It's Not Just Makeup: It's Culture

The best part of being a makeup artist is not the makeup. It's the people. More specifically, learning about my clients. I'm a geek (I've said this many times). I'm extremely intrigued by learning about various cultures. I am an avid documentary watcher. I JUST love learning about people. 

Makeup has served as my conduit to learn about various cultures. It also helps me learn the proper etiquette when dealing with clients. It's good to acknowledge and show sensitivity to their values. 

Here are 2 things that I've learned about various cultures in the past 3 months:

Orthodox Jewish women must cover their hair once married. Only their husbands can see it. Therefore, many will wear a snood or scarf during normal daily tasks. Some even wear high quality wigs called "sheitels". These wigs are handmade with premium virgin (unprocessed) human hair. Sheitels can cost upwards of $5K depending on the quality. The women care for them like their own hair with regular cuts, color and styles.

Latin women LOVE makeup! They are beauty goddesses. I have a Venezuelan client who squealed with delight when she saw my makeup arsenal. Latinas celebrate their beauty regardless of age, lifestyle or status. She's secure of her role in her family and society. She embraces the "joys of being a woman". When you see her, she'll always look good from head to toe. She will capture you with her confidence and sass :) 

As an American, I'm always captivated by people who live by different values and don't compromise for society. It shows such confidence and conviction. Rock on!  

The Vixen Box: Vixens: Jamaya the Beauty Guru

Thanks to the Vixen Box for featuring me as a "Beauty Vixen". Click on the link to learn more about me and my beauty journey!

The Vixen Box: Vixens: Jamaya the Beauty Guru: What’s your name and where are you from?   Jamaya Moore from Baltimore, MD  How has being natural affected your life? How do you feel ...

Truth: I Kinda Like Weddings

Truth: I get married at least 30 times a year.

Truth: I've only worked with one bridezilla.

Truth: My brides are really stunning. 

Weddings haven't always been my choice job. Early on in my makeup career, I wasn't too fond of working with brides. I encountered a "bridezilla" who really turned me off.  It was a challenge for me to get back into the swing of things.

During my time away from brides, I educated myself on the wedding industry. Brides are a different client. She's not going to her high school reunion nor is she a model at a fashion shoot. She is a woman preparing for one of the most important moments in her life. Everything has to be better than perfect. On this day, she will be her most exquisite, glamorous self. 

I often ask my brides tons of questions to determine who they are, what vision they have for their wedding and what they expect from me. I love brides who want a "wow" factor on the wedding day. I mean why would you wanna look like your 'everyday' self wearing a floor length gown with a 2 foot train, corset and veil? Getting married is a once in a lifetime event. I am honored to be able to participate in such an intimate occasion. 

Weddings are the equivalent of an actress' red-carpet moment. I am apart of the glam team responsible for the award-winning look. Let's make history by creating a look that will have your future-husband drooling at the altar and your guests fawning over you. Schedule a consultation by emailing Jamaya@JamayaMoore.com

Upcoming Class: Beauty on a Budget

As you all know, I am passionate about sharing my makeup knowledge with my clients and colleagues. I'm always on the hunt for products & tools that are effective; but, easy on the pockets. With recent product advancements and ingredients, cosmetic companies are creating affordable yet AMAZING products. So many women are put off by drug store brands because of past bad experience or status. Join me in my "Beauty on a Budget" class on August 11th. We'll discuss how to choose products that will help you create a flawless face on a dime! Join us!

How Dirty Is Your Makeup?

If a makeup artist opens his/her kit and you see the following...proceed with caution or RUN! 

• Brown &/or discolored brushes
• Using mascara and lip products directly from the tube (no disposable wands)
• Powder spills inside bags containers
• Dirty product containers/palettes/
• No hand sanitizers/wipes/alcohol
• Dirty sponges

Keep your makeup clean and fresh. Place a calendar entry in your phone to remind you when to replace items. Please observe the makeup artists that you hire. Their kit should be spotless and clean.  If you're with a large party, observe the makeup artist. Dirty brushes should be separated from clean ones and not re-used. Hands should be washed/wiped/ sanitized between clients. 

I'm such a germaphobe. I'm signing out so I can clean my kit!

To all my makeup wearing friends & artists, feel free to chime in with your suggestions :) 

Google It

Lately I've been getting alot of texts and emails from other artists asking specific (makeup related) questions that can be answered relatively easily by simply taking the time to "Google It".

I am grateful to be a resource to them; but, sometimes you have to take the initiative and do the background info on you own. 

Over time I've had new experiences i.e. doing makeup for a cross dressing client,

My Experience Working for MAC Cosmetics: Its Not For Everyone

Aspiring artists and clients always ask about my experience working for MAC Cosmetics. Over the years I've heard tons of varying opinions about products, the level of artistry, hiring issues and customer service. What I will say may surprise you but this is strictly my opinion based on my experience. I have worked for MAC for several years in various locations so I have seen it all.

If you are a person who does not like change, then working in fashion/beauty/entertainment business is not for you. Professions in this industry require a great amount of flexibility and innovation.

Working for MAC Cosmetics has been one of the best experiences in my career as a makeup artist. Yes, I said it and lemme repeat: Working for MAC Cosmetics has been one of the best experiences in my career as a makeup artist.

Five Attitudes You Should Eliminate If You Plan to Work for MAC Cosmetics (or any other makeup brand)

As a MAC alumni, I get a lot of calls from aspiring makeup artists asking if they should work for MAC. It’s not an easy conversation. For one, MAC is not the easiest job to land. There are countless interviews (at least 3). You have to have something special to be a MAC artist. It’s not for everyone; yet, everyone thinks they can do it...NOT! Call me what you want, but I love that company. They have strong branding and they never compromise. Their products are always evolving.

I am a MAC girl. I love other brands too, but I don’t know of one artist who does not have a MAC product in their kit. 

Enough of the sappy-ness, here are my 5ive Attitudes You Should Eliminate If You Plan to Work for MAC Cosmetics (or any other makeup brand)

1. You don’t like teamwork.

Being a makeup artist involves a considerable amount of collaboration and teamwork. On counter, we also share products and knowledge. You will always hear “Who has a Blacktrack or Spiked?” by artists searching for products at one of their colleagues work stations. Artists always ask each for help during foundation matching. Every artist sees something different. Someone is always there to offer tips and tricks on new products. At the end of the night, everyone has to assist with cleaning the store. So, it’s never just about YOU! You have to work as a unit. Working at MAC will prepare you for working on set with other creatives (photographers, hairstylists, manicurists, wardrobe stylist, etc.)

2. You don’t like change.

Freelance Notes: Don't Stress Over Perceived Missed Opprtunities

During the summer, I missed a day of shooting at the gun range with my friends to meet with an agency in New York. To say I felt excited would be an understatement. I was floating. My meeting was awesome! The energy was cosmic.

One of the owners asks me to stay in the city to assist with a job the following day. I had to decline because of 2 photo shoots back home. Needless to say, work back home flopped: model cancelled on one shoot and half the models were present for the other.

I sent an email (working on getting my personal thank you cards) to the agency following up on our meeting. All week long, I wondered to myself, ‘what would've happened if I stayed’? I ran this past Glen. He told me to stop dwelling on it. Everything is not meant to be. No more singing the “should of, would of, could of’s”

Weeks later, I get a call from the agency asking if I was available to assist with a new client project. Since then, I've gotten calls to work on a bi-weekly basis.

We can’t dwell over perceived missed opportunities. As long as you’re prepared, there will be tons of new opportunities that may change your life.

You have to have faith that everything you want will come to fruition. It may not happen when we want it; but, it will happen.

Let it go. Keep working and you’ll be surprised at what your future holds.

Love,
Jamaya

Freelance Notes: Just a Little Push

I have met numerous women and men who expose their dreams to me. There are 3 people that are currently making it happen. I am very proud of their journeys. I’m so elated that I was able to inspire them to pursue their dreams.

This life isn't for everybody. Along with the dream, comes hard work, persistence and dedication. I have found myself through this journey.

Sometimes people just need a little push: a pep talk, venting session, the hard truth, a dose of reality, validation and encouragement. That little nudge often leads to big results.

Keep pushing!

Love,
Jamaya