★ Shame Shame Shame!!! MUAs - WE ARE HIRED HELP!!!

Well clutch the antique pearls!!...in my inbox? What? A Make-Up Artist ranting that a bride had suggestions during the consult? How dare that bride, actually having an opinion about what she shall look like on her wedding day! What's a MUA to do?

Shame Shame Shame!!! MUAs - WE ARE HIRED HELP!!! We are hired to do a beautiful job because of our expertise, experience & ...

Without clients - WE ARE NOTHING!

WE OFTEN HAVE NO POWER OVER ART/CREATIVE DIRECTION of weddings UNLESS that is a part of the contract agreement or TOTAL TRUST is established other-wise...as in through a detailed consult or you have an EXTENSIVE BRIDAL PORTFOLIO that gives the client complete confidence in you. When you bring these specialized services to a bridal client, charge adequate fees & still remain mindful that we are hired help.

In bridal situations, RARELY is there an existent opportunity to execute YOUR vision for what a bridal client may desire for herself. The stresses that brides feel when it comes to their planning & ultimately the big day are understandable UNLESS it comes to the point where HIRED HELP, like MAKE-UP ARTISTS are suffering some form of abuse from said client.

When working with bridal clients, use images & do a VERY THOROUGH CONSULT so you are more likely to grasp the client's vision. When the client is ABSOLUTELY CLEAR & CONFIDENT that you are in tune with their vision - you may have the freedom to show more of YOUR technique, expertise, personal make-up philosophy & really put your stamp on the bridal looks.

A MUA being TOLD WHAT TO DO is not abuse. A picky client usually is not stepping on our toes or questioning our expertise...

THEY ARE EXERCI$ING THEIR RIGHT TO BE AN EDUCATED CON$UMER!

We should relish each opportunity to satisfy a very selective client every chance we get,
after all...

...most of us cannot rightfully think of it any other way because with our current level of expertise & experience - we have much growth to achieve. Much of that growth may be wisdom.

Sincerely,

Jennifer James | MUA Pin It Now!

★ 5 Reasons COLOR THEORY Matters in MakeUp Artistry

As I get to know more & more MakeUp Artists through social media, the current state of the industry becomes more evident in many ways. I purposely cite the CURRENT state because so much has changed in the many years since I began my quest.

These differences are also evident when working on gigs with other artists - it is only magnified by the Internet because one is able to bear witness to vastly larger numbers of MUAs & their practices. Having embarked on my discovery of myself as an Educator over the past few years - this notion has also crudely slapped me in the face: EVERYBODY is a Make-Up Artist, but where is the commitment to the core principles of the craft.

Most of us cannot even approach the mastery of contemporaries of ours like Pat McGrath, Billy Brasfield, Lottie Stannard, Sam Fine, Viktorija Bowers, Ralph Siciliano, & Shutchai Buacharern. It is no coincidence that these MakeUp Artists have the connections that they do to the art world & its technicalities. Study their backgrounds & you will realize how important that connection is to them, what they do & how they are inspired. It should be important to you as well! You owe it to the industry, its masters, its history & its aesthetics -  to give it everything within you while you honor the greats as you honor yourself - WITH EDUCATION & TRAINING.

It's exciting to meet younger & or novice MUAs who seem to truly have passion for EVERY aspect of the craft. Sadly, I find them to be fewer & fewer amongst the masses of us. Most shockingly I have noticed how so many MUAs really take to heart the being considered a true "artist" part, yet...

...knowledge of color theory is either very limited or completely non-existent. This is meant to be a 'call out' of the ones who are guilty of this - so if you are offended, R.U.N, DON'T WALK TO A COLOR THEORY CLASS IN YOUR AREA. A simple Google search can lead you to the possibilities.

*Image by Kristine Brown of Twisting The Norm

So this blog post is dedicated to those of us who THINK color theory doesn't matter. My goal is to provoke thought & to encourage MUAs to be relentless in raising their personal bar. Especially since many MUAs ARE NOT naturally artistic - there should be more attention to training & education on many of the technical aspects. Some of these technical aspects include anatomy, cosmetics chemistry, product formulation, skin science, business/marketing practices & COLOR THEORY!!!

Here are just 5 scenarios that argue my COLOR THEORY point:

1) You get a TV gig. It's being shot in HD. On camera, your work does not look like it does in person. Knowledge of COLOR THEORY could have kept you from being in this predicament in the first place & give you the skill you need to rectify it.

2) Your first time in the Make-Up Dept. on a film set. The Key expects you to have many skills under your belt. Like basic corrective make-up techniques needed to keep talent's looks within the vision of the Key's design. You are assigned to cover a specific defect on the talent's face in a very short span of time. No time to test several cover shades, you think you can eyeball it but you have NEVER dealt with this kind/color of skin abnormality. There it is - COLOR THEORY.

3) You're trying to achieve a certain look for a client & the colors are reading one way & the client wants another. Evaluation of client's undertones relative to the palette being used requires applied COLOR THEORY to render the desired result. Period.

4) You get the privilege to work with a very experienced, knowledgeable & talented photographer (for a bridal magazine) who is extremely well versed technically - & ANAL. He says the tint needs to be adjusted in the model's lip color.  Your lack of knowledge of COLOR THEORY has you in a state where you don't even know the follow-up question to ask the photog in this instance - so you're completely lost. The definition of TINT in the color theory realm is a need to know, but you aren't sure between TINT & TONE...yikes.

5) An opportunity arises for you to assist an agency represented MakeUp Artist. Part of the job description is 'knowledge of COLOR THEORY a plus'. You have none so you miss an opportunity to get on the roster of assistants at a reputable artists'/stylists' agency. Womp,Womp!

There a dozens more examples I could come up with, but I think the point is well made. Any TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE RELATED TO ART can be of great benefit to Make-Up Artists. This game is very competitive, so as many advantages as you can give yourself - I ADMONISH YOU TO DO SO! Instinct is very important; refining the technician in you will only make those instincts more keen.

Sincerely,

Jennifer James | Schoolmarmish MakeUp Artist

Related blogs:

MakeUp & A Racial Divide...in 2010?!?!
Cosmetology School? Yea or Nay? NAY!
"I Love Working at _____!" OH DO YOU? REALLY? REALLY?

Websites on COLOR THEORY:
http://colortheory.liquisoft.com/
http://www.worqx.com/color/

Beauty Talk w/ Cosmetics Color Expert Trae Bodge
 
http://www.jenniferjames-beauty.com

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★ IMAN Cosmetics in-store Event!!!

•Join me for an IMAN Cosmetics™ event this Saturday OCT 09 2010 featuring the 

NEW IMAN Cosmetics™ Luxury Radiance Liquid Makeup!

Come get expertly matched & your own custom color face charts! 

This exclusive event in Detroit, MI will be at Walgreens location #4797, 6331 E. Jefferson Ave. Detroit 48207 (313) 567-4202 from 11am to 5pm.

 SEE YOU THERE!

http://www.IMANcosmetics.com 

http://www.facebook.com/IMANcosmetics

http://www.twitter.com/IMANcosmetics

http://www.twitter.com/The_Real_IMAN 

 

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Make-Up & A Racial Divide...in 2010?!?!

I recently worked a very cool gig. Had a great time with the principals, they were satisfied with my work & we had a ball on set.

Later, I was informed by the hiring agent that along with my experience in the type of make-up required for the project - my sharing of African-American heritage with the client did weigh-in on my being sought for the job.

 A "comfort level" was mentioned in regards to perception of different races being able to execute make-up looks on complexions other than their own. Not at all was this the 1st time I had dealt with this subject matter. I have actually seen this same frame of thought be exhibited in several situations & from more than 1 side.

So I ask, Make-Up Artists - what is your opinion on this matter? What have you experienced with regard to this? How have you taken steps to assure potential clients that your knowledge & skill level are diverse enough to warrant their trust?

 

I would also like to hear from clients/consumers who have a point of view that they would like to share.

Civil discourse on any matter is always a step in the right direction. So let's get another conversation going where the goal is ultimately to extend clarity & understanding to all involved.

LET'S TALK ABOUT THIS!!!

Discussion of topic on my FB page HERE:

*Photos used are from past work & are totally unrelated to client/job cited above.*
http://www.jenniferjames-beauty.com Pin It Now!

"Why *eyes 1st* Stunts Growth of Your Artistry"

Aaaah....the debate goes on between aspiring/new/working/retail Make-Up Artists & veteran/Top Industry Pro Make-Up Artists...

The big question: Apply *eyes 1st* or *foundation 1st*? Why? Does it matter? Depends on the artist, right? Some techniques are better in some situations than others, right? Well...

I count myself amongst the veterans in the Make-Up Artist's groups I cited above. Working in this industry for the past 20+ years, I am thankful to have been able to see & experience many sides, aspects, scenarios and work conditions industry-wide. Many consistencies exist as a Make-Up Artist navigates their different jobs. Whether consumer applications in the retail environment, bridal, photography, video, fashion, film or television - you are expected to adopt industry standards and produce make-up in accordance with the industry aesthetic.

I'll begin by giving my opinion on the whole argument: Foundation 1st, no bones about it!
FOUNDATION: Definitions
1) Noun - The basis or groundwork of anything.
2) Noun - The act of founding, setting up or establishing.
3) Noun - A cosmetic, as cream or liquid, used as a base for facial make-up.
Synonyms: spine, fundament, infrastructure, anchor, cornerstone
Source, World English Dictionary found here.

With that said, foundation is indeed the groundwork for setting up a beautiful make-up application for these reasons.

• Skin prep and expert application of foundation is essential to your end result. All of your color products (eye shadow, blush, brow color, lip liner, bronzer etc) perform better, LOOK BEST & go on more smoothly when your base is in place
• When time is of the essence, EVERYONE (actor, model, newscaster, singer, consumer, all clients) look better and more together when foundation is CENTRAL to the application
• A well prepped, even & smooth complexion is the crux of the make-up industry standard & aesthetic...PERIOD
  
  
  Ok, now we get to the juicy part. As an avid user of TWITTER & FACEBOOK for the past 2+ years, I have been able to connect with more make-up artists in/on so many more levels of the industry than I ever imagined I would. Through these electronic medium - the conversations, advice, tips, photo exchange, sharing & everything make-up/beauty have taken on a new level colleague interaction. Fantastic! This whole *eyes 1st* vs *FOUNDATION 1st* debate has gone back & forth on a global stage.
  
  So I have to ask, WHERE DID THIS *EYES 1ST* MONSTROSITY COME FROM??? I had NEVER heard of it until I 1st free-lanced at a retail counter (to remain nameless for the purpose of fairness) where the manager told me that this is an advised practice that was put into place to avoid foundation being ruined by 'fall-out' from eye shadow. I've heard (with my own ears) that almost ALL of the MUAs who use the *eyes 1st* method say that they go this route for that same reason. I don't argue the fact that you do indeed avoid 'fall-out' if you do *eyes 1st* but...let's talk about 'fall-out'.
  
  'Fall-out' occurs when excess eye shadow falls (gravitational pull) from an eye brush or is otherwise expelled (velocity) from the brush during application of eye shadow. Back & forth whisking of an eye brush can indeed send excess eye shadow to parts of the face that we do not desire eye shadow to appear. So what is a make-up artist to do? Having posted this subject to my FACEBOOK profile, the discussion did indeed heat up over there! Arguments for yeah & nay on both sides. We even had the fabulous Michelle Villanueva of Shadow Shields (http://www.shadowshields.com/) chime in because they received a shout out on the *eyes 1st* side. One thing is certain, MUAs & consumers that use them love them! I haven't gotten around to it as of yet, but when I do try Shadow Shields, I will STILL APPLY *FOUNDATION 1st* because I agree with many top industry pros on the importance of that part of make-up application technique & based on my own experiences.
  
  "Why *eyes 1st* Stunts Growth of Your Artistry"
  
  Ok, this is where I explain just a few of many technical aspects of why/how *eyes 1st* can indeed stunt the growth of our first MUA group, aspiring/new/working/retail artists.
  
  A) I see it as a crutch that may hold you back:
  
  If you ONLY aspire to apply flawless make-up with the *eyes 1st*  application order, then ask yourself - When will?
  
  • You extend your technique in the direction of achieving better & more precision?
  • Your methods peak in the areas of brush selection for particular areas of the eye?
  • You push yourself to adjust how much product you pick up on the brush & do sufficient 'tap-off' to avoid 'fall-out' in the first place?
  • You commit to refining your personal brush techniques?  (which will make it way more likely that you rarely experience significant 'fall-out' if you have any at all)
  • You step into the reality of the TOP INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL MAKE-UP ARTISTS who are where they are because THEY CHALLENGED THEMSELVES ALONG THE WAY. They honed their skills, and refined their techniques in ways that catapulted the term 'fall-out' from their vocabularies.
  As you step into different circles in the industry, I believe you may find that other industry pros expect your work to reflect a high industry standard. *Eyes 1st* may get in the way of execution of this. A few scenarios:
  
  • The photographer is shooting with an HD camera. You get the whole application finished so that you can start shooting. The camera picks up the fact that you have gone the *eyes 1st* route because it shows up in the bridge of nose/eye area.
  • The area above/in the top of your clients/model/bride's brow does not have properly applied foundation as a base - so it just does not look as "clean" as it could/should.
  • There is a definite line of demarcation between lastly laid foundation and this eye shadow that proceeded it.
  • So in essence, you really DO NOT save time with *eyes 1st* method (as proponents of this method say is 1 reason for their choice to use it) when you have to go back & make corrections to your 'house' because your 'basement' has not been laid properly. This also squashes the "clean" argument.
  The point of this blog post is to get MUAs to thinking about additional ways to improve their skill level. Many speak of aspirations to one day have stellar careers & cosmetics empires like Billy B., Kevin James Bennett, who is team eyes 1st along with Pat McGrath (& when you are as masterful as they are at BOTH eyes 1st & foundation 1st, let me know), Sam Fine, Lottie Stannard, Bobbi Brown, Tym Buacharern, Francois NARS, Val Hunt & others who would likely vote on the side of *foundation 1st* (please advise if they tell you differently). Many top pros use the trick where you apply a bit of loose powder to the area below the eyes/tops of cheeks to catch *fall-out*. To be noted, even the ones that use this trick have no notable *fall-out* anyhow because they have/employ skills & techniques that make it a non-issue.
  
  In conclusion, WHAT IF *EYES 1ST* IS NOT AN OPTION, how would YOU - AS A MAKE-UP ARTIST IMPROVE TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF YOUR APPLICATION METHOD (s) TO ENTIRELY AVOID THE DREADED 'FALL-OUT' SCENARIO? It would behoove any advocate of the *eyes 1st* method to think about ways of evolving. Worst possible outcome is that you will become a BETTER & MORE SOUGHT AFTER MAKE-UP ARTIST in the end. Your work will reflect that fact & you will then find yourself advancing upon more of your dreams & aspirations in the field. If you want to argue THAT, I'll assume you just like to argue. Your consideration of dropping/picking up this method or that method could be the difference between you staying local or going global. (in a manner of speaking)
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Jennifer James Beauty,
  Shop Steward of the *Foundation 1st* Global Union of Make-Up Professionals
  ;-) Find me on Twitter here & find my fellow union members w/ hashtag #TeamFoundationFirst!
  
  Related Blogs:
  MakeUp 411 brings you Kevin James Bennett's Essential Techniques (incl *Eyes 1st*)    http://makeup411.com/ea_info/id/374/ 
  Hello Beautiful Wake Up Your Eyes With Foundation http://bit.ly/9wBvIo
  
  http://www.jenniferjames-beauty.com
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

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Sanitation is garbage pick-up. SANITIZATION IS CRUCIAL!!! Some make-up basics.

Prepare your tools & work-station:

• Wipe down area with 91% or 99% alcohol, then lay fresh paper towel for a crisp clean work surface.
• Sanitize spatula, mixing palette, scissor, tweezer & other metal tools by thoroughly wiping down with alcohol soaked cotton ball. (after they have been thoroughly washed with warm soapy water and rinsed)
• Use an alcohol moistened cotton swab to completely clean pencil sharpener by swabbing BOTH sides of sharpener blade. Remove any/all debris.
• Of course begin with your freshly shampooed & adequately protected brush collection. (See blog link below, *Brush Cleaning)

Prep products for a sanitized work session:

• With plain facial tissue, lightly & gently wipe the surfaces of dry products like compact powders, eye shadows, blushes & bronzers removing the top layer of product. Then lightly spritz w/ 91% alcohol.
• Dip tips of traditional pencils into alcohol, sharpen then dip again. Take EXTRA CARE to wipe away excess alcohol with a facial tissue. Allow remaining alcohol to evaporate BEFORE using. Re-sanitize sharpener between pencils.
• Automatic/retractable pencils should be dipped into alcohol then wiped with a tissue. Be sure to remove the top layer of actual pencil product to effectively sanitize. Tip: always hold product end downward as to not flood mechanism with alcohol.
• Use previous method the effectively sanitize lipstick tubes.
• ALWAYS sample creamy products from jars/pots by skimming or scooping out with a sanitized spatula, then work directly from there or from mixing palette.

Reminders:

_ NEVER double-dip disposable applicators (lip, mascara wands) into ANY product. Fresh disposable applicator EVERY time. Otherwise = instant contamination!
_ Keep work-station neat by having a small trash receptacle nearby for quick, easy disposal of used applicators, cotton swabs, sponges, tissues, sharpener shavings...
_ Use hand sanitizer or optimally WASH HANDS BETWEEN CLIENTS.
_ Brushes are properly maintained by regular shampooing & conditioning which facilitates their sanitization.
_ Thorough, gentle wiping of clients skin, eyes & lips w/ a moist facial cleansing cloth will contribute to your maintenance of a clean kit consistently.
_ ALWAYS BEGIN WITH THOROUGHLY WASHED HANDS.

I know, I know...complicated (microbiology aspects) yet simple (follow some basic rules) things like sanitization are very important to practice in your everyday routine. Health & safety 1st!


Related blogs:

*"Brush Cleaning -  MAKE THEM LAST FOREVER!"
"I love working at ________!" OH DO YOU?! REALLY?! REALLY?!

google-site-verification=vNZF5-H7_uTNi3xbX_PeoNJXiMH1lb_CtWO_swFoOrw

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~ EYEBROWS!!! .Precision ✔ .Symmetry ✔ .Proportion? Uh - not so much!

Precision ✔
Symmetry ✔
Proportion? Uh - not so much!

I have recently seen a lot of advice being thrown around about brows. I am always in agreement about the brow's exceeding importance to the over-all look.  BRAVO! to those who are executing precision & symmetry. My focus right now is on PROPORTION!


When teaching other MUAs, or giving a lesson to a client - I consistently stress symmetry, obey facial anatomy & strive for precision. It is my goal to teach someone what the tools are (makeup, visual skill & knowledge of facial anatomy) & how to use them to execute a great brow.

What I have seen a lot of lately (even from some people doling out advice) is that scale & proportion are being ignored. So to define them both:

Scale - noun, .A point of reference for balance. synonyms> equalize, balance
Proportion - .Harmonious relation of parts to each other or to the whole. synonyms>balance, symmetry

The 1st diagram shows how NOT to apply proper proportions to brow shaping/grooming - BROWS ARE WAY TOO CLOSE TOGETHER and oversized! (see  NO)

The 2nd diagram shows correct brow proportions that obey facial anatomy with regard to the face as a whole; taking into consideration spacing between eyes, amount of space between outer nostril area, width of lips...seeing the WHOLE picture. (see YES)

In conclusion...the face already has any instructions a MUA needs for great brow shaping. Once there is an understanding of & an obedience to those instructions - everyone should be showing off great brows. That is what I hope becomes the rule vs the exception, as it stands now. UGH!

Sincerely & sternly,
[ARCH]-itect EyeBROWoPhile™ - Jennifer James Beauty


Link Love:
1 on 1 Beauty Sessions via SKYPE!
"The Perfect Brow"
WEBSITE

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"I love working at _____!" OH DO YOU? REALLY? REALLY?!

The makeup counter experience from the retail makeup artist's perspective is very interesting. Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to have seen this from behind the counters of several industry powerhouse makeup lines. I have a few observations to share;  many of which you may be able to identify with.

A little background...I happen to be the quintessential, epitomical, text book definition of loner/people person. Don't do cliques, yet very social. Treasure me time, but can work a room. Enjoys silence & is often THEE loudest person in the room. These two sides of me have been very conducive to my career choices & my philosophy concerning commitment to my craft. Glad to have been able to strike a little balance...ok enough about me.

Social media has become an experiment of sorts for me. Having connected with soooooo many people from so many places & at different stations in life - I can't help but notice that I have become a magnet for young makeup artists. Some of them hungry, some lazy (want the hook-up, don't want to test, don't realize their skills need major honing) & some are truly talented with lofty ambitions. I am seeing everything with my 'magnetism'. I believe they can detect that I am s sucker for answering makeup & makeup industry questions. AND I AM! Hopeless information sharer. It's all I know...ok moving along.

Then there are those newbie makeup artists who are responsible for inspiring this blog entry: "I LOVE MY JOB! I LOVE MAKEUP! I LOVE WORKING AT _____!"

...so I challenge them to truthfully testify, again profess undying adoration for the position they have been so blessed to be in - with my snarky, sarcastic (admittedly almost snide & condescending) --- OH DO YOU? REALLY? REALLY?!
Why do I ask this?  I ask because some people do makeup (doing the verb) & some people are Make Up Artists - they personify BE THE NOUN!!!

It's what I have seen. Many of my counter colleagues used those words without bringing the work ethic with them. Glad to report they have been in the minority for my personal experience. When I think about the culprits, UGH! I will never understand it. Seems some show up everyday JUST to collect a check; no real interest in advancing their artistry, excelling in customer service, getting their 'chops' so that they are ready for what's next in the industry for a makeup artist that wants to go somewhere beyond management in the retail environment.

MUAs who use words like passion, love, my life, what I want to do...we have heard it all!
So I say...if  it means that much to you, don't just do the verb - BE THE NOUN!!!

 ~ Exceed expectations. Command industry language & terminology. Push your product knowledge beyond the employee handbook. Greet each day as another opportunity to shine. Regard every customer as the next celebrity. Know the production details for every company campaign. Be able to quote industry history. Study makeup artistry & challenge yourself to execute industry aesthetics - without fail. BELIEVE & PROVE TO YOURSELF THAT THE ARTIST IN YOU CAN CREATE SOMETHING YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN! BE THE NOUN!!!

These are things I had pressed myself to do over the years as a retail artist & freelancer. I know that I am better, exceedingly prepared, & absolutely more qualified for my current full-time career as a Make Up Artist. So my charge is this: You say this is your passion, then pursue every aspect of it as such. MUAs, you can do this...BE THE NOUN!!!

--> Jennifer James currently works as a full-time MAKE-UP ARTIST & part-time Educator who splits the year between hometown Detroit, New York City and whereever else beauty takes her.


related blogs:
Cosmetology School. Yea or Nay? NAY!
OPEN NOTE TO MUAs & ASPIRING MAKEUP ARTISTS
RANT: Best Face Forward? by Nepenthe aka Beauty Thesis

http://www.jenniferjames-beauty.com Pin It Now!

Cosmetology School? Yea or Nay? NAY!

Recently, a lovely 20-something Makeup Artist on Facebook posted a status asking:

"Thinking of using my GI Bill to go cosmetology school, being licensed to do makeup will open a WHOLE lot more doors for me professionally, what do you guys think?"

It then sparked an interesting conversation between us because I have such strong feelings about this. Here is how it went:

JJB: I could not disagree more. What working Makeup Artists have you spoken to that have Cosmetology Licenses?

I think you would be wasting time & tuition money. You already have makeup knowledge & talent. The Makeup Industry is not regulated by licensing so you don't NEED it. Getting into unions & getting agency representation are goals to go after & they don't require that you have a Cosmetology License. Cosmetology really does not cover makeup to an extent that would benefit you & your level of experience.

Gain more skill & connections to good career moves by testing. Attend seminars & workshops with brilliant Makeup Artists so that your portfolio is world class. That is what will open doors to assisting TOP INDUSTRY pros on great gigs & that's how to make a name for yourself.

At this point, I wish I had been more aggressive (at your age) about becoming fluent in French, Italian, German, Mandarin, Arabic & Japanese...I'm saying use the GI Bill to advance your GLOBAL APPEAL & let your love of makeup take you around the world.

...while getting paid very well to do something you love so much.

Take good care, & feel free to seek info from me at any time! If you wish to be a hairstylist, go for it!

MUA: I think what I was trying to say by "opening more doors professionally" was by working at salons (for now) I was doing some job hunting this weekend and I noticed a lot of salons require licensing. Not only that, but I'm not so much focused on beauty courses, more along the lines of learning some theatrical, print, and costume makeup because there's only so much I can teach myself lol Let me know what you think!

JJB: FASHION MAKE-UP ARTISTRY PROGRAM:
Fundamentals of Beauty Make-Up
Studio Hairstyling for the Make-up Artist
...
FILM & TELEVISION MAKE-UP ARTISTRY PROGRAM:
Special Make-Up Effects 201: Character Make-Up Artistry
Special Make-Up Effects 301: Lab Techniques

These are just some of the offerings available at Make-Up Designory MUD in Burbank, CA (& NYC) http://www.Facebook.com/mudschools

I just cannot imagine you spending 1700 hours (state of California requirement) getting a Cosmetology License and MOST cosmetology programs spend so few hours on even beauty makeup - let alone theatrical, print & costume make-up as you mentioned you want to explore.

Ask industry veterans like Kevin James Bennett, Crystal Wright, Sam Fine, Tym Buacharern, & Valerie Patrice Hunt. (All on Facebook)

I'd be interested to hear if any of them would direct you to cosmetology school unless you want to be a hairstylist.

You'd get more experience & advance your skills working at a makeup counter.

MUA:  Seriously!! Jennifer thank you so much for researching that for me!! There's only so much I can do on my phone. I should be able to use fafsa and my gi bill, once again thanks!! The classes you just mentioned are exactly what I'm interested in too!!

JJB:  Give them a call to find out for sure, but it looks as if The Make-Up Designory in Burbank, CA accepts GI Bill. I will be attending the NYC Campus (Special Effects - Character Make-Up Artistry for TV/Film) using a FAFSA grant. ;-)
 Link to MUD School Facebook discussion of GI Bill.

MUA:  Well good thing I've already worked at a counter lol thanks Jen, MUD is a school on my list, one of the top actually. Heard a LOT of great things about it, I can't wait to check them out!

____I am such a butt-in-sky! Hopefully I gave her some options to consider. She a very talented Makeup Artist who is destined for success with whatever decision she comes to.

It's the "Auntie" in me ! ;-)

More advice for aspiring makeup artists here
DC area courses for MUAs by TOP industry pros here

Thanks for stopping by & PLEASE feel free to comment with suggestions for this ambitious makeup artist. I will be sure to forward info to her!

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PROM, BRIDAL & RED CARPET BEAUTY CLASS was awesome!

TREMENDOUS THANKS to everyone that had a part in the success of PROM, BRIDAL & RED CARPET BEAUTY session yesterday! You all are so inspiring to me & I really appreciate you fueling my drive to GIVE MY VERY BEST!

NEXT UP? FASHION MAKE UP for RUNWAY & PRINT | "I WANT MY EYES LIKE THAT" (Detroit, MI)

Info @ http://www.JenniferJames-Beauty.com Pin It Now!

NEW in ~ Eye Look Book ~ @ http://www.Facebook.com/JenniferJamesBeautyBiz

CALLIGRAPHY

~ Eye Look Book ~
  
http://www.jenniferjames-beauty.com Pin It Now!

Portfolio

http://www.jenniferjames-beauty.com

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PROFESSIONAL CREDITS

PROFESSIONAL CREDITS 2010

_Fashion

Betsey Johnson
Mynt 1792 by Kevin Christiana
Joe Faris for North Beach Leather
PS. by Peter Soronen
Made in Detroit by Kid Rock
Kevan Hall
Schott NYC
Carhartt
Dana Keaton
Femilia Couture
Marlaina Stone
b michael
Mark England
Barbara Bates
House of Cedi
Simply Greta
Franklin Rowe, NYC

_Television, Music & misc.

Saaphyri - Flavor of Love 3 VH1 Aug '07
Pink - I'm Not Dead (back-up singers) May '07
'Goldie' - I Love New York 2 VH1 Mar ’07
b michael, Spring 2004 Collection
Jackie Reid, Pantene Beauty Tour
Cicely Tyson, 'Rosa Parks Story' Premier
Angela Bofill, New Years Eve Show '04 GM HQ
Barbara Bates, Fall 2005 Collection
Jacci McGhee, Video - "Skeezer"
Amp Fiddler, Cover XLR8R Magazine
Vanessa Bell-Armstrong, Video - "Rain"
Dammita Haddon, Videos - "Praise Up", "Rain"
Deitrick Haddon, Video - "Praise Up"
Voices of Unity, Videos - "Praise Up", "Rain"
Zeola Gaye, 'My Brother Marvin' Premier
Paul Randolph
Mrs. Rosa Parks
Governor, Jennifer Granholm
Keith Sweat
Ricky Bell
Johnny Gill
Ronnie DeVoe
Michael Bivens
Melissa Morgan

_Film

'Wandering Moon', BetMarka Productions - March 2009 | Key Make-Up Artist

'Anonymous Surrender', Studio Lumumba - Nov 2009 | Key Make-Up Artist/Hair Stylist/Wardrobe

'Love is a Thieves' Game’, Sam Logan K Production - Oct/Nov 2009 | Key Make-Up Artist
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TxFlx8O_zc Pin It Now!

THE PERFECT BROW

The one thing that EVERY woman should have is a good brow arch. We are all born with a brow that is fitting for our facial shape and bone structure. I only wish to suggest that we can only improve upon nature. These brow basics will help you to show the world YOUR BEST BROW. Brow grooming at home is an option, but some things are best left to professionals. Whether handling your own arch or seeking the services of a QUALIFIED BEAUTY PROFESSIONAL, these rules apply.

1) Never alter your brow too much. An over-groomed brow can actually change your facial expression in several ways. Poorly shaped brows can make you appear to frown or give you a surprised look. Neither is appropriate. Also, over-enhancing could give you the 'Whatever happened to Baby Jane' effect. If you need assistance in determining your best look, see the guidelines below. If you decide to see a professional (Make-Up Artist, Esthetician), seek references from people you know who have nicely groomed brows. Many estheticians and make-up artists will be able to assist you in correcting brow disasters - whether by your own hand or some wayward makeover maniac.

2) Be knowledegable about the services that you seek. Getting a good arch will offer you several options. There is the standard hot wax method, tweezing and threading. Any of these is a good choice when receiving the service from a qualified beauty professional. All of these methods remove stray hairs from the root, resulting in a long-lasting clean arch. NEVER ALLOW ANYONE TO USE ANY FORM OF RAZOR to arch your brows. This can lead to cuts and scrapes, visible stubble after just days, and likely irritation - albeit a very unsatisfactory, short-lived result. Remember, you get what you pay for. The industry standard for a good brow arch will cost from $12 - $30 in most markets. If the service is too inexpensive, that should raise a red flag. Fees tend to be higher in cities with thriving entertainment and fashion industries. (Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles) Look through the latest fashion & beauty magazines and check out the brows in cosmetic ads for Cover Girl, Lancome, Maybelline and Estee` Lauder - they get it right every time. Celebrities with perfect brows include Tyra Banks, Lara Flynn-Boyle, Ziyi Zhang, Thandie Newton, Heidi Klum and Mary J. Blige - just to name a few, IMHO


3) Know your own face. There are three basic guidelines to YOUR best brow shape. Get in the mirror with a narrow straight object (ruler, pencil, orange-wood stick) to assist you in viewing these guidelines AS DETAILED IN THE DIAGRAM BELOW: My ABCs of Brows & Facial Anatomy...

A _ The beginning of your brow should be somewhat parallel to the outer part of your nostril

B _ The highest point of your arch should line up with the outer part of your nostril and the outer of the pupil of your eye

C _ Your brow should then end at the point where you outer nostril lines up with the outer corner of your eye

Do your homework. IT'S YOUR FACE AND YOU WANT TO PUT THE BEST ONE FORWARD!!!

Courtesy FUZION Magazine, VOL III - Issue 6

Related blogs:

Precision ✔   Symmetry ✔  Proportion, uh - not so much!
The Case Against B.I.G S.Q.U.A.R.E B.L.O.C.K Eyebrows
If I Did Their Brows. (Facebook album)
http://www.jenniferjames-beauty.com

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