Behind the Inspiration of Grammy Nominated Recording Artist CAROLYN MALACHI

Photo: Leonard Poteat

Stylist: Ayanna Scott

Hair (Barber): Troy D. Johnson - YHYF

Makeup: Anna Castillo - ink...cosmetics

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

Photo: Leonard Poteat

*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”



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

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

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.

www.inkcosmetics.com

BLUE JUNGLE Photo shoot using ink...cosmetics

INK...COSMETICS LAUNCH COMING SUMMER 2011

Check out entire concept at ink...cosmetics

Cultivated photo shoot:  TEAM

Photographer:

Leonard Poteat 

http://www.leonardpoteat.com/

Celebrity Makeup Artist: 

Anna Castillo

Founder/Creative Director 

http://www.inkcosmetics.com/

Hair Master Stylist:

Sue Tang Lawhorn - W Salon VA

Hair Stylist: 

Leanna Kyle - W Salon VA

Wardrobe Stylist:

Ayanna Scott

Wadrobe Stylist:

Triana Woodard

Wardrobe Stylist:

Vance Gamble

Model:

Mejer Yang

Model:

Marie Zoumanigui

 Model:

Yashika Munoz

http://www.mundovisiononline.com/

Wardrobe Contributor:

La Petite Marmoset Vintage

Model:  Yashika

Model: Marie

 Model: Mejer

Are You Validated? Tribute To My Friends! Inspired by Oprah Winfrey's Last Show!

Photo provided by www.oprah.com

As one chapter in American Television History closes…my beginning manifests itself after watching Oprah’s last episode. Unfortunately, my job did not allow me to watch LIVE. Thank goodness for technology and the DVR. I watched Oprah from early on. I can’t recall the first episode I caught but remember coming home after school and turning her on to see what she had in store. Tonight I couldn’t help but hang on every word Ms. Winfrey blessed me with yet again. I learned over the years about gratitude, care, compassion, love, and her words “self-worth”! As she spoke, I couldn’t help but reflect on my life and what “platform” I have brought to those I came in contact with. For those who don’t know me well, I have been blessed and have no complaints. I don’t attend church anymore. Not for the reason of disbelief but for the reason of poor time management in this area. I pray more than you would ever know. I speak to our mighty God whenever I pass a holy monument, structure, place of worship or grave site. I say a prayer for all mankind and bless all I come in contact with.

As the show went on, I began to think about my “validation” and the platform I use to touch people. I am a firm believer that you are responsible for your actions and how you treat others. I have and will never take for granted the gift God has given me. Yes, I live two lives. I am an Airman in the United States Air Force. I signed up to protect and serve our country so we can all continue to live free. I came from a military background and have maintained that lifestyle regardless of my other life and passion as a Celebrity Makeup Artist and Owner of ink…cosmetics. The loss of my father made me who I am today! I am stronger, independent, unselfish, and I open my heart and home to everyone I meet. Yes, there have been numerous occasions where “some” have taken advantage of my actions. I have recently seen these individuals’ true intentions and colors but have chosen to bat my lashes and continue on. Never changing who I am inside or my genuine character! Perseverance is my best friend!

I have never needed the friend counters on Myspace, number of followers on Twitter, or liked page numbers on Facebook, to validate who I am, what my business is or will do for the men and women I encounter on a daily basis. With my cosmetics line launching soon, I began to envision my platform and validation. It is…my life! The way I live my life and interact with women and men who don’t believe they truly are as beautiful on the outside as they exude on the inside; where God has blessed me with the hands and talent to pull out “everyone’s” true beauty as a makeup artist. The lives I touch or come across because of a crime that was committed where I have to investigate and hope to gather all the evidence needed for prosecution as a criminal investigator in the AF. I don’t do it for trophies or “kudos”! I don’t do it for the money, “fame” or lack thereof! I do it for the honest and good in people! I do it for the sincere gratefulness from every client in my makeup chair that takes a double look at their reflection after I have completed their look! I do it for the mother of a deceased son who says thanks for caring about us after he’s gone and assisting in the justice he deserved! I thank everyone who has helped me become who I am today! Who has helped me along the way! Like my Mother, Grandmother, Godmother, Husband, Children, family and friends! I include Celebrities, businesses, and fans who believed in me, spread the word and who gave me a chance even though I am an “Airman” first and artist second. I thank those from MTV, VH1, Latina Magazine, the numerous Pageant Queens, Wardrobe and Hair Stylists, Media contributors, Photographers, DC Life Magazine, DC on Heels, local and known designers like my dear friend and biggest believer Indashio, and most recently my new partners at W Salon, VA! Of course could not have the wonderful life I do now without the spirit of my father and the many blessings of God!

                                             In photo Indashio and Anna Castillo

I ask that you all reflect and count your blessings, never take anything for granted, and be honest, true and continuously grateful! Continue the 25 year trend from our dear television inspiration Oprah Winfrey and live your best life always! THANK YOU OPRAH for bringing each and every “aha” moment to me and the millions of people across the world!

In photo Anna Castillo and Souny West

XXO Besos!  Remember to keep cultivating your creativity! <3 Anna Castillo

Don't waste your makeup look! ink...cosmetics gets complimented!

So much has gone on in the last few weeks and months I don't know if I am coming or going!  Loving all the business and all the rave about ink...cosmetics and the W Salon VA fashion events!  I must say although I did Michelle's makeup look, I didn't do this event myself.  I had the hair help our partners at the W Salon VA and their lovely stylist Megan Mosig who assisted with makeup as well.  Basically, after a long week I had time to sit down and check all my network emails.  I came across an email from Michelle who was a model for one of the last events over Mother's Day weekend.  Check out the email below and the beautiful images she took after the event.  Super cute!  Loved it!

"Anna,

It was a pleasure meeting you and your talented team of make-up artist last night at the Aidah Collection Runway show. Thank you for making me look and feel beautiful!

I LOVE the way INK looked on my face. Congratulations on your upcoming launch for your new make-up line!

It just didn't seem right to let fabulous make-up go to waste so I took a pic of it when I got home from the show! lol.  See attached.

Enjoy your Mother's Day weekend!

--
Live the Magnificence of You,
Michelle"

Check out the images she sent with this email.  LOVE that she loved the makeup so much she went home and did a shoot with it!  Thank you Michelle!  Hope you will visit me again a the W Salon VA!  XXO Besos!  Anna Castillo - Celebrity Makeup Artist - http://www.inkcosmetics.com/

In the Georgetowner: ink...cosmetics & W Salon Key Makeup/Hair for Aidah Collection Show May 7, 2011

As DC's favorite Angie Goff graces yet another wonderful cover this month.  The W Salon and ink...cosmetics are gearing up for their next fashion event on May 7, 2011 to support Girls Inc. and Aidah Collection which will be hosted by Paul Wharton.  A portion of Aidah's Collection 3rd Anniversary Runway Show & Benefit proceeds will be donated to Girls Inc of the Washington DC Metro Area (http://www.girlsincdc.org/) a nonprofit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold through research-based informal education programs that address education, pregnancy and drug abuse prevention, media & economic literacy, health, violence prevention.

This is just one of the ways W and ink... are giving back to the community. 

Stay tuned for more "Wink... Events"™ as ink...cosmetics is scheduled to launch Summer/Fall 2011 in DC!   

XXO Besos!
http://www.inkcosmetics.com/

KATE MIDDLETON's Do It Yourself Royal Wedding Makeup Look!

That’s right I said D.I.Y Wedding Makeup Look.  We all know she is not tight for money!  Smart though for sure!  I love that the new Duchess of Cambridge took on the task of creating her own makeup look on the most important day of her life.  The Royal Wedding was magnificent! A wedding little girl’s dream of; dress by the house of Alexander McQueen, Cartier tiara, horse driven carriage, and a crowd of roaring fans for miles! 

Get the Duchess of Cambridge's D.I.Y. Makeup Look in these easy steps:



STEP 1:  A few days before take care of any hair removal!

STEP 2:  Clean and moisturize your face.

STEP 3:  Apply a pore smoother around your nose and cheeks.

STEP 4:  Add concealer under the eyes and around any blemishes.  Apply an HD foundation on all over your face and blend near the jawline.  Be careful not to take the foundation to low.  You wouldn't want to mess the dress!

STEP 5:  Use a wide shadow brush and add a smokey grey shadow from the base of the lid to the brow bone.

Apply a cream matte shadow from the brow bone and brush upward to the brow.

STEP 6:  Line both the top and bottom lash line with a jet black eye liner.  ONLY line the bottom lash line not the inner rim.  Finish eyes with black mascara.  Comb lashes to prevent clumping.

STEP 7:  Fill in brows with a brow pencil and set it with brow gel.

STEP 8:  Use a Kabuki style brush and add a pink/mauve matte blush.  Using a larger brush will allow for more coverage.  Just be sure to blend.

STEP 9:  Line your lips with a pink lip brush pencil.  Add a matching cream gloss for a smooth flesh tone appearance. 

STEP 10:  Finish this fairytale look with an HD setting powder, smile and have fun!

Photos provided by: Today Show, Fox, AP, and Getty Images.

Metallic Monday Makeup - Chanel Beauty

Good morning everyone!  It's the Monday after Easter and I have a new attitude!  I am working so many projects right now I needed to take the weekend to reflect, reorganize and plan what's next for not only my military career but our upcoming debut of ink...cosmetics.  Today I thought I would try to bring you new look a week and start introducing different ink... products to you until the official launch. 

So....it's...

METALLIC MONDAY!

This look was inspired by our friends at Chanel.  You can achieve this look in 5 easy steps.

FACE:  Clean and moisturize your face.  

SKIN:  Apply ink...cosmetics face primer.  Add ink...cosmetics shadow base to your entire lid.  Apply matching ink...cosmetics Foundation Stick only where you need it!  Add matching powder to set it in place. 

SHADOWS:  Apply a cream lightly shimmered shadow all over the eye.  Then, using a wide shadow brush dipped in ink...cosmetics shimmer pigment in the color chill; sweep shadow just above the crease up to the brow bone.  Use a clean wide shadow brush and apply a pink shadow under the outer corners of your eyes.

LINER:  Slide ink...cosmetics liquid liner along the top of your lash line.  Start from the outer corner and work your way in.  This will help keep the wing tip crisp and you can match both eyes more easily.  Add mascara on the top and bottom lashes.

LIPS:  Use a mauve colored lip liner and fill in your entire lip.  Top with a lip moisturizer.  NOT gloss.

This look is sweet and sophisticated.  Pull your hair away from the face so you present a great first impression.  Let people see YOU!  Enjoy and have a blessed week! XOXO Besos! Anna Castillo