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. :)

Professional MakeUp Artist & YouTube Guru Camille Megan Gives Back!

Pro Makeup Artist Camille Megan with client

When I stumbled upon Camille Megan (aka TalkinMakeup) on YouTube, I immediately felt as if I had hit the makeup fix jackpot. The heading of her video: “How I Became a MAC Artist,” intrigued me. I love her personality, style, and the ease with which she communicates and teaches. I became a subscriber on the spot and have been watching her videos ever since.  Camille is a trained, professional Freelance Makeup Artist who has worked for many of the major cosmetics lines. She’s humble, down to earth, funny, and her adorable Jersey-esque accent will have you mesmerized video after video.

I had the wonderful opportunity to interview Camille about her journey as a makeup artist.

Nineveh: Camille, what caused you to decide to go into makeup artistry?

Camille:  I have always loved makeup since I was very little. My Mom used to hand my sister and I makeup and curling irons to play with on a boring Friday or Saturday night. I remember always wanting my Mom to find out how people on TV did their makeup. The first actress's makeup I tried to replicate was Donna Mills from Knots Landing.  She wore the most beautiful Blue Eyeliner! I was only about 5 years old. My teenage makeup inspirations came from TV shows & Seventeen Magazine. They used to post looks from time to time, and I would cut them out and tape them to my mirror until I nailed the look. I always liked to do everybody's makeup.

I owe all the credit to a woman named Christina (a restaurant owner). She was a girl I used to clean and babysit for. I looked up to her. She was only about 10 years older than me, so I could relate to her. Plus, [in my eyes] she was cool. One morning, she called and asked me to stop by and meet her friend about babysitting. When I got there, they started telling me that I should be behind a makeup counter- that I really seemed to be good at doing makeup.

They were telling me to go to Macy's and apply, and suggested that while working there I should take a makeup class. I didn't know why they did this for the longest time. Then, Christina and I were at the Estee Lauder counter one day, and she told me that she always thought I did a nice job on my makeup. She then revealed that when I was doing someone's makeup in a house while a bunch of people were there, one of them was a Makeup Artist. She knew Christina, and this woman said really nice things about me, prompting Chris to talk to me!

Nineveh: That’s a really neat story. I also like your memory of when you were a little girl, recreating makeup looks. You’ve obviously been a makeup artist at heart since a very early age.  When you got a bit older, where did you obtain formal training?

Camille: I have received trained from Estee Lauder, Clinque, and MAC. I also took advantage of any extra classes these companies offered. I also attended a class at a local vocational school for Makeup Application.

Of all the classes I took and information I studied, nothing trained me like working on the public. I always say that working at Estee Lauder was my Cosmetics University; I majored in Skincare, Foundation Matching, and Applying Makeup. At MAC, it was about expressing your artistic side. I perfected my techniques while there. I was able to do things there I would never get to do in a makeup class!

I am very fortunate to have had the experience to work at these counters. I am from the Philadelphia Metropolitan area. It is a multi-cultural area, so I have done makeup on women of every race. I also specialize in makeup for the elderly from my experiences at the Estee Lauder Counter.

Doing random makeup all day and matching foundation over and over has made me the Artist I am today. I had so much fun working at the counters that I never felt like I was at working. There are downsides to working at these counters, and I have seen them first hand, but the benefits outweigh the bad stuff!

Nineveh: I like that: Cosmetics University. And, great major choices, by the way!  So, how is it that you are able to balance working as a makeup artist with being a wonderful Mom?

TalkinMakeup on YouTube

Camille:  In addition to being a professional Freelance Makeup Artist (for about the past three years) and a Mom, and I have also been doing YouTube (under the handle “TalkinMakeup”) for about 2 years now.  I try to make appointments when my husband is home, and if I have a Saturday morning bride client, I can take my daughter with me sometimes. Working for myself has been a joy. It was extremely difficult to juggle working at MAC and being a Mom. I had full support at home. I chose to step down from my job at MAC to pursue freelance work, and to be able to be with my daughter.

Nineveh: You will probably inspire a lot of mothers who aspire to be makeup artists. Speaking of inspiration, who have been some of your best and inspirational teachers?

Camille:  My BEST teacher was a woman named Cathy, who I worked with at Estee Lauder. She had been there since she was 16 years and had 20 years of experience in makeup. She was kind enough to share it all with me. She helped me, in the moment, guiding me through various situations. Cathy was like a sister to me.

The most inspirational teacher I have ever had was my trainer, Joy, at MAC. She was amazing! She was a much respected artist and teacher. She was kind but gave few compliments. While I was in Basic, (training) at MAC, she would always tell me I was doing a good job or that I went above and beyond. She would call out my work for being good.

TalkinMakeup's Blog

It gave me so much inspiration to take chances. Having her approval meant the world to me. At the end of Basic, Joy grabbed my hand and told me that “When you speak, the most beautiful things come out of your mouth. You are really special." I was speechless for once in my life.  I just hugged her, because I was filling up with tears!

Nineveh: Given all of your experience, what is your personal philosophy about women wearing makeup?

Camille: Makeup gives women a feeling. I don't know what to call this feeling, but it’s a combination of Beauty, Confidence, and Inspiration all rolled into one. Makeup is a common ground for women, whether someone wears a little or a lot. I have seen makeup pull people out of depression; even if just for a moment, they feel better! We all smile and get excited!

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

Camille: My favorite makeup for personal use comes from everywhere.

I love:

MAC's Fluidline eyeliner in Blacktrack ,MAC Studiofix Powder, MAC Lash Primer, Graftobian Glamour Creme HD Foundation.

I have to have a few things with me when I am working:

MAC Wipes
Ardell Lashes
Duo Lash Adhesive
MAC Paintpots
Graftobian Glamour Creme HD Foundation

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

Camille: Learn as much as you can never stop learning. Read and study makeup applications, and learn through doing. Don't ever let anybody make you feel like you don't belong somewhere!

Nineveh: What other career paths did you consider?

Camille: I had a million jobs but I was going to go back to school and become a teacher. I Love kids!

Nineveh: Tell us about your volunteer work.

Camille:  I will readily do makeup for any Cancer Survivor, Chemotherapy Patient, someone living with HIV, or any tragedy/illness survivor for free! I had the chance to work with so many people with cancer, HIV, and tragedy survivors. They are truly the most inspiring people you will ever meet. They are raw and honest. They may only feel good in that moment while they are getting their makeup done, and that feeling should be FREE!

Nineveh:  You are an amazing person and makeup artist, Camille! How else do you give back to make the world a beautiful place?

Camille:  I give back by giving away. I always think of some of the people I have mentioned in these questions -- the things they gave me -- not just makeup. When I had nothing, they gave me advice and taught me things that helped me became an artist, and they were kind to me! I try to give that back to everybody.

Nineveh: What else should the world know about you?

Camille: The girls I worked with at MAC used to say I was the Oprah of the MAC counter, I believe that everybody has a story tell. I Love making true connections with people!

I like that – the Oprah of the MAC Counter. Watch this video, and you’ll see what her co-workers meant.