Beauty Event: A.J. Crimson Seminar
MUA AJ Crimson is having a makeup artist seminar this weekend! It’s Saturday December 15th at Ripley Grier Studios. I can’t make it because I have a photo shoot but if any of you guys go, please come and leave comments about it! I would love to know what it was all about!
Last night I attended the second official Makeup Artist meetup! I was great again!!! I love meeting other makeup artist and sharing resources and experiences. Karen Wyss of The Powder Group hosted us. During the course of the evening we discussed resources, what success means to us, and really just what it feels like to be an artist. I am really excited about being apart of this group. I learn so much and I always feel so happy and excited after I leave a meeting. See that’s what networking and really meeting people should feel like all the time!
From the group, I got an idea about a new post I m starting called “Artist you should know”. Being an artist is great, but it’s important for you to know those who paved the way for you and continue to do so! I am always looking at other artist work and what they are creating because it inspires me to push myself even further! So look for that post weekly starting next week along with some other things I'm branching into! I'm so Excited!
~Uche~
So I have friends in the Industry that are doing very big things! My colleague Abiola Abrams From Bet J is out with her new book and wanted to come and hang with the Beauty By Uche readers and give us som
e of her beauty and wellness tips! Enjoy!
ABIOLA ABRAMS is the weekly host of BET's THE BEST SHORTS on BET-J with 26 million viewers throughout the US and Caribbean. Abiola is a TV host, filmmaker, and published author who gives motivational talks. Simon & Schuster has just released her debut novel DARE, an intelligent, fun and sexy story about finding true love and self-esteem in the crazy world of entertainment. She
is an opinionated tastemaker, cheerleader, fashionista, cultural critic, hip hop feminist and all around blabbermouth. This week on her virtual book tour called The Dare To Be B.A.D. Revolution, she’s hanging with, Beauty by Uche to talk about her book DARE and beauty.
Top Beauty Dares & Tips from Abiola Abrams
Host of BET J’s The Best Shorts and author of chick lit novel Dare
Uche—Thanks for letting me hang out with your awesome readers on your blog. I know that only the most cutting edge visit Beauty by Uche, so I’m giving y’all the 411. There is a wealth of beauty, fashion and style in my novel Dare. Dare is the story of a young woman who dares to shed her old live for a new one and gets caught up in drama with men,
her best friend and herself. You can find clips, contests and more at www.abiolaabrams.com or www.daretogetalife.com .
I am calling my book tour, The Dare to Be B.A.D. Revolution. B.A.D. means Beautiful and Daring, so this is perfect. I am excited about sharing my beauty tips with you because we all know that beauty
comes from within, but how you look is your postcard to the world.
SKIN-
OK, Beauty by Uche readers. Your skin beauty DARE is that I dare you to try drinking 10 glasses of water every day for the next week. Your co-workers will be annoyed at you always in the powder room, but your skin will thank you.
Skin beauty really does start form within so take a good multivitamin and eat salmon for a couple of days before a big event. Yes, salmon. It works!
Crème de la Mer is magic I tell you. But guess what? Eucerin feels like
the same stuff at a tenth of the price. If Eucerin is still too costly for you try the drugstore version. It’s all good. Eartha Kitt, the original catwoman, recommends Vaseline, which is good for only feet or hands I think or before bed if you can take it- under eyes. I have naturally puffy skin so I really try to overdose on water whenever possible to flush out toxins. Half of the non water things we drink add no nutritional value anyway, right? And as a sugar addict, I have to avoid those sweet drinks. I usually just rock out on water and green tea although I went through an awful but brief Red Bull phase when I started hosting my show The Best Shorts on BET J and we were taping so earlyyyy.
Also ladies (dudes too) exfoliate! Nobody wants to rub up on your chaffed skin. L'Ocittane hand lotion- divine. Simple Dove soap is good as is Oilatum for super sensitive skin. Basis Face wash removes all makeup—never sleep in makeup. Black Opal, Pamela Wexler, Carol’s Daughter and Dr. Weil for Origins also make some of the stuff on my shelf.
Waxing is a punishment sent straight from hell. Pluck brows or shave elsewhere (!) with a small electric razor whenever possible. Don’t use a disposable anywhere but on your underarms, if you are not sensitive and you legs. You will be a hot mess if you do!
MAKEUP.
My beauty DARE for makeup is to try a new color this week.
I LOVE makeup. I feel like a little girl whenever I see little pots of glitter and colors. I'm like my kitty Princess Anabelle in that way. I generally wear MAC although I have also worn Iman's great concealer. Drugstore gloss will work although you'll have to reapply it a million times. I don't use eyeliner or foundation.
Although I love makeup I am a makeup artist's headache because I am generally reluctant to try any colors but neutrals, bronzes and golds whic
h are perfect for brown skintones. My perfect face is concealer, pressed powder, mascara and clear gloss. That's all you need. Maybe blush. Bronzers work on any skin color. Recently Fashion Fair Cosmetics found me my show, and their mascaras and lipsticks are surprisingly awesome. Who knew
they were even still around? Their pressed powder is also good. Tip—skip the foundation and take care of your skin so that you don't need it.
By the way, Kevyn Aucoin Makeup Brushes are to die for! Grab his books too. This late genius was a master of women’s faces and you can learn a lot.
MIND.
The Dare to Be B.A.D. Revolution is about having the moxie to live your life your way. A Dare Girl is a woman who is self-empowered, so my biggest beauty tip is about the mind. The keys to dareitude as I call it, or the Dare lifestyle are joy, love, beauty, moxie, harmony and truth
You are a divine being who is inherently worthy, got that? You don’t have to prove yourself. You are already worth more than you can imagine. Your life is a reflection of what you have focused on in your mind. If you have not yet brought your dreams and desires into fruition, you need to change what your focusing on. Change the story that you are telling you, about you. Often, we can cheerlead for everyone else, but then we rip ourselves down.
Many of us as women have been trained to take care of everyone else BUT us. There is a reason why they tell you on the plane to put your own mask on before assisting anyone else. Have a clear picture who you want to be, then dress, think, act like you are already there. I promise you, you will be soon.
Beauty by Uche fam, this has been so much fun! My crazy, sexy, smart novel Dare is available at Amazon.com, Powell’s, Barnes and Noble or wherever you buy books. You can download all kinds of goodies and read Dare excerpts at www.daretogetalife.com or www.abiolaabrams.com.
Now go out there and be B.A.D. – Beautiful and Daring—I dare you!
xoxo,
Abiola
I’m done! I have been officially wrapped from the little production that could! I have to say it was definitely an experience. I am almost sad that it’s over…almost. I ‘m going to miss all of the little idiosyncrasies that made this production what it was. You know, no bathrooms, drunk actors, long waits at the train station, long waits on the set etc. I do have to say that with all that, the experience was still so worth it. I met some amazing creative people! I got to see how the reel explosives are made and stretch my special effects legs! So all that other stuff, I just laugh at, it was funny stuff and it makes you grow anyway. I am curious to know, do you guys have any questionable production stories? It doesn’t have to be makeup related. I just know I am not the only one. When you share though, my only
Request is…no names!
Uche
So, sorry there where no posts last week, I was a bit busy and a bit lazy. Either way, I am back. Last week, I attended a wrap party for Finding Me, the film I worked on this summer. One of the perks of working in this industry is that after you work hard on a project you have to celebrate with a wrap party. Break out the champagne and toast your damn self for giving birth to what once was just a creative thought in your mind. (hey, thats real!)
I had a blast at the event to! It was great to see the actors and supporters of the film out having a good time. We got to see the new trailer and have some free (a little weak though) drinks. There were also performances from great artists Baron, Nhojj and K’bana. It was a great turnout! It was just a really cool event! I just have to tell my friend Roger, I am so proud of you! You did the damn thing!!!!! Check out some of the pictures that I took with my friends at the party in the slide show! Oh and here’s a link to the site for the film! Enjoy!
Uche
I am sourcing really good things for this production. This production is like the little engine that could ok! We are having this damn thing turn out, even if one of the actors comes to set drunk. This is What not to do on set: The actors edition. I know, I shouldn’t think its funny, because he was totally unprofessional and really wreaking havoc on the production that day. I must have a warped sense of humor because I could not stop laughing.
Props definitely goes to the Director, he has the patience of Job. He and other crew members tried to sober the actor enough for him to do his lines (slurred and all). Even at times when he was belligerent and rude (in between making faces and singing the Debbie downer theme). The director, however never lost his temper once. He came real close a couple of times but remained professional. Like I said, I am sourcing really good things for this production! Trials and Tribulations be damned LOL!
Stay tuned for more from the little production that could!
~Uche~
First off let me say, I did not go to the show. I had tickets but there was a schedule conflict so I gave my tickets to my friend and colleague Broklin who does hair. She attended the show and this is where the information comes from.
Apparently my girl was quite disappointed at the lack of Hair and Beauty vendors at the event. There was only one makeup vendor and that was Cover girl. (the sponsor, so that makes sense). Hardly any Hair product vendors attended the show. There was however, Def Jam and a few other labels giving away all the free posters you could want and stand.
Even though Cover girl was the sponsor of the event there was no product giveaways from them. After you stood inline to be matched in the Queen Collection. You were to go downstairs and PURCHASE the makeup. There were a few demonstrations of the 30-minute blowouts a “panel discussion” and a Fantasy Hair Competition but that was it. Now after all of the “events” there was to be a concert featuring Trey Songs and F-a-b-o-l-o-u-s and the dream. Now, My girl Broklin was not and did not stay for that, she left and went to Macys across the street.
My 2 cents: Now I can understand this is the first “ Beauty expo” for Angie Martinez, so there will be some things that she can work on for the next one (they said “First Annual”, I assume there will be another). As a professional artist, I know my girl Broklin had some expectations. Look, when you say the word “expo” to Hair and Skin care professionals we have flashes of new product exclusives, discounts on merchandise and accessories, information on new technology and classes. This expo however seemed to be a big advertisement for the Queen Collection and a Concert with some little hair stuff in the middle. I mean, I still have yet to see pictures of everybody who was scheduled to be there (Eve? Keysha Cole? The Queen herself?) So the Angie Martinez Hair and Beauty Expo gets the “You triiieed it” of the week. Though, I am sure it will be better next time! Hey, it was the first one.
~Uche~
So, I am still working on the film I mentioned in a previous post for this Production company. We had a few days off for the holiday break to re-group, as that was needed given some of the mishaps that were occurring on set. Now, I had been debating with myself about telling ya’ll about my fit of rage on set. You know cause I thought that I shouldn’t share it because of how, if viewed by the wrong person, I could be perceived as unprofessional and you know...um…crazy. Then I realized some of you already know that I am just little on the crazy side. (ok a lot)
Anyway, It was a night shoot on location in a random intersection in New Jersey. One of those nights that is was really cold. Everything was going ok, I was chilling in the then Assistant Directors Van cause that’s where it was warm and where I could do makeup on the actors without my fingers going numb. I noticed that my bladder needed to be relieved and the closest bathroom was 3 blocks away so I did what came naturally.
Me: Hey, I need to go to the bathroom, okay so when you get a chance can you take me?
AD: well I am waiting to find out if I need to pick up someone or if blah blah blah but yeah, I'll take ya'
Me: (pleasantly) okay
About an hour and a half later
Me: Hey, I need to go to the bathroom
AD: I don’t know what to tell ya; I got the actors in the van now…staying warm. I'm still waiting to find out what I need to do I don’t know… I don’t know…blah blah blah
I walk away
Me: (to a few other guys on set) I really need to go to the bathroom
Them: yeah…I just went out there (points in the direction of trees and bushes and fence)
Me: oh yeah…well I’m a girl…and you know...that don’t really work for me.
Here’s were it got ugly.
Me: (2 AD). Look I need to go to the bathroom
AD: I don’t know…what to…
Me (Screaming) THIS IS FUCKING RIDICULOUS, I ‘LL BE DAMNED IF I AM GOING TO USE THE BATHROOM IN SOME FUCKING BUSHES ON THIS SET.
(Slams van door) I DON’T GIVE A DAMN WHO, BUT SOMEBODY NEEDS TO TAKE ME TO THE FUCKING BATHROOM.
It was quiet on set like never before, the DIRECTOR of the FILM took me to the bathroom, not a good look on the A.D.’s part but he thought he was doing what he was suppose to or something like that. I don’t know, he quit before the end of the night. (I said a few mishaps)
After the incident of me losing it, I couldn’t stop laughing at myself, which made me look even crazier. Whatever…I had to go! and there...what not to do on set...unless you have to.
~Uche~
Sometimes in conversation, I get asked the “do you use M.A.C.?" question. I answer the question with actually NO, *gasp* not really*double gasp* In all honesty I couldn’t tell you the last time I bought (gift certificates not included) the brand. I guess, to put it gently, I'm over it and have been for a min. Not to mention reading Kevin'sviews really helped with my decision in no longer purchasing the products as I am one of those artist affected by the Estee Lauder quest for Cosmetic world domination.
I feel like the product is different anyway, compared to how it was when I first purchased products few few years ago. Even the last product I bought thanks to a gift certificate, left me quite disappointed and to add insult to injury, the customer service at the store I went to left a lot to be desired. (Hey customer service is important to me, my money or not). First off, that “I work for the greatest makeup company in the world” attitude some of the people have that work there is overrated and can be off putting. I mean, the artist/sales person whose make up application made her look like a drag queen made me feel like I was bothering her even though she's is at work hmph go figure. Who wants to be treated like that? Especially by someone with enough make up on for Too Wong Fu 2 My dollars are hard earned baby…and if you make my experience spending them unpleasant…you won’t get a dime of my money.
So with all of the Cosmetic giant buy outs, industry boundary stepping (read Kevin J Bennetts Blog) and the poor customer service being received, the real answer is I wont use that product. That boat has long left my kit, besides there is so many other professional quality Makeup Artist Focused Products out there...Why would I even bother with that other stuff?
~Uche~
PATIENCE.... I am working on a film right now that is really....uh...taxing, atleast nerve wise anyway. Although I could list all of the things that were going wrong... I choose to list all of the things that are going RIGHT!
1. I am working!
I have been putting my focus on really getting more work as a makeup artist. Paid work, let me say even though I am opening up to do more tfp work. I want to get to a point that I work 5 days a week as a makeup artist and can start to cut back on my side gigs LOL
2. I am eating! Hey...food is always good, especially when someone else is providing it. I could be spending my own money on food and I am not...thus that is something to be grateful for!
3. I'm meeting some fabolous people.....like really talented smart guys that are funny and doing the same thing that I am doing...what they love! Which always makes an experience great!
4. Networking: Always important! Hey you never know when someone will think\say...hey I know a really cool funny talented makeup artist!
5. I am getting PAID. I think this is pretty self explanatory....hello bills getting paid!
SO even with all of the ups and downs all I just have to remember PATIENCE and everything that I am recieving in abundance from this experience!
Uche
SO, In case you didn't know, I also do some special efx makeup. I have done ghosts and zombies, a few wounds and even an eye gauge.(eeew!) I am currently working on a film for Urban Phobia productions and they had even more special effects for me to do,(bloody neck stump anyone?) I was totally excited, I am always down for challenging myself even when I am not as experienced in creating something as I would like to be.
Here is where Ricky's comes's in, Ricky's sells all kinds of products, hair, skin care, body care, Halloween costumes and most importantly (to me anyway) makeup! I thought I would have to go to my usual store but I went to the Rickys and got everything I needed! Including like 4 bottles of fake blood that was on sale (holla!) Then on top of that...I got a great Makeup artist discount, so I got even more bang for my buck! So Rickys is definitely a place I love to shop, they have locations all over NYC , my favorite ones are on 35th and 5th and on Broadway b/t Franklin and White. They also have 2 stores in Florida. Check out there website http://www.rickysnyc.com/
for more info!
~Uche~
Sorry no post lately, I have had some gigs which have kept me so busy, I am forgetting to go to concerts with friends (Sorry Zeeli-pooh). First up, The Zulema Griffin Fashion show, held at the Gay Life Expo at the Jacob Javitz over the weekend. I have to say...I had a truly amazing expereince with everybody that was there and involved. Zulema's beautiful collection was inspired by Fela Kutis' (creator of AfroBeat Music) 27 wives. These women, where not afraid of adornment, and color in makeup. The makeup for the show was very colorful with exagerated shadow, eyeliner and blush. The look was then topped off with beautiful designs of white dots on the face. I will uploade photos of the actual show later, but check out Ms. Griffin's website www.ZulemaGriffin.com. to see the actual garments. Check back later for pics from the actual show!
*Special shout goes to Brooklin, Mesia, Ashinique, Victoria, Nia and several other models that waited walked to MCDonalds, talked like we' had been friends forever, then walked to the train together! That experience was so fun! I loved all of you guys energy!
I know I will see you all again!
Since...NOW! Even though I may have never connected the two before. (no shade) Angie Martinez is doing a beauty event at the Hammerstein Ballroom here in NYC!
Theres a lot of special guests and performances and even a hair show for you Hairstylists out there. Presented by The Queen Collection from Cover Girl. Check out the website , www.theangiemartinezshow.com for more information and to purchase tickets. Below, Angies Covergirl commercial.
Are you going?
The Makeup Show hosted by the Powder group is hitting NYC once again and tickets are going on sale NOW! From The makeup show website:
The Makeup Show New York 2008
Sunday May 18 & Monday May 19
For the third time the Makeup Show New York brings the industry together like no other trade event has before. The biggest brands. Top industry exhibitors. Speakers from every area of makeup artistry. New product introductions. Special Pro-only offers. Seminars, forums and hands-on workshops. The best networking opportunity in the business.
It’s a must-attend event for anyone involved in the makeup industry. Two days of inspiration, education and community building in the global epicenter of the beauty and entertainment industries – New York City.
Presented by The Powder Group and Metropolitan Pavilion -source-
I went last year, and met some really fabulous people. Tried some hot new products and cannot wait to go again in 2008! This event is one of the premiere events for professional MUA's because everybody is there teaching classes, networking and trying and purchasing products. For more information check out the site themakeupshow.com or add them on myspace!
So I love to find out what inspires people. Being an artist, I feel like I source my creativity from things I have seen, felt, tasted, even smelled. For inspiration, I love to look at flowers, nature and how colors are put together by the creator. I love looking at paintings and this may sound weird but cartoons from the 80's, girly ones that I never liked to admit that I watched...like strawberry shortcake and rainbow brite and Jem
Sheckys Beauty Night out was, as an event, just okay for me. I knew it would be really consumer based and cater to that market as a opposed to professional makeup artist. However, they had a lot of products that just didnt have anything to do with beauty(in a cosmetic sense). There where a lot of jewerly and clothing designers/boutiques I felt taking up valuable space that another cosmetic company could have. I saw several ladies picking through the goodie bags and I didn't feel so bad that I missed out on getting one. 
The highlight: of the night was getting to meet the other MUA's in the Meetup group that I am apart of. The fabulous organizer and co-organizer that is Genevieve and Yemi made Sheckys our first event and we had a great turn out of group members. We all laughed and talked, shared ideas and took pictures (shout out to samantha!)I am extremely excited about whats next for us as a group. I believe Sheckys was a perfect first meetup for us and it can only get better from there!. That, in a sense, made the sheckys beauty night out all the more worth it!
At first I wasn't going to do it, I wasn't going to post on Americas Next Top Model. However given the latest foolishness, I could not resist. I could not and won't even attempt to do a full out recap for you, especially since Rich over at fourfour does THE BEST RECAPS. I just had to post on Ebony straight stepping off the show like..."Tyra, I don't wanna be here" I just can't believe ol' girl just stepped off like that! I mean you kinda new something was about to fall of the shelf in her, but that completely through me for a loop so I can only imagine Tyra. I thought her pictures were really good,
As always....stay
I couldn't help myself.
I finally got it right!!!!! I wanted to create a myspace for my blog. I was looking at all the other blogs that have myspaces and decided to go ahead and do the damn thing. This is a cool way to keep up with my developments on the blog and all of my latest post and new features. So add me/us on myspace@ Myspace.com/bbublog and lets be friends!!!!
Earlier this year, I joined meetup.com. It's a website were like minded individuals organize and get together. As a makeup artist, I feel its important to know other peeps involved in the beauty industry. Here is a great way to do it!
I did a TFP/TFCD (Time for print/ time for cd)for a jewelry company named Adha Zelma. Based in Brooklyn, these sisters use culture and adornment for inspiration in all of the pieces. It was a pleasure to work with them and their earrings and necklaces are H-O-T. Now some of you may know how I feel about TFP. I don't do them often because of experiences that were um...lets just say not the ideal. So because of that, I am very selective to who I work with when it comes to that. Creative vision is very important to me, if I'm not inspired by your vision, I will pass. I don't waste my energy on anything that I don't believe in especially for free. For the Adha Zelma shoot, I worked with stylist Michelle from Style-ology , Sean with In FocusNYC and Model Bintou. Some very talented peoples check out more of there work by clicking there names. I have to say, I was very pleased with what we came up with! Check out the scans. These images have not been retouched. There are more...these are just some of my favorites.
In a goody bag I received not to long ago they had some of my favorite maybelline products. A couple of tubes of the great lash (pink n green) mascara that I always use and a silver tube called Lash discovery. I actually just got around to using it(lash discovery that is) and I like it....I like it alot!! It as a very thin brush thats perfect for getting those fine hairs some of have on the lower lash line but it also picks up some on the upper lash line. Leaving lashes clump free, and defined. Now I am not giving up on my great lash, I just think this lash discovery will be a great and useful addtion to my kit.
So, I turn 25 for the third time today ha! just kidding. Today, I am 28. You know, I have this tendency to get real introspective around my birthday. Thinking about my life and such. My mom celebrates her birthday like a New Years Celebration and I pretty much do my own version of that. I celebrate but I also think about all the things I have done, the goals I set and how my life is different from where it was on my previous birthday. I realize that I did some really great things for what is my life right now. For example I did fashion week, I was a lead artist for the a fashion show for the first time, I designed a face that walked the runway. I was apart of so many movies and documentaries. I am even singing on someones album. I started shooting as a photographer. I got some great friends, had some very big changes happen in my personal life and you know its all apart of the great things that I am thankful for. Everything that I have and have accomplished, I am completely grateful to the creator for. So, Here's to new goals and new changes and fabulous Birthdays!!!!
SO apparently Rimmel ads have been pulled in London because essentially they gave out right lies misleading statements about the effects of the Magnif'eyes mascara. The company boasted a 70 percent lift because of the " unique vertical life brush" that helps you achieve the photo-shopped " London Look"
Rimmel said it had developed existing brush technology by creating a mascara brush that provided greater lash lift and claimed it had tested the claim of 70 per cent more lash lift on ten female panellists.
It provided a table and a sample before and after shot, claiming the results showed the average increase in lash lift from roof to tip was 74.7 per cent.
The Broadcast Advertising Clearance Centre (BACC) said they were satisfied that the demonstration sequences were an accurate reflection of the capabilities of the product and supported the claims made in the TV ad.
However, the ASA concluded that it could not be proved the lashes weren't false - and ordered the company not to repeat the claims. It also found the 70 per cent claim could be misleading. source
I say good...most Rimmel ads are not that great anyway. I mean Kate Moss is one of the most in demand models in the world and they make her look...blah most of the time. I mean look at the other ad campaigns she has done.
So my favorite face today of the Ready to wear collections showing in Paris is John Galliano. I do love me some drama and color when it comes to the fashion shows. Especially when there is a clear point of inspiration and reference. The inspirations for Galliano collection was a documentary called Grey Gardens. *shrug, I'm gonna netflix it*
Up close it can be off putting for those that don't really know makeup but when you see it on the runway with all the elements it looks perfect!
Here is one of the looks on Chanel Iman. Check out the red jeweled lips!
photos from Style.com You can see all the shows there!
