Skip to main content

Women's History Month - A Few Of My Fave Females





It's Women's History Month and I would be amiss if I didn't highlight notable women who made the makeup industry bloom throughout the years and shout out some #womenwarriors I am proud to know as thriving entrepreneurs.
(This blog contains affiliate links)

Estée Lauder


A woman who got her start going knocking on the doors of beauty salons, she went door-to-door selling skincare and makeup products to women waiting for their hair to be dried. The Estée Lauder Company was founded in 1946 by Estée and her husband on the premise that every women deserves to feel beautiful. In addition, she is credited with the business concept of "a gift with purchase." Source: Estée Lauder Companies 


Ve Neill


We all know the iconic looks of Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, and Captain Jack Sparrow. The woman behind them is Ve Neill. Since the 1970's, Ve has been spear heading major motion picture films as key makeup artist, department head, sfx artist and even hair stylist. She frequently works with Johnny Depp, but other credits include Star Trek - The Original Motion Picture, Batman Forever and the Hunger Games Series.

Eunice Johnson


In 1973 Eunice Johnson created Fashion Flair Cosmetics, a cosmetic line specially catering to African American women.  While Fashion Flair Cosmetics wasn't the first cosmetic line to offer product for BIPOC, it was the first to offer a full line, with a range of shades and colors.  Originally available by mail order through advertisements in Ebony & Jet magazine, it soon became a department store staple.  

Bobbie Brown


Bobbi is famous for the "no makeup" makeup look that started in the late 1980's, soon after she added bold colors to her aesthetic. In 1991 she founded Bobbie Brown Cosmetics, which started with just a dozen neutral lipsticks. Lauder Companies bought BBC in 1995. The brand's philosophy "Be Who You Are" is one of the reasons I admire Bobbie Brown and the company she founded. If you're looking to gain more insight on becoming a makeup artist, the Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual is a complete breakdown of everything you need to know to delve into beauty makeup.
       

#WOMENWARRIORS

Want to support a badass woman-owned business? You can support many of these babes from anywhere in the country.  Check out some of my faves:

Bear & Bird Boutique + Gallery - The quirkiest fun little shop you'll ever experience. Located in Schenectady, NY and Lauderhill, FL you'll find mystery boxes, unique art prints, a vampire garlic press, mini art supplies and so much more. Shop online from anywhere.

Erin Ford Makeup & Skincare - Safety and sanitation is key when choosing an esthetician. Erin goes above and beyond to create a clean and comfortable environment. Add on dermaplaning to your service for that extra glow. Located in Watervliet, NY

Hammock Way Of Life - Everyone could use a life coach and Janet Tanguay is the best. Get clarity on your life direction with a vision board. In person or virtual consultations available.

Local Color NYC - Fellow Marist Alum Christine Lynch curates this Brooklyn boutique with goods Made in the USA by artisans and sustainable businesses. Shop online for shipping throughout the US.

The Relief Room - Need to release some pent up anger or frustration? Lisa Birmingham gives you a safe and stress reducing experience where you can smash, slam, and throw dishes, electronics, even a picture of your ex. Located in Malta, NY.

Whip My Butta Organics - Discovered locally in Upstate, NY,  this home skincare line started out of the need to address eczema in founder Tiffany Harris's family.  The body creams are light and airy, yet dense with ingredients.  I have eczema on my hands and highly recommend.  Shop online nationwide, or locally in the Capital Region at Root3D and Schenectady Trading Company (two women owned businesses also).

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

We're All In This Together

Did you know small business owners don’t qualify to collect Unemployment Insurance? It’s been a couple of weeks full of confusion and anxiety as we struggle with mandates forcing us to close our doors for an unknown amount of time. Just a few days ago, at the request of the Governor, The Makeup Curio, along with all other hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, and tattoo/piercing parlors were shut down. As of 8PM Sunday night, ALL “non-essential” businesses had to close. This is incredibly scary, but absolutely necessary. As we’ve seen in other parts of the world, this novel coronavirus has the potential to overwhelm our healthcare system and kill a frighteningly large number of people if we are not careful. And you know what? As difficult as it m ay be to face the loss of business in the short term, we accept these regulations in stride, because if anyone understands community responsibility, it is small business owners. That’s why we’re here in the first place! And we are still h...

The Designer In Me

I suppose I've always been a designer of sorts. It started in earnest when I saw a classmate doodling during 10th grade study hall. Being bored (or nosey), I peeked over. She was drawing clothing! I was intrigued. At the time, I was not confident in my size, which was compounded by the fact that finding fashionable and flattering clothing options for larger girls was difficult. This grew into a passion, and I attained my B.P.S. in Fashion Design from Marist College . My freshman year of college I saw a Help Wanted sign in the Fashion Department from an upperclassman who needed help with costumes for a show. I volunteered simply because I thought it would be fun to work in theater, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Even my fashion designs were theatrical. Every piece I've ever designed has had a couture aspect to it; wearable, but a little 'out th ere.' My Senior Capping Project was a collection based on being shipwrecked. I should have known then that makeup was only ...

Must Have Makeup Books

I often say I am a self-taught makeup artist. To me self-taught means no formal "school" training but self-taught never really just means "self."  Before YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, there were books (yes, books!). Books and practice (and a little YouTube later on) are where I got my start and I wanted to share my favorite ones that I still have in my little book corner that I continue to refer to. (This blog contains affiliate links) Stage Makeup by Rosemarie Swinfield This is the very first makeup book I ever had. It is a step-by-step guide with color photos for various stage sizes, aging, period makeup, hair work, and more. I still reference it when teaching because the photos and diagrams have been such a valued learning tool. The Makeup Artist Handbook by Gretchen Davis & Mindy Hall Interested in a variety of platforms to show off your work? The Makeup Artist Handbook discusses techniques for film, television, photography AND theatre. I continue to refe...