Living Beautifully

Makeup, music, soul, color, life, in my opinion are all aspects of true beauty. All of the above come in so many different forms, and should be recognized and revered as special in their own individual ways. As a make-up artist, I am blessed to encounter so many variations of beauty. From high cheekbones, hooded eyes, full lips, to porcelain, olive and blue- black complexions, I have the privilege of accenting and enhancing what is uniquely beautiful about the women I service. What also makes my job easier is that there are products that allow me to do what I do, and that they perform the necessary duties I require when I use them. It is great that I know my color wheel, and that I will mix up a formula with multiple products when I need to. Especially when dealing with women of African descent, our complexions and undertones run the gamut. It’s not “one size fits all”, so I appreciate when there are products that consider the needs of all beauty types. For me, it’s a requirement, both professionally and personally. September 25, 2012, I had the pleasure of attending a monumental event, celebrating singer/songwriter Esnavi as one of the faces of Alison Raffaele Cosmetics. The line will be carried in select Duane Reade stores in the LOOK Boutique nationally and in Puerto Rico. You will see Esnavi as the the first African- American woman to represent the campaign where the products are sold. Alison Raffaele’s passion for beauty has often been drawn and inspired from music and fashion as an veteran make-up artist. Known for her work in the industry, notably working under Bobbi Brown, Alison already had the respect and trust of her clients and colleagues. As I spoke with her at MarX Restaurant(www.marxny.com), I had gained a new-found respect as I listened to her speak about her diligence in providing a complexion line that worked amazingly, and boasts ingredients that are eco-friendly and effective. Alison clearly has a passion and love for her artistry and her clients. Putting together a cosmetic line that is paraben, talc, mineral oil, fragrance and gluten free openly displays that. Choosing Esnavi as one of the faces of Alison Raffaele Cosmetics is also a display of beautiful living in a real, identifiable form. Known as one of the hottest rising musical artists of this decade, Esnavi is known for her flair for fashion and beauty and identifying with artists that she really believes in. She won’t wear an outfit she doesn’t like for flattery sake, or shout out an artist that she wouldn’t personally stand behind. That alone says a lot about Alison Raffaele Cosmetics. For an artist to put her name and face to something, I’m inclined to believe we may be on to something. I am glad Esnavi and Alison Raffaele chose each other. A merge of two of my favorite art forms, makeup and music, and a message of true beauty behind each brand. Simply, this makes me happy. I can see a face I identify with when I purchase and use a product that really works for me. In my gift bag, I received “True Concealer Skintone 6”. I am wearing it now, I will wear it tomorrow too, because it matches my tone perfectly, hasn’t slipped during the day, and is weightless. I’ve been experiencing “Unexpected Love” lately. I cannot think of the phrase anymore without thinking of Esnavi’s hit single. All of this going on at the same time, and I feel beauty in my life right this moment. Kind of corny? Yes it is, but who can tell anyone what beautiful living is to them? -See Esnavi’s story here and information about Alison Raffaele Cosmetics at http://www.alisonraffaele.com/model-stories.html -For the latest information about all things Esnavi, visit www.esnavi.com.

Rock On

Diamond, strength, hard, multi-layered, solid, and hard to break.  These are all words that come to mind when I hear the word "rock".  Something so many of us have to be, we are challenged to not crumble under pressure, support those who need us and remain in the same formation we were found.  Whether beneath the dirt, encased in a high-security pedestal, or lining a flowing riverbed, rocks have many uses, and are most necessary for everyday occurrences.  Add those notions to the female species, and you pretty much have described the backbones of the world.  Now, I can never be described as a man-basher, quite the contrary.  I love men so much that I am not going to even take up another moment of this blog to tell you about it, we would completely go off topic.  We all have our place, but living in a patriarchal society, sometimes the needs of women and girls go unnoticed or unattended to.  Equal opportunity for all, yes.  Statistics prove however, that there are still imbalances economically, academically and socially, especially in underdeveloped countries.  Who will do anything about it?????

GIRLS WHO ROCK did. (www.girlswhorock.org) An "annual crowd-pleasing, change making concert supporting girls and education worldwide"GIRLS WHO ROCK is a production that aims to bring together the strongest voices in technology, entertainment, and design with advocation and fundraising.    On Friday, May 18 at Gramercy Theatre, GIRLS WHO ROCK returned to Internet Week New York, connecting entertainment, technology, and design communities to support music, girls, and education.  With non-for-profit She’s the First, they helped to sponsor girls’ education in the developing world to be the first in their families to graduate. I had the pleasure of being behind the scenes as a make-up artist for the event.  If anyone knows me or a little bit about my passion of helping others, you would know that applying my love of beauty to causes that create and nurture wholeness in others, is really what my artistry is about.  So again, a little joy in painting faces, meeting new people and giving my time and talent to causes that matter. ALL PHOTOS BY CHAMPIONEYEMEDIA.COM

MY PALETTE

ME AND SOME OF MY FELLOW MUA'S

CO-FOUNDER CYNTHIA HELLEN OF GIRLS WHO ROCK

MONIQUE COLEMAN OF HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL

SHANTE SKYERS- MARKETING DIRECTOR, GIRLS WHO ROCK

MICHAEL THURBER-MUSICAL GENIUS, NEXTLAB

STEPHANIE RUSHFORD-EDITORIAL WRITER, GIRLS WHO ROCK

Along with giving my time, I am also giving away some goodies.  I'd like to hear your example of a "Rock" in your life in 100 words or less, whether it is someone you know, or even, YOU.  I have a beauty sampler courtesy of YA IndieGround House (www.yaindiegroundhouse.com) for your enjoyment.  I cannot wait to hear of how your or someone you know has ROCKED ON!!!!!

'Rippin, and 'Runnin

This post will be short, but my memories will far surpass the number of characters in this blog.  This past Wednesday, I had exclusive footage of the behind the scenes look of BET's Rip the Runway 2012.  As a stylist, I and probably most stylists relish the thought of being apart of a huge runway show where only the best of the best are called in. Whenever I see or hear any mention of the likes of Pat McGrath, Sam Fine, or Julie Begin in a famous runway production, I picture the bright lighting, assistants touting about and models sitting picture perfect.  For Rip the Runway, it was no different, and as soon as I walked in hair and makeup, I felt my energy level soar to a gazillion!!!

The scramble was ridiculous, but the excitement is indescribable.  Yes, I love one on one time with clients, I enjoy private consultations and intimate style settings.  What I experienced though at that time probably was the quintessential high of every stylist to be experienced at least once in a lifetime. For both the novice and the seasoned, the creativity that is exchanged in runway work definitely inspires you to push past the norm, and to really appreciate the boundless ways to work our craft.  I being in the best of both worlds of hair and makeup and choosing both as a concentration, I was doubly amped and probably floated around inwardly the whole time.  I was amongst the industry greats, those you see on television and read about all the time in your frequent Google searches.  I didn't have time to be a beauty groupie though I am certain my long gazes were caught at one time or another.  In those moments however, I sought to absorb the whole experience and commit to my memory the fact that I stood in a most coveted place.  I really am most humbled.

You have to have a vision to set your steps in order towards what you see.  What I have experienced in the short span of time has me awestruck.  "Lil 'ole me" doing and seeing some dream like things, things that many imagine.  Hear I am living it.  All the ripping and running that I do that sometimes doesn't make sense, but it plays out and usually it happens during the movement.  You have to take a moment to realize what is going on, absorb, commit to memory and continue to run the race set before you...


BET’s Rip the Runway fashion show was recorded on Wednesday night (February 29). The annual event was hosted by The Game‘s Pooch Hall and Victoria Secret model Selita E. Banks.  The 2012 Rip the Runway will air on Wednesday, March 21 at 10/9PM CST on BET.