SO WHO HAS DONE A "TUTORIAL" TUTORIAL???

*Said really fast like disclaimers on radio commercials*

Disclaimer: Any resemblance to any known YOU TUBE (rs) is purely coincidental & criticism does not depict any single description of any 1 (one) account on You Tube or their affiliates i.e the following is solely opinion based ranting of an Internet addict who has OCD on so many levels that this disclaimer had to be included to protect the rights of the innocent & those who may be offended by said criticisms. 

What is really happening??? What has become of pride??? Has shame cashed out its 401k & gone to retire??? Why is there, seemingly - no reference point for what's appropriate & what isn't???

WHAT THE HECK AM I TALKING ABOUT???

I know I'm not the only one who has noticed that things have gone awry in many areas of society - but gee wiz WHAT IS GOING ON OVER THERE ON YOU TUBE WITH THE MAKEUP TUTORIALS???

You have seen some of the same things I have? Right? I won't go into any specifics about makeup technique, but haven't some of you wondered why _______ has sssoooooooooooooo many hits when:

1)  They don't seem to be very well versed at all in the subject they are offering instruction about. <<< WHY DOES ANYONE LISTEN TO THESE TYPES?

2)  They lead off their video with disclaimers & requests to be excused for this&that because this is wrong or that is bad so please forgive me. Excuses out of the gate?! <<< WHY NOT WORK OUT THE KINKS, THEN FILM THE VIDEO?

3)  The purpose of the video is to show HOW TO do something yet strikingly - they seem to be showing WHAT NOT TO DO in this particular instance. <<< WHO TOLD THEM THEY SHOULD ATTEMPT TO EDUCATE OTHERS? WHERE IS THE INDUSTRY STANDARD THAT THEY HAVE REFERENCED TO SUPPORT THEIR METHODS?

4)  They have elected to film their video in an environment with so many noise distractions that you can't even pay attention to what they are saying. <<< WHY IS THIS SO COMMON? WHERE IS THE MODEL FOR THIS?

5)  The background looks like a tornado has gone through the room! It's such a mess back there, you'd think Neicy Nash is going to walk up any second! <<< WHY WOULD IT BE OK TO REPRESENT YOURSELF THIS WAY?

6)  Pajamas, treadmill as a coat rack, underwear, vacuum cleaner, stove, refrigerator, washer/dryer, iron/board, stacks of unfolded (even folded) laundry, recent CostCo haul (toilet paper, case of Top Ramen, paper towel, cereal, cleaning products, snacks) & many other household items DO NOT DOUBLE AS PROPS IN THE BACKGROUND OF A MAKEUP TUTORIAL VIDEO! <<< WHERE IS YOUR DIGNITY?

7)  An obviously wrinkled & not so new or clean looking bed-sheet draped over two broken halogen lamps is NOT - in any way, a desirable backdrop. <<< HOW COULD THIS POSSIBLY  BE ACCEPTABLE STAGING?

 (portable staging idea I've been tossing around)

8)  Peeling wallpaper, crooked towel rack, moldy shower curtain, a general need for the total bathroom scrub down...& etc...<<< SO WHY HAS ONE CHOSEN THIS, A GLARINGLY FILTHY BATHROOM AS "PRODUCTION SET" TO BE A SIGNATURE OF THEIR YOU TUBE PRESENCE?

9)  Dozens of videos/thousands upon thousands of views later & still no attempt to improve your overall image/presentation. Still mispronouncing company & product names. <<< SHOULDN'T HOBBYISTS, ENTHUSIASTS & MUAs BE HELD TO SOME STANDARD OF RESPECT FOR THE COLLEAGUES, COMPANIES & PRODUCTS THEY CRITIQUE/PROMOTE/REPRESENT?

10) Last, but hardly least...the wretched multi-tasking of engaging their YT audience & interacting with their kids, significant others, neighbors, other people, things & situations going on in the background. <<< HOW IN THE WORLD COULD ANYONE RATIONALIZE THAT THIS IS ACCEPTABLE TO A POTENTIALLY GLOBAL AUDIENCE?

...so the question remains... WHO HAS DONE A "TUTORIAL" TUTORIAL??? Where are the videos by You Tube gurus who are simply promoting and giving instruction on "THE ART" of producing a well made, thought out & polished tutorial no matter the subject?

It is by no means every beauty guru on YT that has caused me to cite the examples above - but you must agree that we see ENTIRELY TOO MANY vids that could be used as references for WHAT NOT TO DO when making them.  I am amazed as to how many violators are on equal footing & above those who might be considered "cream of the crop in quality" relative to viral video success's bottom line - VIEWS! How few of those very views are gawkers just wanting to see a train wreck? Either way, those views represent potential influence & many companies look at that as a way to reach potential cu$tomer$.

As a makeup artist, most of the accounts that I subscribe to have something to do with makeup, beauty, cosmetics & all things related.  I have been paying a good amount of attention to how I would like to increase my presence on You Tube & will not make another move towards it without careful consideration & planning.  Regard for aesthetic standards of many industries comes into play: TV/video production, lighting, set design, cinematography, script writing, speech & personality.

Lighting

I only hope to be able to produce video content that will engage my audience, help my brand as well as elevating the collective reputation of MUAs & beauty hobbyists/enthusiasts on the Internet via You Tube.

So, again - here I am crying out to my fellow lovers of the makeup industry to take it up a notch. This time on You Tube. We should ALL care to REPRESENT OURSELVES most positively...I wish for more of us to be prouder ambassadors of our personal & collaborative message...

BEAUTY

...then again, I have to admit that there is BEAUTY in the sheer freedom that ANYONE & EVERYONE has the right to produce the video of their capabilities & broadcast it to the world...

...but you know me - I JUST HAD TO SAY SOMETHING!!! :-)

Sincerely,
Jennifer James | Makeup Artist

...and your friendly, neighborhood SELF APPOINTED POLICE OF ALL THINGS I DECIDE NEED JUSTICE!

Related blogs & websites:

SKYPE Beauty Sessions
SKYPE Beauty (for Mary Kay, AVON & Artistry)
YOU TUBE
Chic TV
STYLE
Sam Fine Beauty
New York Magazine
JenJamesBeautyTV
Jennifer James Beauty on TWITTER
Jennifer James Beauty on FACEBOOK
Jennifer James Beauty's WEBSITE

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JENNIFER JAMES BEAUTY Makeup Class Descriptions (Requested Information)

BOOKING NOW FOR 2014

•Private Lessons•
Fashion Make Up for Runway & Print 

This 5-Hour course will explore the techniques, execution & product selection necessary to achieve industry trend, classic & standard make up looks applicable to many fashion media. These exercises will emphasize the importance of skin preparation, perfecting of the complexion, knowledge of sculpting (contour/highlight), precision eye, cheek & lip effects - which are all conducive to a beautiful fashion look.  We will also focus on the use of different textures in cosmetic color products (matte, satin, shimmer, creamy, sheer, opague etc) to achieve the desired result within the direction of the designer's/creative director's/stylist'/photographer's vision. Attendees are asked to bring their collections, kits, brushes & a model for this intensive environment where the artists will be able to apply specific methods like brush techniques in practice.

_5 hours one 30 minute lunch break & two 10-minute breaks. Class materials provided by Jennifer James Beauty & include: JJB F_MU Workbook, 1 Professional Brush Set/Make Up Kit, value $75

*Upon cancellation, cost of course is 50% refundable minus a $34 processing fee.
TOTAL COST: $495.00 Deposit: $200.00

Prom, Bridal & Red Carpet Beauty

This 5-Hour course will explore techniques, execution & product application necessary to achieve beauty make up looks for all special occasions. Artists will be more able to provide better than satisfactory results through careful evaluation of the client's needs & desires.  The session will be a hands-on exploration into wearable, real world, gorgeous make up that is focused on enhancing the individual. The make up applications that will be covered will hone the artists' skill set, allowing the artists to expand their client base exponentially...prom & bridal seasons are just weeks away!  Our

concentration will be towards beautiful, glowing skin, attention to exquisite brow shaping & enhancement - and of course very glamorous eye, cheek & lip looks. They range from very soft to intense; the use of different make up formulas/textures/colors & the application of lashes are featured. The techniques applied to this medium are basic, yet we will go beyond that with exceptional artistry & customer service. Here, our goal is clean, beautiful make up. Attendees are asked to bring their collections, kits, brushes & a model for this intensive environment where the artists will be able to apply these specifics for this very specialized client.

_5 hours includes one 30 minute lunch break & two 10-minute breaks.Class materials provided by Jennifer James Beauty & include: JJB P_B_R Workbook, 1 Professional Brush Set/Make Up Kit, value $75 

*Upon cancellation, cost of course is 50% refundable minus a $34 processing fee.
TOTAL COST: $495.00 Deposit: $200.00

Brow Boot Camp

This 4-Hour session is for the Make Up Artist who wishes to greatly improve their abilities with brow grooming, shaping & achieving different brow looks/enhancements with color. Brow Boot Camp will strongly focus on enhancing individual features, correcting over-groomed brows, precision application of brow waxes/powders/pencils/gels. This segment assures that the artist brilliantly executes beautiful eye brow looks for every segment of the industry; whether it be consumer, bridal, HD TV, or fashion/editorial. Attendees are asked to bring their collections, kits, brushes & a model for this intensive environment where the artists will be able to apply specifics concerning brows in practice.

_4 hours includes one 30 minute lunch break & one 10-minute break. Class materials provided by Jennifer James Beauty & include: JJB Brow_ Workbook 

*Upon cancellation, cost of course is 50% refundable minus a $34 processing fee.
TOTAL COST: $350.00 Deposit: $150.00

I WANT MY EYES LIKE THAT!

This session is for anyone who desires to learn the tricks & techniques necessary to create beautiful eye shadow combinations including everyday looks, glamorous  looks & the looks worn by your favorite celebrity! You will learn how to accentuate your eye shape, enhance eye color & to make the best of your brows. We will also cover basics like skin care, choosing the right foundation, how to best apply lashes & correcting/camouflaging flaws.  Additional attention will be given to lip liner / lipstick / lip gloss looks for every occasion. Attendees are asked to bring their collections, kits, brushes. Class materials provided by Jennifer James Beauty & include: JJB I_Workbook, 1 Brush Set & Make Up Kit, value $45 

*Upon cancellation, cost of course is 50% refundable minus a $34 processing fee.
TOTAL COST: $155.00 Deposit: $75.00

Airbrush Perfection

This 5-Hour course will explore the critical aspects of Airbrush Makeup for the beauty segment. We will cover different application techniques employed specifically by the airbrush makeup medium. These exercises will emphasize the importance of skin preparation, perfecting of the complexion, knowledge of sculpting (contour/highlight), precision eye,  and cheek  techniques - all of which can be achieved with airbrush. We will also focus on the use of different textures in cosmetics color lines (matte, satin, shimmer,  sheer, etc) to achieve the desired result whether for a consumer, television talent or photography. Attendees are asked to bring their collections, kits, airbrushes & a  model for this intensive environment where the artists will be able to enhance their skill-set specific to the airbrush medium.

_5 hours includes one 30 minute lunch break & two 10-minute breaks.Class materials provided by Jennifer James Beauty & include:AB_MU Workbook, AB Accessory Kit, value $35

*Upon cancellation, cost of course is 75% refundable minus a $28 processing fee.
TOTAL COST: $495.00 Deposit: $200.00

All classes available via SKYPE. (reduced rate)

For inquiries about classes in your city, please send correspondence to jenjamesbeauty@gmail.com.

"iFABBO Endorsed" by Pumps & Gloss.com!

http://www.jenniferjames-beauty.com/classes

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∯ Makeup School......ROAD TRIP!!!!!

★  For anyone saving or have funds to put towards education - what about this? Get an education buddy & team up to split some of the travel/lodging costs. Have a look at the hands-on master class lists at makeup industry main events IMATS, http://www.IMATSshow.com & The Makeup Show, http.www.TheMakeupShow.com. Add up the cost of a flight, hotel, auto rental, show ticket fees, & actual cost for each master class. These classes are the best because you are receiving hands-on instruction from WORKING TOP INDUSTRY PROS who are covering so many different aspects of the MUA career & artistry.

★ It may turn out to be a really good deal based on the fact that you know you would be receiving comprehensive tutelage from people who are or have been where you want to go. It could provide you with the experience of learning up close & personal; add up 2-3 of these dedicated trips a year & in a few years - You have gotten a wealth of priceless schooling.

 *Photo: Fashion Makeup for Runway & Print Class from Jennifer James Beauty.

★ You have also had opportunities to network with important industry people who got a chance to evaluate you & your commitment - you never know what they may be able to do for your career if you make a lasting impression. Events like those can really make a difference & so can trips to NYC for The Powder Group's ongoing classes which are VERY REASONABLE. http://www.ThePowderGroup.com/

★ There is also Elevate Artists at Studio 400 http://www.ElevateArtists.com/ in DC that features master classes from people like Lottie Stannard http://www.LotStar.com/ (Keying many shows for Fashion Week) & TV & editorial powerhouse Kat Aragon http://www.dripbook.com/kataragon/splash/ - also at very reasonable prices like $150-$400 per. If you like & have the freedom to travel - something to think about in case you don't settle on an extended program at an accredited makeup school.

These are just a fraction of the places & people teaching classes around the nation whether available through organizations or individual artists. (See Below) You can do Internet searches to find their offerings or click on their names to go right to their websites.

Thank you friend & colleague Frances Williams
http://mybeautyrevealed.blogspot.com/
http://www.Twitter.com/RevealingBeaute

for this list: 

Marietta Carter Narcisse / Suzanne Patterson / Danessa Myricks / DeShawn Hatcher / Sara Seidman Vance / Nakeah Fuller / Janice Tunnell / Denise Tunnell / Lauren Clark / Synthe Maria / Orlando Santiago / Roque Cozzette / James Vincent

JUST A THOUGHT!

Related blogs:

5 Reasons COLOR THEORY Matters in Makeup Artistry
Why *eyes 1st* Stunts The Growth of Your Artistry
Cosmetology School? Yea or Nay? - NAY!

As usual, thanks for stopping by. Your readership is greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,

Jennifer James | MUA
http://www.JenniferJamesBeauty.com
http://www.Twitter.com/JenJamesBeauty
http://www.Facebook.com/JenniferJamesBeautyBIZ

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★ 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!

bc of ur blog post, i decided to go to MUD to perfect skills as a MUA (been in it via retail since '07 n i learned hands-on so no official school). i want to eventually live off of it. do u think there's potential to succeed thru school's network of jobs?

Hello!

WOW! because of my little ole' blog?! Thanks so much for reading! Was it the post called Cosmetology School? Yea or Nay? NAY!...

Congratulations! I highly recommend MUD Schools & actually plan to attend the SOHO (NYC) location myself in the very near future. More education is always a good look.

I don't particularly have much faith in schools connecting you to work. I do believe that along the way, you have the opportunity to meet people who could aid you in finding work...

Once you have the education & the experience - your confidence to generate career moves for yourself is what you should rely on.

That's my take, you evaluate things further as you go through the educational experience & all the things that come with it.

Thank you, very good question!

Why are you being so shy? ASK! It's anonymous.

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★ 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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THE CASE AGAINST B.I.G S.Q.U.A.R.E B.L.O.C.K EYEBROWS!!! (& other overdrawn monstrosities)

 Ok, here I go again. Constantly on a rant about brows. I LOVE EYEBROWS! They are the facial feature that have captured my heart - on men, women, boys & girls. I just love them! Although intended to be nature's protection for the eyes; serving as an awning of sorts to grab wayward debris from entering those peepers. How we have come to esteem them as such a thing of beauty? Maybe because of the way they frame our eyes, the beautiful windows to the soul...

Anywho...I believe my obsession was born out of the genetic card I happen to have been dealt. Those thick beautiful & full natural brows just don't run in my family. Being a beauty junkie since I was about 13 - I was primed to eventually become a Make-Up Artist; THAT IS HOW MY INTENSE LOVE AFFAIR WITH BROWS BEGAN!

Through my work, I am blessed with many opportunities to enhance, shape, sculpt, groom & create brow looks that run the gamut. Soft & pretty, striking high-fashion, faint & delicate, naturally refined...the list goes on & on! Having incorporated Make-Up Artistry Education into my repertoire, I have noticed a few buzz words/phrases that I always use in my descriptions of well done beautiful eyebrows.

Facial anatomy, symmetry, proportion, scale, balance...sometimes I feel like I'm beating a dead horse. Yet I keep it up; there is always someone who may get something out of what I keep saying over & over & over again. So if you find this boring, please turn away now!

Here I go!

The bad:

I see many brows EVERY DAY that I find to be criminal. Many done by the wearers themselves & LAWD HAVE MERCY - some people actually paid someone to make them look that way. UGH!!! Tragic. I created a few monstrosities on myself so you'll see what I mean:

 

ANGRY ANGULAR - Who came up w/this shape & that awful angle?...SCARY!

 

BETWEEN LOVE & HATE - Oh! A thin black line, REALLY??? REALLY???

 

EBONY & IVORY - I'm all for a nice brow highlight, but WHYYYYYYY!?

 

GRAMMATICALLY INCORRECT - If that's not a comma, I don't know what is!

 

MAGNETIC FIELD - These seem to be drawn...TO EACH OTHER! WAAAAAAY too close.

 

ROAD BLOCK - There they are, THE BIG SQUARE BLOCK BROW! Just stop! Too too much harshy mcharshness & that wretched square. I shudder...

 

ROTUNDA - Ronald McDonald is not a beauty icon. The victims of these always look, well... surprised. Sad. :-(

 

IN-VITRO - My my my, sperm-like shapes have no place in browdom.

 

WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANE? - Too big, arch too high, OVERDRAWN, just too too much & makes one look too too CRAZY!

 

BROWAREXIC - Ok, shape is ok, but why so so so very thin. These have definitely missed some meals.

TOO TOO STRAIGHT - NO CHASER - Too much of this brow is parallel to the floor. Stop it please!

See all of the above in my Facebook album, Brow Styles I Despise!

The graph below is what I use to show bad proportion, scale & balance. Explained in detail in a previous blog HERE.

This graph is what I use to show the beauty of obedience to facial anatomy. Simple as A, B & C! Also explained in detail HERE.

 

Now, it 's only fair that I use myself, once again to exemplify what is wrong in the brow world & why it is just so important that brows do have scale, have balance, obey facial anatomy, have proportion & really have a somewhat seamless-ness about them - within the goal of achieving precision. So on the LEFT, Photoshop helped me to show why this blog's namesake - B.I.G S.Q.U.A.R.E B.L.O.C.K EYEBROWS should be banished from creation. Few, if any situations call for brows like this. After all CLOWNS are not style icons as I mentioned earlier & the beauty industry aesthetic is far from this & those atrocities above! On the RIGHT is my actual current Facebook & Twitter avatar; it shows how I really wear my brows most days.

See what I mean? A softer brow that fades faintly towards the bridge of the nose is so much more realistic, attractive & balanced. If you are a MUA & you do brows like the ones on the left, I hope I have offended you into reconsidering your technique & adjusting what you believe looks correct in the over-all scheme of brow things! :-)

The good: When working with brows, I always obey what I call the A B Cs of shaping which are shown here on a real live model. The premise is based upon consideration of the face as a whole; being mindful of every facial feature & their relation to brows. Eye spacing, the continuum between the brow & bridge of the nose, width of nose, width of lips...EVERY FACIAL FEATURE!!

My favorite technique for sculpting brows with color cosmetics is to enhance (& strengthen if sparse) brows with powder or eyeshadow in a hue that compliments the natural tones of the skin & the natural depth of the person's features. This would typically be a color that is slightly lighter than the hairs of their natural brow. I'll then go in with a SUPER SHARP brow pencil & draw VERY FINE hair-like strokes (same color as hairs of natural brow) in sparse areas to add dimension. I find powder alone can sometimes look flat & unrealistic. Pencil remedies that & lends to a more natural, real-looking mimic of the brow. Another method I often go to is using brown cream liner (with a very small, precise angle brush) to draw on super fine hair-like strokes that go in the same direction of hairs in that particular zone of the brow. For ultimate precision with this method, load brush with product, then pinch & shape with fingers.  Which ever method I decide to employ, I find it very important to make sure the finished brow flows flawlessly into that beautiful curve of shading near the bridge of the nose (See near A in diagram). THIS IS THE BEST WAY TO AVOID SQUARE BLOCK EYEBROWS because you're obeying facial anatomy.

The following pics show some of my make-up work. These are some of my fave brows I have done in the past:

 

 

In conclusion, to my colleagues - OUR JOB IS TO GIVE OUR CLIENTS THE BEST! We have a duty to bring a certain level of expertise based on someone trusting us with providing them the most beautiful cosmetic enhancement. I say we do a disservice to them if we skew the interpretation with BAD BROWS! I REST MY CASE!

Sincerely,

Jennifer James, your friendly neighborhood

※ MAKEUP ARTIST [ARCH]-itect EyeBROWoPhile™ - Let me build on your beauty, I have the blue print.©

___________________________________________________________________________
Related blogs:
Precision ✔   Symmetry ✔  Proportion, uh - not so much!
The Perfect Brow
If I Did Their Brows. (Facebook album)
http://www.jenniferjames-beauty.com

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★ SKYPEbeauty Sessions - Mary Kay, Avon & Amway Reps Specific

Hello!

Thank you for your interest in my SKYPEbeauty sessions.

Having worked in the beauty industry for over 20 years, I decided to bring my experience to the education realm several years ago. Through this process, I discovered the over-whelming desire for other Make-Up Artists & Beauty Professionals like yourself to improve in aspects of Make-Up Artistry.

Along with classes, hands-on workshops & private lessons (Personal, Artist 2 Artist & Business 2 Business) I added my SKYPEbeauty sessions over a year ago to take advantage of the boom in global communications via the Internet. The convenience of the visual medium SKYPE is very conducive to this process because of its' simplicity, availability as free download & affordability. Everyone with a web cam can SKYPE!

I have developed customized SKYPEbeauty Programs specifically designed for businesswomen & businessmen who are Representatives of Mary Kay, Avon & Amway Cosmetics Companies. The sessions are catered to assist you in conveying Make-Up Artistry to your diverse customers/clients in a way that will guarantee increased revenues per sale, more effective client retention, increased credibility for you as a Beauty/Image Consultant - which will result in a more lucrative endeavor over-all. 

Your customized SKYPEbeauty Session :

• Detailed to work within your company's special guidelines

• Designed around your company's product selection & collections

• Focuses on up-selling through broader product knowledge

• Tips for engaging your demographic in depth through investigation

• Seamless development of relationship between skincare & makeup

• Personal artistry skills for branding your own image your way

• Specific ways to convey artistry to clients for more satisfaction

Jennifer James Beauty's SKYPEbeauty sessions:

75 minutes per customized session

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Multi-lingual capabilities to service global clients

$65.00 USD (payable through PayPal)

Having said all of that, what's the next step? The consultation!

We may begin consultation by you telling me a few things about yourself & where you would like to go within your company as a Beauty Professional. Be as detailed as you have time to: Experience, location, education, other interests, family situation, student status, etc. Send information to JenJamesBeauty@gmail.com.

Again...

Thank you for your interest & I hope to be hearing from you very soon.

Jennifer James | Make-Up Artist | SKYPE Name: JenJamesBeauty

-- 
www.JenniferJamesBeauty.com
www.Facebook.com/JenniferJamesBeautyBiz
www.Twitter.com/JenJamesBeauty

*Jennifer James Beauty is in no way affiliated with any company mentioned in this post; the above endeavor is

completely independent of said companies and has not received any corporate sponsorship, compensation or endorsement thereof.

Free Download of latest version of SKYPE HERE!

Purchase SKYPEbeauty Session HERE!

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What should I do, for myself and clients, to prevent the eyes from watering and ruining false lashes? It seems like when my eyes water the outer corner NEVER drys up for hours. Even when I take a qtip and wipe. the lashes never stick. I use both Duo

Begin by dabbing away moisture with plain facial tissue. Apply an extremely thin pin-wide line of adhesive to lashline where you will attach strip as well as on the strip. Let dry about 30 seconds & begin lash application at outer corner working inward.

Be sure to not begin placement too far outside of the corner of the eye. Trim lash to customize. As eyes contnue to water, keep dabbing so that moisture does not disturb adhesive. Practice! Success is just down the road!

Jennifer James Beauty *WINKS*

Why are you being so shy? ASK! It's anonymous.

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I would like to thank you for answering my questions. I am a stay at home mother with MS and a freelancing mua on the side. I look forward to joining one of your classes sometime.

Thank you for the question! It is truly my pleasure! ANYTIME! I'll be praying for your health & strength...ITNOJESUS, AMEN!

Why are you being so shy? ASK! It's anonymous.

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What do you recommend browwise, for a person with eczema? The eczema thins my eyebrows. I've tried eyebrow pencils, but they look so fake, and I'm not a makeup person per se -- mascara, gloss and I'm done. Am I applying it wrong?

To avoid the fake/ overdrawn look: A freshly sharpened brow pencil really is the best option for you.

Make sure pencil is super sharp. Use soft wispy strokes in a slightly upward motion while following natural brow shape. (begin in the higher part of your natural arch to give lift) Wispy strokes with a sharp pencil allows you to add definition that mimics real brow hairs.

Avoid adding too much definition to the brow near the bridge of your nose. You want it to be softer there so that it looks somewhat natural. See diagram below for guidelines in enhancing brow with regard to facial anatomy - while using your natural brow as a guide.

http://twitpic.com/2jq0ja

Be patient, it takes practice. Try to find pics of a model or celebrity with similar brow shape as yours to see how theirs are done. This may help give you perspective.

Hope this helps!

Jennifer James Beauty

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Everyone knows, and always says, to start off with a clean, exfoliated, and moisturized face. How do you do that with a client on location?? Or any client in general?

I used make-up remover clothes that have a texture to prep skin. The texture gives you the option for mild exfoliation as the cloth mildly cleanses & hydrates the skin.

Add moisturizer while skin is still damp, let that absorb for a few minutes then apply primer.

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I have seen work from other MUA, where the look went from dramatic to soft. This was done on the same person (bridal). How do you do that without ruining the face makeup?

Dramatic to soft can be accomplished cleanly by muting intensity w/ foundation that was used. Precise, careful softening of dramatic features of the look should be done w/ brushes and/or sponges that give you great control in handling details.

Dab foundation into area that is to be softened & where possible/necessary - swipe away some of the color/intensity. Continue by making sure foundation is still even all over (stippling w/ sponges like Sonia Kashuk or Beauty Blender for flawless results) & finish with loose powder, in a blending fashion to soften the look over-all.

Hope this helps! :-)

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SKYPE Beauty Cyber Monday Offer!

Need Make-up Application help?

How about a 1 on 1 lesson  via SKYPE with 

JenniferJamesBeauty!

SKYPE Beauty is a full hour of hands-on applied make-up techniques, tips & tricks.  During session, you will also receive product recommendations & targeted instruction with a focus on time saving yet flawless results.  All of this cosmetics knowledge is customized to your specific beauty needs.

Only $45 USD.

Go to http://www.JenniferJamesBeauty.com

Proceed to CONTACT page. Click SKYPE Beauty logo to get started! We will need to complete an  email or phone consultation to customize your session & go  over product recommendations before session for optimum productivity. You may use contact form to begin the process.

*Special Make-Up Artist' Sessions (w/ model) also available!*

  CYBER MONDAY OFFER:

All SKYPE Beauty Sessions purchased by 

TUES NOV 30th 2010 @ 3am EST (12 Midnight Pacific)

will receive an additional *30 minutes* of session time!

Click SKYPE Beauty logo above! Looking forward to meeting you on the web!!!
Email: JenJamesBeauty@gmail.com for  more details, to schedule pre-session email consultation & to request phone consult.

Related blog posts:
Original SKYPEbeauty post  (April 2010)
http://jenniferjamesbeauty.blogspot.com/2010/04/1-on-1-beauty-sessions-with-jennifer.html
SKYPE Beauty Black Friday 2010 Offer

Jennifer James Beauty was very happy to have celebrated 1 year anniversary of SKYPE Beauty in October, 2010. Looking forward to many more years with this medium & connecting with many more SKYPE Beauties all over the world! (with the help of TransClick for Skype)

Global SKYPE Beauties so far: Greece, Nigeria, England, Brazil, South Africa, Jamaica, Mexico, Dubai & St. Lucia. Pin It Now!

SKYPE Beauty Black Friday Offer! Part Deux

Need make up application help? Know someone who does? How about the gift of a 1 on 1 lesson via SKYPE Beauty Session!

SKYPE Beauty is a full hour of hands-on applied make-up techniques, tips & tricks.  During session, you will also receive product recommendations & targeted instruction with a focus on time saving yet flawless results.  All of this cosmetics knowledge is customized to your specific beauty needs. 

Only $45 USD.

Go to http://www.JenniferJamesBeauty.com

Proceed to CONTACT page. Click SKYPE Beauty logo to get started! We will need to complete an email or phone consultation to customize your session & go over product recommendations before session for optimum productivity. You may use contact form to begin the process.

*Special Make-Up Artist' Sessions (w/ model) also available!*

BLACK FRIDAY OFFER:

All SKYPE Beauty Sessions purchased by midnight, Friday DEC 24th will receive additional *30 minutes* of session time!

Click SKYPE Beauty logo above! Looking forward to meeting you on the web!!!
Email: JenJamesBeauty@gmail.com for  more details, to schedule pre-session email consultation & to request phone consult.

Related blog posts:
Original SKYPEbeauty post  (April 2010)
http://jenniferjamesbeauty.blogspot.com/2010/04/1-on-1-beauty-sessions-with-jennifer.html

SKYPEbeauty Sessions - Mary Kay, AVON & Amway Reps Specific:
http://jenniferjamesbeauty.blogspot.com/2010/12/skypebeauty-sessions-mary-kay-avon.html

Jennifer James Beauty was very happy to have celebrated 1 year anniversary of SKYPE Beauty in October, 2010. Looking forward to many more years with this medium & connecting with many more SKYPE Beauties all over the world! (with the help of TransClick for Skype)

Global SKYPE Beauties so far: Greece, Nigeria, England, Brazil, South Africa, Jamaica, Mexico, Dubai & St. Lucia. Pin It Now!