MEET DIMITRI JAMES: SKINN COSMETICS FOUNDER AND PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP ARTIST
Dimitri James, licensed esthetician and professional makeup artist, knows what it takes to be successful in the beauty world. His educational background and ability to see beauty in all people led him to write two booming books — Becoming Beauty and Naughty Makeovers for Nice Girls — and create Skinn Cosmestics, his own successful line of skincare formulas and color cosmetics.
Growing up, Dimitri’s mother and two grandmothers, all trained estheticians, instilled in him a passion for true beauty and the importance of feeling good on the inside. Incorporating these values into his career, he put his esthetician license to impressive use and served as a makeup artist for top beauty brands Estée Lauder, Chanel and Revlon, to name a few. His positive energy and live on-air demos and makeovers have earned him loyal fans across the globe.
In between promoting Skinn Cosmetics and learning about the newest beauty trends, Dimitri spoke with Beauty In The Bag:
1. When and how did you first become interested in the beauty industry?
I first realized when I was 6 years old. I actually locked myself in my mother’s bathroom and mixed all her nail polish colors together, trying to find the perfect shade! I’ve always had this gift — I could look at women and know how they should look. I remember watching Charlie’s Angels, drawing out their faces and then applying makeup to make them look like their best selves.
2. What advice would you give to people who are searching for the perfect makeover?
Create one little beauty change with an ‘on-trend’ update. Try a red lip or maybe lash extensions! Don’t try to make over everything all at once; you’ll never keep it all up.
I learned early on when I did what I call “queen for a day” makeup. Women didn’t want to recreate the look for themselves on a daily basis. And really, most people live their lives in the “in-between” i.e. in-between super dressy and just sitting at home.
I always try to look at people’s lifestyle and create a look that fits their 90% self — their reality. I found it’s small changes people will actually implement. Sometimes it’s as simple as perfecting your eyebrows to totally change the focal point on your face. I’ve always worked off a triangle of beauty that spans across the eyes, down to the chin. Then I pick which features need to be more prominent or less. I call it “accentuate it or eliminate it.”
3. What are three essential beauty products every woman should have?
Concealer, mascara and a lip gloss or lipstick. Concealer, it can be used anywhere on the face to hide flaws. Mascara, or your eyes look invisible. Lips should be moist and obvious on the face.
