Q&A With Jennifer James

With over 20 years of experience as a makeup artist, Jennifer James continues to pursue work that insists on her being challenged and she continues to reach for places that she has yet to go. Jennifer James once wrote, “Makeup is my passion. It allows me to express my artistic nature. Makeup is my connection to the world of visual art. Makeup links me to the unbounded wealth of colors that God has created for us to behold.”

A Word For My Sistas: How old were you when you started doing makeup?

Jennifer James: I started my career as a makeup artist at 19-years-old; about a year after I moved to New York to pursue modeling. I’ve always kept tons of makeup, brushes, and tools. So there I went.

A Word For My Sistas: What are your personal tricks for flawless makeup?

Jennifer James: My number one trick would probably be prepping the skin with cleansing, moisturizing, and applying a foundation primer. My favorite is Smashbox Photo Finish. Well prepped skin is essential for flawless makeup.

A Word For My Sistas: Do you find it harder being a makeup artist in Detroit versus being a makeup artist in cities such as New York or Los Angeles?

Jennifer James: Yes, it’s more difficult to be a makeup artist in a city that is considered a smaller market. Also, there are fewer options in the industries of entertainment and fashion in smaller markets. Larger markets like New York and Los Angeles will have more competition as well, which keeps you on your toes and able to make your mark with good work and pure hustle! In the past few years, I’ve been able to travel quite a bit for work. You definitely would rather be located in a larger market.

A Word For My Sistas: What advice would you give to an aspiring makeup artist such as myself?

Jennifer James: I would say to extend your opportunities to learn more and more by doing makeup as much as possible; reading anything and everything related to makeup, cosmetics, techniques, tips, tricks, industry trends, product development, new technologies in cosmetic chemistry, and product knowledge across the board. Lastly, test, test, and test! No better way to gauge your progress than seeing your work through different photographer’s interpretations.

A Word For My Sistas: Who influenced you the most to become a makeup artist?

Jennifer James: My biggest influence to become a makeup artist was my big sister Anna. We are six years apart and she gave me a first hand look into the life of a fashionista and everything that comes with that; the clothes, magazines, makeup, the celebrities, and the top models. She exposed me to everything glamour and I just fell in love with it all.

A Word For My Sistas: Describe your first experience doing makeup for a fashion show.

Jennifer James: In my first fashion show, I assisted a very experienced makeup artist named Peter Black for a New York designer friend of his named Bethany Marqese.` I remember the look being sun-kissed, tan skin, bare eyes, except for tons of mascara (top & bottom) lots of blush and bronzer, and glossy sheer red lips without lip liner. She was showing a resort line, hence the look. I was given four models. It went great and I worked with Peter several times after that.

A Word For My Sistas: What is your favorite eye shadow?

Jennifer James: No doubt that my favorite eye shadow is Aqua Black Waterproof Cream Eye shadow by Make Up For Ever. It’s amazing because of how long lasting it is and it can be used as a base.

A Word For My Sistas: What brand of foundation do you use in your makeup kit?

Jennifer James: I have several types of foundation that I love to use. Ultra Foundation Stick by Kryolan, Moisturizing Foundation Stick by Black Opal Cosmetics, and Make Up For Ever HD Foundation. I love all of these brands because of the vast color selections, for the coverage, and for the wear.

A Word For My Sistas: What do you look for in a makeup model?

Jennifer James: Makeup models should always have healthy clear skin. I also like models with striking features, strong looks, exceptional bone structure, and a long neck. I also look for large eyes that are wide-set, full lips, and a large eyelid. I think these things showcase makeup the best.

A Word For My Sistas: What’s the best way to match a models foundation?

Jennifer James: Basically, I will eyeball the range that I believe the model falls into. Then I will grab three shades that fall into this range. I then apply a stripe of the foundations to the model’s cheek, near their chin. Give the foundations about a minute to oxidize because that causes them to darken a bit. Then, I select whichever shade come the closes to disappearing into the skin. I use this method for everyone I do makeup for.

To learn more about Jennifer James, visit www.jenniferjamesbeauty.com.