Re-Creation

Often times when I'm trying to think of a makeup look or a concept, there are just striking photos that I just want to recreate because they are just so awesome! I don't claim to be a model, but I'm fortunate to have a great photographer friend that makes me look like one! :)

Take a look at the photos that inspired my shots and the outcomes! Photos of me by Laretta Houston and makeup by yours truly :)

MAC Peacocky Collection

Funny that I just posted a blog about Blue lipstick, MAC has made a new blue lipgloss in the Peacocky collection. Check it out as well as other colors within the pallet of a peacock feather.

Winterproof Lips

If you are like me, in the winter I ALWAYS keep lipgloss in my purse. Well to be honest that's probably year round. But I especially keep my lips hydrated and protected so I don't get the case of "THE PEELS". In the past my lips have peeled for the worst during the winter months! So here are some tips to prevent this from happening:

1) never apply or reapply lipstick over peeling lips. This just makes it worse.

2) Try an exfoliant. I love Smashbox lip exfoliant and i keep it in my makeup kit.

3) Try a lip balm or gloss with vitamin E.

4) If you wear lipstick, make sure it has moisture and does not dry out your lips.

5) Water is your friend! A sign of dehydration is chapped lips, so drink up!

Giving Me The Blues! Blue Lipstick Trend

This trend has been on the rise since celebs like Amber Rose, Kesha, and Keyshia Coles were spotting rocking blue lipstick. I thought this this was one of those trends that would stay in photoshoots, but nope I've spotted some girls wearing them out and about! So if this is something that you want to rock as well here as a few brands to test to get the blue hue for your pout:

MAC Lipmix (you can make just about any color lipstick with these products)

Lime Crime No She Didn't Opaque Blue Lipstick

Also some costume stores and wet n wild brands might have them as well. Have fun!

 

The Emancipation of MiMi Coming Soon...

Nope not Mariah.....but for those in Atlanta I will be celebrating the re-launch of this site and my decision to go full-time as a makeup artist and blogger. So SAVE THE DATE!

Holiday Look Tutorial

Hey everyone, I decided to do a video on another smokey eye technique using Mia BelleZZa products. Pretty simple. Check it out!



Products Used:

Eyes:
Muse Eyeshadow Quad (silver and black shade)
Indigo Eyeshadow
Jade Eyeshadow
Sunkissed Eyeshadow
Annisette LiquiLiner
Black Pencil Eyeliner

Cheek:
Coral Sun Blush
Face/Body Glow Powder

Lips:
Dolce Lip Rouge
Clay LipLiner
Glisten Up! Lip Gloss Bronze Harmony

Video Intro

Working on some things so check this video I did using Animoto:

Black Versatility: CK Scents and Red Carpet Beauty

With the winter in full effect, that timeless little black dress is always a class act. Awards season officially kicked off last monday with Euphoria Calvin Klein as a sponsor of the IFP’s 20th Annual Gotham Film Awards held at Cipriani Wall Street. A-list star attendees included Anne Hathaway, Leighton Meester, Natalia Portman and Mila Kunis and Oscar winning actress, Hillary Swank, received the Female Tribute, presented by Euphoria Calvin Klein.

If you are wearing black this holiday season, check out Mila's smokey eye look, or opt for Nathalia's red lip.

Also check out two CK fragrances that are hot for this holiday season: CK Beauty and CK Euphoria.

Perfect for daytime affairs, capture ultimate power of femininity, sophistication and inner-beauty with Calvin Klein Beauty. A mix of neo-lily, jasmine and cedarwood, the fragrance is essential for a beautiful, sensual and strong woman.

Come nightfall, wrap yourself in Calvin Klein’s Euphoria, a luxurious classic for all your holiday fetes. An addictive oriental fragrance that contrasts exotic fruits, seductive florals and a rich creamy signature to complement, Euphoria is the go-to for all your festive evenings.

Calvin Klein Beauty and Euphoria, exude femininity, strength, and the aura radiating from day to night.

Both the Euphoria and Beauty collections are available at fine department and specialty stores nationwide.

Holiday Bonus: Purchase Euphoria Calvin Klein 3.4 oz at any Macy's store and receive a box of designer chocolates in a pretty little CK tin. How sweet is that?! The offer runs from Dec. 1st to Dec. 31st (while supplies lasts)


Happy Holiday glamour and shopping!!

Sponsored ad:  Though I really love these fragrances, Attention contacted us on behalf of Calvin Klein Fragrances with a sponsored content opportunity 

Quick Smokey Eye Video

Hey guys, so this is my first tutorial video for the site :) Figuring out the technical stuff and lighting for the next, but take a look!

On this video I demonstrate how to use a smudgy black pencil to achieve a quick smokey out effect.

Product list:

Black Kohl pencil - MAC "Smolder"

Eyeshadows: MAC "Sketch" and "Grain"

Brushes: MAC 224

Let me know what ya think?

Cover Art: Katy Perry on Harper Bazaar

Check out the December issues of Harper's Bazaar with Katy Perry. Reminds me of the 80s plus a little bling. I love it!

Glamour All The Way: 5 Holiday Makeup Tips



Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images North America

 With the holiday season in full effect, here are a few beauty tips to liven up your look:
Shimmer all the way:
Stunning eyes always draws a crowd. Try adding a pure metallic pigment to the eyes for a vibrant shimmer. Don't go overboard with the shimmer though. Adding a small amount above the iris or even in just the inner corner of the eye is a big hit.

Illumination:Who wants dry/dull looking skin in the winter?! Make sure to hydrate your skin with a good moisturizer. You may also want to try a cream with an iridescent hue, like MAC Strobe cream, on your cheeks and below your eyes to give you a healthy glow.

Play it Up:
This season is still in late 80s/early 90s mode. Don't be afraid to play up the eyes or lips. Opt for either a dramatic eye or bold lip this season. For smokey eyes try one of these shades: forest green, bronze, navy, grey. or plum. For bold lips try a shade of red, reddish-brown, bronze, or deep magenta. Also a quick tip for lips, use a product that doesn't dry out your lips. You want one that adds moisture.

Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images AsiaPac

Lashing Through the Snow:
Thick, full lashes will definitely make a statement at your holiday party. Try a mascara, like L'Oreal's Luminous Mascara in Carbon Black, that will add volume and length. For even more drama try throwing on a pair of false lashes.

Brows and Bells:
Don't neglect them, embrace them! Structured brows are here to stay so please make your appointment with you brow specialist! I guarantee it will make a difference.

Enjoy your holiday gatherings!

MiMi J.

"Have a POSH, PRETTY day!"

B-SHOTS: Jomarys

This was a spur of the moment shot that Laretta Houston shot while we were working on something completely different. Came out gorge so I wanted to post :)

Photo by Laretta Houston, Model: Jomarys Castillo, Makeup: MiMi J

M.A.C. Acrylic Paint

This is every artist's dream for makeup! Now you can really paint faces in true vibrant color! They carry mixing medium in Matte and Shine!

Giving Thanks

Thank you for everyone who has supported me, encouraged me, and follows me. I TRULY appreciate each and every one of you!

Designing on a Dime

So yes, i went ahead and designed my own comp cards and business cards for this site and I have to say.. I love them! :)

 

Getting the Shot: Beauty Unveiled

Photo: Laretta Houston, Makeup: MiMi J Model/Bride: Diya Vohra

 

 I've been waiting for a long time to get to make up a beautiful Indian bride and I've finally found her! With the help of the uber-talented photographer Laretta Houston we transformed this young lady (who rarely wears makeup by the way) into a stunning bride-to-be! Check it out and stay tuned for more!

Getting the Shot: Femme Noir

This was part two of my shoot with Catherine Asanov. Wanted to do something dark, with structure, yet beautiful. So here it it!

Photo: Catherine Asonov, Model: Willow Amura, Makeup: MiMi J., Hair: Desi Venable, Wardrobe: Sicely Harris

Getting the Shot: "Fall deLUXE"

Through the beautiful works of social media, I met the ever so talented and fun photographer Catherine Asanov a few years ago. We kept in contact and always said we would work together. Well we finally made it happen :) Check out some of the photos from a shoot I concepted. Wanted to do some pretty beauty shots for the fall with a hint of luxury in similar styles of Kim Kardashian!

Credits:

Model: Chelsea Elisha, Photo: Catherine Asanov, Makeup: MiMi J, Wardrobe: Sicely Harris, Hair: Elecia Mitchell

Beauty Behind the Beat: Singer Graham Knox

Check out this exclusive interview with up and coming artist Graham Knox out of Atlanta, GA. I always appreciate a new voice and sound that's not heavily influenced by what spends on the radio.

You can also hear her new single "Dollar" at the end of the video along with behind the scenes footage from her photoshoot with Photographer Laretta Houston...and yours truly did the makeup :)