..::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!)

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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

..::Beauty Video of The Day 8.18.10::..

Pink & Purple Rock Star Makeup
by "MakeupByRenRen"



You can check out her YouTube Channel here!
http://www.youtube.com/user/MakeupByRenRen

..::Celeb Beauty Buzz: Get The Look!::..

Today's Celeb Beauty Buzz will be featuring Lea Michele of FOX's hit TV show "Glee". This look is fresh, flawless and seemingly effortless!

How can you achieve this look? Keep reading!

Step 1: Start of with a light to medium coverage foundation like MAC's Studio Fix Fluid or Revlon ColorStay (either the Combination/Oily formula or the Dry Skin formula, depending on your skin type). Apply with your choice of brush or cosmetic sponge (Tip: Be careful with sponges and liquid foundations. The sponge will sometimes absorb too much of the product!)

Step 2: Apply just a sweep of neutral eyeshadow to the lid. With a fluffy shader brush or blending brush apply a shadow like CoverGirl's Eye Enhancer in "Tapestry Taupe" to the lid and a little of a lighter shadow to the inner tear duct area to brighten up the eye. CoverGirl's Eye Enhancer in "Champagne" would be great for that!

Step 3: LOTS of Mascara!! Apply 2 or 3 coats or Dark Brown or Black mascara to the top and bottom lashes. For this simple look, bold lashes would look great! Try CoverGirl's LashBlast Fusion Mascara or Dior DiorShow Mascara for good length and volume. (Tip: If you choose you can also apply a little eyeliner with this look, but since this is a more natural look, the mascara may be enough!)

Step 4: For the cheeks, a warm, natural bronzer would do the trick! Try CoverGirl's TRUblend Mineral Bronzer in "Natural Bronze". WIth a blush brush, sweep the bronzer from the apples of the cheeks and upward to the temples.

Step 5: Add just a pinch of natural color to the lips. A pale pink, light peach or nude color would be ideal. Line lips with your choice of neutral lip liners. I suggest MAC's "Subculture" Lip Pencil or NYX's Lip Pencil is "Latte", "Natural" or "Nude Beige". Then add your lip color. Try a lipstick or gloss with a more of a lustre or matte finish. MAC's "Half 'n Half", "Jubilee", or "Ramblin' Rose" lipsticks are all great shades. For a more affordable alternative, Wet 'n Wild's "Bare it all", "Sand Storm" or "Just Peachy" lipsticks are awesome (and they're only like 2 bucks!). Just add your fave nude gloss on top!

Step 6: To pretty up the eye brows, add your fave brow gel. My favorite is Ardell Brow Scultping Gel in Clear. This really defines and contours the brows and gives a great finish to your look!

Try this look out yourself! Send me pics and a list of products you used to achieve your look! I will post the top 3 on my blog! Send here... NitaJ.MUA@gmail.com

..::Networking in the Beauty Industry:TALK TO EVERYONE!::..

So I get a lot of questions about how to get your name out there if you are an up and coming makeup artist, stylist, esthetician, etc...whatever your hustle is, NETWORKING is definitely a key component to expanding your business and spreading the word about what it is that you do.

In the beauty industry, having an extensive network of photographers, stylists, event planners, hair stylists, etc would be very important. You want to build positive relationships with individuals who you could benefit from and also who you may benefit as well.

But it doesn't stop there. I like to meet with people who are not in the beauty industry at all..Sounds crazy but it's actually a very good method to expanding business. In the business world, the most effective way to get business is word of mouth. So WHOEVER you talk to, be it within the realm of beauty or outside of it, someone will speak on your behalf if you're not around and in turn, bring you new business. That means...talk to EVERYONE..not just those in the beauty industry, do NOT limit yourself..you never know what kind of referrals you'll get by speaking up! Sit down and see what kind of services you can offer to different kinds of people. Get creative!

Here's a cool article that I found! "Effective Networking for Busy People"...VERY informative
http://entrepreneurs.about.com/cs/networking/a/networking4busy.htm


Also, here's a quick video: "How To Network" which can be helpful to everyone, not just us beauty industry folks!



Hope this all helps! If you have any tips to share feel free to comment!

..::VA FASHION AWARDS::..

Here's the info on this year's festivities! I have been selected as a finalist for "Best Makeup Artist" this year! Congrats to all the finalists in all categories!!!

For more info visit http://www.vafashionawards.com/

..::Beauty Video of the Day 8.12.10::..

Avant Garde High Fashion Makeup Tutorial
By: "MissChievous"

You can view her YouTube Channel here: http://www.youtube.com/user/MissChievous

BEHIND THE SCENES! Photo Shoot for Hair Stylist Lamont Wagstaff (August 10, 2010)

Photo Shoot for Hair Stylist Lamont Wagstaff
Date: August 10, 2010
Location: Hampton, VA
Photographer: Dexter D Cohen
Makeup: Nita J
Hair Stylist: Lamont Wagstaff
Model: Clarissa Scott




Impromptu photo shoots are always a fun challenge! No concepts or themes discussed prior to..just show up and show out! I LOVE IT! Photographer Dexter Cohen, who I work with frequently, called me a few hours before the photo shoot and asked if I could do makeup for a shoot in Hampton, which I quickly agreed to..didn't know any details, location or anything lol!

Once I got to the shoot location I became so excited that I was going to be working with model Clarissa Scott, who won "Best Female Model" of the VA Fashion Awards 2009! What made things even sweeter was that the hair stylist, Lamont Wagstaff, photographer Dexter Cohen and myself are all nominated for different categories of this year's VA Fashion Awards! That common bond between all of us made the shoot so amazing..all that talent in one studio!!

Here a few pics I snapped during the shoot...

Our Photographer!

















Model Clarissa in my makeup chair!

















Our hairstylist working his magic!










































































Photos from the shoot coming soon! Stay Tuned!!!

..::MUA Spotlight: Makeup Artist Pat McGrath::..

Makeup Artist Pat McGrath is one of the most influential and creative makeup artists in the world! She is one of my favorites and is such an inspiration to myself as a makeup artist as well as many, MANY others around the globe.

Click this pic to view her full profile and portfolio!




















Here is a video about Pat McGrath! Enjoy!
(I watch this video at LEAST twice a week...for inspiration...lol)

BEHIND THE SCENES! Photo Shoot for Designer SAMM of Viola Ricci (August 8, 2010)

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








I really had a blast with this shoot. I was asked by designer SAMM of Viola Ricci in Baltimore, Maryland to do makeup for a shoot he was having this past Sunday (8/8/10). I was so excited to get a chance to work with him as well as photographer Michelle Aristocrat.

I made a a whole weekend out of it. I drove up on Saturday for a relaxing day with friends. That way I could get up early and prepare for the shoot and get to the location in a timely manner.

Now I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous for this shoot. Before heading to Baltimore, SAMM and I had discussed that I had always wanted to do more Avant Garde looks but never got hired for those types of gigs. So he told me to " GO ALL OUT and do want you want!" I LOVE THAT! I love to have to chance to freely express myself through my craft, and having clients that fully support that!

I got to SAMM's studio about an hour before the shoot where he let me try on shoes, look through fashion magazines and he even gave me a quick lesson on sewing AS he created 2 new pieces just before the shoot! I was so impressed and excited!

SAMM and I arrived at the shoot, ready to go! As we walked in I met photographer Michelle Aristocrat and Russian model Ksusha Belousova. She was amazingly beautiful with gorgeous facial features and stood at a stunning 5 feet 11 inches tall! I quickly got to work doing her makeup. I thought of the garments that were going to be used for the shoot, and then remembered a few looks I had seen in the fashion magazines from earlier. I was inspired and created look #1 for the shoot.

After her makeup was complete, Michelle (who was also the hairstylist for the shoot) finished up the model's hair and SAMM got to work dressing and styling her! Here are a few photos I captured during all the madness lol!

Then it was on to look #2! Since I went with a dark and edgy eye and lighter lip for the first look, I decided to switch it up completely and create a subtle, almost nude eye and dark lip! I used a foundation a couple shades lighter then her natural skin tone and paired that with a dark bronzer and powder for heavy conturing to add depth and warmth to the skin...that really made those dark lips POP!

And then SAMM got to work again..HEY SAMM! lol (Sidenote..that jacket was FIERCE..and it almost came back to Virginia with me..hehehe..)

















Its a wrap on the photo shoot! Here's me, Russian model Ksusha Belousova and Baltimore photographer Michelle Aristocrat! Makeup by me!

















Hey Ksusha!!! She is such a sweet girl!

This shoot was so much fun for me and I definitely learned a lot! To be able to work with such a passionate and talented group of individuals was SO awesome! Can't wait to work with them all again!

Here are the links to everyone who was involved in this shoot! Check them out! Definitely a talented group!

Designer SAMM at Viola Ricci http://www.modelmayhem.com/794866
Photographer Michelle Aristocrat http://www.modelmayhem.com/1262862
Model Ksusha Belousova http://www.modelmayhem.com/1335345

Photos from the shoot will be up soon! STAY TUNED!!!