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.

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. :)

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!