It’s not everyday that I get to pick the brain of a pro such as James Vincent…and picked away I did!
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The otherwise average woman (such as myself) stands in awe of the work you do. What are some tips or advice you can give us for adding a little more fab to an everyday makeup look?
For me it becomes about focusing on and spotlighting one part of the face. Your favorite part or the part you think is the most flattering. If you have perfect lips lets look at applying a color that draws attentions to the lip. If you have amazing eyebrows bring the attention to a polished brow. So many women focus on hiding or covering instead of celebrating. It will change your whole approach to makeup if you look at it as a way to celebrate your best features and not hide what you perceive to be flaws.
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Makeup is as forward as fashion, if not more. How or where do you draw your inspiration from as seasons + trends change?
I think inspiration is one of those things that is all around us. It might be a trip to a gallery or an amazing sunset or a memory of my favorite film or perfume my aunt wore. We have tools for predicting where the industry will go with color and texture but I think the true inspiration comes from looking at the women around me and my surroundings and seeing how I can come up with something that feels timely and timeless and still celebrates the faces I will be working with.
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I believe that if there is anything to learn it should be learned from one of the best. What are some products in your kit that you believe an aspiring MUA should also possess?
Embryolisse Lait Crème is a holy grail of skin care. Models and celebs look for it for sure. Make Up For Evers Aqua line of waterproof product is as amazing for every day makeup as it is for high intensity situations and their collection of Aqua Brows, Aqua Eyes, Aqua Liners and Aqua Black are always in my kit. Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer is that foundation that always looks flawless and allows me to customize cover for any situation. Inglot has some great lip colors in their Freedom Palette series and are super easy to cover and allow infinite possibility. Temptu is my must have for airbrush. Their SB formula is so beautiful and Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar are terrific for adding a pop of pigment and a bit of drama. I am obsessed with cheeks and NARS The Multiple and Stila Convertible color are something I use in every makeup look I do. Lastly, Alcone has so may staples like RCMA Foundations, Coloyre Blue Eye Drops and Z Palettes. I keep my kit pretty small and versatile to accomplish the most with the least amount of product.
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You have such a creative soul + are constantly showcasing your work for brands + designers. What’s next for James Vincent? Do you have any plans to launch your own cosmetic line?
I have had my own line in the past and it was a hard marriage between Art and Commerce for me. I do have a million other projects going on including some brand stuff though. We will be adding in The Makeup Show next year to new markets including The Makeup Show Dallas which is very exciting. I am also writing weekly columns for Beautylish and Galore Mag as well as acting as Beauty director for several magazines. I am doing a weekly feature on Refinery 29 about overcoming your makeup fears and I am excited to announce that I am the Director of Artistry for the new makeup brand Ardency Inn. Ardency Inn marries my two passions of makeup and music and it is high performance makeup that takes the tricks of the trade and makes them wearable for every woman. It launched last week at Sephora and will be premiering at The Makeup Show next season.
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So this is my first year at T.M.S. Orlando, what are some show highlights I shouldn’t miss?
Well NARS Cosmetics will be joining us for the first time and this is super exciting. They are new to the pro discount but a staple for pros so I am sure the lines will be long. Make Up For Ever is launching their new Pro Brushes at The Makeup Show Orlando and the industry is dying to get their hands on them. Each The Makeup Show Artist including Orlando Santiago, Danessa Myricks, Kathy Aragon, Esterique and I have put together small kits of our Make Up For Ever must haves available exclusively at the show and at huge discount. Education is also exciting this year. On top of our hands on workshops we have keynotes including legends like Billy B, Sharon Gault and Crystal Wirght and Michael DeVellis as well as exciting new voices like Sutan, Toby Sells and Alee Cao. It is a roster that should not be missed.
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As Director of Artistry and Education what do you think this year’s attendees should be able to take away from this 2 day event?
I think on top of the huge discounts on makeup that will have them buying a ton of must have products they will leave inspired with a better understanding of their artistry as well as the business side of this industry.
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The Makeup Show is currently reaching 4 cities nationwide + I know of so many in the industry who are just dying for an opportunity to experience it. Are there any plans to add new cities next year?
Next year we will add Dallas and for 2015 we have some other plans on our plate that will bring our vision to more artists all over the world.
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{Fyi: Not a paid post + I cannot wait to see him at the show!}