Hair salons have been shuttered for months. Ditto for nail salons and retail beauty stores. While in many regions of the country these establishments are just starting to open their doors again, one thing’s for certain: there’s no going back to business as usual. That means makeup artists, hairstylists, nail techs and others in the beauty industry may not have full-time work to go back to, even after months of surviving without a paycheck. It’s something that’s been gnawing at celebrity hairstylist Michael Dueñas and beauty publicist Melody O’Flaherty. So they created Support Creatives, a new nonprofit for and by artists in the beauty industry set up to offer financial aid, mentorship programs, and continuing education to beauty creatives, in the wake of COVID-19 and beyond.

One of its first orders of business? Beauty Together, a mammoth fundraiser to benefit artists financially hit by COVID-19. The virtual event runs June 16-26 2020 and taps top-of-the-industry talent (like Danessa Myricks, Bobbi Brown, and César DeLeön Ramîrez) to share their skills with the rest of us, including insight on how to forge a beauty career in a pandemic-affected world and tips from Beyoncé’s longtime makeup artist, Sir John, on how to apply foundation that won’t wear off on your protective mask.

Starting today,dozens of sessions will be available live and on-demand starting at $10 a pop (though it pays to register early: sponsoring brands are donating highly-covetable swag, like $300 Beachwaver Kits, given to the first 20 people who sign up for one of Sarah Potempa’s sessions and donate $100 to the nonprofit). Ahead of the marathon event, we talked to nine featured artists for details on what to expect from their Beauty Together class and why now is the crucial time for industry players to band together in support of beauty professionals financially devastated by the global health crisis.

Source: Instagram

Michael Dueñas, hairstylist and co-founder of Support Creatives

Why He Started Support Creatives: “Artists of all kinds need help. The salon industry has salon artists covered, but not much exists for freelance artists. We want to bridge that gap,” Dueñas says. “Support Creatives has become our way to give back to a community that is in dire need of help even without the recent events that have happened.”

The Impact of COVID-19 on Stylists: “I have spoken to a few artists who are actually moving out of California because they can’t pay their rent or other bills. Most of us have not received a paycheck since March and to my surprise, many still are not eligible for unemployment even with the CARES ACT enacted,” Dueñas says. “I know of at least 20 people who will not be going back to makeup or hair because they can’t afford to build back up. If I know that many, how many others are there?”

Why Artist Solidarity Matters: “I think the industry is going to change massively. I feel it’s going to become very competitive for jobs since no one has worked for a while and people are going to be open to taking any rate, which will drive down rates in general and hurt everyone in the long run,” Dueñas says. “I do think artists need to stick together and be firm on our rates to keep our industry going strong and people wanting to work.”

Source: Instagram

Sir John, celebrity makeup artist (clients include Beyonce, Joan Smalls, and Karlie Kloss)

What to Expect: A masterclass in applying wear-though-anything foundation and playing up the eyes from the artist who creates makeup looks that don’t budge through hours-long stadium shows. But that’s just the start. 

“I’m not just in the business of makeup,” Sir John says. “I’m in the business of making people feel good.” To that end, the artist plans to also talk about forging a deeper connection with ourselves. “I’m excited to talk about this with people who are uncomfortable talking about race, depression, or anxiety. Now’s the best time to have the conversation that people wouldn’t usually have because that’s where the internal growth happens. I think now’s a really good time to start doing a temperature check about that and ask: ‘Before I go back out into the world and hear all this noise again, what am I really trying to say to myself?’  So we’re going to have a conversation and I’m going to sprinkle it with some fun stuff, some stories about Coachella and crazy stuff that happened backstage.”

Why Community in Beauty Matters: “I’m a huge advocate for Support Creatives because what it’s doing is a game-changer and so needed. In this time when everyone feels so singular and possibly marginalized because of the revolution in this moment that we’re having in society,  it’s great to have a community and it’s great for artists to rally around other artists and weave a bit of activism or charity work and philanthropic efforts in our artistry,” he says. “It’s the most modern direction forward.”

Source: Instagram

Bobbi Brown, makeup artist and founder, Evolution_18

What to Expect: A lively Q&A that covers everything from freelance makeup artistry to launching a wellness brand to forging an entrepreneurial life.

Why She Champions Freelance Artists: “I am a makeup artist at heart, and always will be. I was born one, and I understand that other artists are my people,” Brown says. “I can only imagine how difficult it is for people to not be able to do what they love, and how they support themselves. I’m here for them.”

Source: Instagram

César DeLeön Ramîrez, hairstylist (clients include Kylie Jenner, Ciara, Demi Lovato)

What to Expect: Expert wig application (including the adhesive he can’t work without) and savvy business tips for how to make it as a freelance hairstylist in Hollywood.

Finding Creative Solutions in Tough Times: “Sometimes tragedies wake us up and make us stronger. I think that this experience has made us look inward and think outside the box to stay creative,” says DeLeön Ramîrez. “I personally feel excited and inspired again, whereas before this pandemic, I was feeling burnt out and uninspired. I think we have also realized that we can accomplish so much with a lot less than we thought. Things can not go back, we are always moving forward.”

Source: Instagram

Danessa Myricks, makeup artist and founder, Danessa Myricks Beauty

What to Expect: A showcase of trending makeup looks from around the world, featuring makeup artists from Brazil, Australia, Greece, Romania, and Mexico

COVID-19’s Personal Toll: “I personally suffered not just financially, but physically from contracting the virus,” Myricks says. “There are no words to explain how I was emotionally affected by the combination of those two things happening at once. Watching both my hard work and dreams and my health slip away in a way that is completely out of my control was a feeling I wouldn’t wish on anyone. I feel so blessed to be here, on the other side of it, and to have the ability to support other creatives to make it through as well.”

The Importance of Support Creatives: “Myself and so many artists have been stripped of their ability to earn an income, their identity as creative entrepreneurs and providers and their joy and passion in an instant. So many artists all over the world did not benefit from unemployment or stimulus checks and were left to survive off limited savings. For many of us, we had to rely on our community of artist friends to share resources. Whether it was in the form of food, PPE supplies, financial donations, or even just emotional support, we had to lean into our relationships to make it through.”

The Power of Artists Supporting Artists: “I know how the support of my artist community helped get me through one of the roughest periods of my career. I want to pay it forward and make sure that as many other creatives as possible have the opportunity to feel and experience that as well.”

Source: Instagram

Sarah Potempa, hairstylist and inventor of the Beachwaver

What to Expect: Expert advice on how to build a brand, work with celebrities and create unique content, along with tips on recreating red carpet looks (like snake braids) or a 5-strand braid mantra at home.

Post-Pandemic Industry Changes: “This time has brought out so much change. In order to adapt, we need to be more digitally savvy and connect in ways we might not be used to, from creating unique content to making our social media shoppable to collaborating,” Potempa says. “It was really fun to do Instagram Lives with other artists, as well as watch so many live digital shows. I believe there will be a bright, more aware and more understanding future ahead of us and I am so hopeful for education, enlightenment, and positive change.”

Source: Instagram

Sam Villa, hairstylist and Redken global artistic director

What to Expect: Time-saving hairstyling hacks, like preventing flyaways with a shine spray and powder brush from your makeup drawer.

Why Support Creatives is Essential: “In my 44 years as a hairdresser, I’ve never felt a greater need to support our industry,” Villa says. “So many of my salon owner friends have been hurt by the COVID-19 shutdowns. They desperately need support. Unfortunately, many did not get the financial support needed to survive and reopen, so now is the time for all of us to do what we can to assist the most at-risk group of salon and beauty professionals.”

Source: Instagram

Melanie Inglessis, makeup artist (clients include Ana de Armas, Olivia Wilde, and Amber Heard)

What to Expect: How to create a day-to-night smokey eye with minimal tools.

The Challenges of Freelance Artistry: “I have been a freelance makeup artist for over 20 years and I have struggled for a good amount of years, so I know how terrifying it can be when work is not there,” Inglessis says. “A lot of artists live check-to-check and when the jobs stop, the checks stop. I also know from experience that we don’t always set ourselves up properly for dry periods and have many times nearly quit my passion because of not being able to pay my rent. So it’s important to me to be able to support and help my community going through this crisis so artists can continue being artists.”

Source: Instagram

Katie Jane Hughes, celebrity and editorial makeup artist (clients include Ashley Graham)

What to Expect: An in-depth tutorial on how to nail Hughes’ signature graphic winged liner, no matter your eye shape.

Beauty As a Catalyst For Social Change: “It’s so important to support the artists that have been greatly impacted by this pandemic and we all have to do our part,” Hughes says. But she also notes there’s a larger need for allyship and change that extends beyond the effects of the pandemic. “We need to take action and my participation is one small way that I’m putting my words into action. I’m so grateful that this program allows people to both support artists but also that a portion of the proceeds for my session is being donated to Black Lives Matter.”

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Tamra Judge’s Purple Snake Print Off The Shoulder Top on Instagram

Real Housewives of Orange County 2020 Instagram Fashion

Tamra Judge’s purple snake print off the shoulder top in her Instagram post about her pantry re-organization (done by @simplyseasideorganizing) is cool and chic, just like her new pantry. I know I just moved in to my apartment, but honestly I need to do some serious organization and Tamra’s post was definitely a good reminder of that. Mainly for my closet that I need to get a dresser for. Currently everything that doesn’t hang up is either in a suitcase or a bin. It is very unorganized and unappealing for everyone that sees, but mainly my BF.

Speaking of hanging—this cute off the shoulder top is something I would love to have hanging in my closet. Off the shoulder tops and dresses are something I absolutely love. They can look so delicate and feminine and are really comfortable. I will say they are quite hard to keep hanging on a hanger, at least for me. That’s alright though because I can always keep a special place for them in a bin suitcase nicely organized dresser drawer.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here To Shop Her Vici Steady As She Goes Purple Snake Print Off The Shoulder Top

Organizing: @SimplySeasideOrganizing

Photo Credit: @tamrajudge

Originally posted at: Tamra Judge’s Purple Snake Print Off The Shoulder Top

Whether you’re out and about or still at home isolating, you might be starting to feel like putting on a little makeup now and then. We’ll all really different in this sense. For me, I like a little concealer and mascara and just lip balm underneath my mask. Maybe a fun eyeshadow color if I’m in the mood. Tarte’s Custom Kit Sale for 2020 is the perfect way to pick up those few products you need in your kit and maybe one or two more for a special occasion.

Here’s how the custom kit works. For $63, you can get seven full-sized items (six products plus a makeup bag). After choosing a bag (they’re all really cute!), you choose one product from each of the following categories: foundation, face, eye, mascara, lip and skincare or brushes. This usually retails for more than $200! Not all products are included but many are, including: Babassu Foundcealer Vegan Skincare Foundation SPF20; Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush; Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara; Busy Gal Brows Tinted Brow Gel; Baba Bomb; and H2O gloss.

Image: Tarte.

It’s a truly awesome deal all around. Tarte’s iconic Shape Tape Contour Concealer isn’t included in Custom Kit sale, but it is on sale. It’s a whopping $8 off so feel free to add it to your cart when you’re finished filling up your bag. Now, this is a one-day sale but the brand often extends it another day so keep an eye out on the website and Instagram. Happy shopping!

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

I never expected a simple trip to buy vegetables to change my life, but it did. I met Maria at the Santa Cruz Farmer’s Market where she was offering five-minute massages.

My body hurt that day, as it always did. Figuring I had nothing to lose, I stood in line, then when it was my turn, climbed on to her table.

The instant Maria’s hands touched my body, I relaxed. When my allotted five minutes were up, I didn’t want her to stop, so I asked her to explain what she was doing. That’s when she told me about the Hendrickson method.

I’d been to many chiropractors and massage therapists, but I’d never heard of this method before.

When I looked it up online, the official website described it as “an advanced system of massage and manual therapy that is profoundly relaxing to receive, effortless to perform, and an efficient and effective treatment for acute and chronic pain.”

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Acute and chronic pain. Yup, that’s me. Since age 40, I’ve lived with rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disorder which causes a painful swelling in my joints that leads to bone erosion and deformity.

RA is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s tissues. My condition was relatively well-managed with a weekly dose of methotrexate, a very old remedy.

I would wake up stiff in the morning, with aching wrists, elbows, and shoulders, but by 10 or 11 a.m. I usually functioned pretty well.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Or, I did, until I was also hit by PMR, Polymyalgia Rheumatica. This is another immune disorder that causes muscle pain and stiffness, especially in the shoulders and hips. PMR attacks older people, usually those over 65. It hurts. A lot.

PMR restricted my movements to the point where I was unable to raise my arms to turn off the alarm in the morning, or to brush my hair or teeth. The pain in my hips was so severe I had to stop attending my exercise class. I couldn’t even walk around the block.

Physicians typically prescribe corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation and pain caused by PMR. I had been taking prednisone for two years when I met Maria. Side effects of prednisone include weight gain, thinning skin leading to bruising, low blood pressure, and difficulty sleeping. I’d experienced all of them.

I had been trying for months to taper off the drug, but it wasn’t going well. As soon as I reduced the dose, I experienced withdrawal symptoms – joint and muscle pain, fatigue, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.

In addition to the smorgasbord of withdrawal symptoms, the PMR would flare up, and I’d be in pain from that too. It was so frustrating. Each time I managed to reduce the prednisone by a milligram or two, the pain would slam into me, and I would give up and increase the dosage again.

I had been trying to get from 15 milligrams to 0 for six months, and was about to give up. I felt like a drug addict.

Maria and the Hendrickson Method

This is where I was when I met Maria. After our brief session, when she said she thought she could help with my joint pain and muscle soreness, I felt a flicker of hope.

I decided to give Maria’s Hendrickson method a try. After our first one-hour session, she told me she would help me reduce my prednisone dosage by working on withdrawal symptoms and flare-ups as they came. We began with weekly sessions, then every two weeks, then once a month.

Maria studied both of my conditions, talked with me about diet and exercise, and attended workshops to find new therapies to incorporate into her bodywork practice. We worked as a team.

Before the Covid pandemic, Maria began each session by taking out her notes from previous sessions and asking me how I had been feeling in the previous week or two. She kept track of all the analgesics I was taking, as well as my current prednisone dose. She was compassionate and kind and never rushed me.

Sometimes she asked me to stand or walk and studied my posture and gait. Then she helped me onto the table and laid her hands on my back for a few moments. She began her treatment with a gentle massage stroke called wave mobilization, based on essential Tai Chi principles of energy healing.

As she moved from one quadrant of my body to another, I would feel my muscles relax, my pain lose its grip, and my general well-being return. I would often be surprised that where pain was present before, there was none after Maria had worked her fingers over it.

A year later, I was down to two milligrams of prednisone and my monthly visits to Maria were the highlight of my life.

An Improvement I’d Not Anticipated

Before I met Maria, I hadn’t even heard of the Hendrickson method. But they have transformed my life. Even now, when we are both confined to our homes, my pain levels are lower than they have been in years, and I’ve worked down to one milligram of prednisone.

I look forward to resuming our sessions, but meanwhile, I am still reaping the benefits of a skilled Hendrickson therapist and this unique therapy.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor to get specific medical advice for your situation.

Does an injury or chronic pain interfere with your sleep, the enjoyment of your life, or your ability to work? Are you using analgesics or stronger pain medications to cope? Please share your experience with medical and alternative therapies and let’s have a conversation.