I really don’t know where to begin this review. Uhhh okay, so let’s start with a question. I think this is a great way to lay down the tracks for this post.
Sooooo, let’s say you’re a Professional Makeup Artist. And you’ve been in the entertainment and beauty business for close to 30yrs.You’ve used every brand of makeup (unknown brands to designer brands) in your makeup kit for your clients in every medium from print to film. So, what kind of makeup do you wear personally? I mean do you even wear makeup?
Answer: Well, I have to say there are days that I wear makeup and days where I just simply don’t give a rip!! But when I do wear makeup you can be rest assured I hold no punches on the beat!!! Hahahaaa!!! I have to say I have a few staples that are in my personal makeup kit and one brand I totally stand by is YSL!!! Tried and true. I know exactly what I’m gonna get with this brand and its perfection!! And honestly for me it all started with the Touché EClat Pen. Can I tell you how that pen has always given my work life on set! And yes, I then started using it for myself as well.
Honestly in the early days of YSL they really did not have my color foundation available at the time but I would wear the mascara and the lipsticks (which I loved). For me like most women the packaging is a classic and this brand is definitely a classic upscale brand that exudes style and taste. Now when I say classic I mean more mature women but how would that classic translate to millennials? Well trust me it has translated well!!!! The brand has gotten some new chemists or something and definitely have awesome package designers and product developers.
Oh and YES THEY HAVE MY COLOR NOW!!! Thanks YSL my classic beauty brand on full display. http://www.yslbeautyus.com
So every year for the last 4 years now I have always been in attendance at all of the Holiday Pop Up Shops that The Makeup show has presented. I guess you would say I’m a loyalist to the beauty industry. But this year was a bit different for me with this Pop Up Shop.
I’ve matured as a shopper (meaning I’m less of an impulse shopper and more of a focused and neccessity shopper with purpose and direction) I am a more seasoned shopper and a Pro MUA (not the novice or MU enthusiast). when I make a purchase guaranteed I will be using it for work on some show the next day!
So okay I went with a plan as I usually do to most of these shows so I’m not aimlessly walking around dazed by all I see then winding up getting items I eally dont want or need. then they have the nerve to give you a free drink ticket (I didn’t endulge, only causes more brainless shopping!!! LOLOL!!!). So I remained sober! And was even more super sober when I finally added up my purchases at the end of the evening.
I went in with a specific budget and proudly didn’t go over it at the show. However I did reserve two big ticket items that most definintely were on my list but not in the budget at that time (but I wound up getting those items later for a special show price still being honored by the vendor).
Dates for The Makeup Show NYC have been set. Mark your calendars for May 1-2, 2016. Register to Get Updates to be notified as exhibitors and presenters are announced and when tickets go on sale.
Exhibitors
The information below is from our The Makeup Show NYC 2015.
I have been wanting to review this product since it was first introduced in the mid 90’s!!! black|Up Cosmetics Paris. Yes, I have been an avid follower of this product line. They were first released overseas in Paris in the mid 90’s and were doing what seemed to be well then suddenly disappeared!!! I was mortified because before I could even give them shout outs they had gone AWAL!!
I first found out about them when I was on tour with Mary J. Blige as her Makeup Artist. We had a brief stop over performance and promotion in Paris. I met a few young ladies there who introduced me to the line and told me where I could get it! And I indeed found it and purchased some foundations in the line and bought them back to the US! In fact I had used it for my own personal use and also for a few of my clients and I loved it!! Until I ran out and could no longer access the product!!!
The black|Up Cosmetics Pro Catalogue. Full Color product selections with high gloss pages. 75 pages of beauty!! Magnifique’!!
PANIC MODE 101!!! Client loves the colors you’re using…wants you to buy the product for them for their personal use…me…PRO MAKEUP ARTIST…BLANK STARE!!! WTH!!!! I can’t find them anywhere!!!! WHAT DO I TELL MY CLIENT…until now…close to 10years later! Revamped, repackaged, reformulated and rebranded…ready for action! IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT HONEY!!! YASSSSSS!!! Don’t miss this opportunity guys! I say stock up on this amazing brand designed unapologetically for Women of Color!!
Here I am in full black|Up makeup I used all the colors in one shot to get this makeup look. I use the CC Cream Foundation #04 daily(this is my Summer Tanned Skin color, my Winter color is #03,this is my normal skin toned color)
While on tour in Europe numerous times going to the best makeup shops I could barely find beautiful colors for Women of Color!!! I was highly offended!!! Then I thought really??? I mean for real people of Color are truly a minority in Europe…but not in the rest of the world so what can you expect from this market! And imagine a line for Women of Color over here would fly off the shelves simply because their beauty needs are being met!
I’m not here to apologize for my blackness or for any comments I make regarding any brand that is not inclusive of Women of Color. As far as I’m concerned I want to solely deal with brands that speak to my complexion without having to worry if I’m going to look grey, green or just chalky. I want a brand that suits my complexion and yes, there needs to be more brands worldwide for Women of Colors choosing!! NO APOLOGIES!!
Here are the colors that were sent to me and I am thrilled to say …I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS LINE!! Everything about this line I LOVE!!
Here are the eyeliners (liquid gold and orchid colored gel pencil eyeliner) and concealer
I am in absolute awe of this liquid eyeliner!! I can’t believe I’ve never had anything to compare to it EVER in my Pro Kit!!! And honey I’ve had my kit full of products that have come and gone in my 27year career!! I’ve got to order like 4 more of these!!! Long wear and waterproof for real waterproof (even with dish soap I couldn’t take it off!)
Here are the blushes in the colors 01(Fuschia Pink) and 11(Shimmery Coral).
BONUS
So ok, listen if you are not sure of how the colors of the foundations will work on you, you can always test it out with these blister packs that have a range of 4 shades to test! Shads #04-#09 uhh and there are 16 shades to choose from that selection were just the colors they chose for me based on knowing my skin tone. AMAZING CUSTOMER SERVICE!!! What more could you ask for.
Marc Jacobs Beauty |Review
Written by NZINGHA for ZFACEINC,nyc
Can I just tell you how much I’m loving the Marc Jacobs Beauty Collection!!! I was on a photo shoot yesterday and used the Marc Gele Foundation, conncealer and Gloss in both Heart Shaped and Over Protected. LOVED IT!!!
I love the overall packaging of the line. It’s pretty visually definable much like his clothing collection. The oval frosted bottles kinda remind me of Halston back in the 80’s…post disco chic!
My only 2 qualms (and this first one is major) about the line is the foundation color range…it excludes darker complexions! Are we still doing that exclusion thing really? It’s 2014 get with the program and consult some people of color about developing more colors. The second qualm I have is the names on the products are just too damned long!!! Like can we abbreviate some of those names?! C’mon already!!!
Marvelous Mousse Foundation
Price $55.00
I was shooting Kandace Springs (singer, songwriter, musician) for a beauty & hair book this past weekend. And I thought it would be great to introduce her to the brand as well. And yes, Kandace loved Marc’s line too!! I used the color “34 Beige Medium” (perfect on the spot!) I mixed the foundation with a little coconut oil for a really light dewy look.
TECHNIQUE: I mix a bit of the oil into the foundation on my mixing palette then used the BeautyBlender® to sponge it on.
Yes the coconut oil gives the foundation a light dew. If you want more of a slick dewy look baby oil gel will give a pure wet look.
Genius Gel Foundation Price $48.00
Here’s Lady Kandace Springs and I after the shoot for celebrity photographer Hosea Johnson’s upcoming coffee table book
My favourite concealers right now are ones that give good coverage yet feel light and are liquid yet dry to a beautiful creaseless finish. Here Marc has a concealer that has a similar feel to me as the Marvelous Mousse Foundation which are incredibly light feeling and can be sheer but give a good buildup if you want more coverage.
Re(Marc)able Full Cover Concealer Price $32.00
Remedy Concealer Pen Price $39.00
A model came in the salon on Saturday and was getting her hair done, I asked her to come in my chair because I wanted to try the concealer (because her eyes were puffy as if she’d been crying).
I used the “After Curfew #7”. In all actually wound up using it as her overall foundation!!!! The color was beautiful, perfect for her complexion.
Yes ladies I used the concealer as a foundation!!!
Later on that afternoon this is what happened; I also, had one in the fridge and then used it (yes chilled) on one woman’s eyes and trust me it’s anti puffiness! Why is it anti-puffiness, because of that metal tip applicator! That applicator tip is genius!!
I love the overall constriction of the Remedy Concealer Pen. Love the metal applicator tip, the clicker base, and the mini window (to see how much of the product you have left)…smart packaging! My most favourite color in the Remedy is the baby pink “Bright Idea”…great highlighter color and great for women who have those pesky blue veins under their eyes and for darker complexions that have gray/blue darkness.
Lust For Laquer Lip Vinyl-Sheer Price $28.00
The Vinyl Sheer Lip Glosses are great long wearing and no running glosses. The colors I chose are obviously sheer with a slight natural tint. My favourites are Clear and Heart Shaped.
Okay my final analysis of the Marc Jacobs Beauty Collection is…I love it accept for that one element that needs immediate alterations deeper tones in the foundations.
Written by NZINGHA for ZFACEINC,nyc
I am totally “Mz. Organization Keep A Clean Kit Lady”! It’s almost OCD cleanliness and organization. I should’ve had an organizing buisiness because seeing things in order actually brings me comfort. Order and structure helps you to see things clearer in general.
Many MUA’s are so creative right brain that they neglect analytical, linear left brain things. This can be detrimental to their productivity and craft. I totally use both because I’ve learned balance is the key! BALANCE IS A SKILL!!
I’ve seen so many of my MUA colleagues kits and honestly I wanted to scream and run from them!! And I wonder how someone so brilliantly gifted hasn’t figured out hygienic and orderly makeup practices?! How do you find anything in that makeup mess heap?!?!
My onset Office Boxes (I have a few that house a wholesale stash of various items like my printers, Medical Supplies, Men’s Grooming supplies etc., etc.)
My mini Skincare Kit (for Day Play work and for easy Set Bag carrying)
My mini SPFX Makeup Kit (mostly for Day Play work and for easy Set Bag carrying)
I literally saw ages ago now, one MUA I knew fairly well had zip lock bags with all kinds of makeup in it. They were all mixed up together and then, she had the nerve to dump it all out on the makeup set up table! I was like what the hell is going on here? Pencils all smushed into lipstick cases and powder cases she had to use paper towels to clean things off before using them!! BUT…she could paint a face like nobody’s business!!!
Me on the other hand, Im Queen of the plastics and labeling. There’s nothing worse to me than looking for items and to see a chaotic makeup station! All my Assistants always knew where to find things because it was clear. And I’m one of these MUA’s that carry everything you expect and even the things you don’t! Always try to be prepared for any scenario.
So, okay now, here we have my Brother P-Touch PT-H100 label maker that I got on sale at STAPLES for $10 (normally like $30)!!! I also have a Brother Limited Edition Craftmakers labeler PT-1100SBVP(seen in the photo pale pink and celery green) can’t remember the price and it’s now a discontinued item but, it sure wasn’t $10!
Here’s my beloved portable photo printer by Cannon called the “Selphy CP910“. It’s literally like the size of the mini Apple iPad! I LOVE THIS PRINTER!!! I got my “Selphy” on sale for $99 at Best Buy!
I really adore this printer!!!! Why? Because it’s wireless!!! So I can use my phone to take pics and then (while on set) send the pics to the printer and print out pics without even having to leave set!!! Continuity issue solved! I don’t have to sit around waiting to print photos they’ll simply be waiting for me in the trailer at the close of the night!!!
No working Pro MUA should EVER be on a set as a Department Head or Key and not have a photo printer! How else would you best do your live continuity books? Of course you can always do continuity on a few available apps (I have just recently with the SyncOnSet app) but, nothing beats the handbook.
So when all is said and done the truth is with the actual makeup, it can get messy and cleaning your kit is at your personal discretion. However it always just looks really good for professional Makeup Artists to be well groomed, kits well prepared, kits well organized and simply raises the bar for us to be with our time and their money!!
We’ve always got to be on our A-game because you never know who’s watching.
Check out Alejandra (we must’ve been separated at birth…cause I thought I was the only one so organized)
You’re probably thinking the same thing I was thinking when M•A•C introduced this new Waterproof Brow Set…NOT ANOTHER EYEBROW ANYTHING!!!
I felt like we have totally been over obsessed with eyebrows this past couple of seasons and I really don’t understand it. One brand specializes in brow products, then Instagrammers go nuts with scouring for bigger bolder even more colorful brows! What’s next on this new brow frontier?
Well, I answered my own question…not water resistant but waterproof brow set! Not a brow gel but a set (setting the natural brow hairs in place). Well, with all the work most Pro MUA’s do can find them in some unlikely situations.
EXAMPLES:
1) Having to spray liquids on a makeup and not have any streaks of makeup flowing down
2) With men the focal points on men with facial hair are brows, sideburns,mustaches and beards (especially these days with men actually growing out long styled beards).
You know sometimes with character makeup you may have to completely change the appearance of a person and; surprisingly changing someone’s brows can really make a person look different!
After testing out these colors I’ve got to say I’m really LOVING THIS PRODUCT!!! All the colors are matte except for one that has a slight shimmer to it Toasted Blonde. My personal favorite is Red Chestnut. I like it for a slightly bleached brow look without actually bleaching my brows!
Where was this product in the 90’s when all of us top MUA’s were on Blonde Ambition Brow watch, buying cases of Jolene Cream Bleach?!?? No slight to Jolene, which is still the #1 selling facial hair bleaching cream!
I also love the smaller brush head. This brush helps you really navigate combing through the hair and getting each strand covered!
Okay now lets look at the available colors. There are 6 colors all together.
1)Emphatically Blonde
(light ash taupe color)
2) Toasted Blonde
(golden slightly shimmery)
3) Red Chestnut
(red brown)
4) Gentle Brunette (not pictured)
5) Bold Brunette
(chocolate brown)
6) Brown Ebony
(chocolate black)
Alright people as much as I love this brow set it does have it’s areas that need improvement. Well it’s not completely waterproof more like water-resistant and I think they should add 1 or 2 more colors like silver and a shimmery snow white (for actors playing older characters).
Overall do I love it? Emphatically…YES!!!
M•A•C’s Pro Longwear Waterproof Brow Set sells for $17.00
An online beauty conversation with Muas and Beauty Experts Denise & Janice Tunnell. Our goal is to inspire and educate one conversation at a time. We bring the Beauty Industry to you every Sunday night at 9pm EST. …read more
Ok this post is the follow up to The Skinny On Phat Lashes (Part 1) and this one was a bit difficult to compile because there were so many questions regarding mascara and the use of it.
I’ve seen so many makeup faux pas regarding this area of makeup. I mean lets face it when people look at anyone’s face the first thing really see is a persons eyes and the whole eye area. Truly this is where you have the most space on your face for artistic expression through color.
Max Factor born September 15, 1872 was of Polish Jewish decent who worked as a wigmaker and makeup artist for Russian stage productions in the late 1800s. Factor fled the east European pogroms and emigrated to the U.S. in 1902. He found himself in California 10 years later as the motion picture industry took root there.
Factor took work as a makeup and hair stylist for film stars, and in 1914 he invented “Supreme Grease Paint,” a face makeup that still exists today
Max Factor began his career as an apprentice to a wig maker. By the age of 20, he was running his own makeup shop. Before Max Factor, few women used cosmetics. Factor popularized both the word “makeup” and the use of the cosmetic repertoire.
Back in the 1930’s and 40’s, during the glory days of Hollywood, the world of movie make-up was dominated by Max Factor. Creating false eyelashes, the eyebrow pencil, lip gloss, and pancake makeup, Factor created a whole new language for big screen cosmetics.
Jean Harlow, Claudette Colbert, Bette Davis, and virtually all of the major movie actresses were regular customers of the Max Factor beauty salon, located near Hollywood Boulevard.
Inevitably, once the actresses had been made to look so stylish on screen, they wanted to maintain the same effect in everyday life, so they wore the new Max Factor ‘makeup’ in personal appearances.
Soon, women unconnected with the theatre or the film industry were asking for the makeup, so that they too could look glamorous. It was in 1927 that Max Factor introduced his first cosmetics to be sold to non-theatrical consumers.
Max Factor specialized in transforming ordinary people into dazzling stars. Its glory days were with the golden age of the movie studios, when the stars used to provide product endorsements for as little as a dollar. Their glamour rubbed off on Max Factor, and vice versa.
Max Factor developed the celebrity endorsement concept, beginning with Clara Bow in the 1920s. Since then, stars including Rita Hayworth, Lana Turner, Marilyn Monroe, Jean Harlow, Judy Garland, Joan Crawford, Jaclyn Smith and Denise Richards amongst numerous others have all represented the brand. Many of his celebrity clients also appeared in full-color magazine ads to promote his cosmetics.
The first Celebrity Makeup Ads began with Max Factor Cosmetics. The ads featured movie stars: Judy Garland, Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, Rita Hayworth, Dorothy Lamor, Susan Hayward and a host of others.
The advertising campaign claimed that every girl could look like a movie star by using Max Factor makeup.
Max Factor is credited with many cosmetic innovations. Some of his innovations were the first motion picture makeup in 1914, lip gloss in 1930, Pan-Cake Makeup, forerunner of all modern cake makeups in 1937, Pan-Stik Makeup in 1948, Erace, the original cover-up cosmetic in 1954, and the first “waterproof” makeup in 1971.
An abbreviated timeline of Max Factor:
1914: Created the first makeup made specifically for motion pictures, a thinner greasepaint made in 12 shades. It was in cream form and packaged in jars, as opposed to the thicker stick grease paints used for theatre.
1920: Developed the “Color Harmony” principles of makeup, which held that “certain combinations of a woman’s complexion, hair and eye coloring were most effectively complemented by specific makeup shades”.
1925: Introduces “Max Factor’s Supreme Nail Polish”, a metal pot of beige-colored powder that is sprinkled on the nails and buffed with a chamois buffer. It gives nails shine and some tint.
1927: Creates “Society Nail Tint”, a small porcelain pot containing rose colored cream. Applied to the nail and buffed, it gives a natural rose color. “Society Nail White” also hits the market. It is a tube of chalky white liquid that is applied under nail tips and left to dry. The end result resembles the modern French manicure.
1928: Developed makeup, made specifically for use in black-and-white films. Max Sr. was awarded an Oscar for this innovation.
1930: Invented Lip Gloss
1932: Developed a line of “Television Makeup”, specifically to meet the needs of television.
1934: Introduces Liquid Nail Enamel, forerunner of today’s nail enamels.
1935: Opened the unique Max Factor Makeup Salon in Los Angeles.
1937: Created PanCake, forerunner of modern cake makeup, originally developed for color films.
1938: Max Factor died at age 59. Max Factor Jr. expands the family run business internationally.
1940: Created Tru Color Lipstick, the first smear-proof lipstick.
1948: Developed PanStik makeup.
1954: Created Erace, the original concealer, and developed a line of cosmetics specifically for color television’s needs. (This line remains the standard for TV makeup.)
1971: Invented the first “waterproof” makeup. First African American Super Model to represent Max Factor Cosmetics | Beverley Johnson
Max Factor CC Creams
Thank You Max! — in Ode’ to Max Factor.
Book written about the life of Makeup Artist, Inventor, Innovator, CEO Max Factor written by Fred Basten
The Glam Squad Files... 