Makeup Artist Corner: Q&A With Michael DeVellis

The adorable Michael DeVellis, founder of The Powder Group and The Artist Summit Miami and Chicago, took some time to chat with Makeup Junkie about the relaunch of On Makeup Magazine Fall/Winter 2009. If you're a makeup artist, On Makeup Magazine is a must-have resource. Even if you're just a makeup lover, this magazine is full of the latest in beauty and features stunning editorials. One of our favourite sections is Kit Focus - see what all the beauty experts are using in their kits!

Makeup Junkie: What is On Makeup Magazine?

Michael DeVellis: On Makeup Magazine is a unique kind of trade publication for the professional makeup industry. We focus on makeup, makeup artists and makeup artistry. The art of makeup and the perspective of the artist is the primary focal point. Everything from tv and film to beauty and fashion is covered even special FX! But we don't get into hard-core FX like aliens and gore - that's just not who we are. We like to say we are "Monster-Free"!

MJ: What is the story behind the magazine?

DeVellis: I've been fortunate enough to be in the pro-makeup industry for nearly 16 years and one of the things i always thought was missing was a magazine for the pro-community that was focused on the art of makeup. When I launched The Powder Group 6 years ago, the magazine was something i knew i wanted to produce. There are so many gorgeous fashion magazines with amazing beauty and editorial makeup, but nothing for the pro makeup artist or focusing on makeup exclusively. There are salon magazines that focus on hair, and one or two other publications that are focused on makeup but they take a more film/fx direction and are not driven by the aesthetic beauty that is intrinsic in makeup artistry. That is our focus.

MJ: What is the creative process behind publishing the magazine every season?

DeVellis: We try to allow the most creative freedom possible to the artists, writers and photographers who work with us. They are given the opportunity to create their ultimate beauty story or interview, within a few parameters. When we are determining what the next issue will look like, we look at the artists who we have relationships and see what they are working on, and how we can work that into the issue. We also look at new productions in TV, film and theater, and see what looks interesting to take on a broad array of perspectives on makeup. We try to maintain some type of overall energy to each issue, but there is no "theme" that we stick to. We want to be sure that we are always coming across as fresh and new and try to throw new ways of thinking about beauty and makeup into each issue.

MJ: How many people work on each issue of On Makeup Magazine?

DeVellis: It may be surprising that there are so few people behind putting the magazine out but there really are only a few of us working on it. It has been a pretty intense learning curve given that 18 months ago I didn't know what an FTP site was and now I design and set up pretty much every page of the magazine myself. James Vincent, our Director of Artistry, manages most of the photo-shoots for our product features as well as special features like Beauty Queen - along with a thousand other things he does for the magazine! He is amazing. We work with an amazing (and very patient!) technical graphic designer, Theresa Petruso, who does some of the set-up, and all the tech-stuff to make sure the files are okay to print and uploads everything. Kelly Hushin is our copy editor - and is amazing and fast and always very kind about the fact that we give her no notice on things and she gets it all done so quickly! Then we have a team that help make sure everything gets out to the subscribers, retailers and schools. Plus of course the dozens of writers, makeup artists and photographers who contribute to each issue.

MJ: What have been some of your favourite features?


DeVellis: There have been so many favorites in our short time publishing. I think that one of my all-time favorites was the James Vincent Barbarella beauty story. James is such an amazing artist and we decided that we would go outside of our normal format for this story. He really created an amazing visual piece, with the most gorgeous makeup I think we have ever featured. I also love our Reality Check feature - where we talk to people on the street and ask them each the same question, like "what lipstick are you wearing?" From a personal standpoint though I think that our Icon and Giving features are really special as we look at beauty and makeup from the perspective of creating something more than pretty faces and giving back to the community and the world at large.

MJ: What do you want people to take away after reading On Makeup Magazine?

DeVellis: I hope that our reader is inspired to look at makeup and makeup artistry in a different way than they might expect. We have tried to create a resource for artists to not only learn about makeup technique and new products, but to explore other paths within makeup artistry.

MJ: What's next for On Makeup Magazine?

DeVellis: Well our next big project - The Artist Summit Miami and Chicago - is a big deal for On Makeup Magazine on a lot of levels. We are doing a really cool opportunity for anyone attending the Career Night on the Saturday of The Artist Summit, where we will choose one artist in each city to have a photo story featured in the next issue of On Makeup Magazine. We are really excited about that.


We also will be doing a special, additional Summer issue in 2010 called On Styling Magazine that will approach the art of hair styling in the same way as we work with makeup for On Makeup Magazine. You are the first to hear about this!

MJ: Where can people buy On Makeup Magazine?
DeVellis: Well since we are now publishing only two issues a year, we have moved away from retailing the issues in stores, but they can be picked up online at thepowdergroup.com on our SHOP page. We also offer four-issue subscriptions globally, so it can get delivered right to your door. The Fall issue just arrived at our office and our next issue comes out early next year so new subscribers would want to purchase an issue online. Past issues are always available online as well.

www.thepowdergroup.com

Makeup Junkie Give Away Contest Delay!

Due to a hectic weekend we will have to postpone the contest announcement until Tuesday, November 18! Sorry! Some of the Makeup Junkie writers and I will be attending Michael DeVellis' Makeup 101 at Industry Cosmetics in Toronto which we will definitely feature some time this week. So stay tuned Tuesday for the contest details and to fill out our Makeup Junkie Readers' Beauty Stash Awards 2008 survey! There are some fabulous prizes to be won!! Thanks everyone!

Makeup Artist Corner: Makeup 101 With Michael DeVellis in Toronto!

THIS WEEKEND AT INDUSTRY COSMETICS IN TORONTO!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15 - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17

WE HAVE EXCITING NEW INFORMATION ABOUT THE EVENT!

MAKEUP 101 WILL NOW BE PRESENTED BY THE POWDER GROUP AND ON MAKEUP MAGAZINE FOUNDER - MICHAEL DEVELLIS!

MICHAEL WILL BE JOINED ON DAY THREE BY THE AMAZING AND TALENTED GEORGIA SPYRA - FOUNDER OF WINK MAKEUP STUDIO AND ACADEMY!

WHETHER YOU ARE JUST GETTING STARTED OR LOOKING TO FIND TUNE YOUR TECHNIQUE AND BUSINESS
THIS EVENT WILL CHANGE YOUR CAREER,
CONFIDENCE AND YOUR ARTISTRY FOREVER!

We are pleased to announce that you can now participate in one, two or all three days of Makeup 101 next weekend - November 15-17 in Toronto at Industry Cosmetics! James Vincent will lead this amazing session designed to get you moving in the right track if you are just getting your feet wet in makeup artistry -- and for those of you who have plenty of experience under your belt -- Makeup 101 is the perfect way to fine tune your craft -- and find yourself getting stronger in all areas of your craft.

Day One - Saturday November 15

• Industry Terminology - from tear sheets to your CV to HD, what do the key terms used on a daily basis in the business of makeup artistry mean and how do they effect you.

• Getting Started - how do you go from learning about makeup artistry to actively working in the business from assisting up to keying a project.
  

• Testing - how to go about getting the strongest pictures of your work to showcase your skills to potential clients. Where to find models, photographers - how to choose photos to use

• Marketing and Promotion - using photos, websites, business cards and more to promote your business in the most efficient and cost effective ways

• Your Makeup Kit - what goes into a strong and effective makeup kit. How do you edit your kit per job. What will you need to be sure to keep as a must-have in your kit

• Brushes - review of the most important tool you will use as a makeup artist. Density, shape, fiber type and cleaning your brushes are reviewed

• Tools - what are the must-have tools every makeup artist needs to keep in their kit, how do you use them and what extras should you keep around just in case

• Hygiene - what do you need to know about keeping yourself, your tools and your products in the best shape possible and how do you maintain the cleanest, safest work environment and experience for your clients

• Working with a Client - understanding how to create the most memorable experience for your clients, understanding non-verbal communication and what questions to ask before you get started.

• Color Theory - the absolute necessity for every makeup artist to understand when considering every aspect of their makeup artistry. Color correction, choosing and mixing foundation shades, deciding on color product choices - all revolve around this critical aspect of makeup artistry.

Day Two - Sunday November 16

• Beauty Makeup Application - this covers nearly all the work you will do on a daily basis. Getting a strong basic makeup application to look flawless is the foundation for all aspects of makeup artistry. In the application portion of the event we will cover:
  
  Preparing the Skin
  Understanding skin type
  Foundation matching and application
  Color correction
  Using texture
  Highlight and Contour
  Concealer and camouflage
  Brow shape and application
  Eye shape and size
  Eye color application
  Eye lining - powders, creams and liquids
  Lashes - curling, mascara, false lashes
  Bronzers and blush
  Lips - pencils and lip color application
  Shaping the lips

Day Three - Monday November 17

• Makeup for Photography
• Editorial Beauty
• Makeup for Hi-Def
  
• Variations on beauty
• Creating a beauty story
  

PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR ANY PART OR ENTIRE EVENT.
ALL EVENTS HELD AT INDUSTRY COSMETICS

You can now participate in any one of these career-changing days for the rate of $365 or take all three days for the special rate of $990!

Registration can be handled by calling 212.627.7448, 866.876.9337 or get more information by emailing michael@thepowdergroup.com

Makeup Artist Corner: Canadian Makeup Show 2008

The Makeup Junkie team was in full force at the Canadian Makeup Show this past weekend. In its newer and bigger home at The Better Living Center, makeup professionals and enthusiasts flocked to the show in hopes of learning the ins and outs of the industry plus score some pretty sweet deals on some of the top makeup brands in the world.

One of my highlights of the show was catching up with the adorable and inspiring Michael DeVellis, founder of The Powder Group! Some of my writers and I volunteered to help out at The Powder Group booth which was an amazing experience for all of us. Makeup artists crowded the booth for a chance to chat with Michael for advice and many signed up for a subscription to his industry must-have, On Makeup Magazine.

Also featured at The Powder Group booth were the infamous Powder Group Clear Soft Packs that sold out quickly and a new limited edition makeup collection, 9x9 Artists which writer, Nicole, is so gracefully showcasing in the photo above.

A makeup show wouldn't be complete without some incredibly wicked makeup artistry! The photo above is the makeup works of some talented artists from Make Up For Ever. This model was so fi-errrce (my inner Tyra coming out)!

It was all about gore and fantasy over at Obsessive Compulsive!



Of course, Nicole and I did have some time to go and peruse the different booths. I didn't do as much damage as I had intended to because we were able to come away with some awesome freebies! Stay tuned for reviews on the Make Up For Ever Dany's Pouch and Flap Velcro Pouch, The Powder Group Clear Soft Packs, 9x9 Artists Makeup and Nail line, Crown Brush, aDesign brushes, Face Atelier Lip Glazes and Powder Eye Pencil (I also had the pleasure of finally meeting founder and CEO of Face Atelier, Debbie Bondar!), and makeup artist cult favourite, Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre!

I love events like this where people who have a common love can come together and connect in one place. It was such great fun meeting new people, learning their stories, and chatting with old friends and co-workers. I definitely look forward to it next year and have no doubt it will be much bigger! Thank you to Michael DeVellis for being so amazing and taking care of us Makeup Junkies! And thank you to that special reader who visited me at the booth to tell me she was a big fan of Makeup Junkie! It's always nice to meet our readers!

To read more about the CMS visit Makeup Junkie writer, Rhia's site for her write up!

Beauty News: Canadian Makeup Show November 8/9 2008!

Canadian makeup enthusiasts and professionals will be attending the Canadian Makeup Show this weekend, November 8 and 9, in its new and bigger home at The Better Living Center! The show will be hosting a fantastic list of makeup brands including some Makeup Junkie favourites like aDesign Brushes, Face Atelier, Industry Cosmetics, M.A.C. Cosmetics, and Make Up For Ever! Some key note speakers to look forward to: Eve Pearl, Canadian celebrity makeup artist, Veronica Chu, Kevin Bennett, Michael Westmore, and the one and only Michael DeVellis of The Powder Group! Speaking of Michael and The Powder Group, be on the lookout for us gals from Makeup Junkie helping out at The Powder Group booth on both Saturday and Sunday! So be sure to stop by!

Show details:

When: November 8, 9
Time: Saturday 9 - 6, Sunday 10 - 6
Where: The Better Living Center, 195 Princes Blvd, Toronto, ON, Canada
Ticket Prices: At The Door (During Show Hours Only)
One Day Ticket $40.00
Two Day Ticket $65.00
Info: http://canadianmakeupshow.com

Stay tuned for details from the show!

Makeup Artist Corner: The American Beauty Tour Summer 2008!

THE AMERICAN BEAUTY TOUR SUMMER 2008 SHARON GAULT - A CAREER IN MAKEUP JAMES VINCENT - BEAUTIFUL MAKEUP ORLANDO SANTIAGO - AIRBRUSH NATION Presented by THEPOWDERGROUP and ONMAKEUP MAGAZINE

Summer 2008 - The Powder Group is pleased to bring you the next round-the-country tour of the biggest talents in the makeup industry. Please join us as we travel the land celebrating the art of makeup with this season’s touring artists, celebrity makeup artist Sharon Gault, The Powder Group Lead Artist James Vincent and a Orlando Santiago as our featured artist in Airbrush Nation! James Vincent - Beautiful Makeup In this workshop James Vincent demonstrates the application techniques and product choices that have made him the favorite of clients across the world in literally every medium of makeup. Learn how to take your beauty makeup application to super-star status by perfecting your technique, detailing your work and understanding control and precision in beauty makeup applications for everything from bridal to red carpet, commercial work to film, television and print. James will discuss incorporating creativity into your work while maintaining a strong beauty aesthetic to your applications that will get you more and more work. James will also review the editorial collaboration and creative process, review story telling in your work in editorial and discuss creating inspiration and story boards to get a clear message of your concept across to your client. James will demonstrate essential techniques and product choices in keeping your work modern yet appropriate for the project and the client. Artists of all levels of experience and all those who love makeup are encouraged to attend. Sunday July 13 - Las Vegas - 10:00am - 1:00pm Sunday July 20 - Washington D.C- 10:00am - 1:00pm Sunday August 3 - Los Angeles- 10:00am - 1:00pm Sunday August 10 - Toronto - 10:00am - 1:00pm Monday August 11 - NYC - 10:00am - 1:00pm Sunday August 17 - Chicago - 10:00am - 1:00pm Sunday August 24 - Montreal - 10:00am - 1:00pm Sharon Gault - A Career in Makeup Rightfully one of the most buzzed about artists in the business, Sharon Gault has a career that spans two decades in fashion and entertainment. Among her who’s who list of the top celebrity clients in the world are Courtney Love, Scarlett Johansson, Madonna, Katie Holmes, Drea de Matteo, Brittany Spears, Lindsey Lohan, Hillary Duff. Muse and artist to renowned photographer David LaChapelle, Sharon’s list of top photographer clients expands to include Ellen Von Unwerth, Herb Ritts, Mathew Rolston and Michael Comte and her work can be seen on the pages of Italian and British Vogue, W, Vanity Fair, The Face and Arena, as well as in the videos of Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, Elton John. In this intimate event, Sharon shares stories, demonstrates technique, discusses her favorite products, and talks about how to make it big and maintain as a professional makeup artist. Whether you’re a pro, a student or simply someone who has a passion for makeup artistry - Join us for a few hours with Sharon Gault and allow “Mama Makeup” and be inspired, entertained and educated like no other can. Artists of all levels of experience and all those who love makeup are encouraged to attend. Sunday August 3 - Los Angeles - 3:00pm - 6:00pm Sunday August 10 - Toronto - 3:00pm - 6:00pm Monday August 11 - NYC - 3:00pm - 6:00pm Orlando Santiago - Airbrush Nation Whether you are new to airbrushing, looking to update your product and equipment selection, or looking for a few new tips on technique - The Powder Group presenter Orlando Santiago will bring it all together as he presents Airbrush Nation in this artistic and informational new event. Join Orlando as he reviews all the need-to-know information about airbrushing that will ensure that you can be the most up-to-date artist you can be when it comes to now essential technique. Airbrush Nation will include a review of the range of airbrush equipment and products available, demonstration of the equipment and technique demonstrations for face and body work. understanding how to determine when airbrushing is preferential to traditional makeup techniques and how to incorporate both into your application and explore additional your product choices as an airbrush artist. No airbrush experience is required for this event and all levels of airbrush experience are encouraged to attend. Sunday July 13 - Las Vegas - 3:00pm - 6:00pm Sunday July 20 - Washington D.C - 3:00pm - 6:00pm Sunday August 17 - Chicago - 3:00pm - 6:00pm Las Vegas events are held at Desert Ice Studio 6346 Sout Pecos Road, Las Vegas, NV Montreal events are held at Danielle Huard Studio Backstage 4209 St Jacques O. Montréal, Quebec Washington D.C events are held at Studio 400 8532 Terminal Rd. Unit N Lorton, VA Chicago events are held at Ruby Room 1743-45 W. Division St Chicago, IL Toronto events are held at Industry Cosmetics 546 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario Los Angeles events location to be announced New York City events location to be announced In each city, our featured artist will present a 3 hours seminar consisting of multiple application demonstrations, Q & A, and of discussion about the craft and career of makeup artistry. The seminars have been developed from the pro-artist perspective, but as always, the techniques and product information discussed is fascinating for all attendees - pro and non-pro alike - who share a passion for the art of makeup. Event fee is $85 for each event. To register or for more information please call 212.627.7447, 866.876.9337 or email tabt@thepowdergroup.com *please note that event dates are subject to change. Full refunds of fees will be provided for any tour date that was changed by The Powder Group. If you'd like to be on our mailing list to receive updates on all The Powder Group events and The American Beauty Tour, please click here.

Makeup Artist Corner: Upcoming Events!

The Makeup Show NYC is one week away and a must-attend event for industry professionals and makeup lovers! There is no other trade show event like it. What you'll find is the biggest brands, top industry exhibitors, special pro-only offers, seminars, forums, and hands-on workshops. Top speakers will include the best of the best in makeup including Sharon Gault, Ugly Betty's Kate Best, Lancome's Sandy Linter, Max Factor's Bailey, Cover Girl's Molly R. Stern, Nobasura Agency owner Jon Hennessey, Union Local VP Cindy Gardner, the artists of CNN, and the one and only Michael DeVellis with his popular Ten Words seminar! It's the biggest networking opportunity in the business!

Show Details:
Date: May 18 and 19
Location: 125 West 18th Street, New York City
Show Hours: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Ticket Prices Advanced: One day $40
Two Day $65
Door Ticket Prices (if available): One day $55 - tax not included
two day $85 - tax not included
Students: 10% off - click here for details.
Local 798 union members are free.

For detailed information click here.

Evolution is a natural occurrence in anything we do. As artists, it is important to evolve to bigger and greater things. Michael DeVellis, founder of The Powder Group, understands this which is why he has created this unique and once in a lifetime event: Evolution. Spring's Evolution event took place last week but it's never too early to plan for Fall 2008! Michael and Lead Artist, James Vincent, will lead out in this five day advanced artist forum that will bring together twenty professional makeup artists for a week of intensive creative, technical, career and personal development, career and business building. Sounds amazing right? Evolution will focus on nine principles: Focus, Insight, Clarity, Examination, Creation, Precision, Control, Perception, Discovery. Are you ready to evolve?

For more information on this life-changing event or to register click here. Remember, space is limited to 20 participants so hurry and book your spot!

Makeup Artist Corner: On Makeup Magazine!

Did you get yours yet?? I've been anticipating the arrival of On Makeup Magazine by Michael DeVellis and The Powder Group ever since I heard about it. I finally received mine in the mail last week and tore the package open! The magazine is a bright orange so it's definitely meant to stand out. I also love the square compact shape perfect to carry in my purse. I remember when I interviewed Michael back in November he was very specific about the shape. To listen to my interview click here.

Sure, the makeup artist community has Make-Up Artist Magazine but I always felt like it didn't relate to me or my line of work. I find it focuses on makeup for film and sfx and I absolutely admire makeup artists that do this line of work because I can't! On Makeup Magazine was a long time coming and I like that it has a mixture of everything with more focus on editorial. What I thought was interesting and well done was that the focus wasn't just on makeup and models wearing makeup. It was about the artists and their craft and the difference they are making in the world by giving back to the community. There's an article called "Afghan Hands" which is a non-profit organization founded by celebrity makeup artist, Matin Maulawizada, that teaches Afghan women literacy, financial and personal independence and skills necessary to earn a living wage. The beauty of beauty is being able to give back which can be such a rarity in what can sometimes be a shallow world.

My favourite sections were Kit Focus which featured the kits of genius makeup artists Sharon Gault and Ve Neill and the beauty editorials. However, I would have loved to see more than two beauty editorials. For those of you that are starting out in the business, the many makeup ads inform you where you can apply for a makeup artist discount. All in all, it's a good read filled with lots of great info. I'm looking forward to the Spring issue and hope to see more beauty editorials! Has anyone else read On Makeup Magazine? What did you think?

Makeup Artist Corner: 30 Free Seminars At The Makeup Show Miami!

Two more weeks! That's when The Makeup Show hits Miami Beach! Here are the details:

Free Seminars include:

Essential FX for TV, Film and Video
Revolutionary Makeup for an Evolving Industry
Runway and Couture for the Digital Age
Eve Pearl's Tricks of the Trade
Latina Beauty Focus
Period Makeup Reinterpreted
Simple Beauty
High Definition Print and Film Makeup
High Fashion Eyes
Extreme Beauty
Smoky Eye Focus
Brushes 101 - Tools That Make the Difference
Body Beauty: The Next Generation in Premier Makeup
Makeup for Mature Skin
Essential Brows
Going Green: Eco-Considerate Makeup Artistry
Airbrush Confidential: Industry Secrets Exposed
Secrets for a Successful Makeup Application
New at Alcone: Lip Stamp and Block Out - Brow Cover
Texture: Unique Design in Face and Body Artistry
Impeccable Makeup: Hi-Definition is Here
The Art of Henna
New York Fashion Week
High Def Image Capture and Makeup Art

Growing up in Cuba in the 1960s watching her mother rims her lips and eyes with dark liners was the start of Leslie Lopez's love for makeup. Now she is lining eyes - the eyes of the most beautiful women in the world including Sarah Jessica Parker, Talisa Soto, Jessica Alba, Jada Pinkett Smith, Scarlett Johansson Alicia Silverstone, Kate Hudson, Michael Michelle, Rebecca Romijn. Leslie's luminous, glowing dewy skin has become a coveted red-carpet look. "Beautiful makeup should look like no makeup. I like to accentuate the physical beauty of each person," she says. So think the clients of hers who work with her so regularly for such magazines as Cosmoplotian, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Harper's Bazaar Espanol, InStyle, Marie Claire, Vogue, Vogue Espana, Vogue en Espanol.

Leslie Lopez - A Career in Makeup
Sunday, February 24
10:30am - 12:00pm

This event is complimentary with show attendance

Since arriving in New York City from Aberdeen Mississippi in 1985, billy b has become one of the most sought after makeup artists in the Fashion and Entertainment industry. His client list has grown to include some of the most beautiful and famous women in the world like Sharon Stone, Beyoncé, Sandra Bullock, Destiny's Child, Laura Linney and Pink. He has worked with such Iconic photographers as Scavullo, Herb Ritts, Thierry Legoues, David LaChapelle, Patrick Demarchlier, Tyen and Jean Baptiste Mondino. billy b's work can be seen on the covers of magazines such as Vanity Fair, Harper's Bazaar, French, Elle, Marie Claire, Rolling Stone, Essence, and GQ among many others. His work can be seen on every Red Carpet including The Academy Awards, The Emmys, the Golden Globes, Tony's and the Grammy's.

Billy B - A Career in Makeup
Monday, February 25
2:30pm - 4:00pm

This event is complimentary with show attendance

Marietta Carter Narcisse Crafting her skills as one of Hollywood's most sought after artists, Marietta Carter Narcisse now calls Florida her home, where she has begun the next phase of her career in artist management. Marietta is one of the most respected talents in her field with film credits that include Baby Boy, Eve's Bayou, Malcom X, Ghost, A Time to Kill and What's Love Got To Do With It? Her list of celebrity clients includes Diahann Carroll, Angela Bassett, Ellen Barkin, Samuel L. Jackson, Tyresse and Denzel Washington.

Join Marietta as she reviews the most important business practices you need to incorporate into your makeup career to help move it to the next level.

Marietta Carter Narcisse - The Business of Makeup
Monday, February 25
10:00am -11:30am

This event is complimentary with show attendance

As the founder of The Powder Group, The Makeup Show and On Makeup Magazine, Michael DeVellis has the inside track on what it takes to make it big in the makeup artist industry. More than 14 years of experience working with hundreds of top artists, agencies, productions and trade events and publications affords Michael a rare opportunity to understand the many facets of the industry. His diverse background, including product and makeup program development, writing, education, marketing and administration, enables him to share the must- have creative and business skills required to be a success in the ever-changing makeup artist community. Listen in as Michael reveals the ten words that will change your career and take you to wherever you want to go int the industry.

Michael DeVellis - Ten Words for a Stronger Career
Sunda, February 24
3:00pm - 4:30pm

This event is complimentary with show attendanceThe Makeup Show Miami will run from 9:30am - 5:30pm both days
Sunday, February 24 and Monday, February 25

Advance Ticket Prices
One Day Ticket $30
Two Day Ticket $45

At the Door
One Day Ticket $40 - Tax is not included
Two Day Ticket $65 - Tax is not included All Show-Floor Seminars, Keynote and Business Forum events are included with the price of show admission.
Hands-on Workshops are not included with show admission, but are open exclusively to show attendees. Please contact the show office for more details.

Student card holders receive 10% discount on admission to the show and 50% off Hands-on Workhsops! Please email amanda@metropolitanevents.com with your contact info to buy your Student ticket. Group rates are also available, please email amanda@themakeupshow.com or call 212 242 1213 Local 798 union members receive free admission to the show. Please email info@themakeupshow.com with your contact information and the day you would like to attend and your Union ID number, and your name will be added to the Union Guest list.

Makeup Artist Corner

When I was starting out as a makeup artist, building my kit was not an easy task. I spent years figuring out what products work and what don't. Even now I'm still weeding out products but I have a much clearer picture of what products are essential for my line of work. A big mistake that most make artists make in the beginning is buying too much product and never using the majority of them (I got duped so many times!). Buy multi-use products or colours that can be blended for different skin tones - this way you won't have to lug around so much. There are different areas of makeup to go into and some require different products than others. For example, if you do mostly bridal work you probably won't need a Kryolan Face Palette used mostly for theater makeup. If you have the opportunity to assist a key makeup artist, this is the perfect chance to see what he/she carries in their kit for that particular job. Another great resource that I like to visit often is a website called Madenyc.com - In My Kit. If you're just starting out or in need of updating your kit, this site has a list of the top products that top makeup artists use. Also, stay tuned for On Makeup Magazine (The Powder Group) launching next month, which will have a section called Kit Focus!


If you live in the Miami area or will be heading out that way (lucky you!), don't forget to buy tickets to the first ever Makeup Show in Miami! Brought to you by The Powder Group, the makeup trade shows are THE event to be at and where all the hottest brands and artists in the industry come together. If you haven't been to any of the trade shows, it is a must - I guarantee you'll come away with some great products, meet some amazing people, and learn a thing or two to add to your list of skills! Here are the details:

When: February 24 and 25
Where: The Miami Convention Center
Time: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
Tickets: Click here for info

If anyone is going I'd love to hear all about it! And if you have any tips on building your kit feel free to leave a comment and share!

Holiday Gift Ideas For Every Woman In Your Life!

There's a gift for every woman whether she is a busy mom, glam girl, or trendsetter. My gift ideas are some of the best products I've tried this year or from brands that I've loved for years. So, if you know of a friend, sister, aunt, mom, or grandmother that is a makeup junkie or is in some major need of a makeup update check out the list and check it twice there just might be the perfect gift!


1. Makeup Junkie: I'm not speaking about myself (well maybe a little) but for every woman that hoards makeup in every nook of their house! Makeup junkies love trying multiple products at a time so holiday collections are perfect! Some makeup collections I'm lusting after: Nars Night Series Mini Palette, Nars J. Mendel Lip Palette, Nars Dolce Vita Set, Benefit's Powder Pop!, Sephora's Supermodel Kit, and Stila's Face Contouring Trio.


2. Busy Mom: I call this the 'mommy essentials'. As a busy mom, I've been able to cut down my makeup application to half the time I used to (something my husband really appreciates!). Four easy things busy moms can do: even out skin tone where needed, open up the eyes, and add colour to lips and cheeks. Quick and easy and you still end up looking polished. I used to use a tinted moisturizer and it was great but then my skin started to change after I had my son. To give me more coverage without feeling heavy or cakey, I switched to Face Atelier's Ultra Foundations (LOVE! Don't forget about the 25% with Face Atelier until Dec. 31st! Enter discount code 'makeupjunkie'). Lack of sleep most of the time equals dark undereye circles. I love Smashbox's Photo Op Under Eye Brightner because it makes my under eye look luminous, diffuses fine lines and slightly conceals. Over top of it, I have to apply my YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch because it is the perfect undereye concealer (for me and I've tried so many!). I never leave the house without curling my lashes with my Shu Uemera eye lash curler (heard Billy B.'s is great for smaller eyes) and applying a couple coats of L'oreal Voluminous mascara. It just opens up the eyes and makes you look more awake. To brighten up the eye, I just add Nars' Duo Cream Shadow in Thebes, a silver and gold with shimmer, to the inner corner of the eyes and center of lid. For a little colour, double a bronzer like Benefit's Hoola as cheek colour and for an overall healthy glow. Swipe a gloss like Nars' Stolen Kisses on the lips - my favourite neutral gloss! The busy mom will think you are a life saver (or time saver). It's really a perfect collection for anyone on-the-go!


3. Glam Girl: Everyone has a glam look busy mom or not and I love to do it up every now and then. Whether you have a fetish for a smokey eye or feel sexy in a red pout, Pink Beauty Cosmetics is the perfect line for every glam girl! I just felt so pretty and girly using Pink Beauty! I'm lusting after Luscious Lip Sheer in Beatrice, a deep red and Lip Scintillate Lip Gloss in Fabulah, a rich shimmery red. Whatever your definition of glam is Pink Beauty will definitely have something for you.

Photo: Content in On Makeup Magazine!
4. The Makeup Artist: Makeup artists can be very particular about their makeup and tools. Your best bet is to just ask her what she wants but if you want to surprise her I can help you out! Some brands that makeup artist love and rave about are of course M.A.C., Make Up For Ever, Face Atelier, Billy B. Beauty (tools and brushes), Three Custom Color, MudShop, Nars, to name a few. There are so many pro makeup lines and a great resource for more pro brands is The Powder Group. Another great gift makeup artists love are magazine subscriptions and The Powder Group is launching On Makeup Magazine next February! I've been waiting for a magazine that was makeup artist related and all about makeup! The MudShop also has some really great books you can purchase for the working makeup artist or the makeup artist newbie!


5. Trendsetter: Trendsetters like to be ahead of the game and have a style all of their own. M.A.C. has always been one step ahead and is perfect for the woman that likes to stand out in a crowd. They have their amazing Holiday collections but for a trendsetter I'd get her something from the Metal X collection that will make her shine above the rest. Glitter eye liner and metallic cream to powder shadows - need I say more??


6. The Minimalist: Minimalists like no fuss multi-purpose products that they don't have to reapply during the day and don't care for a lot of makeup - just enough to look healthy and radiant. Perfect line for a minimalist is Benefit Cosmetics which is known for their quick and easy fixes. Popular items that I love: Benetint Pocket Pal, Rush Hour, Eyeliner Gilded, and Dandelion.

Photo: Organic Body Bar in Ocean Minerals
7. The Globally Conscious: You can still care about the environment and be self-indulgent thanks to Tashodi, a Canadian based bath and body line that is committed to producing products that are fairly traded, organic, all natural and green friendly! I received 100% Pure and Certified Fair Trade Lip and Cheek Tints in Full of Fairness Pink. It is meant to keep your lips moisturized with a bit of colour and tint your cheek to its natural hue. I prefer it more as a lip balm because it is very moisturizing and I like the sheer pink colour on the lips as well as the spearmint and peppermint flavour. Keeps my breath feeling fresh! I also got to try their Organic Body Bar in Ocean Minerals, an invigorating eucalyptus and lemon blend. I love how you can exfoliate with the Celtic sea salt and moisturize with the fair trade shea butter at the same time! And for the first time I soaked in the bath at my new house! I received their Pure Bath Soaks in Pure Lavender, a mix of pure lavender aroma and moisturizing benefits in their fair trade cocoa butter shavings. Truly a pampering experience! What's also cool about the Pure Bath Soaks is that it comes in a really nice jar that I can use for whatever my heart's desire! To top it off, the packaging and promotional material are made from plant fibers and are biodegradable and recyclable!


8. Bath and Body Connoisseur: I love having yummy smelling soft skin. I had the pleasure of trying Bobe (pronounced "beau-bee") products a few months ago and I use it every day! If you're looking for great quality products at affordable prices then Bobe is the perfect gift. I recommend anything from their line because they come in so many enticing flavours and scents! My favourite from the line is the Silken Cream body butter. And at $8 (CDN) for a 4.5 ounce jar you can't go wrong!

Hope the list will give you some holiday gift ideas and make your shopping experience stress-free! And as always don't forget to give back to the community or to your favourite charities! :) Happy shopping!

FINALLY - My Interview With Michael DeVellis of The Powder Group!

Click here to listen to my interview with Michael DeVellis:
Michael DeVellis Interview

I know this is now 2 weeks + late and I apologize immensely!! It's my fault for thinking that it would be easy to edit it in an audio program (Logic Pro for those of you that are familiar or are AV nerds! lol). I finally was able to work out the kinks (with the help of my hubby) and finished the final edit. I thought you guys would appreciate hearing Michael DeVellis, founder of The Powder Group, speak than me translating it in a long blog especially since he's just so interesting to listen to. I interviewed him at The Canadian Makeup Show the weekend of November 10 and 11. His interview is full of background info of how the makeup scene was 10 years ago and where it is now and how The Powder Group has helped shape the makeup artist community.

So, just to rant a little more about my editing project, I was disappointed to find out that part of my interview was lost because I think my recorder ran out of space! I thought I had been recording but I was not even though what did get recorded was 52 minutes long! Can you imagine how long it actually was?? I'm really bummed about that. But what I did manage to capture was still full of insightful information and inspiration! You'll have to excuse my girly giggles and a lot of "yahs". I kind of forgot I was interviewing him and felt like we were just casually chatting. He's just so intriguing to listen to. I hope you enjoy listening to the interview as much as I enjoyed interviewing him. I saw Michael again at Industry Cosmetics this past Sunday for Billy B.'s seminar. I can't wait to post about the awesome makeup tips Billy gave! So stay tuned for that as well! Thank you Michael for the amazing interview and sorry for the lateness!

Pink Beauty Day 4 On Hold!

I apologize for not posting Day 4 of Pink Beauty, but I am just exhausted from the Santa Clause parade today which was pure madness! And after that, we had dinner with family and I'm sure you know how long those can go (it was good eatin' though!). I will for sure be posting Day 4 tomorrow and I can't wait to tell you about my new favourite lipstick from Pink Beauty called Elsie (which was named after the creator's grandmother! love it!)! Thank you to everyone that has been giving me great feedback on Pink Beauty and my site! I love hearing from the readers because it means so much that you find my info interesting and useful! Thanks guys! And just to give you a heads up I'll be meeting with April Jacob, creator of Pink Beauty, for a one-on-one interview so stay tuned! Oh, and I apologize for the delay in posting my wonderful interview with Michael DeVellis of The Powder Group! I'm in the process of making an audio clip that you can listen in on. It's much more interesting to hear him speak than me writing about it! So stay tuned for that as well!