I’ve invested more in beauty education over the last 2 years than I care to think of. Far more than even my Georgetown tuition. Most likely even more than the number you’re thinking in your head right now. With each investment comes great risk, lessons, and growth.
I signed up to take what I told myself was ONE final 1:1 beauty education lesson with my favorite makeup artist: Mali Magic. Our session was set for late March and at first, I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it. What I didn’t know when I sent my inquiry email to Mali’s team, was that March was going to be one of the hardest personal moments that I’ve had in my life. My grand(mother) who raised me had just passed and everything for me was different. I think most people would’ve stayed in bed, stayed in the house, or extended their time-off after what I endured. And as the date for my lesson drew closer, I felt stronger and stronger and READY. I’d like to think that my new and old guardian angels had something to do with those feelings of strength.
I traveled to the Tri-state area for our session eager for a fresh perspective in my artistry. Mali came highly recommended from all of her former students for her talents and integrity. Above all of that, she has an extensive career in makeup artistry and the education to back it up. All things I was looking for in a mentor.
The Lesson
We PAINTED. At one point, I felt like it was an art session and our model was a live canvas. Not just a “demo” but a real-life experience of watching an artist paint and then trying to replicate as she watched and offered suggestions, encouragement, and praise. It was unlike any other experience I’ve had; True artistry, dedication, attention to detail and explanation behind the usage of products. What was great was that our model, Eryn didn't have perfect skin. It was an ideal situation because most of my clients and models I work with share that commonality. We focused on correcting the skin with minimal products, focusing on technique and repetition. Each minute was thorough and thought-provoking. At this point in my career, I’ve sat and watched many paint (makeup) but I didn’t sit down not one moment during our entire lesson. Her passion and care for the structure of not only the lesson but the flow of the entire day were reassuring that she was well-versed in taking on the responsibility of being a teacher and mentor.
Capture for Mali's Instagram Story instagram.com
Lip Color: "Bourdeaux" my Anastasia Beverly Hills
The Bar Is Set
Mali taps into her students as people. She wanted to know about me, personally. Not in a generic “what’s your favorite color” way, but as two women, sitting face-to-face getting to know one another. It put me at ease that she even had that interest. I didn’t feel like just another student on just another day. She listened to each of my quesitons, answers, and even offered sound advice. I have my own aspirations to become an educator and mentor to other artists and this experience completely changed how I will now go about doing a program of my own.
The Last Class
The joy I felt on the ride back home to D.C was both riveting and empowering. It took me a few days to fully process the experience in full BUT I am happy to have a fulfillment I once longed for. No one knows what the future holds but I truly believe that once you’ve found the right mentor and teacher, taking another class isn’t even a consideration. I am proud and honored to have Mali as my new mentor. I look forward to my new perspective in my artistry and I am more inspired than ever before. Purely MAGIC.