What's an EPK to an MUA?

While creating my "Beauty Behind the Beat" videos, I knew I'd need a videographer to help me with the shooting and editing. So I found one who has been more of a blessing and convinced me that I needed an EPK (electronic press kit). While I understand the importance of marketing collateral, I never thought of having one of these as a makeup artist! Thank you Demi of Pure Artistic Studios for putting this together for me! Check out my new EPK :)

Get Rid of That Nasty Makeup!

Hey everyone, it's a new year and I know many of you are making resolutions to lose weight, stop bad habits, start new ideas...etc. While that's all great, let's not forget to clean out your beauty bag! Out with the old bacteria-filled expired makeup, and in with something new! Recycle those old product containers and you may get free product from cosmetic companies like MAC!

Check out the list below of cosmetic expiration dates:

Cosmetics:

Liquid/Cream Foundation, 6 month - 1 year  Smell your foundation and make sure it doesnt smell like chemicals. Also check to see if color or texture has changed. If any of these have occurred, discard immediately.

Concealer, 6 months - 1 year

 

Powders, 1-2 years

Mascara, 3 months

Lip gloss & Lipstick, 1 year

Eye/Lip Pencils, 1-2 years, make sure you sharpen them often to prevent bacteria from transfering to your eyes. If the product is dried out then discard.


Skincare

Facial Cleansers & Moisturizers, 6 months

Facial Toners, 1 year

Natural Cosmetics, 6 months (products containing all natural or plant products)

Brushes And Tools

Cleaing your brushes and sponges are essential because of oil and bacteria that gets trapped in those tools. Wash brushes at minimum once a month. Wash reusable sponges once a week and discard them after a month.
 

For the MAC lovers, here's the link to their recycle program:
MAC recycle program

Stone Savant Jewelry Lookbook Shoot

photo by James Anthony

A little while ago, I had the pleasure of making up a model for an emerging jewelry line's lookbook, Stone Savant Jewelry . For those of you who know me or follow my work know that I'm a sucker for glowing, dewy skin so this was right up my alley! A little loose bronzer and Mac strobe cream can go a long way :) Check out some of the behind the scenes photos as well as the final pics.

makeup artist MiMi J, model Erica, owner Danielle Hinton

Muah! Miss Piggy Mac Collection

I had to post this because I've always loved Miss Piggy :) I'm a child at heart. MAC has a winter collection that includes a cute "Miss Piggy Pink" eyeshadow, black liquid eyeliner, and luscious lashes appropriately picked to remind you of our favorite glamorous Muppet. My opinion, they should have put a cute pink blush in there!

My Top 10 Tips for Natural Beauty

As most of you know I co-hosted a wonderful event called "Naturally Pretty" in Atlanta where we focused on educating women on ways to embrace their natural beauty. This included natural hair care, skin care, nail care, and makeup application. I came up with my top 10 tips for our pamphlet that we created and wanted to share them with those who weren't in town to attend. Enjoy!

1. Drink plenty of water and try adding lemon to clarify skin and help to flush toxins.
2. Always remove makeup before going to bed and wash your pillowcase often.
3. You are what you eat, so eat healthy - Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, plums, walnuts, whole wheat, salmon, and tuna to name a few. Also try avoiding a lot of fried foods and by all means don't smoke!
4.Beauty sleep. Getting the proper rest helps to alleviate looking tired and puffiness around the eyes.
5. Develop a good skincare regime. Cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize and protect with sunblock.
6. Add a youthful touch with a peach or rosy blush.
7. Eye essentuals. Adding mascara gives any natural look a boost. To accentuate even further, try a dark brown or black liner as well.
8. To achieve a pretty pout, be sure to stay hydrated and try a lip colorthat compliments your cheek color. Also it helps to use lip products with vitamin e and even green tea extract.
9. If you don't want a full coverage face, try using a mineral powder or a tinted moisturizer paired with a foundation primer as your base.
10. A good highlighting powder or cream gives off an instant glow when applied above your cheeks.

Have a POSH, PRETTY day!! -MiMi J.