| Beauty In Color:
Celebrity Beauty Secrets Spilled
By Daria V. Wright
I sat down with Ashunta Sheriff, makeup artist extraordinaire and the woman
behind Alicia Keys stunning look at this year’s Oscars. She dished about her inspiration and shared advice about how the rest of us can hit the pavement lookin’ just as pretty as her A-list clientele struts the Red carpet.
PrettyCity: What was your inspiration behind Ms. Keys look for the Oscars?
Ashunta Sheriff : I was inspired by the beautiful Magenta Armani Prive' gown, it reminded me of the dresses Hollywood stars wore in the 1940s and 50s. I wanted to recreate the retro vibe by mixing it up a bit. I used a lot of soft pink and purple tones. I also opted for a brazen raspberry lip instead of the traditional red lip women wore in that time period.
PC: What are some words of wisdom that you have about beauty? About how the everyday woman that can approach it with the same confidence that women have on the red carpet?
AS: There are no rules to beauty because it comes from within. When you feel more confident and powerful, it comes through to those around you. That is what many stars have when they hit the carpet. Stars may be dealing with issues, low esteem, marital problems, loss of loved ones and many other issues however, when they hit a red carpet they put all their problems behind and put the best foot forward.
PC: What are your favorite trends in beauty right now?
AS: I am loving bright colors right now like Mary Kay Coastal Colors (marykay.com), a new collection from the brand that looks like a vacation in the British Virgin Islands. It is beautiful ocean blues, bright greens and gold sand tones.
PC: How do you keep up with trends in beauty?
AS: I keep up with trends by working Fashion Week, reading magazines, looking at what other artist are doing, but most importantly I love to go to art museums and exhibits and get inspiration for looks. Makeup is a true creative process and requires a lot of stimuli in order to stay fresh at what you do.
PC: What are your favorite beauty products that are at a lower price point?
AS: I love Cover Girl Queen Collection liquid Matte foundation, L’Oreal HIP products are great, Mary Kay has revamped their entire line and I'm a huge fan plus they have over 90 products that are 10 bucks and under. There also great finds right in beauty supplies store like Sally or Ricky’s.
 Beauty
in color is our monthly beauty column aimed at reviewing products, highlighting
color trends, and focusing on the hair care and skin care needs of women of color.
Please contact Daria V. Wright if
you have story ideas or product suggestions.
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