Getting Ready and Staying Ready

As I dive further into my career as a Full-time Freelance Makeup Artist, I am learning how to be a better business person.  We plan for what we want in life.  We schedule months... sometimes a year in advance for events we deem important. That vacation in Hawaii you are going to next month was planned 6 months ago.  The bride you are doing makeup on next weekend scheduled her wedding date and put a deposit on the hall a year to two years in advance.  We as Makeup Artist, Hair and Fashion Stylist, etc. should be doing the same thing.

I am going to the Artist Summit in October this year and some things are being paid off now that if I had planned better earlier would have been paid off sooner.  I could be sitting back and not worrying what I need to do next.  I have learned from this and other experiences(TMS Chicago), that I still have a ways to go in running my business.  I have taken business and accounting classes in college, but have learned to run my MUA business better in the past 2 years. When we took vacations as kids, the hotel, Disney World tickets were paid for 3-6 months.  My parents most likely just put food and emergency money aside the last few months before the trips.

Tripit App I am using to track my MUA events

Now with the changes in technology we have new options.  There are various apps on the mobile phones to track your trips. You can sent up special savings accounts for your trips so that the money is available.  We have to stop making excuses for why we can not achieve our dreams.  If you can plan a family trip 6 months in advance then you can plan to attend The Makeup Shows, IMATS, The Artist Summit, classes, etc.  My 2014 events, I plan to have payments made 3-6 months in advance.  Things happen in life that prevent us from from doing what we want, but we can plan ahead for those events.  When we make planning ahead a habit then we are ahead of the game.

App also allows you to add your confirmations in.

So if we go to our favorite coffee places, restaurants, etc. less and put those funds in a special account for classes, and shows then we can "live the dream"!  With the advances in Technology and all the options out there, we can make our dreams come true if we just  "get ready and stay ready".

BCB LLC

Set Your Goals And Achieve Them!

We all have dreams that we would love to live.  The first step to living our dreams is to make a plan and set goals.  I find that when I write out my dreams, and goals and set a plan, I tend to achieve those goals.  When you write down your goals you act on them.  You make them a reality.

• The first step is to know what is your dream.  You have to know what you want to do. 
• The next step is to write down that dream.
• Then you want to set realistic goals to achieve then
• Stay Focused.  Never let the negative people and things get in your way.
• Remember you will have set backs but they should not stop you.
• Once you reach your goals set new ones.  
• Always inspire to do great things!

   There are plenty of informational websites, books, etc., if you still don't know where to start.  Check out the book 30 Days at 100% by Crystal Wright.  It was the book that finally put me on the right path.  Dale Carnegie Books also helped me with my confidence, and public speaking when I was in my teens.  I still refer to them now.  Google is also great for looking up information as we know.  

BCBLLC

The Makeup Show Chicago 2013 Haul

June 8th to the 10th I attended my 3rd The Makeup Show Chicago.  This year I was honored to assist at my Mentor's Booth, Crystal Wright Live.  While there I picked up some great products for my kit.

Bdellium tools is always one of my favorite stops at The Makeup Show and IMATS.  Daniel and Edward are always so nice.  Azia was also there helping them at their booth.  I picked up (3) 948 Foundation brushes and (3) 542 lip brushes.  I am currently on the hunt for the perfect foundation brushes for my kit.  This may be one that will stay.  The same with the lip brush.  Plus I love the yellow handles.

Makeup Forever is also a must have stop.  I picked up a few items this trip.  I picked up Dany's Pouch, 3 Magnetized Metal Palettes, 2 Lip Line Perfectors and Aqua Cream #54.

Even though I love using a brush belt, Dany's Pouch is going to be great in my studio and on the go.  Aqua Cream #54 is a gorgeous lavender color and limited.  Aqua Creams do not move and I love that!

I also picked up Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre, a kit must have and and also Hydra-Mat Emulsion.

I finally picked up 2 Z-Palettes.  One is also already half filled with Inglot shadows that I also purchased while there.  I mainly picked up matte and neutral shadows.


I also picked up some Esum Pro Detailing Buds from Muse Beauty and Rubber Mascara Wands from Nigel Beauty Emporium based on my fellow Makeup Artists love for these products.

I also signed up for the makeup artist discount card while at Muse Beauty Booth.  Many brands were ready to sign artist up while at the show.

Eve Pearl lip gloss is another must have in my kit.

On Makeup Magazine is one of my favorites of the show also.  I always pick up copies of issues I may have missed when I am at the show.  Michael DeVellis always has great words of wisdom and the work by fellow artists is always amazing.  Plus the articles are great reads.

Last but not least I have to show you the fabulous shirt my mentor Crystal Wright was selling at the show.  If you missed it you can purchase them online at her website www.CrystalWrightLive.com

Be Blessed

BCBLLC

Follow Your Dreams and Make Them A Reality!

Life can sometimes throw you off the road you should be traveling.  That does not mean you should stay on the path that you have been thrown on.  It means you should get back on the path you were meant to be on.

Too many people including myself have been sidetracked in life due to set backs, financial situations, and so much more. We allow our families, friends, coworkers and more tell us what we can't do instead of knowing what we can do.  A few years back I decided to change all of that.  I can do well at IT(Information Technology) jobs but I love being a Makeup Artist.  Two years ago I decided to go to The Makeup Show Chicago.  I could not purchase many items for my kit but I knew I needed to be there for the education, and the seminars.

That was the year I meet Crystal Wright, James Vincent, Michael DeVellis, Sam Fine, and Johnny Lavoy.  They changed my life.  They all inspired me to strive for my goal of being a full time Makeup Artist.  I knew after hearing them speak that I could achieve that dream.  I knew that all the negative I heard that I could never make enough money as a Makeup Artist was a way to keep me in the so called stable jobs I hated.  I also knew I had to take Crystal's class.

Crystal Wright  is a great coach and mentor.  I took her class in September 2012 and learned so much.  I have grown from the knowledge she has passed on to me.  I advise new and upcoming artists to take her class.  She teaches you the knowledge you need to succeed in this industry but also provides an honest opinion based on her experience as an Agent so that work improves.  Crystal Wright offers classes though out the year in different cities.  She also has great books to help you get started and also to improve your life in general.

I have not reached my overall goal but I am moving towards it.  Never give up and never give in to the fears that others try to put in your head.


XOX
Belinda Campbell Beauty

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The Makeup Show Chicago 2012: Building on my Career!

Hey Divas,


This year TMS Chicago was short for me but still sweet.  I was tired from working both jobs the days before but knew this was an opportunity I was not going to miss.  I drove down with some other wonderful artist from the Detroit area and we arrived in time so that our wait in line was short.  My first stop was Makeup Forever.  Last year I missed out on purchasing some empty flash palettes, and other items even though I was there when the show opened.  This year that was not going to happen again(lol). 

I stood in line for about 15 minutes and was able to get everything above that I needed for my kit.  This year I picked up the "The Flash Palette"(HG product), 3 empty Flash Palettes, 2 Magnetized Metal Pans and 2 Empty Stackable Cases.  I wanted the Lip Line Perfector but that was already sold out. :~(  My goal was to get what I needed only and I think I did pretty good. :) 

Next stop, Bdellium Tools for some of their amazing brushes that I love.  Daniel was there with his winning smile and I purchased 5 brushes.  I picked up 3(714) Flat Liner brushes and 2(708) Bent Eyeliner brushes. 
  

Tools and Trends with James Vincent for Crown Brush was the first seminar I went to.  James Vincent spoke on having multiple purposes for your brushes, such as using a bent eyeliner brush to create a clean line for the lip.  He also stated that if you have your brushes you can do anything(don't lose them!).  When you are traveling it is best to keep them close just in case luggage is lost or delayed. Having the proper tools is important especially when you have an average of 28 minutes to get hair and makeup done. 

My next stop was the Inglot booth.  I decided to hold off on the matte neutral palettes I wanted and continued on to the Kevyn Aucoin Booth where I picked up two Sensual Skin Enhancers(#3 and #5).  Frends Beauty Supply was next door so I had I to check out the Stilazzi cases. They are definitely on my wish list.  I will be purchasing them later.  While there I had the wonderful opportunity to meet and reacquaint myself with artists I meet last year and online.

It was time to head back to the seminars, the main reason I was there.  AJ Crimson was speaking on a career in makeup and I was not missing what he had to say.  AJ has been in the business for over twelve years and just "up and did it".  He advised us we need to find a way to quit our current non makeup artist jobs, believe in yourself and never let the lack of money stop the dream!  He advised us to carve our niche, invest in ourselves and have a Vision Board.  If anyone was making excusing and not motivated to do more to advance their career as a makeup artist before his seminar, they definitely were motivated and left the excuses behind after listening to AJ Crimson!

 Stay tune for part 2....


XOXOX
BCB
    





  

Monday Makeup Must Have: Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancers

Hey Divas!

I am always in search of the best foundations and concealers for my kit and myself.  If the skin is not flawless in the shoot then flawless eyes and lips will not matter.  I truly believe you have to master creating a great looking canvas first. With the right products, tools and artists this can be achieved. Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer is one of the must have gems for your kit and yourself.

I purchased four of the Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancers(KA SSX) a few years back on a whim when Sephora decided to stop carrying the line(I guess because many consumers didn't know this product truly is a gem).  I ordered SX 13 assuming it would be the best match for my skin.  It is close but a little too red when I am not tanned.  I also purchased a SX 14, SX 15 and a second SX13 for my kit.  They ran out of the lighter shades before I could purchase them all.  At 75% off you know I tried to get them all or at least more to mix and match.

left to right( SSX 3,5,13,14 and 15)

There are a total of sixteen shades, SX 1 - SX 16.  I purchased SX 3 and SX 5 directly from Kevyn Aucoin Beauty at The Makeup Show Chicago this past June.  It was one of my first stops.  I may purchase SX 1, SX9 and SX 16, so that I can have the lightest and darkest plus a more mid color.   

I have used these on various shoots and shows and the models love the way their skin looks and feels with this product.  They mix well with other products also and can be used as concealers, foundations or tinted moisturizers.  You need to use very little to have full coverage(less than a pea size).  A little goes a long way. 

Half my face done with SX5 and SX13 mixed

SX5 & SX13 mixed

No foundation on this side

I have combination oily skin and with proper skin care and after 7-8 hours of wearing as a foundation I have not been oily and still maintain a majority of the product on my skin. As long as these remain on the market I will continue to purchase Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancers for my freelance kit and my personal kit!

Check out www.KevynAucoin.com to find out more out this and other Kevyn Aucoin products.

If you have this product or have tried it please let me know what you think. :)

XOXO
BCB    

The Makeup Show Chicago Blogger Preview 2011

One of my last tweets before leaving for Chicago stated, "Bring an open mind and a thrist for knowledge!"  That is exactly what I did for my 1st ever The Makeup Show.  As soon as I got off the bus at Union Station, I grabbed my luggage and headed over to Venue One.  I prefer to know where I am going and the area ahead of time so I decided to walk over with Alia my roommate and fellow bus rider for the show.  We arrived  forty-five mins to an hour later and as soon as we walked in the door, we received a hug from James Vincent.  He is so down to earth and wonderful.

Crystal Wright and her interns Chaka and Alia

Next we meet Crystal Wright and Sam Fine while they were setting up for the next day.  Alia  interned for Crystal Wright and had already meet her.  It was such an honor to meet three of the people I wanted to meet already before the show had officially started.  Crystal Wright and Sam Fine are also down to earth and so approachable.  I felt at home already. 


We walked around to where the Blogger preview was being held and Eye Kandy Cosmetics was setting up. We had to check out Eye Kandy and test it out.  I will have a review on it soon.  Elessa aka Pursebuzz was already over in the area.  She is such a sweet down to earth person and friendly.   

Alia and Elessa(Pursebuzz) at Eye Kandy Comestics Booth

Chaka getting her eyes lined at the Eye Kandy Booth

Next we attended the Blogger Preview for the show.  James Vincent entertained and educated us on what to expect for the next two days and showed us some of his favorite products.  Joanna Schlip joined him on stage for a quick hello and to tell us about her new product Red Carpet Kolour Body Glow. 

  Danessa Myricks also discussed Ruby Kisses Cosmetics and the competition they were having during the show.  Jennifer James also discussed the Pro Pods which were featured in the New York show and were brought to the Chicago show as well.

So many makeup artists/bloggers/vloggers in attendance networking and discussing the show.  Later some of us met for dinner.  It was great meeting and getting to know all of these fabulous ladies.  I loved all the gorgeous natural hair styles.  I struggle with my hair some days, but seeing all the gorgeous styles inspired me.   

   

Azia from facesfromaziajs chatting with Rachel and SanTara 

Vanessa aka vanewpc(Youtube) tweeting.

Sherry Blossom talking with Afrobella, Chaka and Alia 

Rachel(makeupbyrachelo) and SanTara(TheGorgeousBlog/TheGorgeousIngredient)

Jennifer James chatting in the background

The blogger bag had great products to test and add to my kit.  I will be doing some reviews soon. Below is a video showing some highlights from the Blogger Preview. 

Youtube-Blogger Preview Pt. 2

  

The Makeup Show Chicago 2011 Haul

I mainly went to The Makeup Show Chicago for the workshops and networking, but of course I couldn't resist buying a few things for my kit.  I also received some other products that I am currently reviewing.

On Makeup Magazine was a must have for me due to all of the information provided.  It was a great purchase and I have been reviewing them since coming back from the show.  I  picked up two Kevyn Aucoin blushes, a orange-red and a peachy color.  The Kevyn Aucoin blushes have been added to my kit also.  Great matte blushes at a great price. 

The Powder Group bags were also an awesome buy.  I am in the process of converting most of my kit to clear bags and these bags are great.  I can easily see what is in them when I have a smaller space to work in or for quicker set up time.  Eye Kandy Glitters are wonderful to create that glitter liner look you may want for a photo shoot.  I picked up Bubblegum- medium pink and Ballistic Berry-pewter and dark blue color for my kit.  Last but not least I picked up a single sided spatula.  I only picked up what I felt I could use in my kit or help me improve as an artist.  There were so many great products and companies there.  I look forward to getting more next year.     

The Makeup Show Chicago 2011 Haul on Youtube

Welcome To My New & Improved Blog!

Hello and welcome to my new blog.  After attending The Makeup Show Chicago 2011 and listening to so many of my fellow makeup artists, bloggers and vloggers I have decided to make a change for the better.  I plan to be a global makeup artist and want to brand myself correctly.  I have decided that my brand will no longer be Tantalizing Eyez Makeup Artistry.  I have changed my brand to Belinda Campbell Beauty and will be updating all of my social network names/sites. 

James Vincent  introducing Crystal Wright and Michael DeVellis

Jennifer James, JenJamesBeauty on twitter, was one of the first to mention using my own name and I thought it was boring and plain but was rethinking the concept.  Next I attended Crystal Wright and Michael DeVellis keynote "Marketing You". 



 Crystal Wright and Michael DeVellis: Marketing You



Throughout the whole weekend I kept going over names in my head... Belinda Campbell Beauty, Belinda Campbell Makeup, Belinda Campbell Artistry.  I decided before heading back to Michigan that Beauty Campbell Beauty is my brand.  Being around like minded individuals, and seasoned pros in the industry at The Makeup Show has changed my viewpoint on my brand.  

If you want more information on Marketing yourself in the modern makeup artist business check out  http://www.crystalwrightlive.com/  Her website is very informative and has links to purchase her book: The Hair, Makeup & Styling Career Guide 5th edition.  This is a must have book. 

Checkout http://www.thepowdergroup.com/ and http://www.themakeupshow.com/ for further information and links.

Follow https://twitter.com/JenJamesBeauty for great and honest tips to improve as a Makeup Artist!

BCB

The Makeup Show Chicago 2011



The Makeup Show is coming to Chicago for the 1st time June 12-13, 2011.  I can not wait for all the educational and networking opportunities.   

This will be my first time attending The Makeup Show and it is only 4 hours away in Chicago. I feel so blessed. As a new Freelance Makeup Artist in the Metro Detroit area I feel that education is very important and that is the main reason I am attending the show.

The Makeup Show is a pro only beauty event that started in NYC years ago. Since then it has been in LA for 3 years and for the first time every in Chicago, IL June 12-13, 2011 at Venue One.  Featured presenters include Reggie Wells, Sam Fine, Joanna Schlip, Jinny, Johnny Lavoy, Crystal Wright and Michael DeVellis to name a few.  Over 60 exhibitors will be at the show with various products to add to our arsenal of makeup for our clients and ourselves. 

There will be hands-on workshops at an additional fee Saturday, Sunday and Monday.  You do need proof of working in the beauty industry to attend The Makeup Show. 

Check out http://www.themakeupshow.com/ for further information and to purchase tickets. 

Check out these blogs for information on the NYC show and what you may miss if you don't go...

http://www.sherryblossombeauty.com/

http://www.cassandrakennedybeauty.com/blog/2011/06/sam-fine-modern-age-master-at-the-makeup-show-ny/