Hello Beautiful People hope this week has been a blessed one for you. I had the pleasure of working two amazing jobs this past week. One was with the fab Traci Lynn Jewelry for her new catalog and the other was with Essence my long time client. Both jobs I was able to work with beautiful women from various walks of life.
The Traci Lynn Jewelry Catalog I had the pleasure of working with 3 lovely models one of which was Fatima from America’s Next Top Model. Who I renamed Baby Iman because boy when I finished her makeup she looked ravishing and stunning just like the Somalian born beauty. Fatima is also Somalian so I guess Somalia just births gorgeous women must be nice.
Then for Essence the story was about women who are making major moves or the key players as they called them. Constance White, Tai Beachamp, Solidad O’Brien and Susan Akkad made a shoot full of power, intellect, beauty and success.
Susan, like me suffers from dark circles which we all know now that its hereditary. Dark circles are caused by broken capillaries under the already thin skin of this area of the face the result is purple-brownish circles.
Well, I pulled out my bag of tricks a new product that no one at the shoot had heard of and it was my Age Contour Dark Circle primer from an independent line called Khuraira named after its creator who’s is a talented makeup artist. Susan and the lovely editors at Essence all loved the finished look.
Khuraira and I used to work together at Henri Bendals in New York City and we lost touch with one another. However by some miracle we found one another and boy I was ecstatic when she told me she had her own line.
Her line is a full line with wonderful blushes, great shadows, bronzers and my other fave Lady Obama Lipstick which is a bronze neutral color and works on anyone. She has a chic boutique in New Jersey where clients can get facials, makeup application, threading and lessons.
The makeup is just a backdrop with so much going on I’m sure. I am so happy for her and for the independence she found being the creator of her own brand.
Makeup artist always know products and because we use all types of products we know what works point blank. The same goes for hair stylist and fashion stylist. When you do this day in and day out you learn through trial and error what to keep and what to eliminate.
So Khuraira’s orange concealer is innovative and creative. However, for deep dark circles it works. After applying a foundation primer using a sponge or hands then simply using a finger or concealer brush apply the concealer to the area that requires it and blend it into the skin. Then apply foundation on top. Make sure if you’re not using cream to powder or matte formulations you apply a translucent powder to finish makeup and hold it in place.
I’m always asked why should I use a primer or is it necessary? Yes, especially for oily skin or women who work long hours and find that their makeup glides off and disappears as the day goes on a primer is your best friend. It also is another barrier of protection against harmful environmental irritants.
My favorite is Paula Dorf’s Perfect Primer its available for both oily and normal/combination skin.
Well until next time I will have a lot to share as I report on my take on the 2009 Grammy’s red carpet hot looks. I leave Wednesday for Los Angeles and I must say so in need a little warm weather relief.
Sun here I come YEAH!!!!!!!!
Ashunta
Do you have beauty questions? Ask me questions in the comments section.
For more tips from Ashunta Sheriff click on the links below:
Pretty Fabulous with Ashunta Sheriff: The Introduction
Pretty Fabulous with Ashunta Sheriff: Beauty At The Inauguration
