Romero Jennings Muses On Makeup During A Lockdown

Romero Jennings Muses On Makeup During A Lockdown

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Internationally-renowned makeup artist and M·A·C Director of Makeup Artistry Romero Jennings on mastering TikTok, wearing lipstick under a mask, and embracing change.  

 

Related: Blackpink’s Lisa is MAC’s newest muse

How has the pandemic affected your routine? Do you share the same experience with many of your fellow top makeup artists?

The pandemic, as for most, has affected my daily work, but I have pivoted to be a virtual makeup artist. A large portion of my work now is to create beautiful content virtually through Instagram, TikTok, tutorials, webinars, and masterclasses. Fortunately, prior to the pandemic, I have embraced social media as a creative outlet and a way to connect with a global beauty audience. I’ve always had a very supportive social following, so this was a natural and promising transition for me.

[Last] September New York Fashion Week was very different as many designers created virtual shows and photoshoots. A brand new experience for me, I worked on the Christian Cowan digital photo shoot for his latest collection. The shoot was keyed virtually by another M·A·C artist in LA, while I was in NYC. After that shoot I was asked to create the look for Christian’s new campaign, which is an honor.

I am continuously learning and perfecting best practices for delivering artistry to my followers. Covid has inevitably held us back from many work opportunities but has opened doors and introduced new alliances that will drive the industry as we search for our new normal.

You post the most amazing daily looks on IG! Where do you look for inspiration for these looks? Which one do you like the best and which one was the most popular—and why do you think it resonated with so many people?

I get inspired from my dreams, gardening, and interacting with my global beauty audience. I listen to their comments and use feedback to drive my next creation. I have an energizing new fan base on TikTok, and as of recent, music has really helped to inspire my makeup looks on TikTok and Instagram Reels.

One of my favorite TikTok videos had 303k views and featured me using the M·A·C Prep + Prime Essential Oils which pairs well with the Studio Fix franchise especially M·A·C Studio Fix Fluid and M·A·C Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation. I also love my M·A·C VIVA GLAM Rosalia Video with the VG red lip and hand dancing which has 3K views and supports M·A·C’s philanthropic function.

What’s your take on Lisa of Blackpink as a global brand ambassador and as face of the collection?

Lisa from Blackpink as our new brand ambassador is everything! Music and M·A·C really go hand in hand. Lisa is gorgeous, talented, ambitious, and a style icon that’s relatable to so many, while being true to M·A·C’s message. Her collection is wearable and on point with the latest trends that we’ve been seeing on red carpets, in pop culture and even backstage. We are thrilled to welcome Lisa and introduce her M·A·C favorites to our fans and hers alike.

Why do you think M·A·C maintains its strong hold on the market despite so many new brands popping up?

I have been at M·A·C for 26 years and have seen the brand pivot, innovate, introduce trends, and deliver to the consumer continuously. M·A·C and I continue to embrace the new beauty space and demands, but always remember our important core values of inclusion, diversity, product quality and value. M·A·C then and now, more than ever, stand for all ages, all races, all genders.

What are you looking forward to in 2021?

I am looking forward to the future and welcoming the new year with vivid, bold and bright change for a better future. I believe that many will feel empowered to make more bold expressions in life, fashion and beauty and I welcome it.

Any tips on how to wear lipstick under a mask? 

I love the new M·A·C Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolour in Date-Maker which is my favorite nude for all skin tones. I do wear it under a mask. Blot a few times with a clean tissue and it will remain intact while hydrating the lips. Here’s a TikTok video of me using the shade.

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