Day In The Life Of A Beauty Influencer In New York

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Celebrity Makeup Artist & Beauty Influencer Brandy Gomez-Duplessis

What is a day like for a Beauty Influencer, you ask? Being a Beauty Influencer each day is completely different but always plentiful. Because I have 21 years of doing makeup in the beauty and entertainment industry I’m moving and shaking all the time especially since I have real A-list celebrity clients and is a Co-Founder of a 4 month old makeup line, Entitled Beauty. My day is mostly spent commuting to New York from Connecticut. I always feel like the MTA Metro North & Grand Central is my second office. I’ve learned to get a lot of work done on the train and have meetings at Grand Central Terminal. Today is no different, while on the train I managed to create content for Instagram and I got on a conference call to discuss an upcoming campaign.

I  like that my train line is conducive to my needs because it’s always so quiet on my line.

img_4558Because I’m not shy, I whip out my camera anywhere I see that a great picture can be taken. I always capture great pics on the train because I get the best natural light on there.

On this day I was feeling like Jenny From The Block and wanted to capture a picture that reflected a boogie down brown girl on the train. On a 1hr 45 min train ride I have to find ways to entertain myself, right?

Right before I get off the train I do my homework so when I get to my meeting next I’ll be prepared. I wrote down additional notes and reread about the client so that I can be refreshed about the company.

Did I tell you that my train also makes for a great beauty studio? Yep, I pull out all of my makeup, my hair brush, hair spray, and perfume and I touch myself up. So I’m usually one of the last to get off the train once it pulls in.

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I selected the meeting to be at Cipriani today because my train last stop is Grand Central Terminal and because Ilse, a lifestyle blogger with Live Learn Luxe It was going to meet me here at GCT after my meeting at 4pm. My favorite drink of course at Cipriani is their Bellini’s. I get this every time.

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Next stop is to the West Village to have lunch at the stylish yet tiny While We Were Young restaurant. We arrived at 4:30pm before the crowd so that we could have the place all to ourselves. Ilse and I were pleasantly pleased with everyone here from the manager, waitress, chef and the owner Bradford, who is just as delicious looking as the food and cocktails they serve.

So what did I order…we both started with a cocktail called While We Were Young followed with an order of Truffle Fries. Then an order of Brussel Sprouts and my main dish was the Wild Salmon. Of course the food was all picture perfect and DE-LISH!

We met 2 other Lifestyle Bloggers here, Sara Mueller @saramueller and Noelani @noemeirowsky it’s always refreshing talking with others peers. We all get each other, all very passionate for creating beautiful content on our social media platforms. After talking about How To’s we ordered another round of drinks because we had a 6pm event to attend.

Last stop of the evening took place in Soho where a group of New York influencers were invited to attend a Brand Collaborations event. Drinks were served, music bumping, lots of conversations going, networking at it’s best. James was a fantastic host, very captivating and Sydney was such a knowledgeable BOSS BABE.  I took down some good notes and look forward to using them like tomorrow as I continue to brand myself as a Beauty Influencer in this industry.

So elated about seeing Zulay, she has a podcast called Uptown Girls. Zulay invited me to be a guest on her upcoming show, how FAB! Also, check out my girl Elizabeth IG page @lizllapa  and Lifestyle Curator Trisha’s page @trishapenn 

It’s 10pm do you know where your children are???? We are somewhere on 86TH Street…Thanks Ilse!!!! By the time I get back to Connecticut it should be around midnight. So while on the train back I’ll go through pics from today, respond to emails and start working on my next blog. A Beauty Influencer life never stops.

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New Liquid Lipsticks Colors From Entitled Beauty

New Colors has arrived for Entitled Beauty so we now have a total of 10 bold liquid lipsticks. We will have them ready to sell right before Thanksgiving. So, if your looking for a new lipcolor for yourself you can find at least 2-3 shades that you will like. Here is a sneak peek of 2 new shades that we both feel is our signature lip color.

NEW Color Orchid

NEW Color Venice

 

Fenty Beauty By Rhianna Is The Best Thing That Has Happened To Makeup

FENTY BEAUTYFenty Beauty is a new brand own by music artist Rihanna that’s represents beauty for all, that’s who she is and that’s what she stands for. Something that many makeup brands have never really embraced. So this is why her products are flying off the Sephora shelves everywhere especially the foundations. It’s one of the most expensive items that majority of makeup companies sell besides makeup brushes.

One of the most talked about item from Fenty Beauty is their ultimate PHOTO FILT’R foundation in 40 boundary breaking shades. Usually makeup brands start off with lighter shades of foundation then every few years they add on darker shades. Well, Fenty Beauty has shouted from the mountain top that they are here for ALL WOMEN of all shades. Finally, so many boogie down brown women will now walk around feeling really good because they are wearing the correct foundation shade. To me wearing the correct foundation is like wearing the correct bra, this is why I think Fenty Beauty is the best thing that has happened for women. I feel that Rhi Rhi will not overlook so many women hue when producing products. I can’t wait to see all the fun holiday collections, seasonal and limited edition makeup items Rhi Rhi will add to her makeup line.

Some of the items you can purchase now at Sephora are: primer, foundations, matte skinsticks, shimmer skinsticks, highlighters, contour skinsticks, luminizers, brushes, blotting powder and blotting paper. I’m so grateful for so many reasons but one being that so many women now have a makeup brand to count on…Chi Ching!!!

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Yesterday my partner and crime Johnny and I we filmed Makeup & Martini’s for our YouTube page our makeup review on Fenty Beauty products. I’m so elated that I can’t wait for you all to review. Here are a few of the items I got to play with while filming Makeup & Martin’s.

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PRO FILT’R soft matte long wearing foundation…I’m #420
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GLOSS BOMB universal lip luminizer

 

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KILLAWATT IN TROPHY WIFE a freestyle highlighter

 

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CHEEK HUGGING HIGHLIGHT BRUSH
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I LOVE IT!

Have you tried Fenty Beauty yet? If so, share with me what you purchased and what you think about it?

 

10 Drugstore Face Masks Skin Experts Recommend For Fall

Being a Beauty Expert & Influencer I must try out a lot of products to share with you What’s New and What Works. When Aly Walansky reached out to me about some of my favorite drugstore face masks I was happy to share with the Today Show what’s really good and easy on the wallet. Below are two of my beauty testimonies that I shared with Aly.


As we look forward to wearing new fall fashions, we’re already ready to give our beauty routine an update. These face masks will help restore and refresh your skin for the new season, and they’re all approved by celebrity makeup artists, skin-care experts and dermatologists. Plus, they’re available at your local drugstore!

Guilt-free shopping is a good bet for everyone.

Shea Moisture African Black Soap Clarifying Mud Mask9. SheaMoisture African Black Soap Clarifying Mud Mask

“This is great for anyone who got a little too much sun this summer. It’s a perfect, 10-minute treat for the skin because it draws out dirt and improves the appearance of troubled skin from the summer’s sun. Because this product is made with natural, organic ingredients, your skin will look and feel refreshed. The Tea Tree Oil properties will help heal any sun damage while the Tamarind Extract natural astringent will exfoliate the skin leaving the complexion brighter,” said celebrity makeup artist Brandy Gomez-Duplessis.

 

Olay Regenerist Luminious Overnight Mask10. Olay Regenerist Luminous Overnight Facial Mask Gel Moisturizer

“By leaving this mask on overnight, the vitamins, mulberry extract and humectants will hydrate and brighten your sun-damaged skin. It’s a gel-based, peel-off mask that doesn’t leave any mess in the morning,” said Gomez-Duplessis, who has worked with Jennifer Aniston, Rashida Jones and Queen Latifah.

Read the full article here

Beautiful Day Of Makeup At Warren Tricomi Salon on Saturday

 

img_0500-1Another busy day at Warren Tricomi Salon in Greenwich, CT today. The best clients ever are the ones that comes in and let me do my artistry without any paint by number instructions. That’s my biggest pet peeves when I’m dealing with clients at salons. On set the energy is totally different models and celebrities they come in and just get made up.

Today’s clients allowed me to do what I do best they trusted my artistry and I’ll give them my best work.

Here are some fun pics from today.

 

Clarissa is a sexy bride who wanted a smokey look, she did come in with a inspirational picture but she told me to do it my way. At the end she loved her makeup better than the inspirational picture. The highlighter I selected was Stila Heaven’s Hue Highlighter in Kitten and on her lips I used Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Angelo.

Brittany was going on a date with her hubby to the city and she wanted to look hot. Brittany is a newly newlywed so I wanted to really give her a sultry makeup look. I pulled out some of my fav products as you see, Dior beauty & NARS blush in Orgasm

 

Cuvget Stimulating SerumWith both ladies I prep their skin with ČUVGET Stimulating Serum. I’m such a fan of this serum because I actually see a difference in how my client skin looks instantly and I feel that their makeup look so much better. Not only does their face look flawless but the skin is more radiant. If your looking for a new collagen serum definitely look into ČUVGET because I am obsessed with the results and the ingredients; arctic berries, marine extracts with potent peptides as well as betaglucans that helps to stimulate your stem cells improving your skin after every use.

 

 

18 Healthy Hair Products That Will Save Your Post-Summer Strands

18 Healthy Hair Products


While we’re still mourning the end of summer (R.I.P.), our hair is certainly ready for a break from the sun, chlorine and ocean.

TODAY Style turned to Hollywood hair gurus to get the scoop on the best products to revive fried hair after summer. The best part? They’re all available at drugstores nationwide.

Here is my beauty testimony on L’OREAL Paris EverCreme Deep Nourish Conditioner.

L'OREAL Paris EverCreme Deep Nourish Conditioner in Apricot Oil.jpg17. L’OREAL Paris EverCreme Deep Nourish Conditioner

“To bring back dry, overexposed hair that has been soaking in the sun and pool this summer, I suggest this conditioner with apricot oil. Treat your hair to a deep-moisturizing conditioner that will help nourish it back to a soft, silky texture. Plus, it’s gentle on colored hair and there are no harsh sulfates or salt that will strip it,” said celebrity makeup artist Brandy Gomez-Duplessis, whose clients include Erin Andrews, Allison Janney and Jordin Sparks.

Read the full Today.com article here written by beauty writer Aly Walansky

 

8 Life-Changing Ways Makeup Artists Store Beauty Products

In July, when POPSUGAR reached out to me about being a part of an upcoming article I was so elated. They shared with me the topic they would be speaking to I knew exactly what I would personally contribute to. On my mirror vanity now sits a few of Bath & Body Works  empty jars that I use to hold my makeup brushes, lipsticks and lip gloss. My favorite scented candle from Bath & Body Works is Black Teakwood. Those sexy masculine aroma of; Rich Mahogany, Black Teakwood, Dark Oak, Frosted Lavender makes me feel so sultry while I’m sitting at my vanity getting dressed.


Here’s a snippet and what I shared with POPSUGAR

If you love collecting new beauty products to the tune of multiple visits to Sephora every month, you’re probably amassing quite the stockpile. And while there’s nothing wrong with trying out the latest and greatest, owning so many products that you can hardly close your vanity drawer or medicine cabinet is no fun. To keep your pretty self sane and all of your favorite products organized and in sight, we asked top makeup artists to share their best-kept secrets for clearing the clutter and streamlining their beauty routines.

Reuse Old Candle Jars

 

Brushes with Pearls
Image Source: gia-co.com

“Because I have an obsession with candles, I always seem to have so many and a variety of sizes so I knew I could do something great with them. Once I was done with the candles, I would break up the remaining pieces using a butter knife, wash out the glass container, and then put the container in the microwave for 20 seconds. Wipe away the melted wax with a paper towel, then stuff the glass with different things. Get creative by gluing on items like beads, crystals, beans, jewelry, or whatever you like!” — Brandy Gomez-Duplessis, celebrity makeup artist

 

Read the full article on POPSUGAR by clicking here.

Makeup Review On Kylie Jenner “I Want It All” Birthday Collection Palette

img_9013HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYLIE JENNER!!!…well, it’s not really her birthday. Kylie’s birthday is on August 10th so we just missed it. We are celebrating Kylie Jenner, Kylie Cosmetics newest makeup item, “I Want It All” Birthday Collection Palette on Makeup And Martinis. OMG, we had so much fun filming this one. You have to watch for yourself to see our feedback on the palette.

My partner and crime Johnny went all out with cupcakes, Mionetto prosecco and a signature Kylie Jenner Birthday martini.

No more talking, check out the video.

The palette contains:

9 Kyshadow pressed powder eye shadow palette

  • 1 pressed powder blush
  • 1 pressed powder highlighter
  • Each I Want It All contains the following shades:

Kyshadow

  • Birthday Girl (satin shimmering champagne)
  • Buttercream Frosting (matte warm cream)
  • 1942 (matte warm taupe)
  • Forever Young (matte warm soft pink)
  • New Year, New Me (metallic red plum)
  • The New Black (matte bright pink)
  • Party Time (matte light dusty mauve)
  • Celebrate (metallic golden brown)
  • Midnight (matte black)

Blush

  • Cheers (matte light pink)

Highlighter

  • Confetti (shimmering light pink)

PRICED at $54.00

Hope you enjoy our makeup review video 

 

Makeup & Martini’s NYC Makeup Review On Stila Cosmetics

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.

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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

 

The Life Of A Makeup Artist Who Does Video Blogs

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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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