Author: Brandy Gomez-Duplessis

Aloha, Oahu Hawaii Lifestyle Blogger & Makeup Artist, Brandy Gomez-Duplessis is a high demand makeup artist in Honolulu Hawaii as well as on the mainland in the Beauty & Entertainment industry. She has 22 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 Hawaii, Connecticut, New York, Miami, and New Orleans. Brandy was named by AOL Editors one of "15 People To Follow During The Golden Globes". She has been called a “Makeup Bridal Guru” by “Anti-Bride” & “Destination I Do” bridal magazines. Brandy has worked with Kim Kardashian, Kerry Washington, Viola Davis, Jennifer Aniston, Queen Latifah, 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 autoimmune disease, Lupus, Lyme & Rheumatoid Arthritis. One of her new addition is "Beauty Blueprint where she teach hair stylists & makeup artists 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 said she was an Lifestyle Influencer before she even knew she was an INFLUENCER. This Honolulu Hawaii Lifestyle Blogger & Makeup Artist goal is to help put Oahu Hawaii on the map for BEAUTY & FASHION! Brandy recent business adventure is launching Entitled Beauty Cosmetics, a mineral makeup line with her business partner Johnny Luoma. Now, this Beauty Guru is making Honolulu Hawaii her new home and will continue to do makeup, making brides beautiful on their wedding day, working with celebrities when they come to Oahu Hawaii and local women of Hawaii glamxurious. Her newest thing is that she's looking to be Hawaii Lifestyle Blogger, a voice for women over 40's who is still fly. Brandy can be reached at: brandy@bgdmakeupartistry.com and yes, there are black people living in Hawaii. She say's she get ask that question daily, "Do Black People Live In Hawaii" and her answer is YES, look I'm here.
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Hawaii, What’s In Your Makeup Bag Beauty Event

by Brandy Gomez-Duplessis2 Comments on Hawaii, What’s In Your Makeup Bag Beauty Event

What's In Your Makeup Bag Laura MercierPerfect timing just in time for spring…Beginning March 1st, I would like to recycle one of my successful services that I use to offer on the mainland called, “What’s In Your Makeup Bag”. Spring cleaning the house is always something as women we love to do with our home. As a makeup lover, spring cleaning your makeup bag is just as important. For the entire month of March, I would like to offer to the ladies in Hawaii a fun beauty event helping women to update their makeup bag with new spring items from Laura Mercier.

What's In Your Makeup Bag article

Being the Business Manager for Laura Mercier at Bloomingdale’s in Ala Moana Center, I wanted to do an event for the entire month instead of just 1 day when many women may not be available. I enjoy spending quality time with clients, teaching them how to better use their makeup. So, I decided the entire month of March would be more productive and allow for a more intimate consultation with the luxe products of iconic brand Laura Mercier, the pioneer of giving “Flawless Face”.

The new Spring Collection from Laura Mercier, embraces effortless elegance with “Sunday in Saint-Germain” signified by glowing skin, soft dusted pastel eyes and rich creamy lips. Seductive and full of surprises, “Sunday in Saint Germain” embarks on an optimistic journey in the city of love. Everything you need for a gorgeous Parisian look.

Saint Germain Spring 2020 Collection

When: The Month of March

Where: Bloomingdale’s Ala Moana Center- Laura Mercier counter

Time: By Appointment ONLY

Cost: $50 http://www.venmo.com/Brandy-Gomez-Duplessis

Contact: Brandy Gomez-Duplessis brandy@bgdmakeupartistry.com 504.427.1169 cell

Details: Clients bring in their makeup bag. Together we will go through your makeup bag and help select what go’s and what stay’s. During the makeup lesson/consultation, I will show you makeup techniques and proper usage. We will then develop a day makeup look on you incorporating products from Laura Mercier line. This service will take 1.5 hours so plan accordingly. You will leave with a face chart and a list of the products used to take home to assist you with your new custom makeup look. Refreshments will be served during your consultation.

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5 Things Hawaii Celebrity Makeup Artist Must Have In Her Makeup Kit For The NBA All Star Weekend

by Brandy Gomez-Duplessis2 Comments on 5 Things Hawaii Celebrity Makeup Artist Must Have In Her Makeup Kit For The NBA All Star Weekend

While relaxing on the beach today here at home in Hawaii, I started working on my list of things I need in my makeup kit for the upcoming NBA All Star Weekend. Being the Lead Hair & Makeup Director for this 3 day weekend festival since 2008, I always try to have the best beauty items that will look great on the athletes, game hosts and music artists on television. Because everything is live I don’t have time for mistakes so I like using items that I can count on and will give everyone a radiant and flawless finish.

Here are my Top 5 must have’s items I will need during the NBA All Star Weekend next week in Chicago.

1. YSL Touche Elcat Blur Primer preps skin for foundation application, creating an improved, refined appearance: pores seem to be minimized, skin texture feels smoother, and skin tone is more even. It’s enriched with four nourishing oils—corn oil, apricot kernel oil, passiflora oil, and rice bran oil—to leave skin feeling incredibly soft without a greasy residue. Packed with blur technology, this universal primer provides a subtle, golden shimmer for ultimate luminosity.

2. Armani Luminious Silk FoundationReveal your inner light. Inspired by charmeuse silk, “The Fabric of Emperors,” this luminous foundation glides on weightlessly for a flawless lit-from-within glow. Using exclusive Micro–fil™ technology to sculpt and brighten, this buildable, medium coverage foundation improves texture and blurs imperfections. 

3. Makeup Revolution London Banana Loose Baking Powder is a favorite for prolonging the wear of makeup, banishing shine, brightening and balancing skin tone. Loose powders are a good option for those who desire a luminous, silky and even finish. I find it to be one of the best items to use on male talent because they shine more and this powder doesn’t look heavy on my male talents.

4. Chanel Eclat Du Désert Illuminating Powder imparts a subtle, golden glow for radiant dimension. It has a warm undertones with a luminous sheen. The opaque color coverage can be achieved in a single layer while the texture makes it easy to build if more pigmentation is needed.

5. Beauty Blender has long been a red carpet favorite giving you a fresh and glowing look with the help of the Beautyblender. Make sure it’s damp to keep the skin looking fresh then bounce the sponge across your face for a natural finish. I am able to use a Beautyblender for the first 4 items not having to pick up any other makeup brushes. I never leave my home without having a Beautyblender in my kit.

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A Great Evening At Paradise Cove Luau In Hawaii

by Brandy Gomez-Duplessis

img_5001Today was a little windy here in Hawaii and we had reservations to attend Paradise Cove Luau in Ko’Olina. Since it’s been hard to schedule an evening out with all of our crazy work and school schedule we decided to still go and see this beautiful 12 oceanfront acres establishment.

The evening was filled with lots of drinking, activities, games, Hawaiian music dance and food. Ended with a beautiful sunset that can be seen throughout the acres. Here are pics of a great evening, I’m glad that we decided to still go and I’m glad I was smart enough to bring a jacket…sorry lungs (bronchitis).

 

 

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How I Got Miss Hawaii USA Makeup Ready For A Night Out In Honolulu

by Brandy Gomez-Duplessis2 Comments on How I Got Miss Hawaii USA Makeup Ready For A Night Out In Honolulu

 

img_5289Strutting in and slow-motion walks this breathtaking beauty carrying a see-thru case that’s holding something fantastic because I can see Swarovski Crystal peeking through and a #iDIE for blinged out phone case. Whom ever this beauty is, I’m obsessed and knew she had to be coming to see me.

I was correct, it was Miss Hawaii USA,Samantha Leyland who had a  3:30pm makeup appointment with me at Bloomingdale’s in Ala Moana Center. Samantha had an engagement with Modern Luxury Hawaii Magazine and BMW for the Hawai’i International Film Festival. 

 

The makeup I used was all from Giorgio Armani Beauty. She’s a fan of Armani Luminous Silk Foundation and I knew her skin would look radiant in it. I wanted Samantha’s skin to be flawless and luminous at the event and to last all evening for all of the pics that she would be taking.

On Samantha’s eyes, I selected Eyes To Kill Stellar Eye shadow and Eyes To Kill Quattro Eye shadow. I wanted tonight’s makeup look to focus only on her eyes. Because she’s a beautiful girl I didn’t want her makeup to compete with her.

Samantha has the best cheekbones ever so I flirted with them just a little. I didn’t go overboard with bringing them out since she really have great cheekbones. For her brows I used a crayon brow pencil and I gave them an effortless shape just enough to bring attention to her eyes. On her lip, I lined her entire lip with a lip pencil then I filled them in with a liquid lipstick and topped her lips off with a lacquer gloss.

Last touch was a little highlight on those cheekbones for a natural glow on her face when she walked the red carpet.

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Baby Girl looked striking, what do you think about her entire look?

 

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Enjoying My Belgian Waffle From Aloha Gelato in Hawaii

by Brandy Gomez-Duplessis2 Comments on Enjoying My Belgian Waffle From Aloha Gelato in Hawaii

img_4461Since moving to Hawaii I have always been looking for one of my favorite snacks. In New York, I would go to the Wafels & Dinges Waffle Truck, sometimes 4-5 times a week. Besides seafood, finding a place where I can get a delicious Belgian waffle and Krispy Kreme doughnuts was all I asked for living here in Hawaii.

While walking around the Ala Moana Center, I found the Aloha Gelato. They serve Gelato, Sorbet, Ice Cream, Crepe and Waffles. Everything I Like! I saw a picture of a Belgian Waffle and I got excited. I knew I just hit the jackpot. I’m praying that they taste just as good as the ones I use to get in New York. I order the works, I got Nutella, caramel and chocolate sauce, strawberries and I asked for whipped cream but they forgot to add it. They offer a small scoop of ice cream, that’s different but definitely a great idea. My only suggestions is that they warm the waffle so it helps to melt the sauces, plus it taste so much better when the waffle is hot, soft and chewy.

Do you have a favorite snack that you obsess over? Please share.

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A Rainy Day In Hawaii Could Not Stop Me For Creating A Beautiful Bridal Makeup Look

by Brandy Gomez-Duplessis

img_4339Today, I had a bridal consultation scheduled and it wasn’t the best of day for a bride to come out to get hair & makeup.

The rain has been coming down all night and all morning. Not your usual weather here in Hawaii. But, I’ve been told that in December, January, and February the weather is not the best here in Hawaii. We seem to get heavier rainfalls at night then in the day we get these mist of showers follow by rainbow.

So, I shouldn’t complain about the weather but last night I took my time to pin curl my hair so that it would last all week due to my busy schedule. So, I didn’t want my hair to get wet and then get all big and frizzy. Plus, I wanted to look nice for my client and her soon to be mother in-law who was coming in to see me today at Bloomingdale’s in Ala Moana Center. Can’t be running around looking like Lion King because I know I’m going to want to take pictures with the beautiful soon to be bride.

I met Adrian last month when she arrived here in Hawaii and I helped her with selecting a new foundation from Armani. I choose the Luminous Silk foundation for Adrian because of her gorgeous skin and because she wanted a radiant makeup look. Adrian reached out to me right after the holidays and said she would like to come in for her bridal pics and would like to bring her mother in-law Barbara. Adrian is not a daily makeup wearer so I wanted to give her a makeup look  that would be just enough for pictures. No lashes and heavy contour was needed, I kept Adrian makeup effortless. I wanted to focus on her skin, I wanted to brighten up her skin and under worked under her eyes. Sometimes, correcting the skin is all a girl need.

Then it was Barbara’s turn to get makeup glammed with me. Barbara does wear makeup everyday so she was really excited about getting her makeup done by me. For Barbara, I also focused on her skin. I prepped her with Armani Prima skincare first then I corrected her skin warming up her skintone and also I corrected under eyes. Barbara actually had great skin so I didn’t need to cover up anything. Just matching her with the correct foundation.

Both ladies were now ready for their photo shoot across the street at Ala Moana Park. When you’re in Hawaii and need help with finding the correct foundation, skincare and/or need a glam facebeat, you can book your appointment with me at Bloomingdale’s inside Ala Moana Center.  All of the makeup I used on both ladies were from Giorgio Armani.

 

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Hawaii Celebrity Makeup Artist is Looking To Staff A Glam Team For The NBA All Star Weekend 2020

by Brandy Gomez-Duplessis

 

img_9874Hey Guys, it’s that time again where I am looking to put together a Hair & Makeup team for the NBA All Star Weekend.

This year the NBA All Star Weekend will be held in Chicago from Feb 14th-16th and I’m looking for a fly group of Hair Stylists and Makeup Artists to add to my team.

If you know of anyone in that market, you can have them contact me through email at (brandy@bgdmakeupartistry.com ) with their information and work or you can refer them.

 

Thanks in advance.

🙌🏾💄✨👄 💇🏻‍♀️💇🏼‍♀️💇🏾‍♀️💇🏻‍♂️💇🏾‍♂️

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Hawaii Makeup Artist Give Her Client A JLo Inspired Makeup Look

by Brandy Gomez-Duplessis3 Comments on Hawaii Makeup Artist Give Her Client A JLo Inspired Makeup Look

img_3061-1As a makeup artist I am always looking for a canvas to do makeup looks on. Today at Bloomingdales in Ala Moana Center, I saw a face coming towards me that I knew I needed to get to.

Stephanie came through Bloomingdale’s looking for a new foundation and after learning more about her skin and her makeup style I selected Armani Power Fabric Foundation for her. After doing a foundation match I like to go back in apply the foundation on my guest so they could see what it look like on the skin. So, I first clean the skin, then I prep the skin with Armani Prima Glow On Moisturizing Cream skin care. After applying the Power Fabric Foundation on Stephanie we both agreed that the match was seamless on her. When you have a canvas that look this flawless I couldn’t help myself wanting to create a beautiful JLo inspired makeup look on Stephanie. Don’t you agree, Stephanie face shape is very similar to JLo so I couldn’t help myself. It worked out perfectly because Stephanie was going out tonight to celebrate a BFF birthday. So, the makeup wouldn’t go to waste. I pulled some of my favorite makeup items and this is what I came up with.

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If you’re in Hawaii or will be visiting Hawaii soon and is in need of makeup give me a call or shoot me an email to book with your makeup face beat with me. The great thing about this makeup look is no LASHES were needed.

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The Beautiful Nu’Uanu Pali Lookout In Oahu Hawaii

by Brandy Gomez-Duplessis4 Comments on The Beautiful Nu’Uanu Pali Lookout In Oahu Hawaii

img_3659Today we found a new historical gem to visit in Hawaii. It’s a beautiful landmark with the best scenic spot and panoramic views that is so breathtaking. The spot I’m speaking about is Nu’Uanu Pali Lookout. The Pali Highway is between Honolulu and Kailua so basically 30 mins from Waikiki. There’s no entry fee but you do have to pay $3 to park your car.

As we drove there the views of the lush Windward Coast the Koolau cliffs are fantastic. The gorgeous tall trees and dense forests to the lookout is unreal. To be so close that you think you can touch it but really not. This is what I dreamed of Hawaii to look like. The natural beauty of the mountains being covered by the clouds and the stone terrace is all just so gorgeous.

So the history is a violent one, this beautiful spot was once a bloody battlefield where hundreds of soldiers died with many being forced off the Pali cliffs. Because of it’s history it’s said that the Lookout receives around 90,000 visitors a day. It’s definitely a spot to visit if you’re traveling to Hawaii. It’s a quick stop to learn about especially if your a history lover. See for yourself below.

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Celebrity Makeup Artist and Lifestyle Blogger Share Her First Christmas In Hawaii

by Brandy Gomez-Duplessis2 Comments on Celebrity Makeup Artist and Lifestyle Blogger Share Her First Christmas In Hawaii

img_3567Merry Christmas Everyone!!!! This was our first Christmas here in Hawaii and it couldn’t have been any better. We stayed home the entire day and my daughter and I stayed in our PJ’s all day. 3 out of 4 of us were still under the weather. Because we all work with the public we definitely picked up some type of virus. Because of my Lupus I always do around this time of year. Now that I’m working with international customers and they come to Hawaii sick wearing mask’s and shit that still doesn’t keep me from picking up something. The doctor said I had a Swollen Lymph Glands in my neck and a Viral Prodrome. I managed to do the tradition for the babies, cranberry muffins, cinnamon rolls and mimosa’s, for lunch we had seafood; crabs, crawfish and spicy potatoes. Us girls we stick to the bubbly’s and the guys like to do eggnog with brown liquor. Around 2:45pm I had to take a quick nap, my body needed more rest. While we were gifting I put the roast in the crock pot and sauteed the vegetables. Before movie time we ate dinner and snacked on a pumpkin pie while watching 2 movies.

The biggest gift my husband and I received was having our daughter fly in from Connecticut. It was definitely a treat to all be together here in Hawaii. Even though the boys, Miko and Ani are no longer with us we still put there little stockings up and we have their ashes joining the family every holiday.

 

 

 

 

The bubbly’s started to kick in so the pics stopped here (lol). I hope everyone had a lovely time with their families and friends on yesterday. I know I’m so blessed to have mine, it’s the best feeling ever. We work hard, we play hard and we love on each other hard. Merry Christmas Guys!

 

 

Honolulu Hawaii Lifestyle Blogger and Makeup Artist Brandy Gomez-Duplessis has 22 years of experience in the Beauty & Entertainment industry. Brandy is located on Oahu Island but you can find her working doing makeup in Waikiki, Waipahu, Waikele, and Kapolei. Being Hawaii top social media influencer & a Hawaii blogger don’t be surprised to see her writing beauty articles anywhere in Hawaii and taking selfies for her 60K followers on Instagram on the beautiful beaches in Honolulu or Haleiwa…and YES, there are black people living in Hawaii.