BLOSSOMING INTERVIEW: Up Close & Personal With Your Favorite Makeup Gurus: LILPUMKINPIE05

Hey Blossoms,


Youtube is saturated with makeup lovers, makeup junkies and fellow MUAs. I love it for the wealth of knowledge it provides from beginners level all the way to GURU. So when you come across a gem out the bunch you click "Subscribe" and squeal with glee because you know your in for a ride. Especially when the person is knowledgeable, personable and an overall joy to watch. I will introduce you to one of those said persons. With over 45,000 subscribers and 3,210,000 MILLION VIEWS there is no question that she is doing amazing things over there. I've been subscribed to her for well over a year and a half and each video teaches you something new. She's a working makeup artist and a sweetheart. What more could you ask for???

Here is her Youtube Channel: LilPumpkinPie05

Here is her Tumblr: LilPumpkinPie05.tumblr.com

Here is her Twitter handle: LilPumpkinPie05

Here is her Facebook page: LilPumpkinPie05

and here SHE is LilPumpkinPie aka JACKIE

STUNNING isn't the word!

1) You have been one of my favorite YouTube Gurus for a long time. What do you think of being called a Guru and people looking to you as such?

Thank you so much Sherry. To be quite honest to be called a guru is quite flattering, almost TOO flattering! You see the people that mentor me I consider are gurus. I am just a regular ol' girl with a passion.

2) Why did you initially join YouTube? When did you join? And at what point did you realize that something extraordinary was happening?

I joined the late sumer of 2009. And I literally joined because my best friend constantly begged me to start doing videos! My very first video she absolutely hated, because there were picture slideshows and subtitles. She said, what's the point of making a video if people have to read it?! I took her constructive criticism for what it was worth and began to do better videos to cater to the small audience I had at the time. The rest from there is history.

3) I know you receive lots of commentary, suggestions and requests. What was the weirdest, craziest and most bizarre comment, suggestion and/or request you've ever got?

There are way too many to name, I've seen them all. Some hatred, some very very sweet that have me on the verge of tears (yes really tears) I think possibly the strangest thing I did encounter was an annonymous man was posting videos blasting nothing but black women in a very negative and derogatory way. He mentioned me in my videos and commented on how ugly he thought I was, how I was just wearing makeup because I was ashamed of myself. This dude really went out of his way to say hatred and mean things about black women in general and that was not cool! But it's not the first mean thing I've heard in my life and it won't be the last. I must be doing something right!

4) I know you get asked if your eyelashes are real all the time. I know yours are real but if you had to compare:  what false eyelash is similar to your own: brand, style and number?

Mine are like MAC's 36's. and I say that because whenever I do wear that pair I'm like "dang, where did the lash go?!"

Jackie's natural lashes!

5) The first eyeshadow I bought from MAC was because of your video! What was the first MAC eyeshadow you purchased and why? Is it still one of or is it now your all time favorite?

That is a GOOD question!! Wow, I don't think I can think back that far!

6) You left YouTube for a short while but returned brighter and bigger than ever. Were you concerned that you wouldn't be received after "leaving" so abruptly? What helped you throw yourself back into making videos for your subscribers?

I had no doubt in my mind that my subscribers would be supportive. Simply because I was still recieving TONS of feedback via comments and emails on my youtube account. It was like I never left to begin with. I was MIA for a while because I didn't have a camera. Usually when I take a break for that long it's tech related.

7) You worked at a MAC counter, do you have any advice on how to shine through to your superiors when working at a counter? How did you stand out amongst the rest? What worked for you?

Well first of all I was the only black employee at my store, in a pacific islander demographic so I automatically stood out. Other than that I think it was refreshing to be the new person. Working for MAC can be like any other nine to five if it's not your passion. So for me to jump right in, very bubbly and ambitious, was a nice change I'm sure.

8) You have made great strides in the makeup industry since you first began. Who were the key people in your development? Did you attend a makeup school or class?

No makeup school and no classes.  A lot of reading, "people watching", and just repetition. Literally when I started working for MAC people thought I got better because they were teaching me, they didn't teach me anything there! Of course I learned a lot of tips and tricks from some of my awesome coworkers but they were mainly mental notes and just by watching other's makeup looks. I'm a pretty fast learner and very visual. 

9) What is your favorite eyeshadow brush, blending brush, eyeliner brush, brow brush and blush brush?

eyeshadow brush: MAC 252

blending brush hands down MAC 224

eyeliner brush (I never remember the name of this one) but any angeled brush

blush brush sheesh this is hard, the MAC 116 because it has many uses. 

10) What are your personal favorite foundations to wear? Liquid, cream, mousse and powder?

Favorite foundation will probably always be MAC's Studio Fix Fluid. It's just perfect for me, the coverage, the finish, the way it blends and controls oil is great. For my kit my favorite foundations are Face Atelier and Fix Fluid. If I had to choose cream it would be MAC's Full Coverage Foundations. Don't use any mousse foundations in my kit, and as for powder I love Mineralize Skinfinish and Studio Fix Powders.

DID YOU KNOW?

My whole name is Jacquelyn Lonje Olayiwola Oyeshola Bolayemi Aina

I am in the Army reserves and I love it!

My long time goal is to get into cosmetic chemistry, one day in hopes of creating a better line of oil-control products for women like me. I think the market for that is huge.

One of my favorite side things to do is "bling" things

I love me some Michael Jackson!

I like to eat jalapenos with my popcorn, hold the butter please!

Speaking of butter I'm an extremely picky eater

That's all I can think of for now, thanks Sherry!

  Photos of her amazing work on herself:

Photos from her Portfolio:

Words CAN NOT describe!

Don't hesitate to contact her on all of her social media links and be sure to let her know Sherry Blossom sent you!

Are you a subscriber to her Youtube channel? Do you follow her on Twitter? Are you a friend of her's on Facebook? What do you like about what she provides on her Youtube beauty channel?

Until Next Time,

Later Blossoms

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BLOSSOMING INTERVIEW: Up Close & Personal With Your Favorite Guru: MakeupbyCandie

Hey Blossoms,

We all have watched Youtube videos at some point in time. If you love makeup you've probably watched more than your average person considering all the available videos on makeup. Whether product review, swatches, or tutorials it's available free to everyone on Youtube. There are a handful that's widely known and we refer to them as Youtube Gurus. One of my favorites, who you may remember from my past blog post "Women of Color CAN wear blue eyeshadow" is: MAKEUPBYCANDIE.

Here is her YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/sexycandieeyes

Here is her Blog: http://www.makeupbycandie.com

Here is her Twitter : http://www.twitter.com/MakeupByCandie

AND HERE SHE IS...

1) I'm sure you get asked a lot if your real name is Candie? So I won't badger you with that! BUT we do want to know what eyeshadow combinations do you think of  for each when you hear the following candy names.. M&M's? Skittles? Lemonheads?

• People don't even call me that in real life lol. People just started calling me that since "Candie" is in my YouTube name. I actually prefer to be called Candace. 
• M&M's-blue, yellow, and brown
• Skittles-red, orange, and yellow
• Lemonheads-white and yellow

2) You have beauty counter experience working for M.A.C.? Is there anything you've learned thus far that you believe ONLY working at a cosmetic counter can teach you? Why do you believe that?

• Working at a counter will give you hands on experience with face shapes, eye shapes, skin types, etc. Anyone can put makeup on themselves on YouTube, but in the makeup world, being able to apply those techniques to others is crucial. 

3) Any tips for managing a full time school schedule, freelancing as a makeup artist and holding down a job? How do you manage?

• I multitask. I have 3 part time jobs and I'm a full-time college student. I like to sneak in notecards here and there while I'm on the clock at my jobs, that way, I can keep up with all my classes while still getting paid. As dangerous as it may sound, I also study notecards while driving. Depending on what I'm studying for, I'll also make up songs and learn them.

4) What are your 3 favorite matte eyeshadows, 3 favorite shimmer shadows , 3 favorite lipsticks & 3 favorite blushes (from any brand)? 

• 3 matte - MUFE #99, MUFE #75, and MAC Orange
• 3 shimmer - Glamour Doll Eyes Pistol Pistol, MAC Ricepaper, and MAC Bio-Green
• 3 lipsticks - MAC Electro, MAC Up the Amp, and MAC Peachstock
• 3 blushes - NARS Gina, NARS Taj Mahal, and MAC Stark Naked 

5) You do NOT wear foundation yourself. How do you respond when a client/customer asks you "why not"? Do you think your not wearing foundation makes some people question your makeup artistry abilities when it comes to choosing/applying foundations?

• I always give customers my personal opinion on whether or not I think they need foundation. Contrary to popular belief, many women wear foundation unnecessarily. I understand if there's something on your face that you need to conceal, but a fresh face with basically nothing to cover needs no foundation. I've also noticed that it ages your skin terribly if worn on a daily basis. Some of my classmates have wrinkles already and I'm only 21. I personally prefer my own skin than foundation. My favorites are NARS Sheer Glow and MAC Mineralize Satinfinish. Both of them are collecting dust in my makeup drawer though lol. My mom is also the same way. She doesn't like foundation either and she still looks like she's in her 30s instead of 90.

6) How did you become a Youtube Makeup Guru? how long did it take you to reach the level your on now? Any tips for making Youtube Partner?

• I wouldn't consider myself a guru, but I just started making videos at random. It took me a year and a half to make YouTube partner. It definitely doesn't happen overnight. I would say to just post a ton of relevant video responses, entertain your audience, don't lie, don't be conceited, and respond to people. Interacting with your subscribers on social media will also draw attention to you. Also, post tutorials more than reviews. No one wants to see informercials ALL the time. Oh and one more thing...FOR REAL lol...post tutorials on what YOU like. Do not let your subscribers tell you what to do on your channel. Of course, be open to suggestions, but if they see they can run your channel, it's pretty easy to assume that companies will sway them into lying in their videos too.

7) What is your skin type? What do you believe are the best products for skin care for your skin type?

• Really dry/sensitive - I use Clean & Clear Morning Burst Facial Cleanser, then Fix +, then MAC Comfort Cream or MAC Studio Moisture Cream. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer is also a great alternative for my skin.

8) Who were your makeup influences? Did you watch any other youtube gurus when you first started out? follow any blog? or study the work of any celebrity makeup artists?

      Hopefully no one gets offended, BUT I'm just being honest here...my opinions of course :)

• MakeupByRenRen - I still watch her, but she's a lot different than a couple of years ago. I like the "bright and neon tutorial" Ren lol.
• angeec03 - Another person who has changed. Same as above.
• xsparkage - Still love her. She does looks that I love.
• julieg713 - She's like one of my top 5 favorites...maybe THE favorite. She still does looks that I love and has not changed a bit. 

9) What are your top 3 biggest makeup pet-peeves?

• un-tweezed eyebrows in makeup tutorials, blowing on makeup brushes, using lipstick as eye shadow primer...WTH?! lol 

10) The nydailynews.com reports the UK cosmetic store, Superdrug conducted a survey and results show the average woman spends $180 every year on cosmetics for a whopping $13,000 in her lifetime and the average woman shops 5 times a year for new makeup? According to that study, are you average? below average? or above average? Do you set yourself any "makeup budgets"? Why or why not?

• 2009 and 2010 - WAY above average
• 2011 - below average
• Right now, I am on a serious budget since I'm moving out-of-state for graduate school next year. I have enough makeup at this point. I'm just adding in things that stand out to me.

 DID YOU KNOW? 

• I like my popcorn burnt.

• I can sing.

• My favorite color is orange.

• I hate seafood.

• I am a tomboy.

• I wear makeup once a week.

• I played basketball and ran track and cross country in high school.

• I don't like conceited people.

• Louisiana sucks.

• I love Calculus and Spanish.

• I went to an acting and modeling school for a year.

• Saying "excuse me" when burping is pointless.

• I'm addicted to loaded baked potatoes...without meat.

• The only meats I eat are chicken and fish.

• Spelling errors annoy me. 

• I don't attend parties with too many people; I do live in one of the US's most dangerous cities lol.

• Britney Spears is my favorite singer.

• I believe the Illuminati exists. 

• Oh and if you can't tell, I'm random :) 

I completely concur with her last "did you know" because I watch her Youtube videos and follow her on Twitter and randomness is definitely a part of her. Its awesome when someone is not afraid to be themselves even if some of their beliefs are controversial or not shared by others. Her videos are always straight to the point and I surely don't mind the tangents she goes on. An entertaining personality is a win to me. This interview was honest, real and purely all MAKEUPBYCANDIE. Thanks for sharing!

Until Next Time,

Later Blossoms!

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IMATS NY 2011: DAY 2: WHAT I SAW & WHO I MET!!

Hey Blossoms,

It's no secret most people attended only IMATS Day 1 but there were still quite a few awesome people I met and even a few I missed ( *sad face* )

Here's WHAT I SAW:

Blossoms meet Lauren pictured here wearing an amazing RED LIP! If you want to know what she's wearing, you'll have to just watch my IMATS Day 2 Youtube video HERE! Also be sure to stay tuned to my Youtube channel for CRAZIER combinations....seen here first....E X C L U S I V E !!!!!

More amazing special effects makeup artistry from the TEMPTU booth!! Yes! special effects makeup can be airbrushed too!!


Now here's WHO I MET:

The AMAZING: Erin of Scandalous Beauty! She remembered me from the Twitter chats we participate in. She is an awesome blogger and even has a Youtube channel! So personable and sweet with a GREAT smile. definitely a highlight to have met her!

Kia, of Yummy411 and I. She was so soft spoken and sweet.

While waiting for another Youtube guru to finish a conversation before I intervened to ask for an autograph and a photo. I spotted Miss Teen USA! It was awesome! I was immediately propelled back to when I was in either 1st or 2nd grade and Miss USA (or was it Miss America) came to my elementary school and I was in awe of her poise and grace as she sat in front of us on our school's assembly stage while my best friend sang with the glee club to her...but I digress. She was lovely. She even wanted a photo with the youtube guru herself. So she snapped a quick one with me first. How awesome!

Youtube makeup guru, Pertrilude. He was so kind to sign the back of a photograph autographed & given to me by his friend, Queen of Blending, which was a nice collage of pictures of her, EnkoreMakeup, Xsparkage, Purzebuzz and JulieG713 on the front. He also posed for this picture. He had the best smelling cologne on too! All through IMATS only my sense of sight, touch and slightly hearing lol were peaked so when my sense of smell came to mind after a whiff of his great smelling cologne I had to compliment him!

My best friend (and IMATS NY 2011 assistant lol) pictured here with Miss Teen USA. I also used to joke and say my bff has a Miss America smile, because she has the perfect smile for EVERY photo..looking at her smile compared to Miss Teen USA (who I'm sure smiles a WHOLE LOT!) I would say my judgement was accurate lol!

This woman came a long way to attend IMATS and I'm sad to say I can't remember her name. We had a brief meeting as she was busy mingling too. If you see this or my followers know of her please help me refresh my memory.

Mr. INGLOT! I feel like he "knows" me now. lol! I spoke with him at the Grand Opening in Chelsea, NY and then again IMATS DAY 1. I asked him for a photo and he said "Tomorrow I will have a professional photographer and I will definitely take a photograph with you then." When I saw him on IMATS DAY 2 I walked over to him and before I said a word, he smiled and said "See, the photographer is right here." I laughed and told him I was going to "demand" a photo that time and wouldn't have taken no for an answer. I also asked him to say HELLO TO MY BLOSSOMS on film which he gladly did (again! he says hey in the grand opening video) See that video of IMATS DAY 2 HERE! It was very nice of him and I LOVE INGLOT PRODUCTS!!! Check out my blog post of IMATS DAY 1: WHAT I PURCHASED to see what I picked up!

The awesome INGLOT photographer. We actually follow each other...small world lol!

Got a chance to meet another subscriber and Youtuber, MsLovelykisses88.

Celebrity Makeup Artist and owner of his own line of professional makeup brushes, Roque Cozzette. I'm also a proud PRO Member of his brand!

As the IMATS DAY 2 came to an end I decided to do one last go round and spotted Celebrity Makeup Artist, Kevin James Bennett and Youtube Makeup Guru, Queen of Blending. She's shown in IMATS DAY 1 post as well as IMATS DAY 1 youtube video. Sadly I didn't get a close up of her makeup. It does look oddly familiar so she may have a similar tutorial up of the look. Of course it was a yellow gold glitter and royal blue cut crease look. I had gold glitter on my lid too! What a coincidence!

Great folks, Great laughs.... same time next year ya'll!!!

Until Next Time,

Later Blossoms!

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IMATS NY 2011: DAY 1: WHAT I SAW & WHO I MET!!!

Hey Blossoms,

So as we all know IMATS is a great place to meet your favorite and famous Youtube makeup gurus, beauty bloggers and celebrity makeup artists. I was fortunate enough to meet quite a few people. Even more fortunate enough to be recognized by a few! OMG!!!!

While there I also experienced how amazing makeup artists can really be especially in the special effects and theatrical makeup department. Being that I mostly do beauty/editorial makeup, I am becoming more and more interested in special effects, character makeup, body art and face painting.

THE KEY TO GETTING INTO IMATS: THE WRISTBAND

I purchased the 2 day ticket and after I checked-in was given this wristband which CAN NOT be removed or else you forfeit entry on the 2nd day. So yes I wore this wristband 2 full days...shower and all!



Here's WHAT I SAW:

The amazing work of a MEHRON makeup artist. The model has a prosthetic on her nose to give her more of a feline appearance! I love how their products are pigmented and safe for face, body AND hair!!

The MAKEUP IS ART booth. Their makeup artist just began her amazing work. 

This man won 2nd place in the IMATS student competition "Tribal Theme". I was so busy and unfortunately missed this competition and didn't get a chance to see who won 1st or 3rd place. However I did film the Special Effects Student Competition so be sure to view that video on my Youtube channel for IMATS Day 2 video.

WHO I MET

My best friend (pictured on the right)  with Youtube Makeup Guru, Queen of Blending. My bff was such a team player! She's super new to wearing makeup (she applied her foundation and gloss. I lightly filled in her brows, did a brown smokey eye and added pink blush) and accompanied me BOTH days. She held my makeup bags, my camcorder, my digital camera, took photos, helped film, even used her keen sense of hearing to scope out other Youtube gurus and beauty bloggers as I unknowingly passed them. Everyone was buzzing around and crowding booths so I was unaware of the meet and greets that were going on! THANKS BEST FRIEND!

 My turn! Pictured here with Youtube makeup guru, Queen of Blending. I was shocked to know she knew of me and even mentioned she was "waiting to see me"..HA! I'll take that! I admire her for her confidence and consistency. Her laugh is SUPER INFECTIOUS! She thought it was hilarious that my bff was buckled down with all my bags and I was telling her to film and snap a photo...poor bff..lol. Thanks for being as kind in person as you are on Youtube! She was such a doll with everything and I sincerely appreciated her patience. The lighting is a little off but she is pictured in my Youtube video of IMATS Day 1 and in photos from IMATS Day 2.

                                          

Beauty Blogger, @thisfancyface, from Twitter and Queen of Blending. You may remember @thisfancyface from my Youtube Video of the Grand Opening of Inglot in Chelsea, NY

While heading out of IMATS to lunch I spotted Youtube makeup/fashion woman and blogger, Allthingsfabulous101, as she exited a cab with her husband. Funny how I recognized him first so I knew she wasn't too far behind.

Pictured here with  EnkoreMakeup from Youtube(R) and I can't remember the young lady to my right.

Youtube Makeup guru, NiNiLuvsMakeup and I. I saw her both on IMATS day 1 and IMATS day 2. She had such pretty sequins blazers on both days(second day she wore a gold one).

Pictured here with Welcome2DivasWorld from Youtube. Shared so many laughs!

Pictured here with DRBrooklyn730 from Youtube. She was super sweet!

Pictured here with Thebexworld from Youtube. 

Pictured here with Thebexworld( far left) and her friends. The sweetest group of young ladies!

Pictured here with MY SUBSCRIBERS! These two were so kind and funny! We shared some good laughs over at the INGLOT booth!

Another woman who I can't remember her name at the moment but when I heard her southern belle voice I immediately said "Where have I seen/heard you before?" and the conversation went from there. Again if you see this or if my followers recognize here please comment below and leave her name :(

Pictured here with the AMAZING Celebrity Makeup Artist, Kevin James Bennett. I sat in on his seminar and  learned some great tips. I can NOT wait to start using them. He was super personable and was so funny. I mean hilarious. When I told him how funny he was he stated "I'd rather be entertaining and have fun when I teach than be boring". I definitely agree.

There were so many people I did see (Eve Pearl of Eve Pearl Cosmetics, NikkieTutorials from Youtube, the makeup supervisor for "The Phantom of the Opera" and others!) and some I missed (JulieG713 from Youtube and a few others) but all in all I had a great time. 

Stay tuned for more blog posts and on to IMATS Day 2!

Until Next Time,

Later Blossoms!!

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BLOSSOMING INTERVIEW: Up Close & Personal With Your Favorite Gurus: BRANDALYN FULTON

Hey Blossoms,

I'm super excited to have yet ANOTHER amazing makeup guru interview for you!

Her name is Brandalyn Fulton

Her website is B STANDS FOR BEAUTY

Her twitter is @brandalynfulton

Her Facebook is Brandalyn Fulton

Her Youtube channel is Brandalyn Fulton

And here SHE is...

GORGEOUS!!!

Let's continue...

Not only is Brandalyn Fulton a Makeup Artist she's also a hair & wig artist too! So I wanted to definitely touch on all fields of her expertise. As usual, I thought long and hard about what to ask and Brandalyn was great with answering them all. Here are my questions and here's what she said...

So you specialize in makeup, wigs and hair! Tell us.. What's the major difference between styling wigs and styling hair? What changes with styling each? How did you come about styling wigs?

I started working with wigs in college. I needed to finish my college degree at the University of Michigan and my Stage Makeup Professor suggested I work alongside the Wig & Makeup Designers that would come to our school. Usually I would assist them and would help style wigs and apply wigs/makeup backstage.  In theatre, especially school or regional theatres makeup and hair are in the same department. When styling a wig the approach is different. Typically a wig is styled by a roller set. Most modern day hairstyles are not created from a roller set.

To become a professional wig stylist what program/school would you recommend? What program/schooling did you attend?

Wig styling and wig making is a very sacred art form that is traditionally passed from one person to another by apprenticeship or internship. There are only 2 major collegiate programs that offer a BFA or MFA in Wig & Makeup Design. There are several internship and apprenticeship programs around the country. I did the Juilliard School Professional Internship in Wigs & Makeup. There I learned how to build and ventilate wigs. I also refined my styling skills. In order to work on Broadway or Television, you must have your cosmetology license. I do not have one, so I can style wigs and hair in certain environments. If your goal is to be hairdresser backstage or on a television set, it is imperative for you to go to Cosmetology School. I am a Makeup Artist who happens to know how to style hair and wigs J

How did you start out as a makeup artist? What order did the skills come: makeup, hair, wigs?

I needed a college job and began working at the local department store in the cosmetic department. A job in Cosmetic Sales exposed me to the world of Makeup Artistry. I became obsessed to the point where I was totally disinterested in what I originally went to college to become. I’ve been doing makeup for almost 8 years now and wigs almost 5 years. People always ask what do I do to get started, “if someone presents you an opportunity to do something, take it!” After doing makeup for a few years I needed to finish my college program, my college professor, Christianne Myers, suggested I work backstage on a production with the Wig & Makeup Designer. I would have never thought to do that on my own. So that is how I officially started to do hair. I have always had some skills with hair. My childhood best friend and I had a mini hair salon for our dolls. It was called the ALL DOLL SALON!!!

LOL, how cute! So you got to style wigs for a fall musical of Hairspray at Pioneer High School in Ann Harbor, MI.The hair and makeup was awesome. Tell us what was necessary to create these looks?

When designing hair and makeup for theatre it is important to meet with the costume designer and director. It is important for everyone to be on the same page. I listen to their ideas, use their inspiration and research photos to execute a look that brings the character to life. The actor also may have ideas that they have developed while learning the role. This is important as well. You want them to feel comfortable on stage with their look. There are times where everyone may not agree on the overall look. I have learned to take a little bit of everyone’s idea and make it work.

Do you also do periodic makeup/hairstyling? What's the oldest era you've gone "back" to? Have you even gone futuristic and styled a "fantasy" hairstyle of the new millennium?

A lot of shows have historic or periodic references. Depending on the director they may decide to keep the show based in its original time period or they may take a different spin on things. It really depends on their interpretation. I think out of all the shows I’ve worked on, I have helped create styles back to the early 1800’s. The most rewarding part of having a solid background with beauty, fashion, and some costume history is you can see how it evolves and return with trends each season.

What are your tips for those first timers on set at a major production?

When backstage the people in the wardrobe department are your best friends. They are the people who make quick changes (coordinated dances changing clothes, wigs, hats, etc.) happen with you and also help you remember your cue for changes. Always have a bright light because you are working in the dark usually.  They can be purchased from Manhattan Wardrobe Supply. Know your stage left from stage right! Overall Stage Managers, Production Managers, and Production Assistants are the most knowledgeable people. They know what is going on at all times.

We know you are from Detroit. Tell us of 3 major MUA, hair and wig stylist in the field from there that we may not know of?

I can’t really tell you 3 “major” because we are all really close and supportive of one another. Most of us have found our niche doing our own thing. There are so many people, like me, who are from there and we are making our mark in other cities. Then there are those who are still in Detroit working on movies, advertising, bridal, and special events. As the new slogan goes, “Imported from Detroit”…there are a lot of us J

You also have a YouTube channel. What can we expect to see on that channel and when should we tune in?

I’ve been sleeping on YouTube! I admire everyone who does it. I have always felt that my life would be an interesting reality tv show. I definitely want to more with video this year. I got some good ideas. I just need to find the time and energy…lol!

What's the most amount of makeup/wig changes you've done? How did you manage?

This is a great question. Usually with large shows, you work with a crew because obviously one person cannot do it all with dozens of wigs. As Wig and Makeup Supervisor at the John Engeman Theater at Northport I am the only one in my department. For My Fair Lady, I think there were 18 wigs and almost 25 wig changes. All of the changes were done by me and there were large hats too that had to be secured to heads as well because it was a time period where everyone wore hats. Running a show backstage is like a coordinated dance that you do over and over again. Usually by week 2 or 3 you can do it with your eyes closed, no anxiety attacks…lol!

I know that with live shows last minute changes or emergencies come up. Tell us what your most crazy experience was? What did you do? Lessons learned?

My memory is horrible, but a few things come to mind. At the Music Theatre of Wichita, I was the Wig/Makeup Designer and Supervisor for High School Musical. Sharpay {one of the characters in the play} gets a pie thrown in her face right before intermission. Each night I would completely reapply Sharpay’s hair and makeup during the 15 minute intermission. It was my job to strategically place the cake icing back on her face so she could wipe the cake off at her locker at the top of Act II on stage. Well someone threw the cake away and no one knew who threw it away or in which garbage (This was a huge theatre and over 60 people were in this show.)! So after running around backstage like crazies looking for the cake, we just ended up having to use shaving cream to imitate icing! It worked, but I made sure from that day on that a Production Assistant brought the cake to me and set it on my desk.

Another crazy experience is when I made prosthetic noses and chins for a play in college. The actors would apply the custom latex pieces with spirit gum. I always told every actor to hydrate their skin and cleanse it very well. Spirit gum can be pretty brutal when applying in the same area for almost 2 weeks straight. One of the actors didn’t take my advice and the tension from the appliance ripped the skin on his face right under his eye. That {undereye} skin is so delicate it was scary. I asked him had he been moisturizing his face. Of course not, but it was still scary because I felt responsible, but there was nothing I could do. Luckily we only had 1 more show left.

WOW is all I can say!

Brandalyn has done so much! Her expertise is endless. 

BUT...

DID YOU KNOW?

Brandalyn is the beauty editor for Hope Today Magazine

suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2002

has partnered with Mount Sinai of Medicine Brain Injury Research Center to teach makeup tips to women who have suffered brain injuries

likes chilli cheese fries and anything else spicy & flavorful 

is the Makeup & Wig Supervisor for the upcoming play My Fair Lady at the John Engeman Theatre in Newport, NY

has worked in wig & makeup at Carnegie Hall!

loves anything from the 60s-70s especially fashion and furniture

was Makeup Artist of the year in 2008 at the Bennett Career Institute Celebrity Makeup Symposium 

introduced the Women of Color Foundation collection for Face Atelier Cosmetics at the Makeup Show 2010

has been in the makeup field for 8yrs and the wig & hair field for 5 yrs

recently relocated to NYC from Detroit

has a dog named Chewy

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK 2011

Brandalyn worked on the Makeup Team, which was sponsored by Mehron Cosmetics  for Toni Francesc New York Fashion Week 2011. The collection was inspired by the Garuda bird {the Hindu gold bodied bird associated with the rays of the sun}. The eye makeup was to mimic the wings of a bird and the lips were to be "blood red". Check out Brandalyn hard at work and the finished look ...

STUNNING!

Brandalyn's Tip for Working Fashion Week

Just be prepared to take on anything that could happen. Always ask for an idea of the look so you know how to pack your kit, but know that look could completely change. I always like to check in with the key artist after each application for their approval. Get to know the models - you will more than likely work with them again. I am learning that the fashion world is pretty small.

If your interested in knowing what Brandalyn used to get to the finished look. Check out her blog B STANDS FOR BEAUTY.

THE MAKEUP SHOW LA 2011

(The Makeup Show is a trade show for Pro Makeup Artists)*

Brandalyn demonstrated  LIVE how she achieved the look worn on the runway at New York Fashion Week in the Tony Francesc collection at The Makeup Show LA 2011!

Brandalyn was also a Makeup Artist at the Face Atelier booth at the Makeup Show LA 2011

In 2010, Brandalyn served as one of the speakers for Face Atelier Women of Color Foundation Launch

Here's one of my personal favorites of Brandalyn's work:

SPEECHLESS!! YES I KNOW ME TOO!

Brandalyn has been in the Makeup field since 2003 and has met many amazing and influential people. Some of my favorite makeup artists!

Brandalyn & Celebrity Makeup Artist, Sam Fine

Brandalyn on the far right pictured with another makeup artist friend & Crystal Wright, author & entrepreneur on the far left

This year Brandalyn is training to be a part of the :

"... 2011 Nautica NYC Triathlon as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training. The triathlon takes place in NYC on August 7th and training begins in March. All of us on Team In Training are raising funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives."


Read more about this cause at #TEAMBRANDALYN

GOOD LUCK!


Brandalyn Fulton is an amazing person with an equally amazing talent in makeup, wig & hair! Join her Facebook page BRANDALYN FULTON and follow her on Twitter @brandalynfulton. Be sure to also tune into her YOUTUBE CHANNEL and BLOG! BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE TO ALL!! Don't miss out on all the wonderful tips, tricks and advice she offers. 

Special Thanks to Brandalyn Fulton for being so kind and giving of her time and knowledge,  for answering every question I ever asked no matter how busy her schedule was and for being such a power house in the Makeup field. You truly inspire me and many others. Thank you!

For all my makeup lovers, makeup artists, hair and wig artists Brandalyn will be at The Makeup Show NY 2011!!!! See you all there!

Until Next Time,

Later Blossoms!

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