Happy New Year

Happy New Year dear Makeup Artists, Stylists, and Enthusiasts!

Image from Mag4Style

2012 is upon us. Tell us WHO you think should be featured on our Makeup Artist Wall of Fame.

Perhaps you know about a product or company that is giving back to the community.

Tell us us about it here by responding to this post.

Happy 2012!

Update on Celebrity Makeup Artist Kelly Robertson & Chemo Diva

Congratulations are in order to Celebrity Makeup Artist Kelly Robertson!  Recently, at Nineveh Makeup Ministries, we posted a last-minute request for your support/vote for Kelly's amazing makeup ministry, Chemo Diva, through which, at absolutely no charge, she supports women who are going through chemotherapy treatments by offering pampering beauty treatments. These include the application of semi-permanent makeup from her Celebrity Lipstick line, including eye brow color.  Since hair is often lost during chemo, this treatment can make a world of difference in a woman's confidence during this difficult time.

You stepped up to the task and helped Kelly WiN!

Thank you everyone who helped, and congratulations, Kelly!

Kelly's website is: www.CelebrityLipstick.com

If you know a Makeup Artist or Beauty Company that is doing something to give back or make the world a better place, please let us know so that we can honor the individual or company!

Take 5 Minutes to help this Celeb MUA Help Women with Cancer!!!

Kelly Robertson of Chemo Diva brightening the life of a client.

Dear Nineveh Makeup Ministries Readers,

We all come together at this site because we love makeup.  We may admire the artistry of the pros who are blessed enough to do this work for a living.  We may enjoy reading about what people are doing to give back to the community. And, most of us know the benefits we feel, and that we witness others feeling, when we lift our spirits with something as simple as a new lip color or a different technique for applying eye liner.

Women who are undergoing chemotherapy treatments experience things such as hair loss, pale skin, and faded confidence.   Celebrity Makeup Artist Kelly Robertson, who was featured here at Nineveh Makeup Ministries not too long ago, has an amazing organization called Chemo Diva. She pampers women who are going through chemo, and she doesn't charge a penny.

Now, you can help Kelly in her efforts, and it won't cost you a penny either. What it will cost you is about 5 minutes of your time and your willingness to register with a website that will allow you to vote for her organization, Chemo Diva.  I just did it. It literally took about 5 minutes.

It made me feel amazing to be able to vote for her and all she is doing. It was such a small sacrifice of time from my morning. 

I am encouraging all readers of Nineveh Makeup Ministries to CLICK HERE now, and follow the instructions to vote for Kelly Robertson's Chemo Diva.

Please Hurry!!!

The contest ends on JUNE 15, 2011.  This is a last minute notice. We have 1 day to get our votes in.

Please feel free to comment here with any thoughts and to let me know if you voted!
In kindness,
Debi
aka Nineveh

Celebrity Makeup Artist Keisha Willis Gives Back!

Model turned Makeup Artist
Keisha Willis

Nineveh: How and when did you get started in makeup?

Keisha: I came into this field backwards. I started as a model and was trained by my agency.  At fashion shows other models would ask me to do their makeup too.  So I’ve been doing it a pretty long time.  But just doing makeup – no modeling for about 6 years.

Nineveh: Which makeup artists inspire(d) you?

Keisha: Wow they’re so many great artist out here.  I think my first MUA I feel in love with was Kevin Aucoin. I still have his book Making Faces. Others that inspired me are Sam Fine, Billy B, KJB and several artist on Model Mayhem – too many to name. I love go getters, plus these guys do absolutely beautiful work. I really, really love Mally Roncal. I just smile when I say her name. Not only is she extremely talented but she has a wonderfully infectious personality so bubbly and she’s dresses so cute. I really don’t like the all black clothing thing all the time. I want to add some life into this world just like Mally!

Nineveh: And you certainly do, Keisha!   Tell us about your journey to becoming a full-time freelance makeup artist. What steps did you have to take to become completely self-sufficient as a makeup artist?

Pro MUA Keisha Willis on set

Keisha: Oh my goodness -- it was a journey. I wanted to quit several times.  In this business I learned early that confidence is KEY, and I allowed my confidence to be shaken so many times in the beginning stages. I have had times of feeling like I wasn’t a “real” makeup artist because I didn’t do this full time, but now I see AMAZING artists like Ren-Ren who lets you know that this judgment isn’t true.  In short, I tried to assist a lot of artist – didn’t make too much progress doing that until last year.  I think it’s important to work with other artist because you learn so much from them and pick up so many great tricks.  I did tons of research on You Tube looking at artist like Encore and Ren Ren and others, enhancing my technique. And, of course, hanging on to every word of the “Greats” mentioned above.  Then I was fortunate enough to do a few celebrities and my business just blossomed. I was taking off so much time from my full time job I had to quit.

Nineveh: What a great recap of your journey Keisha. Being that you were able to succeed, what advice would you give to aspiring makeup artists who are considering this career path?

A page from
Keisha Willis' Portfolio

Keisha:To start, really get to know the business. They should know the” Greats” all the way back to Max Factor (he was really a person). :-)  They should know how to do makeup of different periods 20s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s… Each decade was unique. A director or photographer doesn’t have time to teach you – they’ll give you some direction, and you have to know how to run with it. Do a lot of research so you can become experienced, take classes to learn the business and enhance your skills, network and develop a plan, know what field you want to be in – do you like FX makeup or do like the fashion industry or brides? And, have a great personality. Don’t be fake -  people can tell. Be pleasant to be around. Know the rates of other artists and don’t undercut, because you hurt the whole industry when you do. Getting Crystal Wrigt’s book and taking her classes is key in my opinion.

Nineveh: Thank you for that, Keisha.   You have an impressive portfolio. What have been some of your favorite gigs? 

Keisha: Thank you so much. I’m always honored when someone says that. Seriously -- I’m very flattered when someone appreciates my work. I have worked with so many creative photogs.  One photog and stylist actually made outfits out of bubble wrap! That was a fun shoot.  I love working with creative people because the synergy in the room is unreal.  We feed off of each other and come up with great ideas. Another really fun shoot is when I did a Barbie inspired shoot- every girl wants to be Barbie.

Nineveh: Barbie or a celebrity! :-)    Have you ever worked on a celebrity?

A page from Keisha Willis' Portfolio

Keisha:  Yes I have a few that I would like to work with. My list is long. Every celeb I have worked with has been so sweet.  I’ve worked with Judge Hatchet a few times.  She is AMAZING, she makes you feel so at home and welcomed into her space. I’ve also worked with Isis and Sandra – both models on ANTM. That was a surreal experience.  I’ve worked with Paul Warton of Bravo, Chip Wade on HGTV,  but that’s enough name dropping. :-)  But who I’d love work with is Michelle Obama – she’s such a fashion icon. I’d love to do Kim Kardasshian or any Kardashini for that matter, Vanessa Williams, Rihanna and Gwen Stefani -- and lets top it all off with an H&M ad Campaign. I’m actually drooling now. Told you I had a long list.

Nineveh: You are too funny! Ok, off of that topic and on to your favorite items.   What are some of your “must have” products for your own personal kit and for your professional set kit?

Keisha: My Graftobian pallet, my SmashBox highlighter (I’m sorry I don’t know the specific name I bought it at a makeup show it’s in a circle container and the stuff is AWESOME), my Urban Decay eye shadow pallets and q-tips!!

Nineveh: Great choices! And, last but not least, Nineveh highlights artists who give back.  What do you do to make the world a beautiful place?

Keisha: I think it’s so important to be a genuinely good person and I really try to do this often. I volunteer a lot at my church and I’m working with Dress For Success to do a seminar with their clients, because I feel like if you look good on the outside you’ll feel good on the inside.  I constantly look for ways that I can help others. I believe in paying it forward.  I also only charge my grads and prom students a fraction of my normal prices and do tons of free work for fashion shows that are charitable events.

Nineveh: I love it!  Anything else that the world should know about you?

Keisha: Well as I said in the beginning I started in this world as a model and modeling is my first love.  I give new models pep talks when they are in my chair and often make friend with them because of it.  I’m also pursuing my MBA and Master’s in Management. Education is very important.  You must know how to build your brand and your business.  I’m a wife and mom of two beautiful girls! Life is good.

Professional Makeup Artist & YouTube Guru: Eman

She's talented. A go-getter. And she is making her dreams come true as a professional makeup artist with a growing fanbase on YouTube. Meet: Eman.

Professional Makeup Artist Eman with Client

Nineveh: Eman, tell us how you got started in makeup.

Eman: I started doing makeup about 3 years ago.  It was kind of a fluke.  I was working on my own fashion line at the time but I quickly realized that wasn't my passion.  I started doing styling, then, through that, I got into makeup, and I fell in love with it.  I haven't looked back since.

Nineveh: Tell us about your journey to becoming a full-time freelance makeup artist. What steps did you have to take to become completely self-sufficient as a makeup artist?



Eman: I started to network with people in the industry.  I slowly started to build my portfolio by doing lots of creative shoots.  I made business cards and handed them out to everyone I knew.  I made a website, a Facebook group, a YouTube channel, and I joined Twitter.  At the beginning I did LOTS of volunteer work, and with time it eventually turned into paid work. Now I have a large network of photographers and stylists that I work with.  And, I am repped by an agency that helps with getting me work as a freelance artist.



An example of Eman's work from her portfolio


Nineveh:    By sharing your experience here, you are likely inspiring potential, aspiring makeup artists. What further advice would you give to them about a career path in makeup?

Eman: Make sure you absolutely love being a makeup artist because it’s a lot of work and that passion for what you do is what will make you successful.  Also, never stop learning.  

Nineveh: And along the way in your newfound passion, which makeup artists inspire(d) you?

Eman: I get inspiration from so many artists.  I look up to past teachers of mine who are now my mentors.  Makeup artists like Troy Jensen, Billy B and Lottie Star are some of my favorites to draw inspiration from.



Another beautiful example of Eman's work from her portfolio



Nineveh:    You have an impressive portfolio. What have been some of your favorite gigs?

Eman: I love doing fashion editorials because they give you the chance to be as creative as you want and there are really no rules. 

Nineveh:    Have you ever worked on a celebrity? If so, tell us who and a little bit about your experience. If not, is there a celebrity you would like to work with? Why?

Eman: I would love to work with someone like Lady Gaga.  She loves creating amazing visuals that are so different and unique.  She loves taking risks and her makeup is never boring.

Nineveh:    You have an amazing fan base of nearly 50,000 subscribers on YouTube. What do you think you offer that attracts people to hit that ‘subscribe’ button?

Eman: I keep the focus of my videos on just makeup.  I don't talk about my personal life, I don't do haul videos or outfit videos.  It’s just makeup.  So my subscribers know what they are getting.  If they want a certain makeup look, they can come to my channel and they'll most likely find a tutorial for what they are looking for, so they keep coming back. 

Nineveh: That makes sense. And, what are some of your “must have” products for your own personal kit and for your professional set kit?

Eman: I love MakeUp ForEver, so I have lots of 'must haves' from them.  I can't live without the Make Up ForEver HD Powder, HD Primer and HD Foundation.  I also love their Aqualip pencils and their Aquablack cream liner.  I love the NARS velvet matte pencils.  I love MAC's Smolder eye pencil, and one of my favorite glosses is their Dazzleglass in Sugarimmed.

Nineveh: A Nineveh Makeup Ministries interview wouldn’t be complete without learning what it is that you do to make the world a beautiful place. So tell us about that aspect of your life.

Eman: I believe giving back to charity is really important.  I like to volunteer my services for charity fashion shows and charity auctions.  I like to help in any way I can help for a cause I believe in.

Another example of Eman's work from her portfolio

Nineveh:  Anything else that the world should know about you?

Eman:I have a wonderful hubby that supports me in everything I do and I wouldn't be where I am now if it wasn't for him :) 

 

Eman is based in Vancouver-Canada and can be reached/followed in the following ways:

Eman's blog, where she shares shots from her photo shoot gigs:

http://emanmakeup.blogspot.com/

Eman's Official Website: http://www.emanmakeup.com/

Eman on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=153722741315999

Eman on Twitter: http://twitter.com/EmanMakeup

And the Winner of the Debra Macki Palette Is...

Thank you to Everyone who participated in this giveaway.

Debra Macki & The Yellow Umbrella organization generously donated 2 Monaco Eyeshadow palettes, created by Celebrity Makeup Artist Debra Macki in support of The Yellow Umbrella Foundation's mission to educate and help eradicate cervical cancer. One palette was for my use and review, the other was to give away to YOU!

You have been so generous with your time, commenting on the blog entry related to this contest, sharing the video, and tweeting your little hearts out with the hash tag #savethehooch (which we encourage you to continue to do). One of the biggest things I have learned during this contest is that we need to get people aware of this issue and how to protect themselves.

Many of you shared personal, touching stories, while many others shared that this was the first that they heard of cervical cancer, HPV, and the things we as women can do to protect ourselves and educate others.

I am so honored and blessed to be a part of helping to bring this information to many women.

And now, the winner, chosen at random, is...

DEVONNA, who posted on the blog on 3/25!!!!

Devonna, please go to the contact page, send me your mailing address, and your palette will be on its way!

Thank you to everyone who particpated, and let's all congratulate Devonna!

Vintage Makeup Artist and Stylist Ashley aka LisaFreemontStreet Gives Back!

Ashley (LisaFreemontStreet) & Client

Nineveh: Ashley, how did your passion for makeup and hair styling start?

Ashley (LisaFreemontStreet): I have always had a passion for beauty products, makeup, and hairstyling. I used to read and re-read this 'beauty workbook' I had in my pre-teens until it had nearly fallen apart! But I learned a lot in the book and all the magazine articles and beauty books I've read since. There are photos of myself in those years that are cringe-worthy, but I like to think that all the 'trial and error' lead me to truly discover my own makeup style.

Nineveh: And, it seems like you really found yourself in retro, classic styles. Tell us more about that.

Ashley: I have always had a deep love for classic films, and the styles of hair and makeup in the 40's and 50's really called to me. Grace Kelly and Ginger Rogers were my favorites. They each spoke the language of their generation in such a significant and iconic way. I finally decided, about 6 years ago, to re-create those hair and makeup styles in earnest. I also decided that I would never again be afraid to wear those styles in public, even if doing so drew extra attention. Thankfully, my commitment to vintage styling has drawn far more positivity than I expected. Embracing my femininity has also made me feel more connected to the prior generations of women in my family.

I consider myself to be a vintage enthusiast always, even on the days when necessity calls for a pair of jeans or a tank top. So for those quick trips to the market, I at least try to always apply my winged liner or wear a pretty hair accessory-something to make me feel girly. It’s no secret that I'd rather be in a dress any day of the week!

Nineveh: Yes, with the success of your YouTube Channel and Blog, it is quite evident that there are plenty of other women who like what you do! When you speak about femininity, in terms of Retro iconic women, I think of Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe – two of my favorites. Who are some of yours?

Ashley: Ginger Rogers and Grace Kelly are my favorites, for sure. But I really enjoyed re-creating the over-the-top onscreen looks of Garbo and Harlow, as well as the 60's 'kitten' looks inspired by Sophia and Brigitte. Audrey Hepburn is someone whose look I have yet to visit on my channel. I think it's because I admired her so much, as a person, that I find it a bit intimidating to attempt her style. I guess I just gotta get over myself, huh? *chuckle*

Nineveh: You would do an amazing job recreating her looks. I say, Go for it! As far as retro films which are your favorites?

Ashley: My all time favorite film is 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. Atticus Finch is my hero. But the beauty fiend in me will always love the 1939 classic, 'The Women'. It's just a perfect film in so many ways but especially in the way that it celebrates females! No other movie comes close. Let's go watch it, Debbie!

Ashley (LisaFreemontStreet)

Nineveh: I would love that. Just tell me when and where. :-) In the meantime, let’s talk music. You haven’t been afraid to use music to set the mood in your videos. Tell me about your favorite retro tunes.

Ashley: I love the music of the Golden Age, in general. There are probably too many to mention. But one that instantly comes to mind is 'It Might as Well Be Spring' by Doris Day. Not sure why. Just the mood I'm in, I guess.

My taste in music really runs the gamut, as can be determined by the songs I choose for my videos. Of the artists 'before my time' (wretched expression!), the ones I most admire vary with my mood. Right now, I can't get enough Les Paul and Mary Ford! I want to sound JUST like her.

Nineveh: But you want to look like a redhead, right?

Ashley: I want my hair to STAY red, so I use a permanent color every six weeks or so. My favorite is L’Oreal Preference in Medium or Dark Auburn. I like to kick up the red between colorings with a semi-permanent dye like Manic Panic. The shade “Flaming” is just enough red to give your color that shocking boost it needs when it starts to fade. I leave the semi-permanent color on for just about 15 minutes or so, keeping the results less artificial.

Nineveh: That’s quite the routine, Ashley. And for your classic, retro red lips – what is your routine?
Ashley: Red lipstick is such a personal thing (*wink*). But if I have to name one that is perfect for me, I'd have to say 'Red Velvet' from Besame' Cosmetics. 2nd place would probably go to 'Femme Noir' by Julie Hewett. Right now, I'm really into orange lips, though...orange is the new red, you know.

Nineveh: So we’ve heard. And in addition to your vintage makeup and styling interests, what else do you do (for a living)?

Ashley: I am a home based skip tracer for a collection agency. But I'd absolutely LOVE to make my hobby a full time job. My goal is to someday own a vintage bridal and photography business. I'd also love to style local musicians and performers, if they'd let me.

Nineveh: I’m sure they would Ashley. You are very talented! Tell us what you would or currently do carry in your kit.

Ashley: Things I purchase repeatedly for my own use: Cetaphil Moisture Cream, Layrite Pomade, and a white concealer stick.

For clients, it’s my Ben Nye Cake Liner, a concealer palette, and a NYX Jumbo Pencil in 'Milk'. I also love my lip color palette of 66 shades that can be mixed and matched to suit different skin tones.

Nineveh: And when you are not working on clients but making videos for YouTube, what motivates you?

Ashley: I love making my little videos every week. It's something I do for love, not for money, and I've received so many encouraging little messages from my viewers, telling me that something I taught them made them feel better about themselves. I also take part in worldwide bible education work whenever I get the chance. Giving back spiritually is far more gratifying than giving physically, I've found.

Nineveh: And finally, is there anything else that the world should know about you, Ashley?

Ashley: In this world of slovenly comfort, I have always loved and admired those ladies that put some effort into beautifying themselves, thereby making others take notice. There is no shame in wearing pearls to do your shopping or in setting your hair before bed...it's a right all females should be able to embrace! I hope that it will eventually become the 'norm' again, for a woman to take pride in her femininity by dressing up at home (much less the grocery store), for a man to wear a blazer to the movies, and for a child to cut his hair. If only....

Retro Makeup Artist & Stylist Ashley (aka LisaFreemontStreet)

Visit Ashley’s Blog/Website: http://www.lisafreemontstreet.com/
Her YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/lisafreemontstreet
Her Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Lisa-Freemont-Street/155249469150

Thank you SO much Ashley for your Beautiful Shout Out about this interview and Nineveh Makeup Ministries!

Professional Makeup Artist & Owner of Mason & Mia Cosmetics, Elizabeth Forero Schoonmaker Gives Back!

Elizabeth Forero-Schoonmaker

If you have ever thought of taking your passion for cosmetics and your talent for makeup artistry to the next level by starting your own cosmetics line and by giving to those in need, you will no doubt be inspired by Momprenieur and Professional Makeup Artist, Elizabeth Forero Schoonmaker of Long Island, New York.

Nineveh: Elizabeth, tell me about the populations that you serve through BITNOL, Beauty in the Name of Love, which you founded in 2008 in Long Island, NY.

Elizabeth:  I want BITNOL to be first and foremost, for anyone. It is for the elderly in nursing homes, for the sick in hospitals, for the battered and bruised at women's shelters, for people who are simply suffering with an ailment - I don't discriminate.

I have mainly served at the nursing home my mother lived in for the last 8 years of her life. I do plan on making visits to Schneider’s Children's Hospital, local women's shelters - anywhere I can spread a little love and make others feel loved and uplifted as well as beautiful and radiant - both inside and out.

Nineveh: That is beautiful Elizabeth. And, what do you offer these women?

Elizabeth:  I offer my time. For some reason, people just don't have TIME these days. I say, if you love someone or something, you make time to do it!

I spend my free time with people who may need a little smile to cheer them up, a little makeup to spruce them up, and a little kindness to warm their hearts.  I bring myself to whatever it is they would like to do . Sometimes it's not about putting on makeup, it's about listening and being a friend.

It's absolutely flabbergasting to me how people shy away from their family members that gets sick and who end up in a hospital, rehabilitation center or a nursing home. They treat them as if they don’t exist.

I have seen so much sadness in the eyes of people in this situation - to know that their family has just disregarded them and put them in the hands of doctors and nurses. You need to have compassion, and know that they are suffering with a broken heart not to get a single visitor. It breaks my heart at just the very thought of it.

Nineveh: That is truly heartbreaking. It is so wonderful that you are out there caring for the “forgotten,” Elizabeth, and I hope others are encouraged and inspired by your lead and decide to volunteer with these populations as well.   When you are caring for the elderly and they request your help in putting on makeup, what special considerations to you have to make in terms of product choices?

Elizabeth: I bring my cosmetic case that I have made strictly organic to suit the elderly and children, being that their skin can be extremely sensitive. I usually devote an hour or two or three with a group of ladies from the home and meet with each of and every one of them privately.

Some of them can't make their way out of their rooms, so I simply go visit with them. I have separate cases when I do these makeovers. I cater to everyone's individual needs, because you never know how someone's skin can react.  I use everything from my private collection to my own line (Mason & Mia Cosmetics) that includes a hypo-allergenic organic line.

Nineveh: In addition to your own makeup line and your work with the elderly and other women in need, has your career as a makeup artist and your role as the owner of your own cosmetics line ever presented you with a Hollywood moment? Have you ever worked on a movie, for example?

Elizabeth: You know I would love to say that I have mingled with the best of the best of them, but that’s not my reality.

Elizabeth's Makeup Line: Mason and Mia Cosmetics

Truth is, I am a Proud Mama of 4 and a devoted wife to my husband of almost 9 years.  I am an artist of all mediums. I work for myself. I own my own cosmetics line , MMC NY which is honor of my children ( m4 ) , I would also love to share my artwork with your readers. They can visit http://www.studio33ny.com  to check it out.

So, basically, I am a Mom, and I love it. I have left behind my days of schlepping to the city to do the makeup counter thing in Bloomingdales and freelancing.

I had some glam moments where I got to meet some famous celebs , but you know what , I wouldn’t trade my life now for anything in this world. Bottom line with taking control of your life is finding your niche, finding what makes you light up like a Christmas tree.

Chase your DREAMS relentlessly. Just because someone says no to you doesn't mean that it's the end of the road. It means you have to try and work harder to get to where you want to be. I have opened doors that have not even given me the time of day and have opened those doors where you could feel the light of love warm your heart, because I knew my life was going to change one way or the other.

Nineveh: And thinking back to your dream chasing process, what was or is your inspiration to do makeup?

Elizabeth: People . I love people. I love to bring a smile to their faces. It goes beyond the glitz and glamour of it all. When you have someone sitting in your chair, trusting that you are going to transform them, giving them a new look and then, they see what you have done and they look into your eyes, and you know that with a simple stare that they are saying, “Thank you so much.” Sometimes words are not needed. It makes me feel so good knowing that I have brought a little ray of sunshine to someone.

Nineveh: And what was your inspiration to do BITNOL?
 

Elizabeth: My Mother. She passed away 3 years ago almost to this day. Before she passed , she told me not to give up on my dreams - that I could do it. She said, “Lizzie ( that was her nickname for me ), You have too many talents to let them go to waste , utilize your gift of being compassionate with people and do something with it.”

Her words stayed with me, and one morning shortly after she passed, the name came to me and I knew what I had to do.

That’s when I founded: Beauty in the Name of Love™ Project (BITNOL)

Learn more about Elizabeth, the work she is doing to make the world a beautiful place, and her cosmetics line and art:

BITNOL: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beauty-in-the-Name-of-LOVE/119466764745102 

Makeup: www.msmmcsbeautibox.blogspot.com

Art: www.studio33ny.com 

Follow Elizabeth on Twitter:

@ twitter.com/Ms_MMC (makeup) and twitter.com/studio33newyork (makeup)

ATTENTION MAKEUP FANS: We've teamed up with Celebrity Makeup Artist Debra Macki...Enter to win a Beautiful EyeShadow Palette....Click HERE.  

Celebrity Makeup Artist Debra Macki, The Yellow Umbrella, and Nineveh Team Up!

Nineveh Makeup Ministries is so happy to share with you the Monaco Eye Shadow Palette created by Celebrity Makeup Artist Debra Macki for The Yellow Umbrella Foundation.

I received one palette directly from Debra Macki for my own personal use and for review on Nineveh's site, and I received an additional palette from Christine at The Yellow Umbrella to give away to one lucky reader!


All you have to do is watch the video below and then leave a nice comment under this blog post for your chance to win!


Bonus chances if you tweet this article out and include the tags @YellowUmbOrg @DebraMacki and @NinevehMakeup 

or tweet the hashtag #savethehooch 

The winner will be picked at random on April 7, 2011 and will be announced here at Nineveh Makeup Ministries. The giveaway is open worldwide except where prohibited. If you are under 18, you must have your parent or guardian's permission.










Check out these beautiful swatches:

Debra Macki Monaco Palette for The Yellow Umbrella

The colors, from top to bottom, are: Plum, Nude Shimmer, and Purple/Blue Sparkle

Top to bottom: Nude Shimmer, Plum, Purple/Blue Sparkle

The palette is fragrance, talc, and paraben-free and is NOT tested on animals.

You can purchase a palette at www.TheYellowUmbrella.org

If you, do 80% of your payment will fund The Yellow Umbrella's cervical cancer educational activities.

Cervical Cancer screening advice from The Yellow Umbrella:

1- Ages 9 -26: Ask about the HPV vaccine.
2- Ages 21-29: Get a Pap test.
3- Ages 30 and older: Get an HPV test with your Pap.

Thank you for sharing this article on your Facebook page and for tweeting it out. Together, we can help educate women around the world on how to prevent cervical cancer.

Save the Hooch!

Thank you to Christine from The Yellow Umbrella for sending this pin along with the palette.

Recent Tweets with the hastag: #SaveTheHooch

Celebrity Makeup Artist and YouTube Star Kandee Johnson Gives Back!

Celebrity Makeup Artist Kandee Johnson

I remember stumbling upon my first Kandee Johnson makeup tutorial video in the spring of 2009. I have been watching ever since.

WARNING: This woman's joy, kindness, and happy nature are highly contagious and addictive!

When Kandee decided to take her knowledge, experience, and growing YouTube fan base and put it all together to create her “Glaminars” (Glamour Seminars), I excitedly purchased tickets to two of her classes and spent some time with her in Los Angeles.  Since then, we have remained in contact, and she has become somewhat of a friend and a major inspiration – but I am not an isolated case.

Kandee inspires so many women and men – about a half a million, in fact – through her motivational and encouraging videos and blog posts.  It wasn't long before the world would come to know this YouTube star as someone who is about “more than makeup,” a motto she has used in several of her postings.

Visit Kandee’s YouTube channel, and you’ll find an array of videos ranging from basic Makeup Application 101 vids all the way to special effects/transformational character makeup tutorials.

You will also find vlogs (video diaries) of her personal and professional experiences. She gets more into this aspect of her life on her other YouTube channel, The Kandee Johnson Show, and her personal blog, Kandeeland.com.

I am very excited that Kandee had some time, having just delivered her fourth and beautiful newborn baby just weeks ago, to do an interview with Nineveh Makeup Ministries.

I began with her most asked question…

Nineveh: Kandee, for those who do not know, how did you get started in makeup? 

Kandee: I had been doing make-overs and make-up for girls at prom time and other little events, then I went to hair show in Los Angeles and went up and asked an award winning makeup artist, who was working at a make-up brush booth, about getting into makeup and he said, "Do you want to work on a movie with me?"

After I could breathe again, I said "YESSSS!" and was on the set of my first movie within a couple weeks. I was so excited that when I left the hair show, I got into a car accident (not at fault, ha ha!), and it didn't even upset me too much, because I was still so excited about working on a movie!

After that I worked with some amazing companies, on TV shows, commercials, films and national ad campaigns for amazing companies such as MGM, CNN, VH1, MTV, NBC, and ABC.

To see your work on HBO or on a billboard or in magazines is just amazing! When I was featured in ELLE and NYLON magazines, I just stood at the newsstand in amazement and wanted to tell everyone around me, "Oh my golly! Look! I'm in this magazine!! Can you believe it?!"

Nineveh: It is so amazing to hear how you got started and all of the amazing opportunities that followed, Kandee. As you were up and coming, who were the teachers who inspired you most?

Kandee: Well, when I was younger and much skinnier, I modeled in Asia, and I loved watching the makeup artist working on me and the other girls for big magazines, like Marie Claire and ELLE Hong Kong. During this process, I would learn things then go home and put my makeup on all crazy in my room.

Myke Michaels, who's done makeup for everyone from Britney Spears to Janet Jackson taught me so many things that I would've never learned other than by apprenticing with him. I used to read Kevyn Aucoin's book almost every day, too!

Nineveh:    What other career paths did you consider aside from makeup artistry, and, as a child what did you dream of becoming when you grew up?

Kandee: Oh, I wanted to be everything from a fashion designer to an actress! I dreamed of being both of those things. I wanted to create incredible movies, write them, direct them, star in them...and I would design clothes for hours!

Nineveh: I love how you’ve integrated all of those aspects of your childhood dreams into your YouTube Channel. You share original fashions that you create, you do some dramatic acting in your theatrical/Halloween looks, and you create, write, direct, and star in all of your videos. Way to go on accomplishing all of that!  But, the main reason you started your channel was your love of makeup and wanting to share it with others.   What is your personal philosophy around makeup?

Kandee: It is something that can bring out the confidence and beauty in a woman, which is just hiding in her heart. Its fun - just like art or getting dresses...you can be as creative or as modest as you want.

Nineveh:    Who have been some of your favorite clients?

Kandee volunteering her makeup artistry skills

Kandee: My favorite clients usually aren't the big celebrities. They are the precious people, like the women from the homeless shelter that I did make-up on that were sooooo excited to see themselves so beautiful…or brides or bridesmaids who cry when they see themselves for the first time. They look in the mirror and say, "For the first time, I think I'm beautiful," and all I did was bring out what was already there!

But of the celebs...Conan O'Brien was my all-time favorite. He made me laugh all day long. He genuinely asked [questions about] me, and we had great conversations about soul mates. He shared with me the love story of how he met his wife.

Most celebrities don't really ask questions, and sometimes just tend to talk about themselves...which is okay, but it's great when you meet a really nice and "real" celebrity.

Nineveh:    Conan sounds like a sweetheart! What a nice opportunity that was for you to work with him. Which other celebrities have you had the most fun working on and with?

Kandee with client, Conan O'Brien

Kandee: Any of the comedians are always the best. They just crack you up all day long! So whether it's a press junket with a movie full of comedians or when I did the celebrity interviews for VH1 and MTV, it was just hilarious all day with all the comedians!

Nineveh: Kandee, please share with us what you do to give back and make the world a beautiful place.

Kandee: Oh, I usually do a lot of things that I don't talk about. I really enjoyed working with the women from the homeless shelter in Los Angeles, making them feel beautiful. I really enjoy helping other women who are single moms, or have suffered a loss of some kind, or have been abused like women who have been raped or faced such heartbreaking things.

I love that I have been able to share things that I love, from women who are struggling to start their own businesses. That I can help jump start their business by sharing their dream business on my blog means so much to my heart.

I love helping people, whether it's starving orphans or children who need backpacks for school. My heart will always be devoted to helping people. It means so much to leave a legacy of love and helping touch others' lives. You are forever adding love to someone's life, and you have no idea what that love might help them accomplish!

Nineveh:  Indeed. I will always hold in my heart your kindness and our personal conversation that inspired me to create Nineveh Makeup Ministries. Thank you Kandee. And, back to makeup…What are some products you just can’t go with out – both for your own personal use and also in your professional kit?

Kandee:

For my personal makeup:

Smolder (black eyeliner) from MAC...and any concealer!

I've been in love with L'oreal Double Extend Mascara for a while...and maybe any nude-rose colored lipstick!

For my professional kit:

I love my RCMA concealer palette because you get every color you need for every skin tone, and you can use it as foundation.

I also love my Z palettes, because I can see all my eye shadow and blush colors really easily [through the clear top].

Oh and my ZUCA bag that I keep all my makeup in. It has revolutionized how I travel with my make-up! 

Gosh I could have a huge list, you could be reading a novel if I don't stop here! ha ha ha

Nineveh: Well then as we wrap up, is there anything else the world should know about you?

Kandee: I love coffee ice cream, and I don't like frogs!

Kandee Johnson's tweet about this article. :)