Pro Makeup Artist Crystal Strayer Gives Back!

Pro MUA Crystal Strayer with Kandee Johnson

Please note that Crystal has notified me as of February 2013 that she is heading on a different path and is no longer practicing as a makeup artist. We know that no matter what road she pursues,she will bring light, love, and goodness to everyone she encounters.


If you ever get to meet professional Makeup Artist Crystal Strayer in person, you’ll probably be positively overcome with the beauty she possesses, both in her appearance and in demeanor.  Crystal is one of those rare individuals who lives her truth;  her genuineness shines through, and you can’t help but enjoy spending time with her and learning about what inspires her.

Her artistic family and her experience caring for animals as a child helped to shape the beautiful being she is today and her choice to pursue makeup artistry as a profession.  Her writing skills as a beauty blogger are stellar, and her artistry is professional, polished, and creative.

Inspired by her drive and creativity, I asked her why she decided to go into the makeup artistry.

Crystal: Growing up, I was so blessed to be raised by very passionate individuals. My grandmother was a cosmetologist; my grandfather an abstract painter, musician, and chef, my father a skilled airbrush artist, my brother a phenomenal sketch artist, and my mother a writer. For as long as I can remember, creating and experimenting with color, shape, texture, etc. was what I loved to do.
When I discovered make-up, it became another medium for me to express myself. I began doing makeovers on family and friends, and as I went along, I discovered something even more beautiful; the transformation that make-up can help create. When you can help bring out someone’s inner beauty for them to see and own, it’s exhilarating, rewarding, and the heart of true beauty.

Nineveh: Who have been some of your best and inspirational teachers?

Crystal: Though, I feel that I have learned from so many individuals as all have contributed to my development as an artist in some fashion, there are two very special individuals who have unconditionally inspired and encouraged me along the way. Elessa Va Von introduced me to the world of beauty blogging, motivating me to learn more about the beauty industry, and create my very own beauty blog. Kandee Johnson has aided me in countless ways, one of which includes helping me bloom into the make-up artist I am today.

Nineveh: What is your philosophy about women wearing makeup?

Crystal: With or without any make-up, skincare is essential and will always be eternal. When make-up is utilized to enhance what is already unique to the individual, it allows the beauty within to shine through, timelessly. My advice to women: “Wear confidence as if it were your perfect shade of red lipstick.”

Nineveh: What are some of your favorite makeup products for your personal use and for your kit?

Crystal: I’m always trying new products; there are so many wonderful brands on the market today that have their own gems. Some of my favorite brands include: MakeUpForEver, Laura Mercier, Yaby, Urban Decay, MAC, Stila, Revlon, Almay. Quality is key.

Nineveh: What is your advice for those considering getting in to the makeup business?



Pro MUA Crystal Strayer in action

Crystal: There are many forms and avenues to make-up artistry; research, play, experiment, and decide which medium harmonizes best with your passion and skill. Everyday be proactive; do something that will advance your career or fine-tune your craft as an artist. Believe in yourself, be inspired, learn from your fellow artists’ and mentors’ and most importantly, create.

Nineveh: Here’s a personal question…Why are you a vegetarian?

Vegetarianism was something I knew I wanted to aspire to, even as a child, for moral, health, and spiritual reasons. I decided to fully commit to a vegetarian lifestyle in support of my husband’s journey to health and in doing so, I became vegan. Being vegan has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life; my acne completely cleared up, I have energy, I feel amazing, I eat what I want and never feel an ounce of guilt; and best of all, I get to share a healthy life with my husband, who is truly a miracle. Through his journey, not only has he lost 140 lbs. (and counting), but more importantly, he is beautifully cancer free.

Nineveh: Wow. Those are very compelling reasons, indeed! This leads me to my next question (which you’ve already partially answered): Why do you use only cruelty-free products?

Crystal: As a child, I grew up caring for a lot of different animals, most of which were abandoned and abused: chickens, goats, fish, rabbits, doggies, etc. so I’ve come to understand animals and see that they really are not that different from us; they just want to be loved. When I became aware of animal testing, it broke my heart and ever since I’ve made a conscious decision to only support companies who practice compassion. Compassion is beauty.

Nineveh: What other career paths did you consider?

Crystal: To be in service to others is what I enjoy. If I were not a make-up artist, creating and working on beautiful souls, I would definitely do the equivalent by becoming a Naturopathic Physician, helping others to heal organically.

Nineveh: Well, you have certainly managed to find opportunities to serve others outside of your makeup practice. Tell us about the volunteer work you’ve done to make the world a beautiful place:

Crystal: My volunteer work includes serving at…

-Target Distribution Center (December 2001-2005)
Santa Shop cashier/assistant/photographer for the Children's Annual Christmas Party

-Kaiser Permanente Hospital (March 2002-2006)
Recreational leader for patients residing in pediatrics ward.

-Fontana Mummer's Community Theater (2002)
Starred as Cinderella in 'The Mad Hatter's Ball' play.

-Rose Bowl (December 2001-2005)
Assisted in the preparation of the Rose Parade as well as garnished various floats.

Nineveh: What else should the world know about you?

Crystal: My absolute goal is to bring out each person’s unique inner beauty and stellar confidence!

Miss Asian America Makeup Artist, Kansinee, Gives Back!

San Francisco Bay Area-based professional makeup artist Kansinee’s early aspirations were directly related to art and design, so her decision to pursue a career in the makeup industry felt like a natural decision.  Kansinee believes in enhancing the natural beauty that a woman already possesses. And, she has plenty of experience doing this. She's worked with a number of very beautiful women.

One of her clients, Chelsea Kuo, was awarded “Miss Congeniality” at Miss Asian America in 2008.

Kansinee's client, Chelse Kuo

She is also responsible for Amanda Lee’s beautiful makeup. Amanda was awarded 1^st Princess at Miss Asian America last year.

Kansinee's Client, Amanda Lee 

Being around all of this beauty has been inspirational for her, but we were impressed with the beauty that Kansinee puts out into the world in her time outside of the pageant circuit.

Kansinee is a major animal lover, advocate, and protector. She uses only cruelty-free cosmetic lines in both her personal and professional life, with her top picks being: Smashbox, Urban Decay, MAC, and Organic Makeup.

I asked her what led to her decision to go cruelty free, and what motivates her to volunteer to work with animals?

Kansinee: “I've been a vegetarian for 6 years, and I believe in compassionate for all. Animal cruelty for one's own beauty is unacceptable. “

Kansinee’s volunteer work with animals includes: 

• Homeless Cat Network - 3 years (2004-07)
• Animal Care & Control San Francisco - 1 year (2008)
• IDA In Defense of Animals, Bay Area Vegetarians - occasionally join their leaflet events whenever possible (2004 - present) 

You can view Kansinee’s blog, business services (including Bridal and Fashion) and pricing at:

http://beautybugmakeup.blogspot.com/

Thank you, Kansinee, for all that you do to make the world a beautiful place!

Celebrity Makeup Artist Kelly Robertson of Celebrity Lipstick Gives Back!



Celebrity Makeup Artist and Owner/Founder of
Celebrity Lipstick, Chemo Diva, and Red Carpet Makeup



Professional Makeup Artist, Kelly Robertson, founder and owner of Celebrity Lipstick – featuring the amazing semi-permanent LipSense lipstick line - also runs an amazing company known as “Chemo Diva.”

Chemo Diva has participated in events to help those who have cancer.  These events take place outside of the hospital setting to give women a break from being patients and allow them to experience something beautiful outside and apart from the life they have come to know since they were diagnosed.


Twice in one year, the company was involved in Club Libby Lu’s project at St. Jude’s hospital, where they treated little girls with cancer to a day of beauty and love.  The girls experienced a day of pampering by Celebrity Lipstick Makeup artists and stylists, and the staff intends to remain in contact with the girls to help them further.  Unfortunately, Libby Lu’s has closed their doors, but Kelly and her business partner, Garnet (who is a cancer survivor, and Kelly tells us that she is the inspiration for Chemo Diva) continue to work with the girls through St. Jude, offering workshops in donated space in the Inland Empire, Orange, and San Diego counties. 

"Chemo Diva makeup artists also teach group and private make-up application workshops to clients who've lost their hair due to treatment from cancer-killing drugs/chemotherapy, Alopecia or TTM. Eyebrows are important, we know!  and it's so true: If you look good on the outside, you'll feel better on the inside!" ~ Kelly Robertson

Chemo Diva also participates in Senegence International’s non-profit “Make Sense Foundation,” which seeks to serve women and children in crisis.  As a Senegence distributor and makeup artist, Kelly volunteers her time to teach makeup techniques and skin care with her clientele and makes donations (a portion of her makeup and skincare sales) to the Makes Sense Foundation. Through her companies Celebrity Lipstick and Chemo Diva, she personally donates 5% of all profits from her retail sales and fundraisers to this worthy cause.

Other events that Kelly participates in include “The Pampered Lady Cruise” in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness, and the Wounded Warrior Project, which reaches out to local soldiers and their families. As a veteran herself (as are her spouse and father), this organization is close to Kelly’s heart.

On February 5, 2011, Kelly worked at a red carpet event with her friend, hair stylist, Ricardo, and a crew of makeup artists in support of Charity for Charity’s event “Stars of the Valley.”  This event will grant wishes to Temecula, California area residents, including Hailey, an eight year old girl who was born with a rare disorder.  You can learn more about Charity for Charity at: http://www.charityforcharity.com

I asked Kelly some questions about her work as a Celebrity Makeup Artist, and her business, Celebrity Lipstick.

Kelly shared a small variety of the clients that she has worked on as athe primary MUA, and this has included: Nick Swardson, Jim Balushi ("Pretend Time" comedy Sketch on Comedy Central), Debra Messing in "The Starter Wife," Lindsay Lohan in "Underground Comedy,: Kelly Cutrone, and was recently the lead MUA on a YSL campaign shoot and an Urban Outfitters ad.

Additionally, Kelly has worked on a lot of sets as the assistant MakeUp Artist, including work on: the music artist P!nk (Pink), Elizabeth Moss in "Get Him to the Geek," Laura Linney, Angie Harmon, Kelly Osbourne, and lots of others.

Kelly also wanted to share a list of Makeup Artiss who inspire her and notes that some of them are published authors, as well:

In Kelly's words:

Maria Foster (UK)  - Maria came to the US last year and stayed with us for many week just to enhance her portfolio and work with famous models from agencies like FORD - she's amazing talent!

Lisa Eldridge (UK) - The most professional MUA vids I've ever viewed

Tricia Sawyer -- so pretty, humble and professional

Charla Krupp - used to be Editor for Glamour (I think)

Christopher Hopkins - Amazing talent for complete makeovers (and I mean COMPLETE transformations, GOD's work in my opinon)

Eve Pearl - Fabulous woman whom I've had the pleasure of traveling to NY to learn from and get to know

David Zyla (fashionist and color expert) His book is amazing for anyone / everyone

And last, but certainly not least, Celebrity Makeup Artist and YouTube Makeup Guru, Kandee Johnson, to whom I owe the accolade!

Kandee Johnson wearing and demonstrating  Blu-Red Lipsense from Celebrity Lipstick

You can visit Kelly’s website at: http://www.CelebrityLipstick.com

Blog Award Received by Nineveh MakeUp Ministries

I started Nineveh MakeUp Ministries out of my passion for both MakeUp and Writing. I wanted to combine these to create something that would allow me to indulge in my hobbies but also to create a space on the web where people who are interested in cosmetics - consumers, companies, makeup artists, and aspiring makeup artists, could all gather to learn from each other.  One of the pre-requisites for being featured at Nineveh MakeUp Ministries is that the Celebrity (or Celebrated!) Makeup Artist or company must be doing something to give back - to make our world a beautiful place. This usually takes the form of volunteering time, skills, and/or proceeds to a charity, good cause, or individual in need. 

Me with Celebrity Makeup Artist Kandee Johnson

I wondered at first if I would be able to get the interviews that I hoped to feature here on the blog. The response from Celebrity MakeUp Artists has actually exceeded my expectations, and so far, I've been able to bring you features on amazing artists such as Debra Macki, Ramy Gafni, Mario Dedivanovic, Leora Edut, and Pamela Barrios, and others are lined up to be featured as I type this to you.

Nineveh Makeup Ministries is already beginning to serve it's purpose, and this makes me smile. :)

Yesterday, I received a message from Southern California Makeup Artist and beauty blogger Crystal Strayer. Crystal awarded me/Nineveh Makeup Ministries with the

"Stylish Blogger Award" with the following criteria:

To accept this award, one must:
- Thank and link back to the person whom awarded you.
- Share 7 Things About Yourself.
- Award 10-15 recently discovered great bloggers.
- Contact these bloggers and tell them they've been awarded!

Crystal, I am happy to participate, and thank you for noticing and acknowledging this blog!

7 Things About Me

1.) I once got in trouble in grade school for going to school with too much makeup on (Grade 4).

2.) I am first generation American on my father's side. He and his parents immigrated from Italy.
3.) I knew I would move to California ever since I was a little girl. When I turned 18, I packed it up from New England and made the trek over here. By myself.
4.) In highschool, I was a Human Biology buff and considered a career in medicine.

5.) My love for makeup and writing has allowed me to connect with so many people from different backgrounds and walks of life.

6.) I love to cook foods from many cultures.

7.) I'm a Pisces. :)

Here are some blogs that I enjoy:

Crystal Strayer MakeUpByCrystalS

Ashley aka Lisa Freemont LisaFreemontStreet

Marlena MakeUpGeek

Debra Macki Debra Macki's, Celebrity MUA

Camille Megan Talkin' MakeUp

Kandee Johnson KandeeJ

Kat Stanford Rambling Beauty Addict

1.___________

2.___________

3.___________

Expand your audience! Tell me about your beauty blog, and I will pick 3 to feature in this article!

Thank you again, Crystal.

Have a beautiful day!

Celebrity Makeup Artist Ramy Gafni Gives Back!

Ramy Gafni with beautiful client Taylor Swift

While surfing Tonic.com, a website dedicated to promoting good news stories from around the world, I came across an article on Celebrity Makeup Artist Ramy Gafni. Ramy has worked with everyone from Britney Spears to Cher, and his specialty is shaping eyebrows using his own very specific techniques.  He works out of his Manhattan location: Ramy Spa on East 31^st Street New York.  What impressed me most about Ramy is his own personal story – his struggle with cancer – how he used the experience to grow as a person and artist (while watching his dreams manifest before his eyes), and what he has been and is doing to give back and make the world a beautiful place.

Because many of my readers are interested in makeup artistry as a career path, I first asked Ramy how he got started in makeup. On the path to becoming a lawyer, Ramy decided to listen to his heart and his dreams to follow what he felt was his TRUE path and destiny. He told me:

Ramy Gafni with beautiful client Rihanna

Ramy:I dropped out of Law School in New York and moved to Australia. [I] ended up going to beauty school in Sydney and then apprenticing well known makeup artists there as well. I returned to New York, and on the advice of one of my mentors, got a job in retail (Barney's) to hone my skills at the counter while developing my editorial career.

Me: Ramy, what advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists?

Ramy: Never stop learning! When you think you know it all, it's the beginning of the end. Products are constantly being innovated and new styles and techniques and trends are always evolving. [Y]ou must evolve as a makeup artist to truly be great.

Me: That is very true. As far as your work in the entertainment industry - You have worked with many well-known figures. Who are you most proud to have worked on?

Ramy: I have many favorites, but the one I was most excited about is Cher. I grew up watching and idolizing her, [so] to have her tell me that she loves my foundation was absolutely surreal.

Me: Tell us about your makeup line Ramy Cosmetics. Which items are currently your favorites?

Ramy: My philosophy is "Minimum Makeup, Maximum Impact!" I believe that people should notice you, not your makeup. That said, I also believe makeup and beauty should be fun! My current favorite products are the new OMG! - Over Mascara Glitter and liner. It looks like it might be too sparkly or glittery in the packaging, but when applied to the eyes its absolute Magic! It also has the only applicator that applies to lashes and works as an eyeliner applicator.

I also like my new Lucky Lips Collection – it’s a line of new lip glosses with HD reflectors that are so moisturizing and conditioning and not at all sticky - a real innovation for lip gloss!

Me: Ramy, Please tell us about CancerCare and your involvement with the organization.

Ramy: I survived a bout of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma 12 years ago. I went through five months of chemo and then a month of daily radiation. I went to work every day during treatment, completely bald. I was Makeup Director at a top Fifth Avenue Salon. Towards the end of my treatment, the salon fired me, saying, "You're not the pretty boy we hired".

Devastated, I began working out of my apartment and continued to see my clients. I decided to start my own line of cosmetics and RAMY beauty therapy was born! A year later, I formally launched the line at Bergdorf Goodman and the salon that fired me went out of business the same month.

I attended a fundraiser for the Race for the cure and met people who suggested I volunteer at CancerCare. I started teaching free monthly classes there for people living with cancer - how to look and feel your best while in treatment or right after treatment. I also published a book on the subject in 2005.


I felt that I was lucky, since as a makeup artist I knew what to do to counteract the dark circles and other physical side effects of treatment, and I wanted to share that knowledge with real people living with cancer who don't know about makeup.

People can watch my DVD chapters (both for people with Cancer and for everyone else) for free on the "Ramy on TV" page on www.RAMY.com

Me: What other organizations do you currently volunteer your time with?

Ramy: I partnered with Dina Manzo of the Real housewives of NJ to develop a lip gloss where proceeds will go to her Project Ladybug organization for sick children. I was on the board for Susan G. Komen's Race for the Cure for several years and am now in talks with them about working together again. I was recently nominated for Man of the Year by the Lymphoma Leukemia Society and I'm trying to raise $20,000. for them by May, 2011.

Me:  What are a couple of tips/suggestions that you have for those who are undergoing chemo and want to use makeup to enhance their self-esteem during times of facial hair loss (i.e. eyebrows)?

Ramy: Keep it simple. Use makeup to counteract your physical side effects of treatment. Fill in eyebrows if needed, use eyeliner (not false lashes) to fake a lash line.

Add bronzer or blush to your complexion to counteract sallowness or paleness.

Add a colorless (white) highlighter to eyes and cheeks to wake up tired eyes and fake a healthy glow. Concealer around entire orb of eyes is your best friend.

Choose a brighter-than-your-usual lip color.

To fill eyebrows: If your brows are completely gone, choose a color that matches your hair color. If your brows are just a bit more sparse, but still have hair, opt for a color that’s two shades lighter than your hair color. Use a wax based product that will adhere to skin (not powder). When in doubt, choose a taupe shade, which is universally flattering and neutral.

Me: Anything else that you would like to share?

Ramy: For Cancer patients, remember the physical side effects are temporary and will soon be a distant memory. For everyone else, it never hurts to visit a pro once in awhile (even if you are a pro yourself!), you may learn about a new color or technique or walk away with the best eyebrows of your life. Remember, the most important beauty tool is an open mind!

You can visit Ramy’s website at:
www.RAMY.com



Rami Gafni Eyebrow Transformation!