BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – MAKE-UP ART COSMETICS (MAC) was initiated in Canada by Frank Toskan and Frank Angelo in 1984 and the Estee Lauder Companies acquired controlling interest of it in 1994 and finished their acquisition of the company in 1998.
Kymberlee Ward, a citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis, has chosen to introduce the product to residents in the Federation who may not be too familiar with it, which is usually endorsed by celebrities.
Ward told SKNVibes that she chose to introduce the MAC Pigment series during April 28-May 12 as she found the product to be of great value and it has several uses.
“Some persons might say MAC is really expensive, however when it comes to their Pigments I strongly disagree. MAC Pigments have so many different uses and that's what makes this product unique,” she said.
The Pigments can be used as eye shadow, paint, lip colour, face and body bronzer, body shimmer, nail colour, cheek colour, eye liner, and hair colour and also as wash, contour, highlight, concealer and overall color.
“When one product has 15 uses that sounds like savings to me,” she said.
The pigment jars are 7.5 grams and, on average, a pigment should last between eight months and one year if used on a daily basis.
However, with various pigments to choose from, they usually lasts for almost three years.
“Spending EC$60 on a Pigment that would last for quite sometimes is a solid investment and tremendous savings in your pocket. I also have two types of LipGlass; MAC DazzleGlass and Fafi for the ultimate lip shine,” Ward said.
It was a bit difficult for Ward to state how she got involved with makeup as she has been a part of pageants in the past and never wore makeup onstage.
“I'd say it all started one morning, roughly about two years ago, when I went into Macy's with a friend who was getting ready to attend a wedding. We visited the MAC counter and I was totally intrigued by what I saw.
“I then started gathering information to see which was the best brand to use for my skin type, texture and complexion. Coincidentally, MAC was the perfect cosmetic! Through research I also found out that MAC does not test their products on animals and their cosmetics are originally made for ‘The woman of colour’,” she said.
She also said that the company has founded five social initiative programmes - MAC Cruelty-Free Beauty, Back to MAC Recycling, MAC Kids Helping Kids, The MAC AIDS Fund, and The MAC PRO programme.
“The one that held my interest the most was their AIDS/HIV Fund. The money for the fund is raised by the sale of Viva Glam products. And I was really intrigued by this charity because the vast majority of people living with the AIDS/HIV infection are African Americans. One hundred percent of the sale price of Viva Glam products is donated to help men, women and children living with HIV and AIDS.”
Generally, Ward uses makeup for enhancement and as a way to display her artistic side and various moods.
“I love it mainly for the flawless look it helps you achieve, the self confidence you can gain and I'm all about self expression because I am definitely one of those people who dare to be different,” she said.
Ward is also a MAC Pro, which is a certified programme provided to professionals in the industry and provides professional support, special pro-only benefits and discounts. Make-up artists receive discounts along with aesthetic specialists, cosmetologists, hairstylists, fashion stylists, nail technicians, costume designers, models, on-air talent/performers, and photographers.
The MAC Pro Student membership provides lesser benefits, entitles those studying Make-up Artistry and various other fashion-related programmes to also receive a discount for the approximate length of one school year.
She said that MAC Pro provides many different courses for the professional which are called Master Classes.
“I chose to start with the ‘Just Eyes Course’ in South Beach which included Day and Night, Runway, Photography and Special Makeup. There I obtained a professional certificate which allowed me to become a member of the MAC Pro,, and in May of 2009 I will be participating in another Master Class. This one is called MakeUpaloozza that focuses on high fashion, editorial, photography, airbrushing, film and television and runway makeup, after which I will receive another professional certificate with hopes to host a few makeup classes in our beautiful island,” she said.
Some persons are of the view that makeup damages the skin and causes breakouts.
“Makeup is a very tricky thing,” Ward said. “Firstly, makeup itself can only cause breakouts if you’re allergic to one or more of the ingredients. I urge you to find out what you are allergic to and refrain from using any products that are made with those ingredients; however, it's all about the cleansing process. Many persons skip important steps in their daily cleansing process, and that is what would cause them to experience breakouts.”
She has also started a company called Island Beauty Entertainment™, where she decided to embark on the business venture in 2008 after careful consideration of a few things the local market was without.
“Island Beauty Entertainment™ is a company where makeup artistry and entertainment collide. We specialise in girlfriend gatherings, makeup mixers, artist entertainment and so much more. Over the course of 2009, St. Kitts and Nevis will get an exclusive taste as to what our company has to offer,” she said.
Ward is presently in St. Kitts and is offering MAC products with special discounts along with a raffle valued at US$300 to be drawn on May 27.
For those interested in purchasing MAC or wanting to know more about the product, they can contact Ward at 663-3228.
Tips on Skin Care Cleansing
1.Before applying any type of makeup wash your face thoroughly
2.Moisturize skin evenly (even if u have oily skin, always apply moisturizer)
3.Prep and Prime (every type of makeup has a primer to go along with it for a smoother, longer lasting, crack and cake free look all day or night)
4.Never apply fresh makeup to dull makeup this causes your pores to get clogged quickly (always wash face entirely and go through steps 1-3 before every application)
5.Wash application brushes at least once per week (if you use cosmetic sponges or wedges change them as often as possible)
6.Never go to bed with makeup on (while sleeping your skin to be aired the most; your skin sheds at night this is where skin renewal happens, this is very vital to clear skin)
7.Exfoliate your skin at least twice a month (a very good homemade treatment I learned in school is by simply using lime/lemon and sugar; create a paste in your hand with 1tsp of sugar and lime juice until a paste is made or sugar has melted then gently smooth this mixture over your face and let it soak for 3-5 minutes and rinse thoroughly.)
Following these steps on daily basis and you would definitely stop any breakouts you may have experienced from prior makeup usage.
