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Monday, June 30, 2008
Down to Business: Roxanna Floyd
1. You started your career by working at the cosmetic counters of a high-end department store. How did you transform that into the wonderful career you have now?
At the time I did not know that people were paid for being a makeup artist. I never thought about makeup as a career.
At the cosmetic counter I was able to practice and hone my art. As a makeup artist you have the opportunity to work on every types of skin, face and eye shapes. Real women, not pretty models or good looking celebrities, so your skill can really develop under those conditions.
2. You have a BA in Cosmetic Marketing – sounds like a fun degree! Did you also take professional lessons in makeup artistry or are you self-taught?
I do not have a BA in cosmetics marketing. I was registered for classes but got a job with a small family owned business who sold perfume and cosmetics. The family started a small private label cosmetic line and they gave me a hands on, first class education. I learned product development in the lab, cosmetic merchandising and marketing from experience.
I taught myself makeup first and then I when to school. I had a small portfolio and wanted to make sure that I was doing the art correctly. I studied at the now defunct Robert Fiance Beauty Institute in New York.
3. How much of being a makeup artist is about technique verses intuition?
I believe technique is paramount. You can have keen intuition on where to place color, or what colors and shades to use but without solid technique coupled with creativity and a graceful hand, you’re just a person putting on makeup and 'the artist' in makeup artistry does not enter into the equation.
4. Cosmetic companies such as Bobbi Brown insist that all their employees have a firm foundation in makeup artistry. What if you don't have professional experience? What other ways can one break into the industry?
Breaking into the beauty industry is very competitive. There are so many cosmetic companies vying for customers the ability to apply and sell makeup makes a person attractive to a company. Today there seems to no way around having a foundation in makeup artistry not unless you know the one doing the hiring. Sometimes having a background in sales and a strong passion for art or fashion along with great interviewing skills can do the trick.
5. As a creative consultant at CoverGirl what are some of the things you get to do? I understand you were instrumental in the development of the Queen Collection.
As creative consultant for CoverGirl Queen Collection I work on all aspects of the product lineup. I worked with the chemist on formulas and shading as well as the brand manager and creative agencies on marketing ideas. Everything you see with a Queen Collection I had a hand in.
6. Who was your first celebrity client and how did your nerves fare?
I believe my first celebrity client was John Lennon's wife, Yoko Ono. I was working with a music video director and I did her makeup for the video and at the end of the shoot she asked for my telephone number. Yoko was very nice. I was nervous of course; I just wanted to do a good job.
7. When working with a client, especially a famous one, how do you satisfy your creative vision as well as the client? What if what they want just doesn't look good?!
At this point in my career most people know my style and trust me to do a look that will be appropriate.
I stay flexible and open. If I work with a new client I will study their photos to get a feel of their style and I always have a conversation with them to understand expectations.
8. Has being black helped, hindered or been totally irrelevant to your career's success thus far?
Now this is a loaded question! Honestly, being black has worked to my advantage and disadvantage. I had a mentor who would refer to the business in terms of their being two worlds. The white world and the black world. There is racism in both.
We believe black celebrities would hire black creative talent but sometimes they don't. In this age of the celebrity if a black celebrity does not book you for a shoot it's difficult to meet the top photographers. And most of the top photographers already have "my people" (the small select group of makeup artists, hairstylists and fashion stylists that they always work with) it's a catch 22.
9. Now if we can pick your brain for some tricks... How can women correct hyperpigmentation and combat oily skin? The two biggest woes when it comes to finding the perfect makeup!
The best way to correct depends on where it shows up. If you have it on the face there could be two different ways to approach it. First, using skincare products containing alpha hydroxy acid or fruit acid may slowly over time help to fade the dark spot. Second, the quick fix would be to apply a small amount of cover creme a shade lighter than your complexion on the spot. Then apply your foundation to your entire face and finish with powder.
The best way to combat oily skin is to apply oil controlling products to the oily area. Also, blotting tissues and powders all help temporarily. There really isn't any way around oily skin. Besides, oily skin helps you look younger longer - unless there is acne.
10. What one makeup item could you not live without and why?
Believe me after using every makeup product there is, I couldn’t live without all of it!
Visit Roxanna Floyd’s official site at www.roxannafloyd.com.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Jeans 101: Viva La Color!
My Picks!
Wear You Colored Jeans With...
Monday, June 23, 2008
Bring Back Bohemian
Friday, June 20, 2008
Italian Vogue: The Black Issue
It's finally here! Italian Vogue has stepped up and produced the first ever all black model issue! Expect to see some household names (Naomi, Tyra, Liya) and some up-and-comers (Jourdan Dunn, Chanel Iman, Toccara Jones - yes, from ANTM!) in this ground-breaking issue. Of course they don't neglect those that paved the way. Iman, Pat Cleveland and Veronica Webb are also featured.
One source of inspiration for this issue was actually the phenomenon of the Obama campaign. In the spirit of "change" I'm guessing editor, Franca Sozzani and photographer Steven Meisel, were ready to go out on a limb. Meisel says of the shoot, “I thought, it’s ridiculous, this discrimination... It’s so crazy to live in such a narrow, narrow place. Age, weight, sexuality, race — every kind of prejudice.” Italian Vogue editor says of her publication, “Mine is not a magazine that can be accused of not using black girls”. Some of the models in this issue have graced the cover of Italian Vogue before (Alek Wek, Naomi Campbell and Liya Kebede).
The famed photographer was given 100 pages of the magazine for this spread. Other faces you can expect to see are Alex Wek, Karen Alexander and Sessilee Lopez. The issue hits European newsstands next Thursday and will be in the United States soon after. Until then, feast your eyes on the images below, including the four collector's covers featuring Liya Kebede, Sessilee Lopez, Jourdan Dunn and Naomi Campbell.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
What Say We?... Yay or Nay?!
Amerie has always been a diva I love to watch out for on the red carpet. This outfit however left me a little perplexed. While I love the color an overall shape of the dress, the detailing is a little reminiscent of the 1980s. The hint of rectangular shoulders and buttoned down, flap pockets throws the dress off to me. In any case, Amerie is one of those ladies who could make a brown potato sack look fashion-forward, so I'm going to give her a "Yay". At lease this look is better than this catastrophe. Now if we could just get her to release an album...
Baltimore Gets Beautified!
When: Saturday, July 19th 2008
Time: 6pm -9pm
Where: Maserati of Baltimore, 1628 York Road Townson, MD
Cost: $15 in advance/$25 at the door
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Pucci. Prints. Perfect.
The pioneer of kaleidoscope prints, Emilio Pucci, started a trend in the late 60s that just won't go away. Whether you love or loathe the bright in-your-face psychedelic shapes that have become synonymous with the designer, you certainly cannot miss them (or the woman who dares to wear them). Nowadays many designers and stores have copied the famous prints and used them in their own designs. This however hasn't stopped anyone from being able to identify a genuine Pucci. See the ladies above for proof that pucci + prints = perfection!
My Picks!
Psychedelic prints on long dresses don't really do it for me, plus you have to have a long slender shape like Joy Brynat to come anywhere close to pulling the look off. Play it safe by going for short to knee-length dresses then glam the dress up or down using heels or jewelled flat sandals. If you want to really commit to this look, also invest in a print bags that are completely different color from your dresses. The clash will take this retro look to a whole new level. Emilio Pucci would be proud!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
A Night with an Icon
Where: Sunday June 15th
Where: 105 Rivington between Essex & Ludlow
Time: 9:00pm
RSVP: rsvp@royale.sundays@gmail.com
Monday, June 9, 2008
Take a Leaf Out of Her Style Book: Christina Milian
As temperatures rise so too do hemlines and who better to spotlight than the queen of the mini, Ms. Christina Milian? She must have a closet full of short ‘n’ sassy dresses, but unlike Halle Berry, Christina prefers her summer frocks with splashes of color and high heels to match. Christina seems to prefer block colors over patterns but one can never go wrong with classic colors. To stop her look getting repetitive, Ms. Milian opts for outfits with interesting shapes that show off her best asset – those legs. Get the lowdown on her style philosophy below.
My Picks!
If you too aren’t drawn to patterns, try picking dresses in this season’s must-have shapes like the bubble dress but opt for colors you’ll always cherish. Black and other neutrals are classics but summer was meant for color so go live a little!
Friday, June 6, 2008
Hair Stories: The Braidy Bunch
Lazy days in the sun require an equally laid back hairstyle. This summer make your staple style loose braids held back by antique-inspired hair clips. Hobo-chic is here to stay and since you’ll probably wearing a long floaty dress this season (see these celebs), braids will finish off the look. Styling essentials include a no mess pomade to slick down your edges if you’re going for a more polished look like Beyonce. For those of you who like your hair looking a little disheveled like you spontaneously decide to braid it and put it up, Frederic Fekkai has a Wave Creating Spray that’ll give your hair that flyaway look. Naturals should braid their hair then take it out to create a braid-out/waves. You can then loosely re-braid certain parts of your hair to set off the style. Take some inspiration from Nicole Richie and Nia Long. Their hair looks elegant yet unpretentious – the perfect theme for summer.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Shop Smart. Shop Safe.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Catwalk Copy
I'm assuming that most of you watched the Sex and the City movie this weekend. If not, what are you waiting for?! I LOVED it and of course the fashion didn't disappoint. With 84 wardrobe changes for Carrie alone, how could it! I won't spoil the plot for those of you planning to see it but I would love to hear from those who have. I was satisfied with the way things ended for all the characters (unike when the actual show ended) and I'm thinking we should start a grassroots campaign for a sequel. They should call it "Life Married to Mr. Big". To keep us going until then, why not inject a little Sex in the City into your life with these great replicas of Dior's "Extreme Gladiator Platforms". I can't take credit for this find. The fabulous ladies of ShoeBlog.com discovered these $65 knock offs by Bakers Shoes.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Living Your Life Like It's Goldyn...
Say goodbye to those tattered jeans and coffee stained sweatshirts - you finally graduated!! Now you can join the big leagues with your