..::Beauty Video of The Day 10.8.10::..

"Vintage Bridal Makeup with a Modern Twist "
(Full Tutorial)
By: MakeupByRenRen

..::NEW PICS! Pics from Photo shoot w/ Hair Stylist Lamont Wagstaff::..

Here are some pics from my shoot last month! Enjoy!

Click here to see my Behind the Scenes post from this shoot!

Photographer: Dexter D Cohen
Model: Clarissa Scott
Hair/Fashion Styling: Lamont Wagstaff
Makeup: Nita J

I'm BACK!!!!

Hey my loves! So sorry I haven't posted in a couple of weeks, I have been BUSY, BUSY, BUSY! Networking, getting out a little more to meet potential clients, I have had weddings, beauty consultations..it just hasn't stopped! I have really been focusing on staying visual to the public, which is how you attract clients. It has really been paying off!

I am back and I will be trying to post daily like I did up until recently. Enjoy!!!!

..::Nita J's Affordable Faves 9.14.10::..

My "Affordable Faves" for today are the "Color Icon Eyeshadow Palettes" by Wet n Wild Cosmetics.

I absolutely LOVE these palettes for soooo many reasons. The shadows in the palettes are super pigmented, SUPER blendable, and super vibrant..everything you would want out of a quality eyeshadow...and at $4-$6 each, you CAN'T beat that!

Each palette comes with 3 matte colors and 2 shimmery colors. You can mix and match as you choose to achieve the perfect look for yourself; from simple to dramatic!

The palettes come in 4 sets:



"Lust" and "Vanity"

"Greed" and "Pride"

Looks from all palettes coming soon!!!

..::Photo Shoot w/ Model Loren Dixon and Photographer Dexter Cohen::..

This is a shoot from a couple months back but I had SOOOO much fun with it!

Photographer Dexter Cohen decided to do an early morning sunrise photo shoot on the beach with model, Loren Dixon (I love her! She is beautiful inside and out!!). When he asked if I would do makeup for the shoot I quickly agreed. Loren came to my place about 4am to get her makeup done. To be honest I didn't really know what kind of look I was going to use for her, but I knew that I wanted something fresh for the beach, but slightly dramatic. Loren has gorgeous eyes so I definitely wanted to play those up!

Once we got to the shoot location, I quickly touched up Loren's makeup so that we could hurry and catch the perfect lighting.

The location was absolutely stunning...breathtaking even..

Here are a couple of un-photoshopped, blackberry photos of Loren I took!

Dexter REALLY did his thing with this shoot..Check out 3 of the final images!















































Check out Loren's ModelMayhem profile for more photos of her! She's an amazing model! http://www.modelmayhem.com/1559534

..::NARS Fall 2010 Collection Preview::..

Aaaaaah yes...... The NARS Fall 2010 Collection.....what can I say...absolutely STUNNING!

I can honestly say, I am never really disappointed by NARS products..not saying that I have tried everything, but everything that I have purchased has bought me such joy lol..

NARS offers some of the most beautiful, vibrant, pigmented, high quality products in the cosmetic industry. It's one of my go-to brands for a client and for myself.

The whole fall collection is awesome but I wanted to point out my 3 faves that I have actually tried:

1) I can't even begin to tell you how vibrant and GORGEOUS this shadow is...if you love a nice purple eyeshadow like me..GET THIS NOW!




"Style icon. Designer. Model. Heiress of haute couture. Named after Daphne Guinness, this hypnotizing, deep-violet eyeshadow exudes excitement. Use across lids up to the brow, blending outward." (NARS Website Description)

2) This blush adds just a hint of color that's flirty and soft. Great for contouring!




"A soft pink-brown hue imparts a honeyed brown kiss of innocence on cheeks. Exclusive for Fall, the powder is laser etched with our logo. Use to contour the cheek or warm forehead, jaw line and nose." (NARS website description)







3) This duo is SO pretty and you can do some really soft, romantic looks with it, or you can edge it out and make it smokey. This duo is super versatile and looks great on all skin tones!



"Love, sex and power. Russia’s empresses had it all. Inspired by royalty, the Eyeshadow Duo pairs the majesty of platinum gold infused with silver reflections with a bold, steel grey. Swipe and shadow along the upper lid or smudge along the lower. Positively regal." (NARS website description)







Click here to view the entire Fall 2010 Collection!

What do you think of the collection? Have you tried any of the products? Let me know!

(All photos courtesy of www.NarsCosmetics.com)

..::Fall 2010 Beauty Trend Alert: "The Statement Lip"::..

As a makeup artist, it's very important for me to keep up with the latest trends so that I can better serve my clients. Therefore I am always looking at magazines, television shows, award shows, fashion shows, etc..to see what trends are in.

This fall I am noticing that the IN thing right now is a subtle eye, and a moody mouth. Berries, mauves, reds, and deep pinks on the lips. Pops of color on the lips makes a BOLD statement...great for this season!

Check out the stars who have owned this look in recent weeks..bringing us right into the fall!

Jessica Alba is stunning with chestnut/golden tones on the eye, light blush and deep red lips. CLASSIC!

Beyonce looks gorgeous in a nude eye color, winged liner, soft pink blush and bold, coral/pink lips! Love this!

This look is soft and romantic. Ashley Greene rocks a soft, mauve color on the eyes, soft blush and a bold fuchsia lip! Since the eyes were toned down..that pop of color on the lips balances out the look.
I adore this look on Whitney Port! This look is classic with a touch a sophistication. She glows with a fresh, flawless face..nude eye, light on the liner, soft blush and bold red lips...LOVE!

Michelle Trachtenberg rocks a fresh, dewy face here..lots of mascara, soft berry blush and dark berry lip. This look is gorgeous and classic.

This look is flirty, fun and SO Rihanna! She sports a touch of bright pink on the eyes, soft pink blush and a bright, bold red lip. FIERCE!!

Share your fave fall trends! What do you LIVE for....Let me know!

(All photos appear on this post courtesy of people.com)

..::2010 VA Fashion Awards Promo Piece::..

Studio 76 2010 VA Fashion Awards Promotional Piece from Visually Inklined on Vimeo.

For this years Studio 76 promo Visually Inklined decided to team up with Dexter D. Cohen and his amazing photographic skills to create a collage of beautiful diverse footage showing the range, caliber and professionalism of the models associated with Studio 76 as well as to promote their 2nd annual fashion awards show. Filmed over a two week period with a variety of set ups and models.

Directed by Kory Smith and Dexter D. Cohen

Directors of Photography: Dexter D. Cohen and Samuel Rogers

Here's the list of the nominees for the 2010 VA Fashion Awards (list courtesy of www.VaFashionAwards.com):

2010 FINALISTS

Up & Coming Designer - Ready to Wear
Crystal Woodard - LegTalkInc
Marquita Bianca - LegLovers
Deborah Cooper - Dee Couture
Brennan Crick - Rebel Club International
Anton Vitkovskiy - Vernato

Up & Coming Designer - High Fashion/Couture
Stephon Stallings - Vintage Hazel
Domonique Riddick - Fearful Clothing
Searra Eleece - SetCSexy Designs
Michael Taylor - Michael Taylor Couture
Mikasa La'Charles - Mikasa LaCharles Fashion

Best Female Model
Victoria Goldberg
Natalia Caruso
Alyssa Danilova
Letitia Crawford
Taylor Heskett
Loren Dixon
Sidney Franklin
Seiko Ablett
Jarra Goodridge
Bethany Barber
Leslie Ore

Best Male Model
Dominic Bailey
Ricky Godette
Woodson Dagobert
Jeremy Ocheltree
Dimitri Irshinskiy
Reuben O'Shea Russell
Rayshun Johnson
Andrew Paterini
Brandon McCain
Mark Barbara

Best Hair Stylist
Joie Wallace
Lamont Wagstaff
Alice Olson
Phillip Bernier
Natasha Fairbanks
Briana Altomare

Best Make Up Artist
Nita J
Carmen Thomas
Rondell Johnson
Victoria Goldberg
Phillip Bernier
Sophia Kelley

Best Photographer
Mariaelissa Littles
Lee McDowell
Allen Stephenson
Jubert Gilay
Alex Navas
Dawnita Alston
Cris Schafer
Ira Morris
Dexter Cohen
Shon D

For More info on this years event, please visit www.VAFASHIONAWARDS.com

..::Beauty Video of the Day: 8.31.10::..

"Sparkling Soot"
By : "Petrilude"




Check out Petrilude's Youtube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/petrilude

..::Celeb Beauty Buzz: Lea Michele (Look Recreated)::..

So i did a post last week giving a step by step guide on how to create a look that I saw on "Glee" actress Lea Michele. I absolutely LOVED her makeup! It's such a simple, and fresh looking, yet glamourous look. I decided to try this look out on myself!

Here is the pic of Lea Michele.

Click the image and it will take you to the post on how to achieve her look:

Here's a pic of me rocking my version of this look while out with

friends this weekend:

Let me know what you think! Feel free to re-do this look as well

and send me pics!

..::Exfoliate! Reveal Your Natural Glow!::..

Exfoliation is a key component to healthy looking and radiant skin. The process of exfoliation involves removing the dead cells from the skin which can cause skin to look dull. When these dead skin cells are removed, you will reveal healthier and more radiant skin. Once your naturally radiant skin has been revealed, makeup and other beauty products can be applied a lot more smoothly and you will look much more refreshed!

Here are some products that you can try that will help you to maintain a healthy glow:


Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub




This is actually a personal fave and I use it everyday! This scrub is great for evening out the skin tone without harsh ingredients. I like this product because it's gentle enough for sensitive skin unlike a lot of scrubs, making it great for all skin types. It contains lots of great natural ingredients that are good for the skin. I definitely recommend!

Alba Sea Algae Enzyme Facial Scrub





This is another scrub that is great for all skin types. This invigorating scrub contains corn meal, almond oil, sea algae and aloe vera, all of which help to remove impurities, promote healthy circulation of the face, refines skin's texture and gives you rejuvenating moisture. Another great product that I love! This one is only needed 2-4 times a weak.








St. Ives Fresh Skin Invigorating Apricot Scrub






This scrub is a GREAT item to have and you can get it at an AWESOME price..I don't think I have ever paid more that 4 bucks for this item and it works as if I spent 20 bucks on it. It's America's #1 Scrub Brand and from using it for years, I know why. This product is another scrub that is gentle enough for everyday use. It contains antioxidants from apricots that gently cleanses the skin, hydrates and nourishes. It will leave your skin feeling so smooth and you will glow as soon as you rinse the product off of your face. TRY IT, TRY IT, TRY IT!!!

..::MUA Spotlight: Makeup Artist Sam Fine::..

One of the highlights of my makeup artist career so far was the time I got a chance to meet one of my idols in the game celebrity makeup artist Mr. Sam Fine. Sam Fine is an outstanding talent and has painted the faces of many celebs such as Jennifer Hudson, Queen Latifah, Vanessa Williams, Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell and supermodel Iman, just to name a few.











I have followed his career, read his books, and watched his DVDs. He is truly an inspiration to me!

(Click image to purchase the "Fine: The Basics of Beauty" DVD!)

.









Check out this interview with Sam Fine. He tells how he got his start as a Makeup Artist!




Here's a (older) video about my experience when I met Sam Fine..How exciting!

..::Affordable Makeup and Beauty: Pick 3 (8.24.10)::..

Today I want to focus on affordable beauty! Not all makeup and beauty products have to cost a fortune. With the proper application techniques and tools, you can use drug store and not-so-expensive products to create a gorgeous, professional look.

Let's take a look at my 3 picks for the day:

1) Sonia Kashuk Makeup Brushes

















- These brushes are some of my FAVORITE brushes. They are professional brushes made by makeup artist and entrepreneur Sonia Kashuk. I feel that they are of high quality and achieve great looks for a fraction of what high end brushes would cost. While MAC brushes (which are fabulous) are a bit costly ranging from $12 to $52 dollars EACH..you can get a whole set of Sonia Kashuk brushes at Target for $20 to $30! I think that is highly worth it! Visit http://www.soniakashuk.com/ or your local Target store to purchase.

2) Maybelline Eye StudioColor Pearls Marbleized Eyeshadow

















- I absolutely LOVE these little eyeshadows! These are super pigmented and go on so smoothly. The products are baked and help to achieve a pearly and shimmery look. They come in 10 beautiful shades (which I have purchased all of lol) that would compliment any eye color or skin tone. At $5 to $8 it's totally worth it. You can find these eyeshadows wherever Maybelline products are sold. Definitely check them out!

3) COVERGIRL Queen Collection Natural Hue Bronzer

-Celebrity Makeup Artist Sam Fine RAVES about these bronzers! I tried them myself and simply fell in love. At about 6 bucks, the quality is fabulous. They are matte brozers with a slight hint of shimmer which look really natural. There are 3 shades; Light Bronze, Brown Bronze, and Ebony Bronze. I suggest getting all three! You can use these bronzers alone as a blush, under a blush to make that blush pop, or you can contour with them. You can find these wherever Covergirl products are sold.

Share your beauty deals and steals! Comment below!

..::Should You Hire a Professional Makeup Artist For Your Wedding Day?::..

Here's a great article I found about the importance of hiring a professional Makeup Artist for a wedding. Read on and share your thought!

Should You Hire a Professional Make-Up Artist For Your Wedding Day?
By Terri Anne Meyer

In the midst of wedding preparations, the decision to hire (or not to hire) a professional make-up artist for your wedding day is one of the most important decisions you will make. All eyes will be upon you. It is your moment to shine. You want to look your absolute best!

I am often asked."Should I hire a professional make-up artist for my wedding?" As a professional make-up artist, my answer is obviously biased! However, I do realize that professional make-up isn't for everyone. I hope the information provided will assist you in your decision on whether or not hiring a professional make-up artist for your wedding day is right for you.

A true professional make-up artist has an artistic eye and knows exactly what colors and techniques are needed to enhance your best features. Many make-up artists have received advanced training in make-up education, face shapes, color analysis and are also skilled in camouflage or other techniques to minimize flaws in your skin. A good make-up artist will also assess your fashion personality to determine how bold or creative you like your desired look to be.

Having a camera ready appearance is essential. The make-up application you typically wear may not be suitable for the camera or you may look more radiant with a different type of make-up application.

If you typically wear little make-up, I strongly recommend hiring a professional make-up artist. Believe it or not, this will alleviate a lot of anxiety and stress on your special day. Everyone gets the jitters. Trying to apply photographic quality make-up with a steady hand while your stomach is turning and your hand is shaking isn't easy when you have little or no experience in applying a full make-up application.

Worried about looking "too made-up?"...interview several make-up artists and absolutely schedule a trial. Most make-up artists do charge for a trial as they need to schedule time on their appointment book. In my opinion, this is money well spent. During the trial, you will be able to try different looks to see what you look like! Often times, what you thought you wanted may not be what you like or what looks best on you in the end.

If you love the way "you" apply your make-up, hiring a professional make-up artist may or may not be the right decision for you. If you are open to change, a professional make-up artist may show you a variety of ideas that will enhance your features; they may also perfect upon your look making you more flawless and camera ready. Only you should make the decision. If you truly love the way you apply your make-up and how you photograph with your personal make-up application, do not feel coerced or pushed into hiring someone. You want everything to be perfect on your special day. Feeling uncomfortable about your make-up application will only make you miserable.

Tips to finding the right make-up artist for your wedding day:

-Ask your hair stylist, photographer, videographer, reception center, etc...for a referral. These individuals often have preferred partners that they work with and will be happy to share their thoughts and opinions.

-Look online. Professional Make-up artists often have online portfolios and testimonials.
Schedule a consultation. Many make-up artists offer consultations for a minimal charge. This will allow you to meet the artist, review their work, and decide whether or not you want to schedule a trial.

-Ask specifically about the techniques they use to ensure you have a flawless finish. Be sure they have the experience you are looking for.

-Ask how the make-up artist sanitizes their equipment and make-up brushes. You might be surprised!

-Ask for references, pictures, testimonials, etc. Do not hesitate to ask an artist for references that you can call. Questions should include if the artist was organized, on-time, performed quality work, and was friendly and flexible.

-If you have skin challenges, ask your make-up artist about their experience in working with your particular skin challenge.

-Once you decide upon an artist, schedule a trial. Your trial will be a deciding factor in who you decide to hire. Try to schedule your trial for early in the day. Wear your make-up for the entire day; see how it lasts, how it feels, and whether or not you are comfortable wearing the make-up application.

-Most importantly, you should feel a level of personal comfort with your artist. The artist will be in your personal space on your wedding day. You want to feel confident that whatever challenges comes their way, they will be able to handle the challenge with grace and without drama.

Long after the preparations, the wedding vows, the first married kiss, the first dance, the hors d'oeuvres, and the sharing of wedding cake, your pictures will remain. Your pictures will remind you of everything wonderful about your special day. The decision on whether or not to hire a professional make-up artist is an important one. Their skills can tie together the look you have always dreamed of.

..::Photos from Viola Ricci Photo Shoot::..

Model: Ksusha Belousova
Wardrobe Designer/Styling: Viola Ricci
Makeup by Nita J
Hair & Photog: Michelle Aristocrat
© 2010 Michelle Aristocrat















For a Behind the Scenes look at the this photo shoot check out my blog post: http://nitadoesmakeup.blogspot.com/2010/08/photo-shoot-behind-scenes-shoot-for.html

..::Beauty Video of the Day: 8.20.10::..

"Pink and Coral Eyeshadow Tutorial"
by: "QueenofBlendingMUA"



You can check out her YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/QueenofBlendingMUA

..::The Importance of Eyeshadow Primers and Nita J's Top 5 Picks!::..

Eye shadow primers are very important when applying makeup. A good primer will help you to apply product easier, help colors appear more vibrant and help product stay in place throughout the day. If you have oily skin, not using a good primer can cause eyeshadow to come off quickly or crease within your lids. I think that a primer is a great staple for any makeup kit!

Here are my Top 5 Primers!

Urban Decay Primer Potion ( http://www.Sephora.com )





















Mary Kay Eye Primer ( http://www.MaryKay.com )













MAC's Paint Pot in "Painterly" ( http://www.MACcosmetics.com )











NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencils ( http://www.NYXcosmetics.com )
























Too Faced Shadow Insurance ( http://www.Sephora.com )


















Have any other product suggestions? Share them in a comment!

Glamfreak Magazine Fall/Winter 2010 Issue!

Guess who's makeup work made the cover!! YAAAAAAY! lol



Photo Shoot for Designer SAMM at Viola Ricci
Date: August 8, 2010
Location: Baltimore, MD
Photography/Hair: Michelle Aristocrat
Designer: SAMM at Viola Ricci
Makeup: Nita J
Model: Ksusha Belousova






For a Behind the Scenes look at the photo shoot for the cover check out my blog post:
http://nitadoesmakeup.blogspot.com/2010/08/photo-shoot-behind-scenes-shoot-for.html