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A Solid Foundation as told to T. Bernie

Vanessa Evelyn, the petite and pious celebrity makeup artist, blessed us with a few of her signature beauty basics. The witty Brit believes less is more and is known for creating glow skin looks. Her skillful hands have brought grace to famous faces such as Miss Ross (yes, Diana Ross), Tupac, Tyson Beckford, Vanessa Williams, Prince, Serena Williams, Tyra Banks and LL Cool J among her never-ending credits. The multi-disciplinary artist - once a jazz singer, a self-trained painter and novice photographer - is retired from a 10-year, dynamic career. As a sought-after makeup artist, her work with the elite, celebrities and the world's top models have appeared in A-list books such as Italian Vogue, W, Harper's Bazaar and beloved favorite Essence. True to the purity in her art, she is now pursuing her lifelong passion to teach. The transatlantic trotter is the founder and CEO of her own Brooklyn-based makeup artistry school, Petra Alexandra Inc., an Academy where she imparts her extraordinary techniques on aspiring artists. Ms. Evelyn's spirit commands an honesty and candidness that make her unapologetic about two of the beauty industry's blemishes.

Lesson 1: The Cover-up
Don't excuse Ms. Evelyn because that is Black Opal foundation that she is applying. Of all the makeup lines, she insists that it has the warmest colors for women of color. Quiet as kept, Black Opal is a staple for makeup artists as the color truly works for skin of every color and tone. "Typical brands are very grey or red whereas Black Opal is absolutely right," Ms. Evelyn impresses. "The yellows are perfect."

First Base Face
"You have to set the foundation," Ms. Evelyn advises. "The base surface is a foundation that must look and feel like second skin." Select an appropriate shade with a strip test on the cheek and make sure to match the color to your neck. Seek a sheer look that doesn't seem like the makeup is hiding skin therefore avoid heavy formulas that make skin shiny or oily. A healthy look doesn't stifle skin and allows it to breath. A healthy feel comes from within the woman that is comfortable with the skin God gave her and is not fearful of how she was made. Ms. Evelyn is not a fan of powders, but a strict devotee of stick formulas. "Women are taught to use liquid foundation but it really has no coverage," she chides. "In a situation where tears are necessary, it's going to run. Stick actually sticks to skin and doesn't go anywhere." Apply with either hands, brushes are sponges (Psst: Ms. Evelyn didn't want to favor one method over any other, but her gifted hands glided at least a dozen color cosmetics swatches on my two outstretched arms for shade testing; I on the other hand am a brush buff in love with the suaveness of brush sweeps.)

The Look that Hits Home: Five Fabulous Face Products
1 Black Opal Foundation
2 Black Opal Gold Galaxy on cheeks, eyes, and even along nose
3 Great Lash Mascara in Very Black - exclusively used by Ms. Evelyn., "There's nothing else like it!"
4 Black Opal 'Love Drop' lip color
5 Cover Girl brow gel
No lip liner necessary. "That look is dated," says Ms. Evelyn. "If anything, use a pout pencil to accentuate the fullness of lips."

Lesson 2: Teach Them Well
No surprise that the amazing Ms. Evelyn's Academy is not your typical makeup school. "I do not offer Makeup 101 - the bridal look - of many other schools that makes young artists ill-equipped to craft a range of looks especially high drama" she dismisses. "I teach my students the Art of Makeup and offer my students makeup for the industry - editorial, red carpet, TV interviews." Her students learn versatility of different genres and types of makeup looks and benefit from one-on-one access to her that is tailored to their development needs, schedule and knowledge of artistry. "Should a retoucher not have a steady hand, makeup should be done well," emphasizes Ms. Evelyn, "a flawless finish is a must."

Follow Ms. Evelyn and your look will be solid as a rock. "Enhance what you've got. Keep it clean, pretty and understated," says the expert Ms. Evelyn.

Its 1 a.m. and time for both of us to get necessary beauty rest. Class adjourned.

Reach Ms. Evelyn via e-mail at contactme@petraalexandra.com or a direct jingle at
718-469-3633. Also, check out her website in the Makeup Artists category of CHiC Links.

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