Ask An Expert: Celebrity Makeup Artist & Entrepreneur

Hello! Today’s “Ask An Expert” interview is with a celebrity makeup artist, entrepreneur and kindred spirit of mine, Brandy Gomez-Duplessis.

She is one of those magical people that are simply larger than life. When she walks into a room, she owns it. I mean, you guys…

How do you think social media has changed the world of beauty?

I think social media has changed the beauty industry by allowing the beauty world to be invited into every household. It has become a billion-dollar industry and allows for all types of artistry to be successful in their field.

Who is your current favorite beauty influencer?

Let’s see, my favorite beauty influencer … I like Nura Afia @nuralailalov and Ellarie @ellarie I worked with both ladies at BeautyCon for Covergirl. Both ladies were very engaging and talented. I love what they have brought to the beauty industry.

What trend is not your cup of tea?

Oh Lord, (laughing) there are a lot of makeup trends that aren’t my cup of tea these days. I’m a little older makeup artist so for me a lot of the trends that are on social media are too youthful for me like faux freckles and fishtail brows. The type of entertainment assignments that I get hired for don’t ask for these trends. So, they aren’t looks that I would fall in love with since I don’t do them.

What is your idea of classic beauty? Describe the look.

Whenever I use the words “A Classic Beauty”, that woman is put together very well from hair, makeup, fashion, shoes, handbag and jewelry. Her look can be worn anytime of the year and can be recycled over and over still she looks amazing. A Classic Beauty takes time with her appearance, her hair has shine and body, her makeup look can take her from day to night, her fashion always has statement pieces like a nice coat, poncho, and a beautiful blouse. Her shoes and handbags are always quality that can be worn at any time and her jewelry is never gaudy. It’s always a perfect complement to her look. A Classic Beauty is always fully clothed and still is very sexy.

You just launched your own cosmetics line (yay!). Tell me a little bit about the brand.

Yes, I launched Entitled Beauty Cosmetics in November with my business partner Johnny Luoma. Entitled Beauty is a mineral based makeup line, that’s Cruelty & Paraben Free. I came up with Entitled Beauty because everyone is entitled to feel beautiful. The reason we decided to work with mineral and natural ingredients is due to my health issue; Lupus, Lyme and Rheumatoid Arthritis. I wanted something that would be as healthy on the skin as we could possibly get it. At the present time we are an indie brand that is sold online. We have bold liquid lipsticks, collagen peptide lip gloss to give your lips that fullness none of that minty tingly plumping ingredients. And last, we have Spotlight Highlighters that are highly pigmented. We have debuted Entitled Beauty at Oscar de la Renta fashion show, Harlem Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, NBA All Stars Weekend and were seen in Paper Magazine. We have so much in store and we can’t wait for Entitled Beauty to become a household name.

Celeb with the best makeup look on the regular?

One of my favorite celebrities is Kerry Washington and I have been able to touch her face twice in the past, just saying (laughing). I love everything about her looks, her personal style and her Olivia Pope style. She’s such a lady, she oozes class. Kerry Washington is everything a successful boss woman looks like.

Do you have any advice for someone looking to break into the beauty industry?

Always (laughing)! One thing I can share with aspiring makeup artists, hairstylist, fashion stylists, and even photographers. PLEASE LEARN YOUR CRAFT! What I mean when I say that is, learn everything you can, things that social media cannot teach you. I came into the game over 20 years ago when there wasn’t the luxury of the internet. So, I learned firsthand, I learned my craft from an OG in the game. Be respectful, when meeting your OG as well. Don’t step to them like your friend. These people paved the way for you and what is being seen on the internet. Have some integrity and wait for your time that GOD has chosen for you to shine. Don’t stab another to make it to the top just wait your turn and work hard for what you want.