This is the third day after our separation agreement. I tried to keep my involvement with the partnership to the minimum while fulfilling the duties that I was responsible for while seeking out my way out to develop my brand and my future.
One very important note is that, networking is SUPER CRUCIAL! And keeping good relationship with people is the KEY! You never know who will open up the next opportunity for you. I knew and understood it well when I was trying accounting in college. Yet, it makes much more sense lately.
I was working for Dior at Niemans a while ago and get to know some ladies working there. One of them is from Cle De Peau and she later introduced me to Cle De Peau and La Metier De Beaute.
Doing makeup is fun but it requires a lot of passion for you to suceed, no matter if you are taking the corporate route or independent business owner route. It does need someone who has the passion, the courage, the selling and marketing skill, and most importantly, the desire to learn and advance. Some people might ask what made me advance so fast? It didn't happen over night!
Because my parents are jade sculptors, I was immersed in art and studied face features when I was two or three. My favorite subject to draw were the buddhas and flying fairies in Dun Huang. Thus, my skill set was built for many years. Now, when I first start doing makeup, I did take a basic training from Houston and an advanced training from HK. With that said, it was easier for me to transfer my skill from paper to faces.
To be honest with you all, I didn't like MAKEUP the way you guys thought I did. I didn't start putting on makeup until I was 22 probably. But I love the art and couture makeup look. I also love making people feel beautiful and confident! That's why I started!
It is just the beginning and I believe that the best is yet to come!
June b Xu | JBX STUDIO | T:832-713-8892 | E-mail: june@junebxu.com
Thursday, January 12, 2012
01-12-12 淺談Cle De Peau,
It is a wonderful day today! I went to Nieman Marcus to receive training from Judy Lam at Cle De Peau under Shiseido, just like Lexus to Toyota. And I also receive another offer from a New York based with French inspiration company, Le Metier De Beaute. Um......Yes, they are LUXURIOUS!!!!!!!
Freelancing is fun and allows you to learn about different products. It does help me to build my own kits as well. The only thing I don't like is this: "once you start with Niemans, you will never go back to Walmart." Lol! Just Kidding.
Let me say the following: As a true makeup artist, you actually do have to know about almost everything, from Walmart to Niemans. Everybody does develope their own preferences and techniques with certain things. However, a true makeup artist should not be biased about products. The most important thing is techniques. I believe that we should expand our horizon and get to know products that are great selling in Walmart as well as in Niemans.
Besides, you will encounter customers with different background and you do need to know products that within their budget when you recommend stuff to them.
The main difference I believe between pretige cosmetic lines and drugstore cosmetic line is the ingredients and process of the products. As long as it is suitable for your skin and your budget, go for it! We only have one face! Do treat it right!!
 |
| Gratis from Judy!! Can't wait to try them out! |
Let me say the following: As a true makeup artist, you actually do have to know about almost everything, from Walmart to Niemans. Everybody does develope their own preferences and techniques with certain things. However, a true makeup artist should not be biased about products. The most important thing is techniques. I believe that we should expand our horizon and get to know products that are great selling in Walmart as well as in Niemans.
Besides, you will encounter customers with different background and you do need to know products that within their budget when you recommend stuff to them.
The main difference I believe between pretige cosmetic lines and drugstore cosmetic line is the ingredients and process of the products. As long as it is suitable for your skin and your budget, go for it! We only have one face! Do treat it right!!
01-11-12 決定了 Decision Was Made!
Today, it marks another significant day of my life. After a few months of working in a partnership with my best friend, it comes to a conclusion that the partnership needs to be ended. Working with your teacher and your friend is fun but both person needs to work it as a marriage. Once honeymoon is over, you reveal a lot more toward the other person. Now, you will have to deal with finance, authority, responsibilities, duties and emotion.
Even if you are 90% compatible with 10% incompatible, this 10% can ruin a "marriage" if it is a principal. I am the kind of person who is very lay back on lots of small stuff. I usually do not fight for authorities and I watch how everything goes. If I see we are deviating from our direction, I will make sure it is known. If I do see a problem and it is a principal problem, I will raise my voice. If there is something in running the business that I see to be affirm about, I will stand firm on my ground. However, I will usually break away when my partner does not listen persistently. And it happened.
Anyway, we decided to dissolve the partnership peacefully and I will start my own brand today. I felt relieved although I understand I will have to work twice harder. I don't know what's ahead of me and my future is still a question mark, but I am confident that I can conquer it!
Even if you are 90% compatible with 10% incompatible, this 10% can ruin a "marriage" if it is a principal. I am the kind of person who is very lay back on lots of small stuff. I usually do not fight for authorities and I watch how everything goes. If I see we are deviating from our direction, I will make sure it is known. If I do see a problem and it is a principal problem, I will raise my voice. If there is something in running the business that I see to be affirm about, I will stand firm on my ground. However, I will usually break away when my partner does not listen persistently. And it happened.
Anyway, we decided to dissolve the partnership peacefully and I will start my own brand today. I felt relieved although I understand I will have to work twice harder. I don't know what's ahead of me and my future is still a question mark, but I am confident that I can conquer it!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Concealers - Part 2 Choosing the Shade of Your Concealers
After you determine which concealer you choose to go with, it's time to talk about the shade of concealers.
You might have the following questions.
"Does it have to be two shades lighter?"
"There are so many different shades with different undertone, what should I use?"
There is no general rule for concealer to be two shades lighter. It depends if you want a more natural look or a more dramatic look. If you like to look more natural, general you pick the shade that is closest to your skin tone.
As you can see from the above pictures, one side looks more natural yet flawless while the other has more radiance. Natural look is best for day time, work and business professional. The brighter look is suitable for evening time, special occasions, or when you just want to look more glam!
Generally, you can hold the concealer next to you face and compare the color. If it looks the same, then it is your color for natural look. If you are looking for a more glam look, you would go with a shade or two lighter
Next blog will be about using concealers to cover serious under eye fatigue.
You might have the following questions.
"Does it have to be two shades lighter?"
"There are so many different shades with different undertone, what should I use?"
There is no general rule for concealer to be two shades lighter. It depends if you want a more natural look or a more dramatic look. If you like to look more natural, general you pick the shade that is closest to your skin tone.
 |
| L: natural shade, R: two shades lighter |
 |
| Setting your concealor with powder |
 |
| Effect after applying foundation |
Generally, you can hold the concealer next to you face and compare the color. If it looks the same, then it is your color for natural look. If you are looking for a more glam look, you would go with a shade or two lighter
Next blog will be about using concealers to cover serious under eye fatigue.
Monday, January 9, 2012
I Will Start Writing My Entrepreneur Diary here
I have decided to write about my feelings and what I have been through everyday, maybe every week, here.
Let me tell you a little bit about myself.
I am from Guangzhou China and moved to the States in 2000. Although it was my choice to move to the U.S., the drastic change of environment has made a huge impact in my life. I went from one of the best school in my city to a so-called "gatto" school in Houston. Went from being in the best class to study to being placed in English As a Second Language class and having to proof to my teachers that I have the ability to learn a more advanced course although my English was very much limited.
Since then, I stopped chasing my dreams, being an artist like I always wanted to become. My parents were jade sculptors and I was immerced in an artistic environment for a long long time. However, soon after I came here, I realize that having a stable job and have good income in the way to go. Thus, my dream vanished without any chase. Although I felt like suffering from all the classes every day in school, my will and desire to learn never haud me from moving ahead. I was graduated within the top 5% of the entire class and to save on tuition, I chose to stay in Houston. When I first started college, I studied interior design, but changed to business after I realize UH does not offer an accredited program.
In the next few years, I studied accounting and obtained a Master in Accountancy degree from UH. In 2007, I took an internship under PWC, the biggest accounting firm among Big4. During my internship, I worked until 2 or 3 in the morning and extra hard. According to my colleagues, the accounting firms will usually offer their interns a full time position upon completion of internship. With the hope of receivng this offer so that I could afford a better life for my parents, I went to the firm partner's office. The news was that I was not offerred the position. I cried and cried and cried. It hurt and mostly it ruined my dream of becoming independent and being able to take care of my parents with my stable income. The HR lady told me one thing I still remember "maybe you will be happier somewhere else". The ugliest truth was I was the only person who did not receive a fulltime offer and I was the Vice President for an accounting honor society. I found it very ironic.
Of course, I still finished my degree and worked for a local CPA firm for two years. During that time, I joined Amway hoping it will lead me somewhere. I am no longer doing it, but I am glad that I did because it made me re-consider my path and gave me training on how to become a better person and better yet, a sales person.
After working for the local firm for two years, I found accounting was not suitable for me at all. My boss suggested me to take a personalisys test because she also believes that I might be better in marketing, which I fell that class. I couldn't believe what she told me but still took the test. The result was quite surprising: I do possess good marketing personality. Since then, I researched on what I like to do for my second career. I found makeup and styling. Then, I did my training in makeup and started to become a makeup artist.
Then my story has gone wild after my graduation from my makeup school. I became the fashion editor for Chinese International News, organized three fashion shows, became counter manager of Dior and later promoted to be a freelancer for Dior, Cle De Peau and Shiseido.
In Aug 2010, I officially START my own MAKEUP SCHOOL partnering with my former instructor. We are five months down the road in business and we are splitting up. It was a difficul decision but I've taken out a lot from this experience.
Now, I have decided to take on a challenge that I've never done before. Want to know what it will be? Stay tune!
Let me tell you a little bit about myself.
I am from Guangzhou China and moved to the States in 2000. Although it was my choice to move to the U.S., the drastic change of environment has made a huge impact in my life. I went from one of the best school in my city to a so-called "gatto" school in Houston. Went from being in the best class to study to being placed in English As a Second Language class and having to proof to my teachers that I have the ability to learn a more advanced course although my English was very much limited.
Since then, I stopped chasing my dreams, being an artist like I always wanted to become. My parents were jade sculptors and I was immerced in an artistic environment for a long long time. However, soon after I came here, I realize that having a stable job and have good income in the way to go. Thus, my dream vanished without any chase. Although I felt like suffering from all the classes every day in school, my will and desire to learn never haud me from moving ahead. I was graduated within the top 5% of the entire class and to save on tuition, I chose to stay in Houston. When I first started college, I studied interior design, but changed to business after I realize UH does not offer an accredited program.
In the next few years, I studied accounting and obtained a Master in Accountancy degree from UH. In 2007, I took an internship under PWC, the biggest accounting firm among Big4. During my internship, I worked until 2 or 3 in the morning and extra hard. According to my colleagues, the accounting firms will usually offer their interns a full time position upon completion of internship. With the hope of receivng this offer so that I could afford a better life for my parents, I went to the firm partner's office. The news was that I was not offerred the position. I cried and cried and cried. It hurt and mostly it ruined my dream of becoming independent and being able to take care of my parents with my stable income. The HR lady told me one thing I still remember "maybe you will be happier somewhere else". The ugliest truth was I was the only person who did not receive a fulltime offer and I was the Vice President for an accounting honor society. I found it very ironic.
Of course, I still finished my degree and worked for a local CPA firm for two years. During that time, I joined Amway hoping it will lead me somewhere. I am no longer doing it, but I am glad that I did because it made me re-consider my path and gave me training on how to become a better person and better yet, a sales person.
After working for the local firm for two years, I found accounting was not suitable for me at all. My boss suggested me to take a personalisys test because she also believes that I might be better in marketing, which I fell that class. I couldn't believe what she told me but still took the test. The result was quite surprising: I do possess good marketing personality. Since then, I researched on what I like to do for my second career. I found makeup and styling. Then, I did my training in makeup and started to become a makeup artist.
Then my story has gone wild after my graduation from my makeup school. I became the fashion editor for Chinese International News, organized three fashion shows, became counter manager of Dior and later promoted to be a freelancer for Dior, Cle De Peau and Shiseido.
In Aug 2010, I officially START my own MAKEUP SCHOOL partnering with my former instructor. We are five months down the road in business and we are splitting up. It was a difficul decision but I've taken out a lot from this experience.
Now, I have decided to take on a challenge that I've never done before. Want to know what it will be? Stay tune!
Concealers - Part 1 Types of Concealer
Ok, it's time to talk about concealers. Many people ask me what is the secret my makeup technique and if I could share my secret! Of course, I've got my secrets...shuh...I'm gonna share it with you now. Just kidding. I believe that the most important thing for any makeup look is the flawless foundation. Flawless foundation leads to a clean canvas for any creative artists!
It is the flawless skin that makes people want to look and feel pretty! I also believe that as long as you CONCEAL the imperfection, your skin will appear flawlessly. However, many girls either thought that applying foundation will make their face look too made-up or will not enough to cover up their imperfections.
If you have ever thought of those above answers, it means that you probably misunderstood the purpose of foundation. The purpose of foundation is to unify skin tone, not to conceal. Concealer is designed to conceal. You can use tons of concealers without letting people know you use too much. But if you use too much foundation, people will say "SHE LOOKS TOO MADE-UP"
Now, I'm going to introduce the different types of concealers for your purchase reference.
There are many kinds of concealers in the market and I will mainly focus on the most common three. They are radiance boost pen, liquid concealer and cream concealer. I also place them in the pictures according to their consistency from light to thick.Now, I'm going to introduce the different types of concealers for your purchase reference.
 |
| From L to R: Dior, Amazing Cosmetics, NYX |
Types
1. Liquid concealer: lightest in consistency. Most liquidy and sheer coverage. Best for highlighting and for those who do not suffer from fatigues around the eyes. Can be used on top of the eyes as primer or to even out skintone on the eyelid. It can also be used on the bridge of nose, right above the apples, and chin to highlight those areas. It is suitble for women who do not like to use lots of concealor and have concern for creasing after application.
 |
| With Radiance Boost Pen applied |
2. Liquid concealer: thicker than radiance boost pen, but not as thick as cream concealer. Medium to full coverage depending on the brand. For example, the one I have is from Amazing Cosmetics. Their concealer has full coverage because it has added lots of pigments in the product. Thus, the coverage is more saturated. For ladies who has crows feet, it is a really good product to use since it can fill in the fine lines.
 |
| Effect with liquid concealer |
3. Cream Concealer. Thickest consistency among the three. Medium to full coverage. Suitable for any skin type or need. Since it is thicker in nature, your face look more made up.
 |
| Effect with cream concealers |
Areas to apply concealers: any imperfection, i.e. my freckles (lol, j/k), under eye fatigues, blemishes, the corner around nose, right under any wrinkles to remove the shadow so the wrinkle appear smoother.
****One most important note: PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO SET YOUR CONCEALER WITH POWDER after application!!!! It is major!!! Once you apply the powder, your concealer will turn from liquid to be solid so that it won't travel. Thus, it prevents the concealers from making creases and prolong product longevity.
I'll show you girls how to apply concealer in my next video. Stay Tuned!
Jeff Taplin 2012 Winter Fashion Show
I finally have the time to upload pictures from the show I recently participated. Jeff Taplin is an awesome designer in Houston, TX. His design Sophisticated Bitch is well designed and very couture! In his fall fashion show, we chose to create a clean cat eye look with either nude, black or silver lips. Love the makeup and love the hair! Of course, Love the dresses!! They are so hot!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)