Author: Brandy Gomez-Duplessis

Connecticut Celebrity Makeup Artist & Beauty Expert Brandy Gomez-Duplessis is a high demand makeup artist in the beauty& entertainment industry. She has 20 plus years of experience as a professional makeup artist. Brandy has made a name for herself in the bridal, beauty and entertainment industry through determination and exceptional work. She is highly sought after in New York, Miami, and New Orleans. She has been called a “Makeup Bridal Guru” by “Anti-Bride” & “Destination I Do” bridal magazines. Brandy is also a L’OREAL Paris Pro-Makeup Artist, and has worked with Kim Kardashian, Kerry Washington, Viola Davis, Jennifer Aniston, Malin Ackerman, Edie Falco, Kathryn Erbe, Angela Bassett, Ellie Golding, Mario Lopez, Elijah Wood, Usher, John Legend and worked events such as Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Sundance Film Festival, OPRAH O!You, and has appeared on “How Do I Look” and “I’ll Take The Dress”. Keep up with Brandy by reading her personal blog, Inside the Life of a Makeup Artist, or follow her glamxurious tweets and Instagram post (@bgdmakeupartist) . Brandy shares beauty tips, behind the scene pics, fashion, perks, give beauty testimonial on products and products she use on celebrities and her challenge of living with an auto immune disease, lupus, lyme & rheumatoid arthritis. Her new addition is Brandy's Beauty Blueprint where she teach hairstylist & makeup artist the business side of working and being successful in the industry. She does it all online because not everyone is able to travel to take her course. Makeup & Hair school teaches the art but nobody teach the other half of being a freelancer. Brandy says she an INFLUENCER before she even knew she was an INFLUNCER. This Connecticut makeup artist goal is to help put Connecticut on the map for BEAUTY & FASHION! She can be reached at: brandy@bgdmakeupartistry.com
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I Love Having A Busy Monday

by Brandy Gomez-DuplessisLeave a Comment on I Love Having A Busy Monday

 

As you know by now I like to start my Monday’s with a motivational quote for the week on my Instagram page is; Grow to be a force, everyday this week act like your the CEO. Make yourself accountable, not everyone is a hater and/or jealous.

I started my day with doing brows & makeup on one of my favorite clients cabaret singer Wendy Scherl in Ridgefield, CT. Wendy is performing tonight in New York at the Metropolitan Room. I always enjoy doing her makeup because we have the best conversation ever.

After doing makeup I had a meeting in Stamford, CT to talk about doing a Beauty Happy Hour event next month. I’m so excited about doing this but I know it’s going to be a lot of work planning it.

I had to rush back home to bring my son shopping for school things. He’s going to be a junior in college so he’s half done. Jordan is a biology major, he wants to be a Physican Assistant in the ER.

After mommy duties I had a phone conference with Johnny to go over our upcoming Makeup & Martini’s NYC makeup review video. We also discussed doing a tasting on Saturday in Stamford to go over the menu for my Beauty Happy Hour event.

It’s now 9pm and I need some me time, a date night with myself.

So what’s on your agenda this week?

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6 Beauty Items I Used At Apollo Fundraiser In The Hamptons This Weekend

by Brandy Gomez-DuplessisLeave a Comment on 6 Beauty Items I Used At Apollo Fundraiser In The Hamptons This Weekend
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Life is great can I get an AMEN!

On Saturday morning I received a text from Holly, a woman who I luv & respect in the production world. When I saw her text I knew that it would be work related, but what I didn't know was the how fabulous. After only receiving very little information I was booked for the assignment and packed up my makeup kit and was whisk away from Warren Tricomi Salon in Greenwich to the East Hampton. While in route, I was receiving info from Holly on who was being added to my list for hair & makeup. When I started seeing words like butler and security then followed by confidential, I knew this assignment was a major one. Once on the property my driver was talking with security then I realized it was a star-studded event from what I over heard. So my phone was put away no pics was going to be taken I was going to enjoy my blessings of being in this environment doing hair and makeup for the chosen ones.

Once the evening was done my driver brought me to my hotel I still didn't digest everything because I was tired that I feel right to sleep. For me as I write this article I am now thinking about my glamxurious evening in the Hamptons. There were so many great run in's with celebrities but my favorite was when a woman  mistaken me for the fabulous Cookie, actress Taraji  P. Henson.

So do you want to know about my lovely evening? The Historic Apollo in the Hamptons fundraiser is held at Ron Perelman’s magnificent home, The Creeks, in East Hampton. It was the 8th Annual fundraiser for The Historic Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY. I was slated to work on one of my childhood music artist, the talented Patty Smyth. She was the opening artist and she sung my favorite Patty Smyth song "Warrior". I even shared with her while doing her hair and makeup that I would be doing a lot of hair flips when she perform that song. Another person I was slated with was the beautiful actress Rashida Jones and the amazing singer Alice Smith. This night was operated under the supervision of the Apollo Theater Foundation, which is a not-for-profit organization who's goal is to preserve and honor its storied legacy. For Ron Perelman to host this glammed out event says a lot about him. I was hoping for an opportunity to meet Ron Perelman, just for what he was doing for the Apollo theater was amazing. I'm crossing my fingers to get a call back next year. I'll be better prep with the right hair & makeup items. But I had a great kit for the misty weather and I think the ladies makeup held up really well.

Patty Smyth…can you see that highlight & contour

Alice Smith…her glow was from Stila & lips from Dior

So many fab guest I saw were: Alicia Keys, JLO, Jrud, Pharrell Williams, Jamie Foxx, Bon Jovi, Chris Rock, Mavis Staples, Justin Timberlake and many many more.

My Top 6 Beauty Items I am So Glad To Have With Me For Apollo In The Hampton were:

Beauty Blender

 Urban Decay Optical Illusion Complexion Primer

 Urban Decay All Night Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day Foundation + Concealer

Stila Cosmetics Heaven's Hue Highlighter in Kitten

L'OREAL Paris Elnett Satin  Strong Hold Hairspray 

 

 

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Do You Know The Difference Between Champagne & Prosecco Because My Bartender Didn’t

by Brandy Gomez-Duplessis4 Comments on Do You Know The Difference Between Champagne & Prosecco Because My Bartender Didn’t

As many of you know I’m a devoted Champagne and Prosecco drinker. My two favorite brands are Maison Veuve Clicquot and Mionetto Prosecco. I don’t need a special event or occasion to pop open a bottle of one of those fancy bubbles. Today during lunch I realized that a restaurant bartender didn’t know the difference between the two. Well, to keep the story short we noticed at lunch the bartender kept pouring us Prosecco but charged us for champagne. Everything was taking care of by the manager who was so embarrassed because the poor girl said she’s been doing this for some time because she didn’t know the difference.

Luv my Veuve Clicquot

Luv my Mionetto Prosecco

So, what’s the difference between Champagne & Prosecco? Here’s a tip about the two wines from Wine Folly. 

*The quick answer is Champagne is from France and Prosecco is from Italy, but there are some other things to know about both wines –especially if you like bubbly wine.

Champagne

Champagne is a sparkling wine made in the Champagne region of France around the city of Reims about 80 miles (130 km) Northeast of Paris.

  • Made with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes
  • Produced using a costly method called the ‘Traditional Method’
  • A standard pour of Brut Champagne has ~128 Calories (12% ABV)
  • $40 for a good entry-level Champagne

Prosecco

Prosecco is a sparkling wine made in the Veneto region of Italy around the city of Treviso about 15 miles (24 km) North of Venice.

  • Made with Prosecco (a.k.a. Glera) grapes
  • Produced using an affordable method called the ‘Tank Method’
  • A standard pour of Prosecco has ~121 Calories (11% ABV)
  • $12-14 for a good entry-level Prosecco

Read more about it on Wine Molly

If you didn’t feel like doing all that reading basically champagne have persistent bubbles, its stronger with a drier taste and prosecco  has a lighter, spritzy bubbles and the taste is more fruity and sweet, at least to me. So, now I’m wondering how often does this happen. Have anyone else ever caught your bartender pouring you the wrong wine but charged you for a higher end wine?

 

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Makeup & Martini’s NYC Makeup Review On Stila Cosmetics

by Brandy Gomez-Duplessis

img_7405We are back at it again with our 2nd episode of our makeup video Makeup And Martini’s NYC. I am so elated to share with you a gifted box of makeup from Stila Cosmetics on this segment. I am such a fan of Stila and I also want to share with you that I was a Stila rep back in 2011. I’m still such a fan of the brand and I use a lot of Stila products when on set because I LOVE STILA! So, today Johnny and I will share with you some of the products that was sent to me. Because I’m a die hard fan I am familiar with some of the items but Johnny is new to Stila so I’m delighted to watch Johnny play and fall in love with Stila.

If any of you have ever been around Johnny and myself you know all we do is drink and talk makeup, makeup, makeup when together! So Johnny had this fun idea that we should just turn the camera on and just let whatever happens, happens. Well, this is what we’re doing. We not trying to be similiar to anyone just being us having fun. Because we both have a sassy personality we really never know what will come out of our mouth so put on your seat belt and sit back enjoy the foolishness that we bring while sipping on our Finlandia Vodka.

Here is the list of the items we were playing with in the video from Stila Cosmetics.

*Stay All Day Foundation +Concealer

*Heaven’s Hue Highlighter

*Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow

*Convertible Color Dual Lip & Cheek Palette

*Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner

*Huge Extreme Lash Mascara

YouTube Page: Makeup And Martini’s NYC 

Instagram Page: makeupandmartinisnyc

 

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The Life Of A Makeup Artist Who Does Video Blogs

by Brandy Gomez-Duplessis

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I really enjoy been busy with a variety of things that pertains to my career. This morning started at 8am prepping for a second Skype interview from the team in London about my upcoming speaking engagement.

I have worked so hard as a makeup artist in the beauty & entertainment industry for 20 years and the last few years I have looked at others avenues in the beauty industry like speaking at events about makeup & skincare. So when I receive emails and calls about speaking and educating others it’s a dream come true because as I have gotten older I am looking to stay in the beauty industry but I’m now ready to educate others more whether it’s aspiring makeup artists and/or consumers.

 

The call went very well I was able to get all of my questions answers and we went over my time frame, topics, and products needed. After the call I headed out to meet up with Johnny to film our second makeup video for Makeup & Martini’s NYC. I feel that the second video was so much easier and felt really good because I once again love to teach so I was able to show a little of that on the second video. I can’t wait for you all to see it on Friday.

Recently, I was gifted with a box of goodies from one of my favorite makeup brands so I waited to open the box of goodies with you all. We also took still pics for content to use on our Instagram page as well. If you haven’t followed us yet please do when you get a chance. Once again thanks to Finlandia Vodka for supporting us with products and our cute Finlandia martini glasses.

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Behind The Scenes pic while filming Makeup and Martini’s NYC 

Can I tell you how much hard work goes into this whole world of video blog. For now we are the producers, the directors, the lighting people, the camera people, wardrobe stylist, makeup artist, hairstylist, and bartender. Poor Johnny has the hard part he does all the editing. This is why all of those 100’s of videos I have of myself on my computer and hard drive just sit there is because I don’t have the patience for editing. So I am grateful for having Johnny cuz he handles all of the social media as well.

After filming we discuss our next week topic. So that we can have current content for you all.

Don’t forget to tune in on tomorrow to see our second video. Thanks Guys!

 

 

Instagram Page: MakeupandMartinisNYC

YouTube Page: Makeup and Martini’s NYC

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The SPF-infused Drugstore Makeup You Need To Try This Summer

by Brandy Gomez-Duplessis

Once again I was invited by the Today show to offer a beauty testimony. Today’s content is on SPF -infused drugstore makeup. As a makeup artist, a beauty expert, and a beauty influencer it’s why I work hard and always give my best artistry because it’s an honor to be asked.

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You already know that sunscreen is a summer essential, but what you might not realize is how many different ways you can shield against sun’s harmful rays. While you should always start with traditional sprays and lotions as your base, mineral powders and, yes, even foundation can help protect your skin while looking flawless.

You don’t have to travel far to score summer-friendly face makeup; many of the best formulas are available at your local drugstore. From SPF-infused foundation to BB cream, these are the protective products to stock up on right now.

Read the full article on the TODAY Show page by clicking here

Brandy Gomez-Duplessis did makeup on singer Ellie Goulding for her performance at the NBA All Star Weekend & makeup/hair on Actress Allison Janney at Sundance Film Festival

Photo Credit: Brandy Gomez-Duplessis