Kevin-James Bennett

City: NYC
Profession: Makeup Artist / Educator / Product Developer / Beauty Bitch
Claim to Fame: 5 Nominations and 2 Emmy Awards
Website: www.kjbennett.com
MySpace: myspace.com/kjbennett
Twitter: twitter.com/kjbennett

How did you get your start in the industry?

Retail…where every serious makeup artist should start. Not a photo studio with a bunch of pretty 13 yr. old models with perfect skin. Get your butt out into the real world with lots of regular people who want to look their best and are relying on you to work your magic and boost their self esteem up the scale to fabulous. That’s the kind of “on the job training” that creates the greatest makeup artists.
 

Who is your dream client and why?

A client who isn’t afraid to change it up and look “different” every now and then. I’ve worked with many celebrities and socialites that are terrified of stepping out of the box. Hell, makeup washes off. If you don’t like the look, wipe it off and we’ll start over.
 

Without naming names, tell us about your nightmare client.

Those amazing people who have absolutely no makeup training, yet “know” more about makeup than me and find it necessary to “guide” me.
 

What's your favorite trend this season?

We’re FINALLY moving away from the d*mn “smoky eye” and returning to an architectural, sculpted eye makeup. It’s a classic, modern look that is far more sophisticated than the raccoon eyes we’ve embraced for the past 5 years.
 

What 3 beauty or fashion mistakes do women commonly make?

1. Too much mascara at the wrong time of day (less in the AM, pump it up in the PM).
    
2. Badly or unblended makeup (eyes, cheeks, lip liner, etc.)
    
3. My BIGGEST pet peeve…wearing the wrong color foundation. Your face HAS TO MATCH you neck. No excuses!
    

Can you share some of your secrets for looking good on camera?

With makeup, less is more. Use a light hand and add more when needed. It’s so much easier to pump it up to glam than take it down from RuPaul or Tammy Faye.

What are 3 things women can do to update their look on the cheap?

Buy “trend” colors cheap. If you like the look, invest in a better quality product.

That’s all…I don’t think anyone should skimp on makeup products. I believe the term is “best face forward.” People look at your face before they check out your shoes. A premium foundation in your perfect color is worth a lot more than a pair of Manolo strappy sandals (and it's FAR cheaper).
 

What's the most surprising thing you've learned in your profession so far?

Guys tend to be bigger divas in the makeup chair than women.
 

If you had to choose another profession, what would it be and why?

I’d own a super cool and funky bar/restaurant on a beach. I love to entertain and throw parties…it would be a daily JOY!
 

Any words of wisdom for those trying to break into your profession?

Work at your craft with intense passion and allow yourself to MAKE MISTAKES! The absolute best (including famous) makeup artists f*ck up. They are committed to their craft and aren’t afraid to take chances or make mistakes. They understand and embrace the concept that innovative makeup techniques sometimes involve failure, but often produce amazing results. Roll your sleeves up and let’s get busy!
 

Learn more about Kevin-James Bennett at www.kjbennett.com