The "Secret" Is Out!

MY FIRST MAJOR AD CAMPAIGN

Last year I had the wonderful opportunity to work on a photo shoot that I had to keep a "secret". Well I'm so glad to finally share one of the Secret Active deodorant ad campaigns that's out now!  In addition to a glimps of what went on behind the scenes. 

Would you believe in the 21 years of being a makeup artist (yes, 21... LOL!)  that this is my first major accomplishment?  Now yes I have worked on tons of commercial projects but I was either an assistant or it didn't get as much exposure as this. So I'm like a kid walking on air. 

Makeup by Chenese Bean. Fashion styling by Julie Willis Long. Model Kiara Jackson. 

Behind "Pretty In Pink"

​The story behind my "Pretty In Pink" trio lip collection...

22 years this coming January was the scariest and emotional moment of my life. My mom had informed me and my two other siblings that she was diagnosed with breast cancer and she later had to get a mastectomy.

Several years after that my aunt (my moms older sister) was diagnosed as well. And since then October being "Breast Cancer Awareness Month" has always meant more to me than just something to do and talk about but also SUPPORT! Which I've done so in many ways both personal and professional. Both privately and publicly.

So in honor of them and to the rest of the women in my family (deceased and those alive & well). This was my way to make a difference!

And lastly ladies and gents... get your exam!

My family...

Pretty In Pink

In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month. I created a "Pretty In Pink" trio for $35. And for every collection sold, $5 will be donated to Pink Ribbon Girls foundation.

Trio includes the following shades (left-right):

• Petal - a sheer and creamy petal pink
• Naive - a creamy blush toned medium pink
• Pink Lady - a creamy warm shimmer pink

Click here to purchase.  

(Offer ends 10/31/17. Pink Ribbons Girls does not endorse my products or services.)

Sanitize Those Brushes!!

SANITATION IS ALWAYS KEY

After you've cleaned your makeup brushes with your favorite brush cleaner or soap, it's also important to sanitize them as well. In addition to your makeup bag, brush holder, vanity area and any surface you may use during makeup application with 70% alcohol.

Disinfecting with 70% versus 91% or higher has more germ killing power compared to something more concentrated. Plus anything higher evaporates too quickly to be effective.

Here's How:

1. Pour a small amount of the rubbing alcohol into a glass bowl and quickly dip the brush several times.

2. Squeeze, blot and gently wipe dry with a clean paper towel.

3. Dry your brushes upside down to prevent the brush hairs from falling out. Because laying them flat can cause the glue holding the brush hairs inside the ferrule can become loose.

(drying rack as pictured can be purchased on Amazon and Ebay)

Fix Broken Eyeshadow!

REPAIR ANY CRACKED EYESHADOW

Discovering that you've broken your favorite shade of eyeshadow can be the most devisating thing one can image. Your heart jumps a beat and you gasp suddenly. Because let's face it, makeup isn't cheap. And boy does it create a horrible mess if you don't discover it in time! 

But like anything in life it's fixable... here's how. 

Tools you'll need:

• 70% Isopropyl Alcohol (mist spray bottle or dropper)

• Cosmetic Sponges (wedges)

• Spatula

Let's begin: 

1. Clean and sanitize your spatula with the alcohol.

2. Use the spatula to chop up all of the broken pieces.

3. Make sure the eyeshadow is finely chopped into a loose powder consistency.

4. Spritz two pumps of the alcohol (or dropper) over top of the loose powder eyeshadow. Now here's where you have to work fast... using the spatula mix the alcohol and the loose eyeshadow together.

5. Take the cosmetic wedge and press the flat side against the shadow and press hard.

6. And there you have it... your eyeshadow is back to normal.

The quick evaporation of the alcohol can cause this to dry quick, so work fast. If it doesn't turn out right, add one spritz (or drop) of alcohol to the eyeshadow and use a clean cosmetic sponge to press it out to your liking. 

Roto-Rooter Commercial

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

This past January, I had the pleasure of working on set for a Roto-Rooter Valentine's Day Facebook campaign as the key makeup artist.  Which took place in Covington, Kentucky.  Check out the clip in addtion to a few behind the scene photo taken on set.

It's a significant problem, an impediment to new love. It's time to get past the stigma and shine some light on this very serious subject that many couples face - especially on Valentine's Day. Roto-Rooter Plumbing, Drain and Water Cleanup Service understands and is leading the push to help couples feel more comfortable pooping at their significant other's place.

Veils & Cocktails!

The Madison Event Center in Covington, Kentucky pulled off another "fabulous" year for Veils & Cocktails on 9/8/16!

A fun-filled night of various wedding vendors, brides, good food, music and of course cocktails.  Which makes it a wonderful girls night out.  Followed by an amazing fashion show provided by Donna Salyers ' Fabulous Bridal where I was the the lead makeup artist for the show!

This show is only once a year, so please visit www.veilsandcocktails.com or www.thecovingtonmadison.com for more information.

MAC X Taraji!

I'm so excited for this new collaboration for MAC Cosmetics and actress Taraji P. Henson!  A collection that's to launch in selected MAC stores and online September 6, 2016.  The collection features makeup and tools to achieve the perfect smokey eye, glowing skin and of course a beautiful nude lip!  Filled with soft, deeply wearable neutrals... deep beige, bronzy coral, and reddish brown tones.  Check out the YouTube unboxing video below as a sneak peek .  I can't wait to show my support in purchasing this collection butmost importantly use it on my clients.  #MACtaraji

(a description of the products in this collection are shown below) 

First look at the upcoming MAC Cosmetics collaboration with the oh so charismatic Taraji P. Henson! This earth-toned collection is as fierce as Taraji herself. Releases on September 6, 2016! More info and photos here: http://nitrolicious.com/2016/08/23/mac-x-taraji-p-henson-collection-unboxing-video/ blog: http://www.nitrolicious.com instagram: http://www.instagram.com/nitro_licious snapchat: http://snapchat.com/add/nitro_licious

• Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash mascara in Black  $23
• Mineralize Skinfinish in Highlight The Truth  $33
• Strip Me Down a deep tone beige lipstick  $17
• Rapidblack eyeliner  $21
• Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Taraji Glow  $33
• Brush 187  $42

PHOTOS FROM MAC COSMETICS

Tip Of The Day

Buying makeup for yourself can be confusing, whether it's from a department store or drug store.  But wondering how long you keep it can be another.  Well here's a tip... some cosmetics companies will actually illustrate on the back of the packaging how long they're suggestion the products shelf life is. In the photo below Maybelline is saying the shelf life for this mascara is 6 months!  

Here's a list of how long to keep certain beauty products:

• Mascara*: 3-6 months
• Eyeliner* (Liquid & gel):   3 months
• Foundation (Liquid): 6-12 months
• Concealer:  6-12 months
• Lip Gloss:   1 year  
• Eyeliner (Pencils):   2 years
• Powder Products (eyeshadow, blush, foundation):  2 years  
• Lipstick:   2 years
• Nail Polish:  2 years

*If not used everyday, stop continuation of use (and replace) at 6 months!  Extended use of expired products, especially around the eyes can cause irritation and infections. 

Here's a few more examples. Sometimes the icon is small and can be hard to see. Or a bit larger and extremely visible.  

Bronzer in "Laguna" by NARS.  24M = 24 Months

Foaming face cleanser by Caudalie.  18M = 18 Months

Mally Beauty primer. 18M = 18 Months