CONCEPT: KEVIN HEES + THE ARCANUM

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What is The Arcanum?
The Arcanum is a photo exhibit. The actual framed exhibit is 26 images, but I’ve created a complete deck of 52 playing cards to go along with the large formate images in the exhibit. I’ve printed a limited edition box set of the playing cards that can be purchased, as well as a limited edition set of scented candles. Balance Packaging did the printing and packaging with me and they did a stellar job.

Why did you create the project?
I created The Arcanum so that I could have a platform to put a unique level of purpose and meaning to my art while also creating an opportunity to showcase my hair, makeup, styling, photography, graphic design and packaging concepts.

How did you come up with the idea?
I have a friend who collects playing cards. He has so many different kinds of beautiful playing cards and tarot cards. I knew I wanted to do an exhibit but I didn’t want to do a typical book as a takeaway. I started doing a lot of research and it all just manifested from the idea that we Continue reading →

PROFILE: RAISA FLOWERS

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We are excited to share this interview with one of The Powder Group’s, The Artist Summit 2019 presenter Raisa Flowers! We are inspired by the colorful, creative artist of Raisa, who gave us an insight into how she got her start in the beauty industry, what she considers her most memorable work, challenges, signature style and much more. Check out the full interview below and get more information on the 2019 Artist Summit at www.theartistsummit.com

Where were you born?
Mt. Vernon, NY

Where do you live now?
I still live in Mt. Vernon actually! I have lived in Brooklyn at some points of my life, but honestly with the quality of home I want to have, my space has to be to a high standard. Where I live is so chill. It’s just the vibe that I am on. But hopefully I will be in Harlem or back in Brooklyn again soon.

What’s your sign?
I am an Aquarius. The best sign ever 🙂

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an artist, but I was told it wasn’t realistic. They were wrong. Then I wanted to be a doctor, a chef and a fashion designer! I had big dreams when I was younger, and still do.

How did that transpose into makeup artistry?
Makeup gave me the ability to express myself in many ways. Especially after being told Continue reading →

A FEW QUESTIONS WITH VINCENT OQUENDO

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Vincent Oquendo, one of our many talented and inspiring presenters at the upcoming The Powder Group’s program Industry Intensive: Latina Beauty Now.  Check out our interview with Vincent below! Get details and register for the Industry Intensive: Latina Beauty Now program here .

What do you find most exciting about working in makeup at this time in the industry?
I think there is a lot of change happening right now globally in every aspect of our society. When societal change has happened historically – the Renaissance, the jazz era, the Harlem Renaissance – we have seen a surge in art and creativity. With all the energetic change right now, we are seeing beauty become more expressive with the use of color, texture, glitter – all types of makeup.

Also, I feel like this new generation, Gen Z is sort of redefining what beauty is and it’s very inspiring, because you find boundaries being pushed constantly. Even if I look at some of my roster of clients that I have worked with like Winnie Harlow, Ashley Graham, India Moore and Leyna Bloom – these are all people who are changing what we see as beautiful. It’s very exciting.

Do you have a personal style of artistry and if so, how would you define it?
I think I’m know for really fitting the look to that of my client – not really ever making it about the Continue reading →

ON SET: DEBBIE ZOLLER + FOSSE/VERDON

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FOSSE VERDON “Who’s Got the Pain” Episode 2 (Airs Tuesday, April 16, 10:00 pm/ep) — Pictured: (l-r) Sam Rockwell as Bob Fosse, Michelle Williams as Gwen Verdon. CR: Eric Liebowitz/FX
FOSSE VERDON “Who’s Got the Pain” Episode 2 (Airs Tuesday, April 16, 10:00 pm/ep) — Pictured: Michelle Williams as Gwen Verdon. CR: Eric Liebowitz/FX
FOSSE VERDON “Life is a Cabaret” Episode 1 (Airs Tuesday, April 9, 10:00 pm/ep) — Pictured: Sam Rockwell as Bob Fosse. CR: Craig Blankenhorn/FX
FOSSE VERDON “Life is a Cabaret” Episode 1 (Airs Tuesday, April 9, 10:00 pm/ep) — Pictured: (l-r) Kelli Barrett as Liza Minelli, Michelle Williams as Gwen Verdon, Sam Rockwell as Bob Fosse. CR: Michael Parmelee/FX
FOSSE VERDON “Life is a Cabaret” Episode 1 (Airs Tuesday, April 9, 10:00 pm/ep) — Pictured: (l-r) Michelle Williams as Gwen Verdon, Sam Rockwell as Bob Fosse. CR: Craig Blankenhorn/FX
FOSSE VERDON “Who’s Got the Pain” Episode 2 (Airs Tuesday, April 16, 10:00 pm/ep) — Pictured: Michelle Williams as Gwen Verdon. CR: Eric Liebowitz/FX
FOSSE VERDON “Life is a Cabaret” Episode 1 (Airs Tuesday, April 9, 10:00 pm/ep) — Pictured: (l-r) Sam Rockwell as Bob Fosse, Michelle Williams as Gwen Verdon. CR: Craig Blankenhorn/FX
FOSSE VERDON “Life is a Cabaret” Episode 1 (Airs Tuesday, April 9, 10:00 pm/ep) — Pictured: (l-r) Sam Rockwell as Bob Fosse, Michelle Williams as Gwen Verdon. CR: Michael Parmelee/FX
FOSSE VERDON “Life is a Cabaret” Episode 1 (Airs Tuesday, April 9, 10:00 pm/ep) — Pictured: Sam Rockwell as Bob Fosse. CR: Craig Blankenhorn/FX

What sort of research and preparation did you do for Fosse/Verdon?
With five decades of research to do, the prep and research never stopped. I bought the Sam Wasson Fosse book that this mini-series is based on, but I had many other books on Broadway musicals and DVD’s of Bob Fosse’s films to watch. I also had access to Bob and Gwen’s daughter, Nicole Fosse, who allowed us into the Fosse/Verdon Legacy Archives. I had to research all his musical numbers that we had to duplicate and mimic the looks exactly. And the actual producers, writers, composers, pianists and others that were with Bob on each project. All of the background extras that needed to be period specific from 1940-1987, every daytime and evening beauty makeup for each time period and mustache and sideburn length for the men. I had six weeks of prep prior to shooting but continued my research every day during the six months of shooting. I left no stone unturned. I would email detailed information to every makeup artist with reference photos and specific makeup to use for each era.

How large was your makeup team?
As you can imagine, I needed a huge team. I was the makeup designer. Department Head was Blair Aycock, Key was Dave Presto, Personal to Michelle Williams was Jackie Risotto, background makeup supervisors were Sherri Laurence and Nicky Illum Pattison, Art Sakamoto made the teeth for Michelle Williams, Vincent Van Dyke did the prosthetics for Sam Rockwell and Michelle Williams. Plus an amazing team of additional background artists.

How did you go about researching the looks for the Fosse dancers through the years?
The costume designers, Melissa Toth and Joseph La Courte, and Abby in the art department were instrumental in helping me get the research I needed for the musical numbers. Along with watching many Youtube videos and going to see musicals like Chicago, many of the dancers who have studied or worked with Bob Fosse were helpful as well. It was a group effort in every way. Once the costumes and the wigs that Christopher Fulton designed were on, everything came together beautifully. Filming the musical numbers were some of my favorite moments during the whole shoot.

What was the design process like?
Every actor, dancer and background artist who went in front of the camera had a fitting. I assigned a specific look based on the year they were a part of and the character they portrayed. I had reference photos of the real person they might be portraying and photos of makeups/facial hair for that specific time period. I then assigned an artist to that actor and it all came together, every morning. Some mustaches and sideburns were lace backed, but a majority were hand-layed. Every day was a unique challenge. Not to mention aging Sam Rockwell and Continue reading →

A FEW QUESTIONS WITH: STEPHANIE FLOR

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Why is Latina beauty such a big influence in the makeup industry right now?
Latina Beauty is such a big influence in the makeup industry right now because we are being represented more than ever before. We are getting staring roles, and being major players in the industry from music to on-screen. Latin artists are being recognized in general market and our cross over is here to stay. In makeup you are seeing women of all backgrounds in ads, and commercial work representing some of the leading cosmetic companies. It’s a beautiful time to gain confidence in working with different skin tones, and features that define Latina Beauty Now.

How does the work that is being done with Latina celebrities and models effect beauty overall and how artists are working today?
The work being done with Latina celebrities and models effect the overall work of artists because it allows all of us to play outside the lines. Many of us are used to working with the same skin tones backstage and only in just the last 5-6 years there has been an influx of models from all backgrounds. From Ethiopia, to Moroccan and Dominican. So many models are looking to see who knows how to make their skin pop, and bring out their inner glow. It truly takes practice and not every artist feels comfortable working with skin tones different from theirs. There are certain products that really bring the glow forward on different skin tones, from darker, and lighter. Also many Latinas have different undertones depending on their geographical background. Its a beautiful thing to identify different features based on countries, and show our clients, models, and actresses we’ve invested time in knowing the beauty of the world.

What is the biggest difference in the way Latina culture approached beauty today versus in the past?
Latina Beauty in the past was portrayed as overly glammed, Ms. Universe beauty, but today it really is about your client in the chair. The one thing important to know about the Latina client is that not one face or idea of beauty is the same. Latinas just like every culture have different needs, and not one beauty look works for everyone. You’ll also notice American-Latina and Latinas raised in their native country also have different needs that are affected by the climate. When I travel to my home country  I’ll see my cousins perfecting the brows, but the result is one that maybe isn’t Instagram friendly because of the lack of products they have available. YouTube has really changed the beauty game world-wide but still there is limited access to top brands, and opportunities to translate what they see on TV to Real life. Today every Latina has her own definition of beauty, not everyone wants to be the siren, or the becky la fea. We take pride in our roots, and love to bring color forward.

Who are some of the most influential artists in the Latina beauty area today?Some of the most influential artists in the Latina Beauty area today are of course our line up for the upcoming The Powder Group’s program Industry Intensicve: Latina Beauty Now presenter’s Vincent Oquendo, Paola Orlando, Mayela Vazquez. Other influential artists I think include Glibert Soliz, Carolina Gonzalez, Elizabeth Ulloa, Jackie Gomez, and Clarissa Luna.

I say influential because they are working with women of all backgrounds really showing us how it’s done. 100% Latino, and with talent of various skin tones and cultures. Its just really beautiful to pave the way and introduce our beauty to the world behind and in front of the camera. I’m in awe of our industry and love seeing my fellow game changers continue to bring up the industry as a whole.

SEEN: SKINDINAVIA CELEBRATES PRO LA 2019

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Deb Milley, Jianguo Zhong, Allen Goldman
Alex Noble Tyson Fontaine
Anthony Gordon Michael DeVellis Ben Fink
Alexis Totolis
April Chaney Victor Castillo Danielle Saunders Rush
Alicia Carbajal Mirna Gonzalez
Bruce Grayson Vanessa Blanche Lee Helen Robertson
Brandi Strona
Ana Lozano
Lawrence Davis Derrick Rutledge Camille Friend
Brian Kinney
Christina Smith Barbara Lorenz
Claire Pompili Sarah Kelly
Daniella Milton and The Milton Agency Team
Claire Pompili Sarah Kelly Marc Pilcher Michael DeVellis
Lawrence Davis. Derrick Rutledge Allen Goldman
Claire Doyle
Burton LeBlanc Trefor Proud
Christopher Burgoyne
Deb Milley Janice Berridge Patty Bunch David Goldman
Diana Harrison Sheena Franks
Elisa Marsh Tyson Fontaine Michelle Garbin
Dominic Carbone Anton Khachutarian
Julie Socash Dan Evans
James McMahon
Deb Milley Hayden Van Hulzen
Etienne Ortega Albert Sanchez
Kerry Herta Cristina Waltz
Koji Ohmura. Ron Pipes. Tyson Fontaine
Mark Villalobos Melissa Eastwick
Julie McHaffie Rita Ciccozzi
Mac Hardman Julie McHaffie
Michelle Garbin
Deb Milley Etienne Ortega Allen Goldman
Mirna Gonzalez
Monica Halligan Eugenia Weston
Natasha Lees irina strukova Davina Lamont
Randy Sayer Patrice Madrigal Jessica Mills
Ron Pipes Brian Kinney
Rosalina De Salva Kris Evans Robin Slater
Sarah BonnMayera Abeita Melissa Eastwick Jeremy Bramer
Or Mussmann Deb Milley irina strukova KC Mussmann
Polly Lucke Kathy Sain Patrice Madrigal
Tyson Fontaine Rachel Hoke Elisa Marsh
Stephanie Fenner Jessica Mills
Vanessa Dionne
Tracey Henton Cale Thomas Cristina Waltz
Trefor Proud
Tyson Fontaine Jason Collins

In celebration of the 2019 Make Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Awards and the professional makeup artist industry of Los Angeles, pro-favorite brand Skindinavia, once again kicked off a weekend of celebration with their Skindinavia Celebrates Pro LA! event on the eve of the MUAHS. The brand has been a strong supporter of the professional makeup artist industry since founder Allen Goldman launched the brand in 2005. From every area of the industry, the brand’s iconic The Makeup Finishing Spray keeps clients looks in place for up to 16 hours in the most diverse of conditions. Attendees of this year’s event were also treated to a pro-only pre-production sample of Skindinavia’s newest product launch – The Makeup Remover Spray, which will launch later this year.

“We are so excited to continue to support this incredible community of artisans and makeup artistry icons and to celebrate the amazing range of projects included this year at the Make Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Awards” said Allen Goldman, Founder of Skindinavia. “The work that these pros do is mind-blowing and they are an inspiration for all we do, and for each product we create at Skindinavia”.

Teddy’s Bar at The Hollywood Roosevelt once again set the scene for the celebration, produced by Michael DeVellis and The Powder Group, with the dynamic

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INDUSTRY NEWS: GRAFTOBIAN + DESHAWN HATCHER INCLUSION COLLECTION

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When On Makeup Magazine learned that makeup artist, educator, and author, DeShawn Hatcher collaborated with one of our favorite pro brands, Graftobian, to create a brand new palette focused on deeper skin tones, we knew our readers had to know more! We were excited to try out the new palette and to get the e scoop on the formulation of this new collection as DeShawn and Graftobian partner to continue to move forward the Inclusion Revolution with The HD Cream Inclusion Collection Palette. This palette, $84.00 is available now online at www.graftobian.com

Why was it important for you to create this multi-cultural palette?
Being a black woman, I didn’t feel that we were represented well by many makeup companies I feel that people of color have just been on the back end of the consumer makeup world, and it is beyond frustrating. But when it comes to pro-focused makeup companies this is where I bow down and say thank you. Pro brands have recognized and risen to the occasion for people of color, but I just couldn’t Continue reading →