When my dear friend and mentor Kevin James Bennett dishes beauty tips, I listen up…and so should you! With over 2 decades of experience in professional makeup artistry, multiple Emmy Award winner Kevin James (KJ) Bennett knows how to create beautiful makeup looks under all conditions. 
KJ was recently asked to reveal his secrets on creating a flawless complexion and how to translate the latest makeup trends into an “every day†look. LISTEN UP!
Because the new high definition (HD) technology in film and TV emphasizes every detail on the screen, every flaw or imperfection on an actor’s face is more visible and makeup looks less natural. What new techniques do you utilize to accomplish a flawless face despite these obstacles?
KJ: The HD medium is unforgiving. You can see up to six times closer than the human eye can. The make or break factor in creating HD compliant makeup is slim and the best way to insure success is by using quality complexion products that are designed for the format. Good tools and great technique are the pieces that complete the HD puzzle. For the most natural complexion finishes I find myself working “wet†and leaving the powders in the makeup kit. It’s always been very easy to reach for powders to contour and highlight faces, so it presented a new learning curve to develop techniques using liquid and cream products. The results look so much more natural and three dimensional as opposed to powder sitting on top of the skin.
What are the essential products and tools in your makeup kit?
KJ: The two products I would be lost without are CoverFX Total Cover and Make Up For Ever (MUFE) HD Foundation. I’m known for my complexion work and these are the two products that make my makeup look exceptional. I also have to mention that I use amazing brushes by aDesign and Royal & Langnickel. Using the right brushes for the job is how you create beautiful skin. You can present the most fabulous avant-garde makeup, but if the complexion isn’t on-point, it’s a fail.
Flashes of neon color on eyes and lips were prominent all over the catwalks at the New York Fashion week. How would you translate this new trend into an everyday look?
KJ: There’s no need to embrace it all (although I LOVE how bold the looks were). Just add one unexpected color into your regular makeup routine to give it a fresh perspective. Something as simple as adding eyeliner with a bold color can change your entire look. Scared of a bright red lipstick? Bright pink, coral, orange? Rub some onto your lips as a stain, blot and then add a clear gloss. You’ll have the “illusion†of a strong color without committing to it full on.
Many women today go straight from the office to a night out. What is the quickest way to change a “day†look into an “evening†look?
KJ: Easy! Add lots of eyeliner and double up the mascara (upper and lower lashes). A better coverage foundation is also a good idea if you’re the “tinted moisturizer type. Always remember, evening makeup is seen in lower lighting, so you need to apply more for it to show up.
What are your top makeup pet peeves?
KJ: My biggest peeve is the, “I want a natural look†statement. Unfortunately, anyone over the age of 21 does not look their best without makeup. What you want is not “Natural†but “Neutralâ€. The best “no-makeup†looks use neutral colors to sculpt and accentuate your best features while not appearing like (color) makeup. My second biggest pet peeve is the “can you make me look 10 years younger†question. Want to look 10 years younger? I have the name of a fabulous plastic surgeon!
Thank you, my dearest KJ! xoxo
For more from KJ:
Hugs & kisses to you both. Words cannot express…
Thanks Felicia – awesome stuff as usual!
🙂