Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Behind the Inspiration of Grammy Nominated Recording Artist CAROLYN MALACHI

Stylist: Ayanna Scott
Hair (Barber): Troy D. Johnson - YHYF

Q: ink…cosmetics - When did you know you were going to be a recording artist?

A: Carolyn Malachi - “I knew I would be a recording artist during my junior year of college, 2005. Dr. Kevin Williams, my favorite professor at Shepherd University, unlocked my musical imagination during a sound design course. I began producing and fitting years of lyrics and emotion into the music I was starting to produce. It was an exhilarating revelation, learning that I could fashion dope experiences - that are cathartic for me and for others - with my own two hands, ears, and eyes. Creative intelligence is a beautiful, empowering thing. I'm glad to have been encouraged to explore my own.”

Q: ink…cosmetics - Who was your inspiration?

A: Carolyn Malachi – “I have several musical inspirations, but my dad is my greatest inspiration. I don't know that I would have the type of resolve and determination without my father's influence. When the going gets tough, he reminds me that I am tougher than whatever is going on. When I achieve a milestone, he tells me that I really haven't done anything yet and that I need to keep pushing forward. I knew that Orion was going to be successful because my daddy loved it before it was perfect; before it was polished.”

Q: ink…cosmetics - What was the inspiration behind your latest record?

A: Carolyn Malachi – “Lions, Fires & Squares is an exercise in dream casting. Even though I'm an independent artist, I wanted to be able to compete and solidify my presence in the industry with this record. In a way, the concept was very free and aloof from any idea other than augmenting the quality of production, writing, and arrangement. Working with top notch producers and engineers like James McKinney, Scott Jacoby, and Kevin Jackson freed me up to write with greater confidence. I knew my musical ideas would be honored and explored. They are great creative partners.”

Q: ink…cosmetics - Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

A: Carolyn Malachi – “Within five years, I expect the Carolyn Malachi brand to be a household name. I want to be like Target and Whole Foods - a one-stop shop for everything that feeds the mind, body, and soul. When people hear my name, I want them to remember that they're not alone, and that they have a champion out here. Sometimes, that's all the encouragement you need to move forward.”

Q: ink…cosmetics - Best advice for new artists are?

A: Carolyn Malachi – “Surround yourself with people who can brighten the dark corners of your mind. You can only learn if your teachers are smarter than you.”

Q: ink…cosmetics - Your new photos by Leonard Poteat and styled fashions by Ayanna Scott are breathtaking! In the beauty department what would you say is your favorite must have beauty product?

A: Carolyn Malachi – “Water is my favorite beauty product. I drink a gallon of water a day to stay hydrated and to fight acne.”

Q: ink…cosmetics - ink...cosmetics Celebrity Makeup Artist/Creative Director Anna Castillo cultivated a bird like eye for your latest shoot. Which is now your new signature makeup look. What does this signify?

Photo: Leonard Poteat * Stylist: Ayanna Scott
Couture Lashes and Makeup by Anna Castillo - ink...cosmetics


*Stylist for Keira and Carolyn Malachi: Ayanna Scott
Hair for Keira Malachi: Sue T. Lawhorn & Cindy Soung - W Salon VA

A: Carolyn Malachi – “We can get so caught up in our challenges that we forget to look at the beauty and possibility of our dreams. The song that gets me through the toughest times is Lizz Wright's "Open Your Eyes, You Can Fly". She says "Never be afraid to love. Never be afraid to just be...Have the courage to be free." So, I love the bird eye, and I view it as a symbol of letting go of fear and letting my dreams take flight.  It was very important for me that my little sister participated in this photo shoot because her dream is to become a model. I enjoy helping my friends and family's visions come to fruition. That, in itself, is a dream come true.”

Q: ink…cosmetics - Are you a lipstick or lip gloss girl?

A: Carolyn Malachi – “Gloss atop a matte lipstick! At any given time, there are at least three tubes of gloss rolling around at the bottom of my bag.”

Q: ink…cosmetics - How would you define your beauty style?

A: Carolyn Malachi – “My style is striking, chic, and eclectic. I rock my Chic Caesar because it's stylish, bold, and easy to maintain. You have to be a certain kind of woman with a certain kind of confidence to wear this hairstyle properly. It's only fitting that my fashion choices follow suit.”

Q: ink…cosmetics - What project do you have coming up in the next few months?

A: Carolyn Malachi – “I am very excited about releasing the Carolyn Malachi app with a special musical gift for you, you, and you! Thank you, INK Cosmetics! <3”


Tuesday, June 28, 2011

ink...cosmetics makeup application for Grammy Nominated Recording Artist CAROLYN MALACHI

Talent behind the images!  Photo by Leonard Poteat!


Check out the video for a behind the lens look!


Special thanks to Leonard Poteat for shooting and producing this behind the scenes look at the cultivated editorial shoot for the wonderful Grammy Nominated Recording Artist Carolyn Malachi.  We had the opportunity to shoot her sister Keira Malachi who was absolutely adorable as well!

The shoot was made possible because of stying by Ayanna Scott, hair by W Salon VA - Sue T. Lawhorn and Cindy Soung, Photography by Leonard Poteat, Barber YHYF, and makeup by ink...cosmetics, Anna Castillo. 

More information and final photos to come:
ink...cosmetics blog interview with Carolyn Malachi.
ink...cosmetics GET THE LOOK breakdown to include Carolyn Malachi's Couture Lashes by ink...cosmetics.

Hope you love it as much as we did!  May God continue to bless all of our creative minds, hands, and voices!  Great working with all of you!

XOXO Besos
Anna Castillo
Celebrity Makeup Artist
Creative Director for ink...cosmetics, LLC

Thursday, June 9, 2011

GET THE LOOK: Jet Black Rose

Late SUMMER 2011, ink...cosmetics will launch their line of trendy, sweet, and sexy cosmetics in the DMV.  Our first "ink...spot" as if you didn't know, will be at the W SALON.  So excited!


Here is another fun look using ink...cosmetics eye liner as lip liner (color: jet black).  Yes it is an interchangeable product!  Love it!  I used ink...cosmetics eye shine in Rose on her eyes along with a few other fun products.  More on this look coming soon.  Hope you love it as much as we did!

XXO Besos,
A.C

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

GET THE LOOK: Star dust Blue sky

Photo: ink...cosmetics
Model: Olivia 


If starry blue skies with attitude really existed this is what it would look like!  To get Olivia's look check out the new products at ink...cosmetics coming to the W Salon later this summer!

GET THE LOOK:

1. Start with a clean, moisturized face.

2. Add primer all over.

3. Dab ink...cosmetics concealer duo under the eye and around the nose.

4. Add ink...cosmetics foundation stick down the nose, across the forehead, and on the sides of the cheek.

5. BLEND product with a foundation brush.

6. Using a wide shadow brush, add ink...cosmetics "Blue Skies" eye shadow on the outer corner of the eye.  Blending outward toward the end of your defined brow.  Apply this product in a v-shaped motion.  Creates a wing-like cat eye look.

7.  Add ink...cosmetics "Star Dust" from the inner corner of the eye towards the edge of your eye.  Blending here is important.  Make the two colors intertwine.

8.  Add ink...cosmetics "oil control powder" all over your face and neck.

9.  Add black lashes and adhere with black/dark adhesive.  Line the entire rim of your eye. Top with ink...cosmetics jet black mascara.

10.  Finish this look by applying ink...cosmetics lip color in "Attitude". 


 ink...cosmetics shadow in "Blue Skies"



  ink...cosmetics shadow in "Star Dust"




ink...cosmetics lip color in "Attitude"

Now, wear your best little black dress, strappy stillettos, and head out to your favorite hot spot.  Enjoy your "Starry Blue Skies"!  Hope you love it!

XXO
Besos!
A.C.