BluffaJo Cosmetics: The Makeup with Skincare in Mind

     With the Summer bringing harsh weather conditions, you want to make sure that you are treating your skin with as much tender loving care, as possible.  Knowing that you want your skin to look beautiful, even in the sun rays, BluffaJo Cosmetics was created with you, the consumer, in mind.  BluffaJo is one of my favorite cosmetic lines of choice.

     BluffaJo Cosmetics, is a highly sophisticated blend of minerals and bold colors, which form a filter that allows the skin to breathe and function normally, while simultaneously protecting the skin from air-borne pollutants.  The thing that makes this product so phenomenal is that it has great staying power, meaning that you rarely have to reapply for touch ups.

BluffaJo Cosmetics have been featured all over the globe, in various magazines.

     BluffaJo Cosmetics is becoming a international phenom.  Our cosmetic line has been featured in numerous prestigious magazines, such as: Essence, InStyle, and O Magazine, to name a few.  Though this sophisticated cosmetic line has received great recognition, it still remains affordable to the consumer.  The term "BluffaJo" originated from Liberia, where Maisie Dunbar, owner and founder of the line, is from.  It is a term used to compliment a woman, who always looks put together, but has limited funds.  The products were created with that same idea in mind, "look good, at an affordable price." 

Premiere Show Orlando

NaTasha Nichol at the Premiere Show Orlando

    June has truly been an extremely busy month for me (not complaining, AT ALL).  The month opened with the BluffaJo Cosmetics team taking part in The Premiere Show, in Orlando, Florida.  The Premiere Show Orlando is the largest trade show in the United States.  Many people travel from all across the globe, just to have the experience of being apart of this prestigious beauty event. 

The BluffaJo Cosmetics Booth at the Premiere Show Orlando.  The Miami team came ready to work. (Left to right: Natasha Armada, Frankia Breedlove, NaTasha Nichol)

    During the show, I had the pleasure of instructing two seminars, along with one of my mentors, Maisie Dunbar, Celebrity Makeup Artist and Manicurist.  Together, we presented new trends and tricks in creating the perfect "Natural Glow".  Maisie also hosted two seminars on the topic of growing your business. The seminars were great and attendees stated that they were very pleased with the wealth of information that was provided for them.

NaTasha Nichol demonstrating how to create the perfect natural glow, while using BluffaJo Cosmetics.

 

 

 

Maisie Dunbar. Our Model, and NaTasha Nichol

"What's Your Vision????"

     Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to watch the final episode of the "Oprah Winfrey Show".  As I watched the show, I found myself become full of emotions.  I was sad because this was her very last show, as a television host; however, I was overwhelmed with excitement because it was confirming some things that I had been saying for a few months now.

     As Oprah began to present her "Love Letter", to her audience, she began by saying  “ We all have a calling in life.  It is our job to figure out what that calling is.”  Have you ever taken the time out to really think about what your calling is?  I mean, really...have you ever sat and thought about if you are fulfilling your life's destiny?  Going to a job, just to make a living...but, what is your passion? What do you think about doing, from the moment you open your eyes, until, the time you lay your head back down, to sleep?  Whatever that thing is, is where you should be operating in.   We are ALL  given gifts and talents and in those gifts and talents, we can use them to generate a profit (whether it be tangible or self fulfillment.)  In my case, I receive both forms of profit, while performing a service that I am sincerely passionate about.  There is nothing more exciting than seeing an everyday, working mother, coming to tears, after taking some time out of her schedule to be made over, and finally realizing her beauty; or calming a bride on her special day, after having the roller-coaster ride of a day, before she walks down the aisle.

     Write down your vision and/or plan and begin working on fulfilling your mission.  As Oprah said, “Embrace the life that is calling you, and use your life to save the world.”  

To view clips from the featured show click on http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/What-Oprah-Knows-For-Sure-Video 

Share your thoughts and feelings with me....email me at divineeyezcreation@gmail.com

Until then....

NaTasha Nichol 

The Fashion Designers Expo Experience

During the Spring and Fall of every year, the founders of the Fashion Designers Expo "Let the Runway Meet the Cause", Karine Melissa and Clinton Powell, organizes three wonderful days full of fashion and fundraising for a charitable organization.  I have the great opportunity to serve as the Liaison for Creative Affair and the Lead Makeup Artist. This year's organization of choice was the "Alonzo Mourning Overtown Youth Center".   The Overtown Youth Center is a facility that allows under privilege children to excel in various areas of their life (including, but not limited to academics, the arts, as well as, athletics).  The event was full of celebrities, honoring such a great cause.  Royce Reed (VH1's Basketball Wives) hosted the opening night of the show.  After the show, Royce greeted her fans, by signing her newly released book "College Girls", which is available on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/College-Girls-Royce-Reed/dp/B004RR2W26/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1306154333&sr=8-4.  For her red carpet look, I was inspired by her natural glow.  Using that concept, I created the perfect natural look for her glowing personality.

The week of events also included our first annual Couture Bazaar.  During the Bazaar, vendors displayed their artwork, jewelry, and fashion for buyers.  The gala was hosted by the Real Housewives of Miami's Adriana De Moura, while the room was surrounded with her fabulous paintings which included the faces of Alonzo Mourning, Dwayne Wade, and Gloria Estefan to name a few.  Celebrities showered the scene, with names including, but not limited to the legendary Betty Wright.  For her red carpet appearance, I created a smokey brown, natural look for her.  Other celebrities included Miami Dolphin's Norlan Carroll. The event was definitely one to remember. 

Are You Sanitizing Your Tools???

As a makeup artist, I find myself coming into contact with many different people.  While meeting this diverse group of people, you find that many have variety of issues, regarding their skin.  It is very important that I keep my products, as sanitized as possible, when enhancing each individual's beauty.  Here are some tips to ensure that your tools are always ready for the next face:

1.     ALWAYS DISINFECT the work surface before unpacking your kit. (Using alcohol is always a great way to ensure sanitation)

2.     ALWAYS BE MINDFUL OF SANITATION PRACTICE while working. (Are you cleaning your brushes after each use? Are you double dipping into products? Have your products expired?)

3.     Keep hand sanitizer, alcohol, cosmetic sanitizer, and brush cleaner on hand at all times.

Moisturizers/Primers: Dispense product onto steel palette, wipe nozzle/tip clean with tissue, place cap on product. Use a brush to apply product to client. Discard product after 1 year.

Liquid Foundations/Concealers: Dispense product onto steel palette (by pumping, pouring, or dipping cotton swab into product; do not double dip), wipe nozzle/opening clean with tissue, place cap on product. Use a brush to apply product to client. Discard product after 1 year.

Cream Foundations/Concealers/Blushes/Gels: Scrape out product onto steel palette with a plastic or stainless steel spatula. Use a brush to apply product to client. Discard product after 1 year.

Powder Foundations/Blushes/Eyeshadows: Use a brush to apply product to client. Spray the product with a sanitizer mist. Allow to dry. Optional step: Wipe surface clean with a tissue. Discard product after 3-5years.

Loose Powders: Tap product onto steel palette. Use a brush or sponge to apply product to client. Discard product after 3-5 years.

Eye & Lip Pencils: Apply product to client. Wipe surface with a sanitizer wipe or dip in 91% isopropyl or higher alcohol; allow to dry. Sharpen pencil. Discard product after 1 year.

Liquid/Gel/Glitter Liners: Apply product to onto steel palette. Use a liner brush to apply product to client or dip a disposable liner brush into product, apply to client. Do not double dip; use another disposable applicator, if more product is needed. Discard product after 3-6 months.

Mascara: Use disposable mascara wands! Dip into mascara tube, bend the spoolie to a 90* angle,  and apply product to client. Do not double dip; use another disposable applicator, if more product is needed. Discard product after 3-6months. If you frequently use this product, I recommend deposing after about a month.

Lipgloss: Use disposable doe foot or lip brush applicators. Dip into lipgloss tube, apply product to client. Do not double dip: use another disposable applicator, if more product is need. Discard after 1 year.

Hope to hear from you soon...email me divineeyezcreation@gmail.com

Until then,
NaTasha Nichol

What's in Your Bag????

I find great pleasure in being a Makeup Artist.  One thing I always get complimented on is the fact that I am always prepared for whatever situation.  As a makeup artist, you should make sure your kit is always stocked and ready to go.  Do know what should be in your bag???? Here are some important basic tools that a kit should ALWAYS  have:

• Cleanser
• Exfoliant
• Moisturizer
• Makeup Remover
• Makeup Brushes
• Sponges
• Foundations (light, medium, dark)
• Lip Palette
• Lip Gloss Palette
• Eyeshadow Palette
• Cheek colors (Blushes)
• Bronzer
• Lip liner
• Mascara
• Eye-lash Curler
• Eye Drops
• Steel Palette
• Spatula
• Brush Cleaner
• Alcohol
• Baby Scissors
• Tweezers
• Hand Sanitizer
• Q-Tips 
• Disposable Mascara Wands

Having these basic supplies on hand, keeps your job running smoothly.  As you gain further experience, you will be able to add whatever you deem necessary to enhance your kit.  I hope that this helps you, as you begin this fascinating journey into the world of beauty.  


What to chat about all things beautiful??? Feel free to contact me at divineeyezcreation@gmail.com

Becoming a Successful Makeup Artist

     Being a makeup artist is a career full of excitement and opportunities.  Whether it is working behind the makeup counter or being a freelance artist, you have a HUGE opportunity in your pathway.

     As an artist you are allowed to express your visions, while keeping the character and integrity of the client, in mind.  However, when it comes to becoming a successful makeup artist, you need to consider a few things, to ensure that you are setting a stable foundation for the future of your career.

• The very first thing that you want to do identify your goals and dreams. What area do you want to focus on (Bridal, Television, or Editorial)?  The most popular way to do this, these days are creating a vision board.  Vision boards are simply a collage of pictures that represent you and your goals and plans for the future.
• Research, Research, Research....looks and trends ALWAYS change...stay in the loop...research the internet, pull from magazines, attend workshops, and even take some courses...if you want your craft to make room for you, you must put in the time and work.
• Build a solid portfolio...having some professional images is very important in demonstrating the quality of work that you provide.
• Make yourself noticed...develop a website, join networking sites (i.e. Twitter, Facebook, Model Mayhem), and create a blog...networking is key in this business.  Establish relationships with those that are in the area in which your focus is.  They will not know about you and what you have to offer, unless you make yourself known.
• Network...connect with photographers, stylists, hairstylists, and other makeup artists...the key thing in this business is to build positive relationships. As you build relationships with these individual, remind them that you are always available to work with them. 
• Follow up is key...when connecting with those in the industry and potential clients, it is important to follow up with emails and phone calls.  Do not let more than 72 hours go by, without reaching out to them (anytime after this and you might be forgotten).  Remember, timing is crucial.
• Understand that in every project that you work on, there is always some reward.  All projects may not be paid with monetary contributions, however, the connection that was made, my be a huge payment.  Look at each opportunity as chance to maximize on your growth.
• Get a mentor...connect with someone who is already where you would like to be.  Having this person in your life can help guide you throughout your growing process.

You have the power to be as great as you allow yourself to be.  Go out and make your mark!!!!

Tuesday Talk with NaTasha

Well...what better way to start off this new venture, than to talk about all things beautiful, with you.  With that said, every Tuesday, I will answer a question or create a discussion, based on a topic given by you (my readers).  To be apart of this discussion or have your questions answered, simply email me at divineeyezcreation@gmail.com

Look forward to connecting with you

Be Blessed,

NaTasha Nichol

Welcome

Wow....Where do I begin...I am so excited about this new venture, in my life. I have been so blessed to have this opportunity to share the wealth of information that has been given to me.  I hope that you will find this site to be informative, encouraging, and exciting.  I look forward to connecting with you, now and forever more.

Please feel free to join in on the conversation, by emailing and commenting on post.

Send all emails to divineeyezcreation@gmail.com...I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Until next time.....

NaTasha Nichol