Friday, June 18, 2010

Are we really THAT shallow?




So this post won't be about the latest makeup trend, or anything along the realm of what I usually talk about. But since the tag line of my blog is "Redefining everyday beauty" I felt like this would fall under that category. Now on with the story...

Well before I go on with the story I just want to state a disclaimer: I am NOT the angry plus-size black girl who has a vendetta against anyone who has an opinion on people's weight,looks or things of that nature. I am confident in myself and what I do, I do it well, but sometimes I just feel the need to say how I feel.


With that said...


So the other night my friends and I are at this bar for 10 cent wing night (lol what can I say we are broke college students) at a local bar. We are sitting at our table chatting it up with some locals and a few students who were also there that night. So one of the guys that we were talking to come back over to our table and gives everyone a high five (personally I think he was a little inebriated.. lol) so as he goes to high five one of my friends he goes "ok Erykah Badu" (my friend has a really cute natural fro) she makes a face and he says "Ok, Jill Scott then" and she smiles.... Then one of the other guys chimes in stating "Wait, you you rather be called chubby Jill Scott rather than Erykah" (in a tone of disgust) as he proceeds to list her discography. Hold up... stop the tape....... Did he just say what I think he said???? My immediate reaction was a stank face (and for those of you who know me, you know what that face is). I didn't say anything but I just let his comments process through my brain. To me it was like the fact that Jill Scott (named one of People Magazine's most beautiful people) didn't fit into what his standard of beauty was some how made her less of a person. I know everyone has there opinion/preference and I am not discounting that (because I do as well) but that comment was uncalled for. Like really??? just because she isn't a size 4, walking down the street naked in her music video she's not a beautiful woman?? Maybe I'm looking too deep into what was said or maybe some of the people in my age cohort are still superficial. All I know is that whatever the reason is, it struck a cord with me. I am in no way discrediting any of these women, I think that they are both beautiful people with AMAZING talent.


Now to bring this into regular people perspective the question I want to pose is: Does it really matter what is on inside? I mean, can a female/male be badd from head to toe but be as dumb as a bag of bricks? After all the glitz, glam, and M.A.C fades away and shorty was a 10 50 years ago but now a 3 what's a person to do? But hey aren't we the "on to the next one" generation anyway? Who cares about substance....

* All the aforementioned words are solely my opinion. If you don't agree that I perfectly fine, but you WILL respect my thoughts.




Thank you for reading!!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

The Makeup Show 2010



This year I was finally able to attend The Makeup Show in New York. The show spanned over a two day period (May 16-17), and I attended the Monday show. T he event was held at the beautiful Metropolitan Pavilion in Manhattan. My friend Danielle and I flew into the cit that morning from Ohio. Our EARLY (5:30AM) flight landed around 7... We stopped to grab a quick breakfast then hailed a cab down to the show. As I walked in I was completely overwhelmed by all the exhibitors and products that were everywhere. Our first stop was a Crown brush because we knew that they would be the first to fill up. After visiting a few more vendors we checked into some of the seminars that were being offered. We attended Lips, Lashes, and Brows which was taught by James Vincent, Perfecting Complexion for Women of Color taught by Brandalyn Fulton and Cult Items for Every Artist Kit taught by Randy Mercer. The only qualm that I had with the sessions is that they pretty much all overlapped.In my opinion they should have been a little more spaced out. I got to meet some really cool people, some of which included Johnny Lavoy, Youtube sensation Julieg713 and the head honcho Michael DeVillis. Over all I had an AMAZING time at the show and I do plan to attend next year.... Check out my pictures from the show













Thursday, May 6, 2010

On Location with Greg James


A while back I had the honor of working with photographer Greg James (http://www.gregjamesphoto.com/). I was on site and did the makeup for 3 of the models that day. At first I was very nervous (as I am before every engagement lol) but once I got into my zone it was smooth sailing. I only got the pictures back from one of the models but you can check out the rest on the website. Thanks for reading...







The importance of a business card


I got my newest order of business cards and I must say that I am absolutely in LOVE with them!! As a makeup artist it is imperative that you market yourself in a way that makes people want to hire you. Whether its having a portfolio (which I am working on), a website, or even a blog, you need something that you can show people. I prefer carrying around my business cards. They are convenient, cute, and for me they make a great conversation piece. Also in carrying your cards around you should have an elevator speech at hand. What's an elevator speech? I learned this term from an image consultant, it is your 30 second speech about who you are and what you do... perfect for meeting new people and potential clients!



Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Fashion Evolution....Now




Over the summer I was able to take part in the Fashion Evolution...Now show put on by iMan Fashion Group in Boston, MA. Held at the Lenox Hotel in Copley, the evening was filled with talented models and even more talented designers. This by far was the height of the summer!

On Location with Eythan Photography





I had the pleasure of working with Eythan Photography to create a great summer shoot. The colors were bright and fun, much like the personalities of the models in our shoot. Take a look at the finished product.