Life Lessons, Beauty Tips & More with Carmindy
[Publishing note: This is an updated article from its original publishing in 2012]
Since childhood, Carmindy dreamt of traveling the world, doing makeup, and meeting inspiring women.
Check. Check...and Check!
And she did so with a strong work ethic and an unstoppable attitude (and let's not forget talent). From the studios of Paris, the beaches of Brazil, and the streets of Havana, Carmindy has traveled to over 40 countries and lived in Los Angeles, Milan, and Miami. She now makes her home in New York, where she established herself as a top makeup artist and beauty expert.
She is the author of three best selling beauty books titled The 5 Minute Face, Get Positively Beautiful, Crazy Busy Beautiful and her fourth book Bloom, written for teens, published August 2014.
She was kind enough to share some of her "lessons learned" and beauty tips.
Biggest Hurdle
[Q] What was your biggest challenge when you got started and how did you overcome it?
I started out trying to “play in the big leagues” at age 18
[A] It was difficult to break into the fashion/magazine industry dominated by older, seasoned make up artists. So, I decided to assist for free for a few years to observe and learn on the job like an apprenticeship. Many times I had to endure a bit of abusive behavior from "artistic" personalities. You must learn to face your fears and grow a thick skin and keep your vision clear on what you want. All those things made me stronger. I was fearless. Soon thereafter I got a break. One of the makeup artists got sick and was unable to do a photo shoot. I was at the right place at the right time with the right attitude. Always be ready!
20/20
[Q] Hindsight being 20/20, what advice would you have given your younger self when starting out?
[A] Don’t stress when things go wrong. A better opportunity is always around the corner.
At the beginning and throughout my career, I was lucky to have a few important people give me some great advice. Needless to say, I had a helping hand. I have a strong work ethic. I was told to take every job big or small along the way because you will learn something from each experience. Be open to constructive criticism, but know your boundaries and trust your instincts.
Work/Life Balance
[Q] Is there such a thing as work/life balance? How do you do it?
[A] I work hard and play hard. Life should be about balance. You must give 100% to your job but realize there is no glory in being a workaholic and not enjoying life at the same time.
It is even better when you love what you do so much that it's more fun then anything. I always take time out for myself from time to time, guilt-free.
Carmindy's Beauty Advice & Time Saving Tips & Tricks
[Q] Liquid, loose, or pressed powder foundation. What's your preference?
[A] By far liquid or airbrush spray makeup
[Q] What are 5 tips to save 10 minutes in the morning?
[A]...
Carmindize the face and skip eyeshadow. Add a bit of "Carmindizing" highlighting the brow bone, inner corners of eyes, tops of cheekbones, and around lips.
Apply eyeliner to top lashes only skip bottom
Apply mascara to top lashes only skip bottom
Tap on a quick cream blush with fingertips to the apples of cheeks only
Slick on a tinted lip balm and forgo the liner, lipstick and gloss
[Q] What are 5 tricks in transitioning makeup from work to play?
[A]...
Use a fine tipped concealer brush and a little foundation to touch up any smudges.
Line the upper lash line with a bit more eyeliner
Add a bit of "Carmindizing" highlighting the brow bone, inner corners of eyes, tops of cheekbones, and around lips.
Apply either a bold lip color or great gloss
Spritz on a little perfume
[Q] What are your Top 10 favorite beauty products?
[A]...
Creme De La Mer
SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum
Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired By Carmindy Your Skin Makeup
Fresh Satin Luster Face Palette
Nars Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil and Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil
Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired By Carmindy Forever Stay Eye Pencil in Deep Black
Revlon Grow Luscious (Volumizing) Mascara
Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired By Carmindy Sheerest Cream Blush in Bloom
Mac Blot Powder
Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired By Carmindy Forever Stay Moisture Gloss in Playful Pink
[Q] What are 10 must-haves you put in your cosmetic bag for a weekend trip to the beach?
[A]...
Skinceuticals Sport UV Defense SPF 45
Fresh Sugar Rosé Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15
Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired By Carmindy Forever Stay Eye Pencil (it's waterproof)
Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets
Kiehl's Ultra Protection Moisturizing Eye Gel SPF 15
Christian Dior, Diorsnow UV Shield BB Cream SPF 50
Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired By Carmindy Your Skin Makeup
Mac Blot Powder in Medium
Blinc Kiss Me Mascara
Fresh Satin Luster Face Palette
[Q] What is your passion?
[A] Traveling the world doing crazy and adventurous things.
[Q] If you had an extra hour a day, what would you do?
[A] DANCE!
I would share a dance floor with you anytime. Thank you Carmindy!
Check out Carmindy's new blog/website here!
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
