Freelance Tip: Ask the Right Questions

Ask the right questions upfront to gain a better understanding of the goal for a project. This can also alleviate harboring additional stress.

Some questions need a definitive yes or no; while, others can give you all the information you need about a person or opportunity.

Be inquisitive.

Seek out what motivates and drives people.

Ask what they expect from you.

Evaluate your options and the information you have learned, then make your decision.

Remember, everything isn’t for everybody. Make sure the opportunity is for you.

Don't work from a place of unknowns and assumptions. Just ask.

Eyebrow Junkies: Save Your Old MAC Dipdown!

MAC's Dipdown Fluidline gel eyeliner has many uses. Its a deep-chocolate shade which has multiple uses as an eyeliner, shadow base, shadow and eyebrow enhancer.

Over time, air begins to seep into the fluidline pot and dry out the product. This tends to happen with most cream products. You can extend your cream shadows by placing a piece of wax paper inside the lid to keep out the air.

One day, as I was sifting through my dingy 'Back to MAC' bag (all makeup junkies have them), I saw my old dipdown. It was half full; but, really thick and tacky. Cream products expire after a few months so don't try this with your Fluidline from 2 years ago (yuck)!

I decided to take my angle brush and see what it would do....Wowsers! Its aged like fine wine. My brows are amazing! Not overly done, but just right. I have more control over the fluid line. I can mimic my brow hairs without feeling like someone can see my strokes.

If you are a brow beginner or expert, give it a try. Let me know how you like it. Its only makeup. Nothing is permanent!

Bleached Eyebrows with Sally Hansen Creme Hair Bleach

Today my friend Bria colored my strands a deep golden blonde. Now as you know, my hair isn't an inch long. I can color every 2 weeks after each hair cut. Personally, I wait every 3-4 weeks. With this lighter hair color, I realized my eyebrows were too dark.

I became aware of the benefits of brow bleaching from studying master makeup artist's Kevyn Aucoin and Sam Fine. They encourage bleaching the brows to soften the face and open the eyes. 

Sally Hansen's Creme Hair Bleach is my go-to "brow" bleach. It's super simple to use. I've used it on myself for years. In my past life, I wore weaves that were always lighter than my natural hair color. Being a beauty connoisseur, meant that I bleached my brows to match.

 I will admit, the process can look intimidating; but, the results are definitely worth it.

The instructions are super easy to follow (I told you it was easy). I would recommend coating the skin directly above & below your brow with a thin layer of Vaseline to avoid contact with the bleach.

After bleaching my brows, I filled them in with the below products:

• Maybelline Master Shape Eyebrow Pencil (Soft Brown) 
• MAC Eyebrow Pencil (Strut) only in the arch & tail for definition
• Ruby Kisses Brow Polish (Shimmering Blonde) **Great dupe for MAC's Brow Set in Girl Boy**
• Highlighted with a concealer/full coverage foundation 2 shades lighter than my complexion

Try it! You're guaranteed to love it! 

Baltimore Airbrush Indian Wedding Makeup

Over Memorial Day weekend, I worked on a phenomenal Indian wedding with my bride Amy. It was 2 days of airbrushing, bedazzling and colorful bliss. This wedding really re-ignited my passion for airbrush. Many Indian brides have olive complexions which are comparable to light-skinned African Americans. Amy had a deep dark under-eye circles; which, I color corrected by first mixing the peach and red from Makeup Forever's Flash Pallette, then concealing with Cover FX Comoflauge Concealer.

Here's a sneak peek from my camera phone (I NEED an iPhone!) I can't wait to post the professional pictures to my website. You can check out my airbrush makeup services on Thumbtack & Style Seat . Be sure to leave a recommendation!

Cheers xo
Jamaya

Offering MD Airbrush Makeup Services on Thumbtack.com

Airbrush Makeup Artist
by Jamaya Moore Makeup Artist

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I just signed up for Thumbtack.com. The site reminds me of a structured Craigslist. Great fully qualified leads for next to nothing. I decided to market my airbrush services since there seems to be a void in Baltimore. They have a feature where clients can pay through their website and they will direct deposit or PayPal funds within 24 hours (yaay!) Today, I worked my first gig booked through Thumbtack. Here's what my client had to say about her experience:

 For Airbrush Makeup Artist on June 30, 2012 regarding Need a Makeup Artist for a Wedding on June 30th. 5/5 stars

Jamaya was fantastic! She was prompt and met me right at my location. She was very personable, and it seemed like a good friend was just there helping me get ready. When she was finished I looked beautiful...and i really liked the look she gave me. She truly listened to what I wanted and did exactly that. I'd definitely work with her again!

I can't wait to book more clients through Thumbatack.com!

Baltimore Makeup Artist Makes it to Vogue Italia

I'm so ecstatic! An image shot by the lovely and talented Ruzica-Puśkaś-ragontse  was featured on Vogue Italia.com.

Clothing and styling by Darryl Makeup by Jamaya.

Bare Face Series: Bentonite Clay

While spending time with my buddy Bethany, I was introduced to the healing properties of Bentonite Clay. Her roommate instructed us to mix the clay with water, spread on our face and not talk for 15 minutes. Of course, we had a case of the giggles and couldn't stop laughing. Two minutes later, my face began tightening up and it became hard to smile. 20 minutes later, I washed the grey mask off my skin and my skin felt like butter. I experienced a little bit of redness near my nostrils; but, the next morning my skin was so bright. I was hooked! A friend of mine bought my Bentonite from Amazon for $7.99. It can also be purchased at Whole Foods.

A Night with MAC Pink Nouveau

Just did a back to MAC and decided to pick up Pink Nouveau. How do you like?

Lash Dip :: Eyelashes for Days

So yesterday I was reading my twitter feed (follow me on twitter @jamayamoore self-promotion plug )*hee hee* but I saw something called Lash Dip on someones timeline. They were mentioning training for the product in a few cities (NY, Vegas, Chicago). I'm a training/certification junkie and once my Google wheels start churning, I won't stop until I get some answers.

After a few minutes of snooping, I discovered that Lash Dip is a phenomenal new lash product which works as a semi-permanent mascara which enhances lashes and stays on for up to 6 weeks. Say who, say what...yep you heard me right 42 DAYS! It is a coating which en-capsules your lashes with a durable, deep black solution. According to the website, the formula is formaldehyde and aniline free.

I find it interesting that Lash Dip can be used in conjunction with eyelash extensions; which, is an awesome up-sell for any lash stylist. If you are a die hard lash fanatic,  I think Lash Dip may be for you.

Cost: $200-300
http://www.lashdip.com

Bare Face Series: Simple Skin Care

Ok, so I'm kinda obsessed with clear skin. Lately, I've been leaving out the house bare faced and I'm loving it! I just added a few items to my skin care routine and they're already making a difference.

During my client consultations and appointments, I always inquire about their skin care routine. I've been flabbergasted by the number of people who wash their face with soap or just plain water (which is rinsing not cleaning). To counter that, I'm impressed by the number of clients who visit the dermatologist on a regular basis.

I believe that we are becoming increasingly aware of our skin; but, many of us lead such busy lives that it often falls by the wayside. Also, many people have not been properly educated on how to care for their skin.

Today will start my weekly skin care series, focusing on simple products/techniques that will help your skin flourish. Most products can be found at Target, Walmart, Amazon, Whole Foods or your local farmer's market. Don't worry they're budget friendly and trust me, your skin will thank you afterwards.