the white blender. It the same as the pink only white! Oh and be sure not to sit the white next to the pink because the dye in the pink comes off. I only use the white blender for moisturizers, primers and light creams other than that I do not use it for foundations or concealers.
BEAUTYBLENDER BLACK
Because black is my signature color I am always drawn to it. It’s a no brainier for me with this one (my favourite) but its main selling point no matter what color you choose to use its it’s shape that really makes the difference. It’s all about the shape of the beauty blender. Was it the first sponge if this shape…no go to any Chinese cosmetic manufacturer and ask them when they started making this particular sponge, because they’ve been making, designing and reshaping makeup sponges for decades! The difference here is about TIMING!
Will regular triangular sponges ever go out of style and not be seen as useless? I doubt it. It will always serve its original function. However beautyblender is made for an individual’s use. As an MUA I’ve not seen it retailed on a wholesale basis so it has its exclusivity there as a luxury item. This is where the traditional triangular will never go out of fashion.
My one concern in using sponges, beautyblender or any sponge was how they are made and what’s in them. I spoke with one manufacturing company I met at the Luxe Pack show and asked him some questions. Why are some sponges more dense than others (like the Beauty Blender that swells up when it’s wet)? He told me ” The “egg shaped” sponges we had at the show are made from Yukilon material, which is NBR. It is available in medium and hard densities, and in cell sizes from closed to open cell. As the sponges are buffed only in Japan, they tend to be at a high price point compared to other 3D sponges.
Yukilon is our trade name for our blend of NBR material (nitrile butadiene rubber, which is synthetic latex). The cell size refers to the pore size of the sponge; the larger the cell size, the more formula it would absorb. This NBR material will not swell like the Beautyblender because the Beautyblender is polyurethane material, which is more prone to swelling when wet.”
Well now that’s a lot of info to take in but as usual the information junkie that I am sent me on a hunt for the meaning of polyurethane which we’ve all hear of before but I wanted to know more:
Okay so sponges just got scientific and ergonomic but I was curious (Remember I’m a TK/teacher’s kid so, everything is up for question and research if I’m interested, and I was.)
KEEPING IT CLEAN
Honestly I don’t like beautyblenders solid to clean their own brushes!!! How crazy is that?! I like their liquid cleanser best for the beautyblender in fact it trumps all other liquid cleaners for the blender outside of the world famous Dr. Bronner’s. I use Dr. Bronner’s Lavender, Rose or Baby Scent.
My only discrepancies with the beautyblender are:
1) Pink beautyblender fades quickly , and do not use hot water to clean it or it will fade even faster. Also do not have it near your white beautyblender or anything white that you care about not being colorstained.
2) If you are a constant user of the beautyblender you will see tears in it after a couple of washings. I think it’s just the nature of sponges that’s all, so truly no worries.
In conclusion we go back to the initial question is it right or is it hype? Ultimately not up to me to say , because only time can tell, but I’m sold on BeautyBlender. Shoot it’s in my kit if it wasn’t a thumbs up I’d’ve chucked it a while ago now.🌟🌟🌟🌟
What you’ll need:
* 2 tbsp of Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover (for embellished or mink lashes, because they require delicate care. So jewels and embellishments don’t fall off or get cloudy and unshimmery)
* 2 tbsp of Isoprophyl Alchohol (for regular lashes)
* 1 clean shallow bowl or container
* Cotton Swabs
* Tissues
* Tweezers & Lash Curler
* Spooly, Fan Brush or Dual Sided Metal Lash Comb
Steps to cleaning:
1) Remove false lashes.
2) Pour Alchohol/Eye Makeup Remover in your bowl.
3) Soak lashes for 2 minutes.
4) Clean lash band by removing the glue with your fingers or tweezers (your choice) one lash at a time. Then place them back in your bowl to soak a bit more to loosen up any additional mascara left on the lashes
5) Prep tissues by folding them over to create a bed for the lashes.
6) Remove lashes from their bath and place them on the tissue bed and begin to clean all the excess mascara, glitter and any other buildup with your spooly, brow brush or mini fan brush. Brushing firmly but gently to remove debris. Be sure to clean both sides of the lashes.
7) Now, doing this with each lash one at a time you are going to lay the damp lash upside-down on the curve of you forefinger and brush the lash back into its original curve shape. We do it this way so as not to loose the curve of the lash. Here’s where you can use your lash curler to give those lashes a lil’ bump if you see they’ve gotten flat.
8) After cleaning and reshaping the first lash you will now return the lash to the original plastic box that the lashes came in. Do this one lash at a time. Allow the lashes to air dry and VOILA! they’re ready for your next wear…just like new! 💃💃💃👏👏👏👏
The Glam Squad Files... 