I don’t even like cats but this has got to be the cutest thing I’ve seen in a long time! Karl Lagerfield’s cat Shupetta has a makeup collection and Shu Uemera is the beauty brand behind this fashionably kittyriffic idea!
The career of Celebrity Makeup Artist Merrell Hollis has been nothing short of a dream come true. From his beginnings working on video shoots in Atlanta, to now flying all over the world as personal MUA to Wendy Williams, I can truly say Merrell has the career Makeup Artist dream of.
With an infectious smile and incredible makeup skills I consider Merrell royalty in the Makeup industry. I’m excited to bring to you my interview with him off the wings of this years The Makeup Show Orlando hosted by the Powder group.
What inspired you to become a Makeup Artist/Groomer?
I’ve always known that I wanted to work with women in some capacity and wanted to do some sort of makeup. I wasn’t sure if it was hair or fashion so I went to school for design and marketing. I also went aesthetic school, got my cosmetology license and barbering license because I wanted to know everything about the field. The art of transformation still ‘til this day wows me.
What do you love most about what you do?
What I enjoy most is transformation and pushing my limits. I’m always trying something new and going outside the box. There’s always a new technique with makeup. I love that there is always something to learn. This is the only job that I’ve really set my heart and mind to so I must give my all and most importantly love it.
Who/What has inspired you so far throughout your career?
I get my inspiration from the change of the seasons, change in beliefs and all of the extraordinary NYC women walking by. Some people who inspired me are: Pat McGrath, Sam Fine, Reggie Wells, and Roshar – amongst others.
Black Opal is one of my favorite makeup brands and I recently learned that you became their Artistic Director earlier this year; walk us through a typical day at the office.
Working with Black Opal, a trusted and international beauty brand, allows me to interact with consumers in a different way from special appearances to working on photoshoots for ad campaigns to giving input on the latest trends based off of my celebrity and industry experience. I also work closely with Black Opal’s Sr. Marketing Director, Maya Brown, on the visual aspects on the products and what goes into the products. So it truly is fun to get feedback from consumers via social world of Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and take it into the brand world.
What tips/suggestions can you share for prepping the skin before applying color cosmetics? What are some of the best Black Opal products to achieve this?
My tips for prepping the skin before applying cosmetics is to use Black Opal’s Even True Oil-free Moisturizing Lotion SPF 15 – having an excellent primer treatment under the makeup will treat while covering up a problem spot.
When it comes to favorites what (brand/type) brushes do you keep in your kit? What {brushes/brand} would you suggest for the everyday woman who likes to apply a full face a few times a week?
The brushes I keep in my kit are the 3DHD Sigma Beauty Foundation Brushes. If you are a woman who likes to apply a full face of makeup, I also recommend Make Up Forever brushes – they are amazing.
What is your favorite Fall makeup trend?
The top trends in the makeup artistry for Fall that caught my eye are eye play and jewel tones. I am using jewel tones – sapphire blue, teal, yellow etc.- to create fun looks from updated smoky eyes, playful uses of liner and colorful mascara looks.
What does the future hold for Merrell Hollis?
Lots of exciting projects are on the horizon – but I can’t share them all just yet! For now, I’m thankful that people tune in to see my work on The Wendy Williams Show and to see me at my classes with The Makeup Show.
Makeup and Beauty tips from of your favorite Gospel Artist!
I had the pleasure of meeting a few incredible ladies at last month’s Javen Album Release Concert at Faith World Church. Damita Haddon, Deleon Richards-Sheffield , and La Rue Howard to name a few. Lipstick Mixtapes is all about makeup, fashion and glamour so I had to ask the ladies what are some of their favorite beauty products, trends in fashion and how they stay glamorous while singing and praising on stage!
Damita Haddon says she never really sweats much while on stage, and she prefers a natural makeup look. Coloring in her eyebrows with a brow pencil is a must and blush on her cheeks to add pop is necessary.
Quick Tip from Damita is to always moisturize. On her skin she uses African shea butter at night and in the morning; she says this helps to preserve the youthful look of the skin!
@DamitaHaddon
Giel
With her Eclectic vibe of Christian music it was a delight to talk with Giel. Her sound is truly God given and so refreshing with a sound that you can ride to and worship all at the same time!
Giel plays the guitar so she is a fan of Gel Nails with an American Manicure, or a clear nail polish. Her go to products are by a European brand called Kiko cosmetics she says she loves their eyeliner pencil and it last forever!
Senior Pastor and worship leader Kaci Stewart uplifted me so much with her encouraging words about letting God make you over and finding your true beauty in His presence.
“A responsibility as women is to be fashionable and cute and a represent as a woman of God. You can be who God has called you to be. In the presence of God our worth is shaped. When you’re in God’s presence he begins to shape who you are and relabel you and labels of man strip away and we become who God has called us to be.”
God looks on the heart. Any woman of any age she encourages to feel comfortable in their own skin and strip away the things of the past. She says let God be the one who identifies you and allow him to show you your true identity. “When you read the word and are in his presence he begins to reveal to you who he is in you and that is a beautiful thing. If God is pleased that’s what it’s all about.”
LaRue Howard is a well-known fixture on the Orlando gospel music circuit. Leading praise and worship full time since 2001, LaRue says her goal is to pour into and teach other up and coming worship singers. She wants them to not make the same mistake that she did and that’s what kingdom building is all about!
I loved her look and her Natural hair looked great with hints of reddish brown highlights! LaRue let me know she was excited to be wearing flats during the concert, because she wanted to be comfortable and be able to give her all to the Lord. Her outfit was perfect with the flat boots she was wearing and she brought the house down with a great praise song!
DeLeon Richards-Sheffield
Many of you have heard of Deleon Richards- Sheffield from when she was a little girl singing. I can remember listening to her growing up and just being in awe of her small but powerful voice. I was all too excited when it came time to talk with her and she offered great fashion staples and the power of touching people through song!
“When you can open up your mouth and whatever comes out touches people it is a beautiful thing!”
Her makeup was beautiful, her fashion staples are a good pair of jeans a nice white tee and a great pair of kicks adding a pop of color is key!
For more beauty tips and more on the concert make sure you pick up the June issue of Gospel Now Magazine.
