I Wanna Be an MUA: The Ultimate Transformation - Creating Drag w.Romero Jennings *pic and info heavy*

tired and fighting getting sick but the show must go on!

Sometimes you just have to kick your self into gear lest you miss out on something no short of amazing.  Luckily I did just that this past Sunday when I had to drag myself out of bed to head to a MAC Masterclass being taught by none other than Romero Jennings.




Anyone worth their beauty lover weight knows who Jennings is but for entertainment purposes lets delve a bit into his background...fluent in Japanese and hailing from Jamaica (I know right?!) this Senior Artist for MAC has been creating beauty with the brand for 21 years and based on what I saw Sunday, he wont be slowing down anytime soon!

the work of Romero Jennings

What keeps Jennings with the brand is the importance that they place on "innovation of product" and he believes that we as artists should not take this lightly.  We tend to go in with blinders so to speak and have a mental list of the items that need to be re-upped in our kits but according to Jennings we should "always ask whats new."

new MAC palettes

Though a class dedicated to the art of transformation via drag, it is important to note that all makeup, especially now, contains elements of drag, especially when it comes to highlight and contour, Romero told us that it "is the basis to every makeup" as well as blending and "the difference between a good makeup artist and a great makeup artist is the ability to manipulate".  Now I don't know about you, but I am trying to be great out here, so lets get into the class shall we?

waiting to get our seats

Class highlights:

• Jennings made his own lashes out of paper specifically for use during class...it took him ten hours...the lashes are one time use only!  How giving of his artistic ability, he's the best right?
• SOBO fabric glue and metallic paper from Japan was used to make the lashes themselves but regular DUO lash glue was used to adhere the lashes for the final look 

  

  The paper lashes!

• He also made brows...no, not just colored the models brows in to match the wig color...he...made...brows...who does that???  for a class?  Like really...I love him!  The brows were created from the bang that he cut on the wig and placed on a piece of lace/mesh then glued down for the final look which you will see in the pics
• his entire kit is carried in two MAC carry all bags 

  

  Romero Jennings showing us his kit (foundation in Muji container)

• he uses mostly Matchmaster and Face + Body foundation which he places in the matte Muji containers. 
• he does not carry the entire line of foundation.  He has the darkest, the lightest and a a few shades in between (pink, yellow, beige), from that he can create what he needs
• he LOVES the prolongwear lip pencils because they last at LEAST 8 hours

new MAC palettes filled with cream color base and sculpting creams

MAC Products used during class:

• Prep + Prime powder (loose)
• Acryllic Paint-Orange
• Prep + Prime Moisture Infusion
• 109 brush (moisturizer and foundation application)
• 138 brush (studio fix powder)
• 286 brush (studio fix powder)
• Studio finish concealer
• Studio Finish powder
• Fascinating eye kohl (inner corner of eye, enhance highlight, flare the nostril)
• Frankly Scarlet blush
• Pink Swoon blush
• 222 brush (contour)
• 286 brush (contour)
• Cork shadow
• Brun shadow
• Carbon shadow (contour and on lips, yes on the lips!)
• Blue acryllic paint (shadow base)
• Studio fix NW40 
• Nylon shadow (highlight) *also suggested Amber Lights shadow for WOC*
• 227 brush & finger (highlight)
• Prolongwear pencil - In Anticipation
• Coffee liner (lips)
• Coffee Walnut Sculpting Cream
• #33 lashes on bottom
• Funtabulous Dazzleglass

class haul!

before pic of the model

did lashes first!

applying Prep + Prime loose powder to brows to set

getting the brows together with orange acryllic paint and matchmaster foundation

applied with a 109 brush, a gel moisturizer followed by foundation keeps client from feeling like they have too much makeup on

brows covered, base done, highlight applied

time to contour!

taking lots and lots of notes!

applying MSF Natural

perfecting the contour

adding depth

chiseled cheek!

halfway there...

applying coffee liner to the lips

time to apply bottom lashes

brows in place...

before and after

the look!

I didnt realize I took so many pictures but hopefully I conveyed what I took away from the class in a way that is helpful.  As always if you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.  At some point this week I plan to update this post with a video showing what items I got from the class and explain why I picked the items that I did.

Local Lovlies: 2011 Black Beauty Expo

Launched in 2008 the Black Beauty Expo aims to provide education and inspiration to those in all disciplines of the beauty industry including hairstylists, makeup artists, barbers and braiders.  The Black Beauty Expo will take place at the Greater Richmond Convention Center and feature 3 days competitions, seminars and exhibitions.  Advanced tickets are available for purchase now.  See below for details:

Reserve your space today
and SAVE BIG...

BLACK BEAUTY EXPO

10x10 Booths
ADVANCE RATE:
only $475

Click here to register your space 

  

Advance Rates
good until August 31, 2011

You may download more Info below   

Exhibitor Quick Registration Guide  

Exhibitor Contract 

 Exhibitor Prospectus 

Contract & Floorplan are
included in the Exhibitor Prospectus

ADVANCE Tickets are available
At these great Rates:

Students: $10

Professionals: $20

VIP: $35

GENERAL PUBLIC: $20
{EVENING FASHION SHOW ONLY}

Take advantage of these rates Today!!!

Our Mission

· To Provide a stimulating environment that promotes success in the Black Hair Care Industry

· To facilitate and develop lasting relationships with new and creative leaders in the Black Hair Care Industry.

· To be a leader in quality events within the Black Hair Care Industry.

I Wanna Be An MUA: Learning all about Foundations & Concealing

Fellow MUA Joy A. Johnson offers a series of classes geared to the every day woman.  She has a class coming up that will work for someone just wanting to learn more about makeup or a current artist who wants to get back to basics without breaking the bank.  See below for more information:

*Professional Women Learning Professional Makeup Series*

Topic: Learn All About Foundations & Concealing

Class Status: Open to the Public

Join Joy A. Johnson, Educator, Makeup & Nail Stylist for a 1 Hour Live Demo on how to apply, different types, proper matching of foundations/concealers & the proper tools needed to accomplish a flawless application followed with a 1 Hour Questions and Answers. This class is not name brand driven but technique/application focused. Please bring your makeup bag so we can go through and discuss what needs to be kept and thrown away.
Tools & Products available for retail

Investment: $45
(or 2 installments of 22.50)
Go To: www.FacesOfJoy.com/Class
Location: Natural Touch Salon 1192 Smallwood Dr Waldorf, MD 20603
Class Date/Times: Monday September 26, 2011 @ 7:30 pm
serving lite refreshments
 

I Wanna Be An MUA: Master Up-do Hair Lab and Live Photoshoot with Daven Mayeda and Sean Armenta

Didnt I tell you artistry continuing education was on the move in the D.C. area?  Here is another must attend seminar sponsored by none other than The Powder Group, leaders in artist education who have provided us with countless opportunities to grow and thrive in this industry.  I have had the pleasure of being a student in one of Daven's hands on classes for hairstyling and I learned a LOT!  Check below for details:

From The Artist Labs site:

MASTER UP-DO LAB WITH LOS ANGELES AGENCY REPRESENTED CELEBRITY HAIRSTYLIST DAVEN MAYEDA

WASHINGTON D.C. AUGUST 27, 2011

Understanding, creating, and polishing your knowledge of Up-do’s for the working industry artist.

A comprehensive one day class focusing on fluid, effortless up-dos for red carpet events, editorial, and any special occasion. This class is for hairstylists working in the industry with some knowledge and skill in blowdrying, curling and pinning. This class has a limit of 16 students to ensure quality of education

Daven Mayeda is a Los Angeles based Celebrity Hairstylist represented by The Celestine Agency. He has worked on Celebrities such as Adele, Mariah Carey, Joan Jett, Nicki Minaj, Lea Salonga and Shoshanna Bean. His work can be seen in publucations such as Cosmopolitan and Elle.

A note from Presenter Daven Mayeda

“I’m so excited to share the secrets to updo’s. They’re very fun and are a coveted skill by many. I want to help you maximize your styling time and create effortless, beautiful looks for any occasion! We have a crazy busy day packed with so much information. Its going to be non-stop education from the second you walk in to the second you leave!”

August 27, 2011 Washington D.C. Master Up-do Hair Lab with Daven Mayeda

LEIPER STILES STUDIOS

Located 5 minutes from Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD)
22960 SHAW ROAD
SUITE 600
STERLING, VA 20166
PH: 571-265-7138
www.LeiperStilesStudios.com

Exclusive Lab will include

8am to 12pm: Mastering Updos

-Discussion on Up-Do’s

-Designing the feel of the Up-Do- Messy or polished?

-Analyzing the face- Do’s and Don’ts

-Choosing and establishing a flattering part

-Choosing the focus of the updo

-Different types of pins and correct ways of pinning and securing

-Correctly and effectively teasing and smoothing hair for heigth and shapes

-TroubleShooting Fine Hair

-Polishing your work

-Creating messy textures

12pm to 1pm: Lunch

1pm to 6pm: Up-do HANDS-ON

Students will have the opportunity to create their looks with clip-in extensions.

Simple, quick and beautiful “Go-To” Red Carpet worthy looks for print, fashion, bridal, red carpet, and editorial.

-1940’s Old Hollwood Inspired Updo

-1960’s Inspired Updo

-1950’s Retro Inspired Updo

-Classic French Twist

-Classic Ribbon Curl

-Classic Half-up Half-Down Look

-Classic Chingon

BREAK

6:30-9:00pm

THE ARTIST LABS WELCOMES

FASHION ADVERTISING PHOTOGRAPHER

SEANARMENTA

TO THE WASHINGTON D.C. UP-DO CLASS WITH DAVEN MAYEDA!

THE ARTIST LABS UP-DO LIVE PHOTOSHOOT

AN EXCLUSIVE LIVE PHOTOSHOOT WITH HAIRSTYLIST DAVEN MAYEDA AND SEAN ARMENTA.

DUE TO THE EVOLUTION OF TECHNOLOGY, STYLISTS, PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CREATIVE  TEAMS IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY ARE ALLOWED TO VIEW THEIR WORK AND STORY PROGRESSION THROUGH THE USE OF A TETHERED MONITOR. 

DAVEN AND SEAN WILL SHOW STUDENTS HOW THEY CROSS CHECK THEIR WORK USING A TETHERED MONITOR AND   THEY WILL EXECUTE A LIVE PHOTO-SHOOT UTILIZING SEVERAL OF THE LOOKS DEMONSTRATED IN DAVEN MAYEDA’S UP-DO LAB ON A LIVE MODEL.

DAVEN WILL SHOW STUDENTS HOW HE UTILIZES THE MONITOR AS AN ADVANTAGE, AND WILL DISCUSS THE DISADVANTAGES OF HAVING A MONITOR ON SET.

 EACH ATTENDEE WITH RECEIVE AN ORIBE GIFT BAG WITH SOME OF DAVEN’S MUST-HAVE ON-SET STYLING PRODUCTS!

TPG MEMBERS GET AN EXCLUSIVE VIP GIFT BAG AND 20% OFF ENTRANCE!

 

 

I Wanna Be An MUA: Contours and Finishes by Danessa Myricks

Yet another opportunity for artists in the area to expand that knowledge!  Do not miss out!  I just spoke with a representative at Bennett and there are only 4 spots remaining!  Make the call and take your artistry to the next level.

If you plan to attend let me know :)

I Wanna Be An MUA: Kett Workshop in DC with Chet Bennett

Somewhere along the line makeup artists from this area must have made a major impact on the beauty industry because they are finally taking notice and bringing continuing education to us!

There are a number of continuing education options available in the D.C. area in the next couple of months.  I will post them all here within the next few days.  The good thing about Bennett Career Institute is you get a certificate of completion when you take one of their courses and subsequently receive a discount when booking future classes.  I really enjoyed the Sam Fine course I took there.

I have been nervous about picking up my never used airbrush and this class may just give me the push I need.  Will you be in attendance?  Hope to see you there?

I Wanna Be An MUA: Kevin James Bennett Edition - Part Two

Now we get to the nitty gritty.  All you ever wanted to know about making it as an MUA by one of the bests!

If you have delusions of grandeur about being a makeup artist and think that you can throw a color on an eye, lip or cheek, or you can beat your face so how hard could it be to make it as an MUA or that it is a glamorous job - then this is definitely NOT something you wanna get into.  Kevin has done magazine covers...BIG magazine covers for as little as $100 (if paid at all) and had to hunt them down for that bit of change.  Get your mind right.  *puts soap box away and continues with class recap*

KJB explained that when you take a job it isn't about your creative outlet unless that is established beforehand.  The makeup has to be relevant to the character the client wants.  You have to have an editing eye, if you think you need to add 1 more thing, step away (I had to do this a couple of times in the class).  When working if something by chance goes wrong, no one should notice it but you.  Regroup, plan your course of action and fix it...quickly.

It is important to visualize your career in a "concrete, attainable way".  Generosity with your talent makes you not only credible but it will keep you working for a very long time.  You must possess generosity, honesty and transparency.  When you step on set as an MUA it should be void of drama.  Drama is expected from the talent, but not you as the makeup artist.  We are simply "the help"; by making the talent look good, you in turn make yourself look good.

When trying to determine your rate you need to research your market.  After you determine who your client is in your area, be honest with yourself and determine your skill level - beginner, intermediate, advanced artistry.  Once you have that figured out think about what the artists in your market are charging and based on that where exactly do you fall in that market?  Based on all the predetermining factors, from the very lowest to the highest you should put yourself in the middle towards the higher end.  Do not be apprehensive about your rate, it is YOUR rate.  When someone calls you ask them up front what the budget is for hair and makeup.  This will eliminate any confusion.

(the beautiful Kat Aragon ready for her commercial beauty close up!)

Some common myths/queries dispelled during the class:

• All of the products listed on 'In My Kit' are not based solely on the opinion of KJB, it is a collective polling of working professional makeup artists and what they are using and loving
• "Somebody, somewhere will be allergic to something" - this isn't preventable.  Kevin swears by silicone based products.  The molecules in silicone based products are large, too large to clog pores and therefore not harmful to the skin.  Silicone based products are water resistant, long lasting and stable.  Silicone is an inert mineral and one of the least reactive, same as mineral makeup (you know how people love to say they only use mineral makeup...) because silicone is a mineral!  Problem solved.
• In keeping with the mineral makeup query, every foundation is made from mineral pigment. 
• NO ARTIST SHOULD EVER USE SPF MAKEUP...EVER....NEVER...EVER...EVER!
• If a sun protection factor is needed use a primer with an SPF instead.
• "If a person isnt oily, stay the hell away with the powder!"  We as humans have depth and a healthy glow to our skin, we dont walk around looking super matte, that isnt a healthy look.  To get rid of oiliness on set fold blot paper in half over a sponge to remove the oil.  This prevents you pressing all over someone's face with you fingers and tackles the issue at once
• White setting powder - dont blame the powder when someone looks white...the setting powder has to come in contact with either moisture or oil for it not to be white anymore.  So if you have matted the skin down and stripped it from moisture then of course the skin will look white.
• When does Kevin use an airbrush machine?  Not all the time. (his machine of choice is the Iwata Silver Jet)
• If there is extensive corrective make up needed then the correction is done by hand application, after that THEN go back in with an airbrush with a bit more foundation to give a more natural look to the skin. 
• For extreme highlight/contour cases, do that by hand and then airbrush over
• Body work of course
• Tattoo coverage - do extreme coverage/color correcting makeup first then go over with airbrush using 2-3 skin tones to return the depth to the skin

Part Three will discuss kit revamping!  I will show you my kit now as a result of revamp #2, go here for revamp #1, and also KJB's kit, which is now what I want my kit to look like when I do revamp #3!

Diary of an MUA - Sam Fine edition

So as some of you know I attended a "class" (not hands on) with the wonderful Sam Fine held at Bennett Career Institute here in Washington, D.C.  Before D.C. decided to do away with licensing for makeup artistry (why, why whyyyyyyyy????) Bennett was the only certified school in D.C. where you could get your license, however they still offer classes and seem to be really good about continuing education for graduates.  Check them out if you get a chance.

 

Anyway, that morning I had some issues with Zipcar which made me late to the class so I was WAY in the back but thankfully, the class didnt start at the time indicated so I didnt miss any of the presentation.  The room was filled with artists, bloggers and everyday women - I loved that.  This aided in a great Q&A session as all levels of makeup questions were answered.  Here is a synopsis of what I learned from him that day:

 

• It usually takes him an hour and half to an hour and 45 minutes to do a face because he is sculpting the face and there is so much that goes into makeup before you even do shadow...

• He allowed life to guide him into makeup artistry, it isnt something he set out to do - he actually wanted to go to FIT or Parsons (go FIT TIGERS!!! yes we had a mascot...LOL) He moved from Chicago to NY and just took a job to work in New York.  He chose the makeup counter because his best friend was doing it and he thought it would be an easy thing to do.  HA!  How do you like that?  Effective 2010 he will have been in the industry for 20 years! And no he didn’t go to school for makeup or to become an esthetician

• With the boom of HD he has only had to tweak his technique a little bit and was working hard at his craft before retouching really took off.  Sam urges that retouching should not be your goal or your fix, its your job to do a great job from the start.  Know the basics well enough to know things like shimmer wont read well on TV, colored blush and heavy contouring wont read well either and that HD brings more attention to what you aren’t doing and what you are doing well. 

• For those artists who want to work with celebrities he offers this bit of advice - Be where celebrities are located (plain and simple right?)

• Keep in mind that you are only as good as the models you work with and that you need to align yourself with the people who share your vision.  He often gets requests on Face book (which he is currently addicted to and happened to know a lot of the audience members from that as well as YouTube!) asking him to check out images that they have done but often he cant get a good look at the makeup cause he cant get past the model that the makeup is on (MESSAGE!), take heed to that when developing your book.

• Free your mind to see other products - don’t limit yourself to one brand some of his favs are -

1. Bronzers - Cargo, CoverGirl Queen (he actually used the one I own on the model), MAC
2. Christian Dior, YSL, Chanel glosses are great
3. Jolene, Sally Hansen, Invisi-bleach for brows (yall know how he is about bleaching brows honey!)

• For the every day woman who is just getting into makeup he advised them to answer this question: what is your makeup personality? There are no dead set rules - If you want to match your shadow to your clothing, then do so!

• He ultimately wants to be able to look back 10 years from now and still like what I did - although you do go through phases, which is fine - you’ve got to free yourself from the rules and regulations.

• When asked about his influences and who he thinks his biggest competition is he said he was influenced by Fran Cooper and got the opportunity to assist her while working at the makeup counter (her work is amazing by the way).  For artists he offered that you get in by assisting other people and that you are in an industry that does seek out talent but don’t take it personally if they don’t pick you.  He doesn’t think about who his competitors are, jobs come in all the time that you cant do or don’t want to do, there is no competition only compliments.  You get a different perspective from looking at other artists.

• He doesn’t use primer or sealers (neither do I, cause after testing them on myself they make my skin oily as hell-sorry that was a side bar!)

• Buys things out of need, not out of hype (I feel him and although not there 100% I have DEFINITELY cut back on my frivolous makeup spending...just gotta work on the shoes now LOL)

• He doesnt use color theory (i.e. orange is best for dark circles/spots for women of color - he said just use concealer honey!)

Now for the demo...dont kill me y'all but the only images I got were on my blackberry and they SUCK!  LOL  I mean like big time!  So these are not my images - I borrowed them from his Facebook page (he's my FB friend HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA) so hopefully the picture police wont come after me but if you do - please dont hesitate to let me know that they are your images so I can credit them accordingly as I am not trying to steal from you in any way shape or form.  :-)  Ok so again my apologies for the whole pic thing but I did take very copious notes if that helps any!  :)

Brows first

• Don’t want it moisturized because then you cant tweeze well
• Clear mascara used to brush brows up straight (CoverGirl clear mascara)
• Use a spoolie to then brush the mascara through
• Use cuticle scissors to trim what falls below/above the main brow
• Use your finger to cover the brow, the hair that peeks over the finger is what you trim
• Trim down at an angle towards the nose
• Tweeze under the brow, tweeze out
• Brush brows up again to see your work then go back in with tweezers as needed
• You can take some from the top if it distracts from the shape
• Moisturize (kiehls applied with a wedge sponge)
• Use concealer 3 shades lighter, something lighter just looks lighter it doesn’t look wrong
• Tap under eye with sponge and fingers, tap under eye and onto cheek out slightly past eye, up towards temple, up the center of the nose and above the thicker side of the brow
• don’t just target the problem (i.e. putting concealer directly on the blemish and thats it) you have to blend it out so that it looks more natural

• Used Heavenly Honey foundation stick by Black Opal
• Take a darker foundation around the hairline around the forehead
• Also use the darker foundation down the nose
• Use 2 ply facial tissue to blot, tap under eyes, around nose and along the face
• Smooth products under fine lines
• Have client look up, head held down to stretch the skin, do the sour lemon face
• Place translucent powder directly under the eye with a sponge
• Keep the highlight in the places that you highlighted
• Use the small sable brush to blend the edges of the powder in
• Place translucent powder down the bridge of the nose and up the center of the face
• Apply matte bronzer along the hairline and cheeks
• Apply translucent powder under cheekbones and in smile lines before applying blush (have the client smile)
• Iman After Glow blush
• NARS Angelica as an "after pop"
• Go back to the clear mascara for the brows
• Then powder

 

 

• Apply a little foundation on the eyelid
• Use a flat small foundation brush to apply highlight under eye NARS Nightstar (has a dull bit of shimmer-beige with gold)
• Stila cosmetics - Twig (brown color-AMAZING and I must have it)
• Place the brown all over the eyelid
• Use an angle brush with the same shadow to apply under the lash
• Line the water line-using Kevyn Aucoin liner
• Use medium brown pencil from maybelline to slowly build the brow to the tail
• Using light feather-like strokes
• Brush with a spoolie
• After you create the shape go back in with a darker pencil (Maybelline dark brown)
• Go back in with a qtip to the head of the brow to soften
• Go back in with a highlighter under the brow
• Go back over with clear mascara to set the brows

 

 

 After the demo we received certificates for completion of the class along with cake and sparkling cider (very nice touch Bennett, loved it) which I quickly left for the very end because I had to get in line to get my DVD!  LOL  I was one of the first people they called for my certificate and I acted like I didnt even hear them.  I really enjoyed this class - one of the things I can say about all of the celebrity makeup artists that I have had the pleasure of meeting and taking classes with thus far (Billy B., Michael of The Powder Group, Jon Hennesey, Eve Pearl, Sam Fine) they are all so personable and down to earth and so willing to share their experiences and offer advice to up and coming artists.  Just goes to show that personality and being humble takes you far in this industry despite those that display diva antics.  More than likely Sam will be at the Makeup Symposium that Bennett has every year so be sure to keep your eyes open!