Meet Make Up Artist Monique Nicole How did you get started? Tell us a little about yourself. I grew up modeling as a child. It was not until college that I really got into makeup. My mom gave me the idea to take makeup seriously and to pursue it after college. Three adjectives to describe yourself. Creative, hardworking, focused What do you enjoy the most about being a MUA? I really enjoy enhancing my clients’ natural beauty and providing an additional layer of self confidence. What do you not enjoy about being a MUA? I’ve only been doing makeup artistry for about 5 years, I have not yet gotten to the point where there is anything that I do not enjoy just yet. Give me a few more years. I may have a list by then. Other than yourself, favorite make up artist? Why? Some of my favorite artists are the legendary Sam Fine, Renny Vasquez, Carola Gonzalez, and Mary Phillips to name a few. I love Sam Fine and Renny Vazquez’s approach to African-American skin. I am absolutely obsessed with Mary Phillip’s work with Jennifer Lopez and Carola Gonzalez’s work with Kerry Washington. Favorite color? My favorite colors are purple, cerulean, and magenta. Favorite food/drink? I like food too much to be able to name just one thing. #Foodie Dream vacation you would like to take (or have taken)? I try to take an international trip once a year, my favorite trip thus far was Cape Town, South Africa.
What person, living or dead, would you love to work with? I would love to work with Dawn Richard. I am a huge fan of her solo career and the direction she has taken her music. She takes risks, pushes the boundaries in her visuals, and exhibits fearlessness and confidence that I think all women should posses. What would you create? I would love to create several editorial shoots. Speak it into existence, where do you see yourself in 5 years? In 5 years, I see myself continuing to work in bridal, television, and be a creator of a cosmetic line. I would love to have a laundry list of editorials on my resume. What is your idea of perfect happiness? I am still working to understand my definition of happiness. At the age of 28, I do not know if I have really experienced true happiness. Your zodiac sign? Aquarius What zodiac sign do you get along with the most? I do not know. I usually get along with most people. What’s your favorite quote? “God is within her, she will not fall…” –Psalm 46:5 What’s your theme song? My theme song is “Me, Myself, and I” by Beyonce’. Favorite movie? Love & Basketball and Save the Last Dance Last book you read? The Wait by Devon Franklin and Meagan Good
What make up trend do you love? I love the clean, dewy skin makeup trend that started to resurface in 2016. What make up trend do you wish would die a slow, painful death? The harsh highlight and contour trend to go to the gas station at 11:00am. Just kidding, but I really am not a fan of the harsh highlight and contour. I love clean, natural looks! What’s the best/worst gift you’ve ever given/received? I’ve been pretty fortunate in the gift department. Let’s just pray that I stay fortunate. What product is in your kit that you can not live without? Two products that I cannot live without, my rosewater and Kett pressed powder. Guilty Pleasure? Cookies Last show you binge-watched? A Different World Anything else you want the readers to know about you. Do not be afraid of your own greatness. That is something that I’m learning at the moment. It’s actually on my vision board for 2017. Follow Monique on Social Media Instagram @mua.moniquenicole Facebook Page Monique Nicole Makeup Artistry See more of Monique’s work at: www.moniquenicolemakeupartistry.com 79 SALYSÉ MAY 2017