It's been far TOO long...

I just logged in and realized it has been almost three months since I blogged about my "personal" beauty endeavors. My apologies to my followers and fans. I've been more than busy with my new company, Industry Art Shops, so I have a great excuse:) We just finished two workshops with celebrity make up artist, Mario Dedivanovic, and they were phenomenal! Mario's work, along with other talented artists out there, continue to inspire me to do what I do best---bring these artists to the people who love them the most. It's always a good time and I've received tons of support to keep doing it, so I will keep you all posted on our next workshop for sure! Here's a sneak peek of what goes on at one of our workshops...you won't be disappointed! Special thanks to Motives, Josie Maran, Smashbox, Murad, Sigma Beauty, Dream Organics, and all of the amazing artists who attended.

Award Season...

Aside from planning the workshops, I still have to keep my clients happy so I was excited to work on attendees to the Golden Globes, PGA, and WIN Awards in January. Now more recently, the 42nd NAACP Image Awards. Special thanks to YSL for keeping my kit full of goodies for my clients!

I'm from Texas originally so it was only fitting that I do the make up for the fabulous wife of gospel singer Brian Courtney Wilson.............Mrs. Stacey Wilson. The fellow Houstonian was nominated for gospel album of the year, for his album Just Love Deluxe. They are always a joy to be around.

I was equally excited, and honored to work with DJ and founder of Black Girls Rock, Beverly Bond. She started a movement from a list of black women that were positive images in the media, and the first Black Girls Rock Awards aired on BET in November of 2010. Her nomination was in the 'Outstanding Variety' category at this year's NAACP awards, and she was a pleasure to work with!!

I'm super busy January - March, but it's always a good time and a blessing to work with so many talented people.

Genevieve Jackson.......one to watch!

Singer Genevieve Jackson has been my client since she was 14. Her mother, Alejandra Jackson, is a fashion designer that I've pulled clothes from to dress many clients. As a fashion stylist and make up artist, her mother and I worked together very closely to make sure Genevieve was always at her best. I've worked so closely with the Jackson family that I've naturally become a family friend over the years, so I'm just a phone call away to do make up for any event.

Genevieve was asked to be a presenter for the 4th Annual Rock the Kasbah Gala in support of Virgin Records. Everyone has been asking me what I did to get her make up ready for that night, so here it is!
To start Genevieve has great skin, so all I used was a small amount of Temps Majeur face creme and Matt Touch primer mixed together throughout her T-zone. I then used Touche Eclat highlighter #3 to mixed with a # 3 concealer under her eyes. Perfect Touch Foundation, was then lightly blended out around her highlight. I used a darker powder first to contour her skin, then a powder a little lighter than her skin to blend it all together. Her blush is the # 3 Blush Variation, her eyes were done with a mix of YSL shadows , and her lips were lined with #13 pencil blended with Rouge Pur 143 Lipstick. This lip color was perfect, and when wearing a red dress, less is more! All products mentioned are from Yves Saint Laurent Beauty.

This look definitely shined on the red carpet, way to "Rock the Kasbah" Genevieve!

Photoshoots....always a good time!

Whenever photographer Indochine and I do commercial or catalog shoots, we always seem to knock it out of the park. This shoot was for a fitness magazine, and the look was fresh, clean healthy skin. The hair was done by the talented Tara Copeland, and we shot near UCLA and in Santa Monica at the most unique places. Needless to say, these shots will be coming to a fitness magazine near you!. Here are some shots I took with my phone. They don't do the model's justice, but just imagine the finished product.

I used this new product by Yves Saint Laurent beauty on the two models pictured here called Top Secrets Touche Express, and it gives me the highlight I need every time! Let's not forget the ever popular Touche Eclat, and Bronzer. The lip color was Gloss Pur #2 also by YSL. You glow girls!

http://www.taracopeland.com/

http://www.yslbeauty.com/

Scholarship Contest at FIDM...

It was my pleasure to work with FIDM students yet again for an amazing scholarship opportunity. The student chosen would be given financial assistance to join the IMPD program. In this program, students travel, work with actual brands, and design their own collection based on the brand and trend. I have worked with them several times before, and it's great to see how hard these students work to deliver the best product. Here's a behind the scenes look at the models getting ready to be judged. Can't show off too much.......this IS a contest!

This one had a long skirt with a train on it, think if Rihanna got married with that red hair she's been rocking...this design put that image in my head, really cool idea!

There are some truly talented students at FIDM. This designers concept was a tribute to her Colombian heritage. She actually had hand made fruit made out of fabric sewn on to this model's skirt. Very creative! May the best designer win!!

Emmy winning make up!!

As crazy as my job is, on award days, it's that times 20! However, in the midst of all the madness, it feels so good when you see your client accepting an Emmy on stage! Congratulations to the talented team behind HBO's Temple Grandin for their 5 Emmy wins that night!! This made for TV movie is a definite must see.

Alter Ego Shoot with Derek Blanks...

There are so many talented people in this industry, and I am continuously blessed to work with the best of the best. I was actually called last minute to assist celebrity make up artist, Saisha Beecham, with one of the alter ego shoots for actor Laz Alonso. Derek Blanks is known for his creative shooting style, and Saisha is known for her spectacular artist abilities, so I was super excited to work with them both!!

The shoot took place at Box Eight Studios in Los Angeles, and we had an amazing time on set. The process of getting someone camera ready for a regular photo shoot is long, but imagine turning someone into a stone statue...That's exactly what we did. Saisha is self-taught and very knowledgeable about placement, and color selection so it seemed to be easy enough. 4 messy hours later, with clay, paint, water, and glue all over the place, we had achieved our goal. Laz went from a smooth caramel skinned Hollywood hunk, to a cracked stone cold statue (at least that's what he looked like...lol!). The skill behind that kind of a job is well thought out, so I commend Saisha for her dedication. Me being a make up artist who does more beauty work, this was definitely a fun out the box experience for me. Check out shots of the making of Laz into Buddha.

I learned so much that day, and I am grateful for Saisha and the Derek Blanks team allowing me to come give a helping hand!

To see more of Saisha's work visit http://www.saishabeecham.com/ , she is truly gifted. As far as this alter ego photo along with many others...stay tuned. Derek is doing a book with all of your favorite celebs and their alter egos, it's going to be a MUST BUY coming soon! http://www.dblanks.com/