Another celebrity or influencer puts out a make-up line

Remember when celebrities were just the faces of cosmetics campaigns? (me too..good times) So it seems now that almost every celebrity, pop star, fashion house and influencer wants to have a cosmetics line. But does the world need more pointless platform based make-up? The answer is no, not if its not the best that can be offered!
I am often asked how I feel about and do I support all these new celebrity based lines, for the most part the answer is no. If someone is just slapping their name on a random product with zero interest in how it is made, what it stands for and what it supports- no. Quack on. For a line to merit respect it not only has to be of the upmost quality, but needs to stand for something. What some stars are choosing to do with their cosmetics lines does deserve to be appreciated as they're moving the industry in a positive direction.
Take Rihanna and her Fenty line. This was one of the first modern make ups to provide a realistic shade range to ensure that most everyone can find a shade. Espeically for the darker skin tones, this was a game changer. Often times the shade range is limited to the more fair tones and usually would have just one deeper shade named "dark".... which in itself is problematic... but having just one deeper shade is the real problem. Shade ranges usually didn't feature a variety of colors to address the beautiful depth and spectrum of deeper skin tones. Rihanna changed off of that and set a new standard for cosmetics lines going forward. Fenty also makes luxury products in which the profits are donated to charity. AMAZING
Lady Gaga has her new HAUS LABS showcasing the gender revolution. Which is fantastic that  so many millions of people will see due to her wondrous platform. However this brands message is much like my line ADVEKET, the creator or the original Genderfluid Beauty and Beyond Binary Skincare. This brings up a different issue when someone with an ultra platform produces something that an indie line is already doing. How can the indie business even compete? Bottom line- I am happy that the message is being spread, which was the whole reason why ADVEKET was created.
Then you have those that just put out cosmetics collections just to profit. These are often the lines plagued by controversy and quality control issues. These are the lines where a "celebrity/influencer" just says "ok" to whatever contract is thrown in front of them, picks a few colors and promotes it. These "collaborations" had an especially bad year in 2019 with some having been pulled from shelves over poisons being found in their ingredient compilation and others having hairs found in their lipsticks. While most all of these issues have been addressed and fixed, it doesn't change the fact that so little thought went into the creation of something meant to touch your face should be reason enough to look past the platform when choosing your products.
One interesting point to make about these collaborations and many celebrity owned or represented is that very few actually support a charity or have any philanthropic mission whatsoever. Again selfishly bringing it back to ADVEKET, which donates money from every single product sold to the charity I Wore Lipstick. If a cosmetics line doesn't support a charity that means that its a strictly FOR PROFIT company. Which to me is a bit greedy. If a line doesn't make a positive difference in the world, then I won't entertain the idea of using it (unless its the absolute best quality). In 2019 having a cause to support is no longer a gimmick. It is a requirement! It's unacceptable to not have YOUR precious shopping dollars not go to benefit something other than a famous person's pockets!
I find this is also an issue when fashion lines produce cosmetics lines. When you look at the house of Chanel or Tom Ford, you see formulas and collections that are top quality. They're the quality that all lines should hope to achieve. The products has been formulated and gone through so much research and development that what you're putting on your face is of royal quality. Then you have lines like Burberry, that have been subpar since day one and don't seem to care about it.
At the end of the day it's up to you what products you choose. We have all fallen victim to becoming starry eyed when our favorite person or designer produces a product. But what's important to remember is to always do your research. Find out WHO actually owns the line, where does the money go? Who does the money support? Are you ok with where it goes? Is the product quality? Or is this just a cheap product with a nice sticker? You as an educated consumer must take it upon yourself to investigate and be informed.

Best Sleep Masks

Have you ever tried face mask that you can wear to bed? It's an interesting concept given that our nightly skincare ritual is something that so many of us hold dear. A sleep mask is a facial treatment that can be worn to to bed in place of your usual skincare routine. Not all masks are ok to be worn overnight, so it's important to read and follow all directions from the provider! These treatments usually deliver time released benefits. They can serve a variety of functions from purity to hydration and anti-aging. One great benefit is fighting Trans Epidermal Water Loss (article by Skin Better), where our bodies shed water throughout the night and can lead to dehydrated and fatigued skin. Fighting this is one of my favorite features of ADVEKET's Lavender Sleep Mask So I wanted to see what else was out there that was worth skipping my beloved nightly routine!
Certainly we are all familiar with the Sisley Black Rose Mask (my review), but that item is definitly on the higher side of luxury skincare and not something everyone can afford. There's a fantastic about why a sleep mask can solve seasonal dryness over on ALLURE that's worth a read! It also contains a review of the Black Rose Mask and of the Embroylisse Hydra Mask- which is a more budget oriented  hydration mask that can be worn to sleep. The Embroylisse mask runs $25 and the Sisley ay $162.

- I reached out to two trusted make-up artist friends to see what their thoughts were. Danielle Katherine is a huge fan of the Chantecaille's Bio-lifting-mask. Calling it life changing! It's benefits include moisture, tightening of the skin and smoothing out the texture. I haven't tried this one yet, but Chantecaille is a wondrous line filled with amazing products and a philanthropic nature. This mask comes in on the higher price level at $160. For sure worth checking out. Also you can read more about the line via an E-Online article here.
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ADVEKET Charcoal Glow Mask as a Pre-Shave

ADVEKET Charcoal Glow Mask as a Pre-Shave

One question I get asked very often while doing men's grooming on set, or just in general is "Whats your favorite pre-shave treatment, or how to prevent ingrown hair?" and "Why is a pre-shave treatment important?"

Exfoliation and deep cleansing is pretty much the only answer! There are a lot of pre-shave treatments out there. Ranging from oils to foams to scrubs there is no shortage of pre-shave treatments for men to explore and truthfully it can be a daunting task to choose the one that's best for you.
I have very dry and sensitive skin, so shaving has always been a painful experience. No matter the razor or the creams, its always been something I dreaded doing because it literally hurts and leaves my skin bright red and irritated. One day it dawned on me to use my favorite charcoal mask, the  ADVEKET "Glow Mask" as a pre-shave. The sodium bicarbonate works to loosen the dirt and oils around the hair follicle while the charcoal offers a deep cleanse helping to clear a path for your razor. Once its on for a few minutes (I sometimes use this just as a pre-shave exfoliant scrub and not as a mask for a quicker procedure!) Once water hits the formula it gets hot, the heat will help to loosen the hair follicle and lift any remaining dirt or oil that may be left. This combination of deep cleansing and exfoliation will also help to prevent break outs and ingrown hairs!! There is just no end to how wonderful this treatment is, it's definitely on of the best charcoal masks, if not one of the best face masks EVER!
For a full product review and tutorial please visit the Make Up your Mind TV Youtube Channel
To purchase please visit ADVEKET
Be sure to check out the charity that ADVEKET was created to support I WORE LIPSTICK

Nicole

Something I wanted to do with Make-Up Your Mind TV in 2019 is feature some of my favorite artists, find out what inspires them and what "Must Haves" are in their kit!! I chose my good friend Nicole Wittman for this interview! I first met Nicole over a decade ago when we were both hustling make-up at Bloomingdales Soho, NYC. She was managing Dior and I was freelancing for Nars. You lose track of people in New York so easily, but eventually (about 6 years ago) we reconnected while freelancing for Nars out in Los Angeles! Nicole is quite talented and one of the funniest people you'd ever work with on set. Read in interview below!

Thank you for talking to me!! Introduce yourself and explain your job title and how you got started! My name is Nicole Wittman, I am a make-up artist. I got into make-up artistry when I was 19, after being fired from being a hostess at Postrio in Las Vegas. I was looking for a job for a while after finishing my Criminal Justice degree at UNLV.

What inspires you most in your art?
I get inspired by the world around me. I like the textures and colors that happen in nature, graffiti or wall murals and textiles.
Do you have an area of expertise?
Advertising! But really, if it's make-up I just want to be part of it.
If you could do one gig for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I'd be Meryl Streep's make-up artist. Since that may not happen.. I'm not sure I could do just one gig for forever. Maybe I just haven't come across it yet.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
That's a hard question for me. I set goals for myself and when I achieve them, I set more. It makes me feel like the future is forever evolving.
How has social media affected the industry?
It has created an industry within an industry. "The influencer". I don't compete with them though. My focus isn't solely to influence others to purchase make-up products. I influence without intending too.
Where do you see the industry going in to future?
It will outlive many other careers. Robots can't put on make-up and I don't see that ever being a thing. As long as there is Hollywood, there should be a need for make-up artists.
How has it affected you?
It's helped me be able to contact people who I may never bump into in person. I can reach out to them via social media or I can keep up with their progression and they can keep up with mine. I used to hate it, but now see it can be a powerful tool.
What're your top 3 favorite PERSONAL make-up products?
Chanel: Brow Stylo
Too Faced: Better than Sex Mascara
Dior: Airflash foundation

What're your top 3 favorite PERSONAL skincare products?
Dior: Glow Booster
A face cream my friend Christina Mclamb is making
ADVEKET Beyond Binary: Glow Mask

What're your top 3 favorite ON SET make-up products?
Charolette Tillbury: Magic Away Concealer
Bobbi Brown: Bronzing Gel
The Body Shop: Lip and Cheek stick

What're your top 3 favorite ON SET skincare products?
Caudalie: Beauty Elixir
The Body Shop: Aloe Soothing Day Cream
Kiehl's: Creamy Eye Cream

What would your advice for new and inspiring artists be?
Don't give up. Put in your time and don't judge yourself by where others arena feel better or worse from it. Do it for the love, not for the money.
You can view Nicole's work at www.nicolewittman.com and follow her on Instagram @nicolewittman
Article by Justin Tyme @justintymeart for @makeupyourmindtv Be sure to follow Make-Up Your Mind on Youtube

The Best Charcoal Mask

The Best Charcoal Mask.
When I decided to take ADVEKET into skincare by launching Beyond Binary Skincare, I wanted to make sure that the products were on par with what was currently available in the market. Having worked for luxury skincare and make-up lines for over a decade, I knew this was not going to be the easiest task! After years of searching out labs and formulas I decided on one that I felt would not only  suit most all skin types, but would perhaps encourage the user to explore other avenues of self love and me time. I landed on what is now the activated charcoal Glow Mask. This mask uses Sodium Bicarbonate and activated white charcoal powder to deep cleanse pore and exfoliate dead skin. This mask is my favorite new pre shave treatment to use on myself as well as mens grooming clients. It's also a preventative treatment for acne and help to spot treat break outs!

What It Is

This deep-cleansing mask helps restore radiance by eliminating toxins and impurities and energizing the complexion to reveal a healthy, youthful glow. The thermal, charcoal formula activates with water, creating a warming sensation, while helping to melt away debris.

Gluten Free. 

What's Inside

Binchotan White Charcoal Powder draws out dirt and other pore-clogging debris.
Sodium Bicarbonate helps prevent problem-causing bacteria, absorb excess oil and decongests pores.
Glycerin provides intense hydration, enhances moisture retention and softens skin.

How To Use: CLICK HERE TO VIEW MY YOUTUBE VIDEO

Apply a generous amount to a dry face, being careful to avoid the immediate eye area. Leave for 5 minutes, then wet hands and massage into skin to activate. Remove with moistened cotton pads and rinse well with warm water. Follow with moisturizer or night crème.

Using this mask twice a week will help to keep skin looking smooth, taught and fresh. Your pores will appear smaller and the skin will have an over all glow. I have stopped using all other exfoliants since creating this mask. As a sensitive, dry skin I have always had trouble with exfoliants. Scrubs are too aggressive and acidic exfoliants have always irritated my skin. Once water touches this mask it evolves into a very slight grit. I would compare to a sloughing of dead skin and debris, not a scrub by any means. In my opinion this truly is the best charcoal mask EVER!
E-mail customerservice@adveketcosmetics.com for your free sample! (US ONLY)
Written by @justintymeart for @makeupyourmindtv about @adveket

Interview with make-up artist Danielle Katherine

Something I wanted to do with Make-Up Your Mind TV in 2019 is feature some of my favorite artists, find out what inspires them and what "Must Haves" are in their kit!! I chose my long time friend make-up artist Danielle Katherine as my first interview because as far as make-up experience goes-I've known her longer than anyone! I first met Danielle while we were working at the now defunct Hechts (which because Macys) in Montgomery Mall She was working for Lancome and I was managing the long gone Tony & Tina. We became instant friends and have crossed paths many times over our career span in various cities. We both now happily live a few miles away from each other in Los Angeles! Read in interview below!

Thank you for talking to me!! Introduce yourself and explain your job title!
My name is Danielle Katherine, I am a beauty & editorial make-up artist.
How & when did you get into make-up?
I can't really answer when I got into make-up because I have always been interested in it since I was a toddler. My mother and grand-mother would push me around to all of the beauty counter in Bloomingdales 59th st. They'd give me lipsticks and Barbie coloring books, I'd only fill in the make-up!
What inspires you most in your art?
What inspires me most in my art would be the face. I know it sounds cliche for a make-up artist to say that, but I really love working on various face complexions, ages , etc. I would say the eye lids inspire me the most.
Do you have an area of expertise?
I'm not sure if I have an area of expertise, but from what I have been told I can make a dramatic eye look and feel quite natural. Heavy handed make-up has never really been my thing. I always try to use minimal products unless requested.
If you could do one gig for the rest of your life, what would it be?
It would probably be beauty make-up; house calls, events, photo shoots. I have thought about this question a lot myself recently. I love house calls because I can hang out and spend time with my clients. It's usually our one-on-one glam time, it's like playing dress up! Often I get to choose wardrobe, which is fun because it's another art form to play in. Beauty shoots are my other passion. The make-up is applied to a beautiful model, there are always lovely photos and the experience of being on set is something I love. I love photography so much, ever since I was a young girl I've loved stare at a photograph with great make-up time and time again. It's an amazing feeling when it's your own make-up that you're staring at.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
In the future I see myself still doing make-up and maybe dabbling in another art form. I've always loved painting and I'm crafty.
How has social media affected the industry?
Social media has affected the industry in every way imaginable and a lot of it can be positive for make-up artists. People are now searching hashtags for all sorts of things; hair, make-up, restaurants and beyond. Instagram especially is a great and easy way to showcase your work in an informational and more relaxed way that your website. A little more of our personality is shown and sometimes a client will connect with you on that level. I can make the difference I being hired for a job. On the other hand if you're up for a gig against someone with more followers it can turn into a popularity contest...which to me is weird, but I guess everything is about marketing now.
How has it affected you?
It has definitely helped me by way of getting jobs and income. It's more exposure. I don't have a a huge following, which is fine. I'm sure I've lost jobs to artists with more followers, but if that's the case then the job wasn't for me anyway.
What're your top 3 favorite PERSONAL make-up products?
Chantecaille: Future Skin Foundation 
Amazing Cosmetics: Amazing Concealer 
Jergen's: Face Glow Self Tanner
What're your top 3 favorite PERSONAL skincare products?
Chantecaille: Bio Lift Cream "It's the most perfect AM/PM cream that actually does everything and works!"
Amore Pacific: Foaming Cleanser
Goldfadden MD Crystal Scrub
What're your top 3 favorite ON SET make-up products?
Laura Mercier Translucent Powder
ADVEKET: "Exceptional" Gender fluid lipgloss
Amazing Cosmetics: Amazing Concealer
What're your top 3 favorite ON SET skincare products?
Urban Decay: All Nighter setting spray
Revive: Volumizing Eye Serum
Waleda "Skin Food" face cream
What would your advice for new and inspiring artists be?
Leave your ego at the door! The learning never ever stops and don't ever assume you now everything. Never give up, always keep a positive attitude at work and about yourself. Everyone's career path is different!
You can view Danielle's work at www.daniellekatherine.com and be sure to follower her on instagram @daniellekatherinemakeup
Article by Justin Tyme @justintymeart for @makeupyourmindtv

The best Bath Bomb

Everyone is aware of the wonderful benefits of using a bath bomb. Whether it be the aroma therapy, the relaxation of the salts or even the color therapy provided through the changing of tub water color via the bath bomb. So how do you choose the bath bomb that's right for you?
For me I like to look at a few things: What are the additional benefits of the ingredients? Are the ingredients natural? Is it hand made? Is it made in America? Does the company support a charitable cause?
For me all of those questions can be answered through the ADVEKET Beyond Binary Activated Charcoal Dextox Bathbomb! The aroma therapy is light and smooth, using essence of Aloe and Oak Moss to sooth the senses. The bath bomb turns the water black (no it does not stain the tub). So your body is enveloped in a black calming abyss to help melt worries from the mind. Activated Charcoal then works to cleanse the skin of bacterias and dirt to help prevent break outs and promote clarity, while he bath salt works to calm muscles and relax the body over all. It is a complete sensory experience that helps to elevate daily stress, remove toxins and bacteria
Most importantly a portion of the proceeds from the ADVEKET Beyond Binary bath bomb is donated to the nonprofit for equality I Wore Lipstick A charity that works to raise equality awareness and create opportunity for lipstick wearers!!
The bath bombs are available online at www.adveketcosmetics.com