For those who know me, you know that I love a good book (especially Thrillers & Murder Mysteries). I also love a good dvd (movies, live performances, or instructional dvds). Because of my love for good books and dvds, I now have book shelves filled with some of my favorites. I've recently added all of Danessa Myricks' dvds to my collection.
Danessa has become 'the Master of Makeup education'. She started her collection back in 2004 and now has a collection of 10 + dvds. Her education materials are made for everyone on every level of makeup.
She breaks down her instructions so that they are simple and easy to follow. What I like most about Danessa's makeup videos is that you only see Danessa's hands and a close up on the model's face. When you think about it, that's all we really need to see. Danessa keeps the focus off of her and her 'celebrity' (status ). Its not about a celebrity makeup artist instructing you on how to do makeup. Its one artist to the other. An artist teaching other artists on all levels what she has learned. And to top it all off, SHE DOESN'T HOLD BACK. There are no secrets with Danessa. She teaches you everything that she knows.
All of Danessa's videos (especially the last 2) are based on some core concepts that we can use to do any makeup. Those concepts are as follows:
1) Any area of the face that is shaded lighter than areas surrounding it, will appear larger and more pronounced.
2) Any area of the face that is shaded darker than the others will appear smaller, more recessed, and more camouflaged.
3) Any area of the face where reflective makeup textures are applied, will multiply in size and will become most prominent.
4) Makeup is all about contrast. The more contrast you create, the more dramatic the outcome will be.
These concepts were used through out "Mastering the Art of Effective & Creative Contouring' and 'Fundamental Beauty'. I loved these two dvds for the simple fact that they taught basic makeup looks that could be used in weddings, television, and editorial shoots. Danessa explains that a big portion of a makeup artist's income would come from applying makeup for these basic looks. I agree with that. When was the last time you saw an Allure Magazine cover where the actress was wearing glitter on the eyes with feather eyelashes? You haven't!! Magazines aren't requiring that type of work. At least, the popular fashion/beauty magazines aren't requiring those types of looks.
Danessa used the four core concepts to teach how to achieve the desired oval face shape by using contouring techniques. The last two dvds are great for makeup artist, but if you are a 'newbie' or a non makeup artist, this is the best instruction that you will receive to explain contouring methods.
Take a look at whats going on out in the makeup education world. Everyone is teaching classes on 'Contouring'. I'm not sure of their reasons for teaching this concept, but it is definitely needed. Go to
I Make You Beautiful and buy these wonderful dvds. You will not regret it. Danessa is a beautiful woman (on the inside and out) who only wants to share her knowledge. She is truly a 'gem' in the Beauty industry.
-DT
