Beauty School Series: Life Lessons

Sometimes you go through things in life not because you want to but because you have to.  They mold you into the person you need to become.  My almost 6 months in school for Esthetics taught me so much.  It also helped  me open up more, broaden my dreams and open up about my real feelings.

I graduated years ago with a bachelors degree in Computer Information Systems, but wasn't really excited as I took the classes or even when I graduated.  One of the most exciting things about my college years was pledging my sorority and the friends I met along the way.  There never was a true passion for computers, it was more about making money and taking a traditional job.



Looking at my Linkedin page I noticed that one of the jobs I have held the longest has been makeup/skincare related.  It is one of the lowest paying jobs I have held but it is connected to what I am passionate about.  It made since to broaden my horizons with an Esthetics License.

When I started Esthetics school I was so excited for my first day.  It was even exciting to go over information I already knew, such as makeup, just to get a different perspective.  Working at a counter allows me to work on all ages compared to doing fashion and editorial shoots.  School also allowed me to work on different ages regarding makeup and skincare.  Learning how to do facials and waxing opened up other opportunities to me and increased my love of skincare.  

Spa room/My Happy Place

My first two months were mainly comprised of learning in the classroom.  No hands on with clients was allowed at that point.  My teacher taught up the basic facial, waxing, makeup, and individual lashes and then we practiced on our mannequins and each other.  As we moved closer to our minimum hours to get in the actual spa room with clients we also learned body wraps and more advance facial techniques, etc.  

That first 2 months showed me I am more than just a makeup artist!  It also showed me I was still a great student.  

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

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
    





  

Jennifer James Beauty: Brow Boot Camp

Sunday June 10, 2011 in Detroit, I had a fabulous opportunity to be a model for Brow Boot Camp.  Jennifer James is a fabulous global makeup artist who loves to teach the knowledge she has gained throughout her career.  She loves teaching industry standards to those who are willing to learn and want to improve their makeup skills.  Too many tend to think local, but she teaches with a global outlook. 

The goal of Brow Boot Camp is to create brows that obey facial anatomy, learn and know beauty industry aesthetic and to look at the whole picture(face).  Even as a model I picked up so many tips that will help me as an artist.   Symmetry, precision and obeying facial anatomy are stressed and looked at through a magnifying glass. 

Learning and practicing the basics is very important before moving on to more advanced skills.  This applies to all areas such as makeup, computers, etc. You can't learn to program a computer if you don't know the basics of how it works.  The same thing with makeup.  Jennifer teaches us that you have to study the whole face to create beautiful brows.  The class is very hands on and Jennifer is a caring but stern teacher.  She will "step on your toes", but when they heal you are a better artist and grow from the experience.

I also experienced what it was like to be a model.  Being in the model seat was a great experience.  Alia Moss was the makeup artist I modeled for and she did a great job on my brows. She treated me the way I hope I treat all models that I have done makeup on.  It was different for me because I couldn't always see what she was doing but I trusted that she was going a great job.  All models should feel that way when they sit back and let us work our magic.         


If being a global makeup artist is your goal or you just love makeup then this is the class to take.  Jennifer travels to different states and teaches a variety of hands on workshops including "Fashion Makeup For Runway and Print" and also hosted "The Industry Insider Pro Pods for The Makeup Show Chicago which was a great success.  The makeup world is constantly changing just like the IT world and as makeup artists it is our job to continue learning and growing. To learn more check out her blog, and take a class or two.


You can catch her on twitter, JenJamesBeauty  tweeting such great tips as below: 

★ #MUAs: Our goal is a body of work marketable in many places in the beauty world,not just where u happen 2 be. #GlobalAesthetic #MakeupChat

Below are links to her other pages and sites:

http://www.jenniferjamesbeauty.blogspot.com/  tips and more

http://www.jenniferjamesbeauty.com/  for classes and more

facebook -JenniferJamesBeauty

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



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/

My Current Reading Material

Lately the library has been my best friend.  I have picked up a lot of books that have helped me in my quest on doing my best in makeup and life.

Bobbi Brown's book Living Beauty is geared more towards women 40 plus.  It gives great insight into beauty after your 30's.  It deals with more than just makeup.  It is about taking care of the body inside and out and  being comfortable in your skin at any age.

Makeup Makeovers: Weddings by Robert Jones is a fabulous book of how to look fabulous but still you on your wedding day.  This book has tips and looks for the entire bridal party.  This is an excellent book for the bride-to-be or bridal makeup artist.  The book contains full size photos and details on colors used(but not by brand).

The Ultimate Beauty Book by  Norton, Shapland, and Wadeson is just that.  It provides info on how to stay beauty inside and out.  This large book was written for young adults.  It discusses skin care, make-up, haircare, hairstyling, fitness, body toning, diet, health and vitality.  The book is broken down into three sections, skin care and make-up, haircare and styling, and exercise and diet.  Excellent book for everyone to read.    

The Makeup Artist Handbook by Gretchen Davis and Mindy Hall has a lot of great information that will assist an new makeup artist trying to break into the industry.  They discuss everthing from the color theory, lighting, the body to being on the Set and Set code, etc. 

Many of these books I am still researching and deciding which ones I will be adding to my personal library in the future as reference books.  I feel that if you really want to hone your craft you have to study and practice it as much as possible.  More reviews to come.  Check out your local library and you may find a great book that will you help you with grooming your brows, achieving the perfect lips or just improving your skin care routine.