The Artist Series with Kevin-James Bennett

How have you kept your career growing in a challenging economy? Shameless self-promotion? Sounds funny, but it's not far from the truth. You've got to work on your career every day...network, network, network. The jobs will not find you...you find the people who are hiring/booking and let them know how much they want you. It's a constant hustle, but the reward is a steady cash flow and exposure that leads to new and better work.

What three traits does a great makeup artist need to have?

Fearlessness

Curiosity

Humility

What makes a good assistant?

Great organizational skills.

Listening carefully when receiving direction.

Being able to follow through without constant supervision.

Is there a project you have worked on that you are especially proud of?

I designed makeup for many of the "challenges" on Season 2 of "She's Got The Look", the reality show that searches for the next supermodel over the age of 35.

What are you working on today?

I'm writing curriculum and a lesson plan for a new 30 hour (Beginner) Makeup Training format.

How did you get started in makeup?

I "painted' real makeup on mannequins for displays at Bloomingdale's NYC.

What is coming next for your line?

A group of breakthrough products in the HD and Artistic categories

Tell us about your newest product?

The new WOW products are "HD Blush" and the amazing "Aqua Cream", which is a waterproof version of our legendary Flash Color

Why do makeup artists love your line?

We offer unlimited creativity. Most of our products can be mixed or layered to create new textures and a myriad of finishes.

What is the biggest mistake a makeup artist can make?

Arrogance. You might be a brilliant artist, but no one wants to work with a horrible attitude and drama.

How did you know that you wanted to be a makeup artist?

It challenged and satisfied my creative nature and offered instant gratification... a mighty potent benefit package for any artist.

What does "community" mean to you?

A group of people who share (share being the key word) a love and passion for their vocation.

Can you tell us about a change you have made in your career?

Going back to corporate cosmetics after being away for almost 20 years. After years of working on-set, being back in an office was quite a culture shock . I'm still adjusting..lol!

Is it important to do both hair and makeup in the industry?

Absolutely. Unless you're working on a union assignment, it's very possible you will be asked if you do both. Your answer will often decide whether or not you get the booking. You don't need to do cuts or chemical processes, but you definitely should be able to style hair, work with styling tools and create simple up-dos.
Kevin-James Bennett is an Emmy Award winning makeup artist who currently works with Make Up Forever as their On-Air makeup artist for HSN, and as their artistic educator. His editorials and advise on beauty appear in top tier magazines including Vogue, Glamour, Elle, Town & Country, Self and Health as well as industry insider publications such as WWD, American Salon and Beauty Link. He also contributes online in blogs, podcasts and on YouTube. Kevin will be presenting at The Makeup Show LA on February 28th-March 1st. For more information, and to purchase tickets please visit www.themakeupshow.com

The Artist Series with Margaret Kimura-Heymann

How have you kept your career growing in a challenging economy? Aside from owning my own business/ MKC Beauty Academy which keeps me busy and also consulting as a beauty consultant for many fortune 500 companies.As you can see I have always kept my hands in the cookie jar.. I always keep my eyes on the prize..

I was working with Mel Gibson a few years back and we had to do a MU test and we used the legendary MU Master, Robert Schiffer's Make up office at Paramount studios. I'll never forget what Mr.Schiffer said to me that really resonated even til this day. He said, Margaret do not get pigeon holed in this biz. Keep your horizon's open to different things and never fear to take risks.. In the long run you will not regret it..

What three traits does a great makeup artist need to have? The three most important traits a great make up artist must have are:

Leadership

Professionalism

Confidence

What makes a good assistant?
In my opinion the best assistants I've had are the ones that are extremely focused and can think for me on the spot when I am not there. Most importantly to get the work done above and beyond. Another important trait is that they need to show extreme effort of hunger and drive. Be there before anyone and wants to stay till the last person leaves the set..

Is there a project you have worked on that you are especially proud of?
I have to say I have been blessed with so many amazing projects I was able to be a part of in my 35 years years of doing Make Up.. But one that I can say is the most memorable and life changing one is when I worked with Audrey Hepburn for a Unicef tour.. We traveled for 3 days together and she was certainly one of my greatest teachers of life.. The best part of it was we all worked on the project for free.. It was amazing!!!

I also can not leave out when I saw my Asian Beauty book in the window of Barnes and Nobel for the very first time.. That was beyond one of my proudest moments.. You have no idea how many people told me that I could never get a book deal.. Thank God I never stop believing in myself...

What are you working on today?
I am the new Creative Director for i nuovi cosmetics. We are in the process of launching it in the US at the Makeup Show. We will also be launching in Europe very soon. Also I am about to release Asian Beauty as an e- book in the coming months.

How did you get started in makeup?
It's a very very long story, but in a nut shell I was 15 years old and I graduated high school. I made a deal with my parents and for some crazy reason they said OK. So off I went to Milan with my Guardian/ friend Douglas Keeve who was at that time a wonderful fashion photographer (who is now the award winning director of Unzipped/Seamless/ and Gramercy Park Hotel to name a few..)
I lived in Milan for 5 years, traveled the globe like crazy, lived 3 years in New York, and then back to LA... and the rest is history....

What is coming next for your line?
Launching it here in the US.. It is a full Professional spectrum color line.

Tell us about your newest product?
It is a full Professional spectrum color line. It is made of the highest quality. Amazing colors as well foundations etc..

Why do makeup artists love your line?
We have a cult following of amazing Pro Artist as well celebrities that loved i nuovi when it was here in the US 10 years ago.. Kevin Aucoin, Pat Magrath, Francesca Tolot, Joanne Gair and Sharon Gault, just to name a few. Also Christina Aguilera and Courtney Cox, Camron Diaz, Sandra Bullock all loved the line too.
They were all were constant users of the line.

What is the biggest mistake a makeup artist can make?
I am also a Life/Success Coach and one of things I teach my students at MKC on this particular issue are very obvious..
Not being on time and not being constant with their professionalism. And do average GREAT!!

What it comes down to is you have to be driven and work your butt off..

How did you know that you wanted to be a makeup artist?
I always knew since I was a little girl.. Both my parents were producers. My Dad was a music producer and my mom produced TV commercials.. I was always surrounded with fashion and beauty.. It was in my blood..

What does "community" mean to you?
You're only as good as the people around you.. A group of people living around you with common values..

Can you tell us about a change you have made in your career?
One of my greatest change I made in my career was when I decided to take some time off the set and open MKC Beauty Academy.. No matter what it takes as a business, in the long run it is all about paying it forward and helping others achieve their dreams..It was one of my best decisions I had ever made in addition to foster/adopting children..

I go to bed every night counting my blessings no matter how much hard work it takes..

Is it important to do both hair and makeup in the industry?
It does not hurt.. Your chances of getting the job is much greater than those who just does one or the other.. Also Airbrushing is another medium that I feel is essential to know.

Margaret Kimura-Heymann will be presenting at The Makeup Show LA on Feb 28th- March 1st. For more information and to sign up for her class, please visit www.themakeupshow.com

The Artist Series with Jon Hennessey

How have you kept your career growing in a challenging economy?The economy is fine. Line's that weren't struggling before, aren't struggling now. Lines that were, are dying off or scrambling. This is prime time for emerging businesses to stake their claim in an industry that's looking for alternatives and fresh perspectives. At present, "sure bets" are losing their hold on the business, leaving opportunities for new competitive talent. Take advantage of that opportunity to create a presence.

What three traits does a great makeup artist need to have?

humility, focus, perseverance

What makes a good assistant?

pay attention, anticipate, respect

Is there a project you have worked on that you are especially proud of?

i'm proud of every project that I work on, it's profile doesn't matter.

What are you working on today?

as always, I'm working on angles to promote the business of "Jon Hennessey-Makeup Artist" and NOBASURA Artist Management..in that order.

How did you get started in makeup?

a talented girlfriend, an article on Stephane Marais in Vogue, the introduction to M.A.C as a creative entity prior to it taking over the cosmetics industry....these things together I owe a great deal to.

Why did you start your makeup line?

This line is in existence because the demand was there, first and foremost. Artists and clients have been soliciting my advice in regards to narrowing the focus when it comes to the selection of product. Every individual has a unique identity and creative presence....it's time to explore and define it....and when necessary, assist in it's evolution.

What is the biggest mistake a makeup artist can make?

Confidence and arrogance lay together in the same bed. Don't wake up on the wrong side of that bed.

How did you know that you wanted to be a makeup artist?

I initiated a career in this industry when i was 19 years old. I liked the idea of working behind the scenes in the entertainment and visual communication industries because I was too shy to be in front of the camera...and to be honest, I needed to hustle to generate a revenue stream to support myself rather than patiently working toward an end-game.
As far as being a makeup artist is concerned, it came from watching a 17 year old girl (when I was 19) painting her face in a way that blew my mind....technical and transformative...I owe a lot to Stacey Thomas.

What does "community" mean to you?

Community is about acknowledging that none of us do this alone. This is not an isolated experience, it's a collaborative one. Big business or independent, we need each other to survive and to drive the industry forward. As independents, we need each other to share knowledge, create game plans and define the future of the industry.

Can you tell us about a change you have made in your career?

Every day is a change in my career. As artists unless we continue to evolve, we run the risk of becoming irrelevant. Embrace change.

Is it important to do both hair and makeup in the industry?

No. Ask Pat to do a finger wave. Ask Guido to create a smoky eye. As artists we need to have a perspective and opinion on the overall visual. If as a make up artist, you can't provide an opinion on styling or hair, you're not doing your job. Focus, specialize, raise the caliber of the work, but keep your eyes on the big picture.

The "recession" is a great opportunity for clients to try to package both disciplines into one rate, but as we all know, each is an unique art form. Painting and Sculpture are individual mediums.

Having said that, as a makeup artist, I'm capable of creating a few beautiful hairstyles, but I have too much respect for friends that are accomplished hairstylists to call myself one.

There's a small part of me that says "the more tools that you have in your arsenal, the more marketable you become" and then there's the majority of me. Diversification = Dilution

Jon Hennessey will be teaching hands on workshops Sunday Feb 28th and Monday March 1st at The Makeup Show LA. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.themakeupshow.com
Considered to be one of the “industry’s best”, Jon's 15-year make up career is a globe-spanning trek and a who’s-who in the worlds of Fashion, Entertainment and Advertising. His work can be found on the pages of ELLE, A4, VOGUE HOMME, IN STYLE, MAXIM, NYLON and countless others, and he continues to travel between NY, MILAN and PARIS to add to his already extensive list of runway show credits. Jon’s work has appeared on red carpets from CANNES to THE ACADEMY AWARDS working with clients that include LILY ALLEN, ALICIA KEYS, INXS, KIM CATRALL, CYNTHIA NIXON, JULIA ORMOND and MARCIA GAY HARDEN to name a few. Jon is also the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Nobasura Agency and one of the most respected educators in the Makeup Industry.

The Artist Series with Eve Pearl

How have you kept your career growing in a challenging economy?
Despite the current state of the economy my brand continues to flourish. I have recently launched 13 new lip colors, 4 new glosses, a new concealer, and the core EVE PEARL TEAM is growing. I owe a great deal of my success to my ability to quickly adapt and adjust to the needs of my customer. My line is just that, "mine". It is not private label so I have total control over everything from formula, to texture, ingredients, color choices, etc. I am able to quickly adapt and implement changes to meet the needs of my customer base. The recent launch of my new Dual Salmon Concealer Treatment is a perfect example of a product that I was able to go into the lab and create in response to customer feedback. I am able to to deliver a product that satisfies the need of the customer who is in between two concealer shades.

I also owe a good deal of my succeeds to my ability to embrace social media (pretty early on) and use it to connect with my audience and advance the EVE PEARL brand. With over 19,000 subscribers and 84 videos, I have one of the most successful beauty brand channels on YouTube. I use YouTube and my website (evepearl.com) to demonstrate makeup looks, launch products, promote special offerings, etc. My website and YouTube give me direct access to my customer which allows me to act very quickly on their suggestions and feedback! I am also very active on Twitter. It is a great way to connect with and engage followers of my brand.

What three traits does a great makeup artist need to have?
In order to be a great makeup artist you need:

1) Skill - You must posses some degree of natural talent. In addition, you must constantly hone your skills through ongoing training and learning.
2) Passion/ Desire - You must have an intense love of your craft.
3) Business Acumen - If you are going to be a professional makeup artist, then you must treat your craft professionally....otherwise it's just a hobby. Always be professional. Arrive on time and complete the task at hand. Have a plan to grow your business/brand. Write a business plan. If you don't know where to start, take a beginner's business course to learn the fundamentals. Get a mentor or several mentors. Learn from vets in the industry. Take the business of makeup very seriously...Oh, and have fun!

Tell us about your newest product?
My latest launch is Dual Salmon Concealer Treatment. It is a dual shade version of my signature Salmon Concealer that has developed a cult like following amongst makeup artists. The Dual Salmon Concealer mirrored compact comes with two shades of product that can be used individually or blended together to create a custom shade. My Salmon Concealer contains a a proprietary blend of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants known as CosmeNutrients®. This luxurious silky concealer provides full coverage with a non-greasy texture that glides on smooth to the most delicate area of your face.

Eve Pearl will be presenting at The Makeup Show LA on Feb 28th and March 1st. Eve will keynote Sunday Feb. 28 2010 — 10:30am -12:00pm- MARKET YOURSELF, GET THE JOB and MAKE MONEY IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA, and be presenting a Master Workshop - Developing and Presenting Makeup for Television
Sunday, Feb 28 – 2:00 – 5:00pm – Studio 2. To get your tickets, please visit www.themakeupshow.com

Get The Look with Joanna Schlip

Jillian Michael's wasn't the only celebrity that makeup artist Joanna Schlip worked on this past Sunday. For the Golden Globes, the looks were very naturally beautiful and glowing, and she shared with us the products that helped make Molly Sims glow.

On Molly Sims I used all La Mer to prepare skin for makeup:

• The Mist,
  
• The Moisturizing Lotion
• The Lip Balm.

The Look:

• I used Armani Silk UV Foundation with Cle de Peau concealer.
  
• MAC blush in Melba
  
• I highlighted cheekbones with Physicians Formula (PF) Shimmer Strips Custom Blush and Highlighter in Natural Glow.
• I used PF Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow and Liner in Bronzed Hazel Eyes
• Diorshow Unlimited mascara
• The lip on Molly was lined with MAC Subculture pencil and lipstick MAC Myth. I topped this with MAC Lipglass in Ample Pink.

Joanna Schlip will be at The Makeup Show LA, February 28 for for a keynote on A Career in Makeup Presented by MAC.

Jillian Michaels Golden Globes 2010 Makeup Look: By Joanna Schlip

“This year’s Golden Globes beauty was consistent with the stars showing a healthy, clean and pretty look. With the rain coming down most stars did not take a chance with the smokey eye and focused on spring fashion reflected in whimsical and fun colors for the lips and eyes.” For this year's show, celebrity makeup artist Joanna Schlip worked with Jillian Michaels from TV's The Biggest Loser. With the rain coming down, Joanna took no chances for streaked stars and used only waterproof make up.

• All La Mer to prepare skin for makeup: The Mist, The Moisturizing Lotion, The Lip Balm
• Joanna went soft and pretty with a gold shimmer eye and a forest green liner along the top of the eyelashes to bring out the color of her eyes. Both by Physicians Formula.
  
• She used Armani HD foundation and Cle de Peau concealer
  
• lots and lots of Dior Show Mascara
• Shu Uemura powder
• MAC blush in Pinch O' Peach
  
• MAC whirl lip liner and MAC lipstick in Blankety with a dab of MAC Lipglass in Revealing in the middle.

Joanna Schlip has worked with some of the world’s most celebrated personalities including Eva Longoria, Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Simpson, Kim Cattrall, Ellen Pompeo and Hilary Duff. Her work has graced the covers of magazines worldwide and she continues to work with American and International editions of Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan, W, Bazaar, and Marie Claire, among others. Her range of work includes commercials, print campaigns, fashion shows, red carpet events, TV appearances, celebrity beauty and editorial work. Joanna has recently released her first makeup book, Glamour Gurlz (Random House). Joanna Schlip will be at The Makeup Show LA, February 28 for for a keynote on A Career in Makeup Presented by MAC.

Golden Globes 2010 Beauty Trends: From Expert James Vincent

Thanks to the wonderful interview by Charu Suri of the beauty blog Butterfly Diary, we are able to take a look at the makeup trends from this years Golden Globes. Here is her interview with Director of Artistry James Vincent:

We saw ruffles, lilac gowns, shimmery makeup and loose curls. The main trend takeaway from the Golden Globes is a focus on the romantics and hints of glint, not to mention the strong red/ coral lipstick.

James Vincent, Director of Artistry of The Powder Group and The Makeup Show says, “Celebrities seek out professional stylists to keep it safe and to avoid seeing themselves in the worst dressed section of the tabloids, but the lack of risk taking has made makeup seem almost mundane. Makeup artists have had to work harder to find colors, textures and applications that seem soft and natural and still stand out, separate their client from the pretty pack, and stand up to the scrutiny of the camera, the carpet, and media critique,”.

Fan favorites like Penelope Cruz, Julia Roberts and Sandra Bullock make more natural makeup look modern with their use of blush and bronzer to bring a glow to the cheeks. Kate Hudson and Marion Cottilard were two exquisite examples of the natural look whose sixties inspired nude, camel colored lips were made seductively sexy when paired with a soft, subdued smokey eye.

The red lip was the scene stealer of the night with the regular red-carpet risk takers like Cameron Diaz and Maggie Gyllenhal making the scarlet lip a staple for fashion forward women and January Jones and Jennifer Morrison made the red lip look luscious and exciting.

“My favorite feature of the night was the comeback of the coral lip. Chloe Sevigny, Rose Byrne and Kate Winslet wore soft, creamy corals and created lip looks that were natural enough for everyday and at the same time both elegant and unexpectedly showing women that natural need not necessarily be boring.”

James Vincent will be in Los Angeles on February 28 & March 1 for The Makeup Show LA. James will be on hand for workshops, and main floor events. To purchase your ticket, please visit us at www.themakeupshow.com