When entertainers, models and other glamorous ones sojourning in South Florida need makeup expertise, they don’t think of calling anyone else. Matti Domingue of Zoule Makeup! Domingue, whose handiwork is appreciated by everyone from young brides, to runway models to musical stars, says her love for makeup and beauty aesthetics started with her mom, a cosmetologist whose salon the young Domingue frequented often as a child.

Says Domingue: “I used to watch how she worked. She was the kind of woman who woke up beautified. Makeup well-done hair and nails etc. I used to love watching her when she had wedding clients when she actually did the makeup since her specialty was hair.”

It didn’t take long for little Domingue to try her hand at things: “My mom used to have to hide her makeup multiple times. She found me with lipstick all over my face,” she recalls. “I loved makeup as a child and now have a greater love for it because I can help people gain more confidence in their selves”.

Domingue agrees that there are some misconceptions about makeup. And the biggest? “When they tell you makeup makes you look fake or older,” she contends. “Makeup does not make you look fake unless you overdo it. There is nothing wrong with enhancing your beauty.”

And enhancing outer beauty is something Zoule Makeup certainly does. Domingue drew the inspiration for her company in the spiritual history of her Haitian roots. “Zoule Means Erzulie [Haiti’s version of the Virgin Mary],” she says deciphering the mystery of the significance behind her company’s name. “I wanted a meaningful name that can make a woman feel like the queen that they already are. To me Zoule means Spiritual Queen. So when I do someone’s makeup I want them to go even deeper within their selves find the inner beauty to project while I enhance their outer appearance.”

For those of us who have never experimented with makeup, Domingue offers this counsel: “There is nothing wrong with asking about makeup,” she contends. “Meaning if you are not so good at applying it on yourself you can ask an expert. For example on Twitter I welcome people [asking] me questions. Also Sephora they are good for that. But I always say this the simpler you are the better, makeup is not meant to be overdone.”

Domingue is eager to address the concerns and fears of some women on how to best take care of their skin when wearing makeup. She advocates the use of a primer, as one of the key products women should use to keep their makeup settled while protecting their skin from any damages. “The ones with SPF are even better. Also before going to sleep clean and moisturize your skin so that it can stay vibrant and healthy.”

The owner of Zoule Makeup is not stingy about sharing her experience either, and has plenty of advice or other young women who want to work in the industry. First and foremost, she says, an aspiring makeup artist must know that the art is not simply doing makeup for a client and making money. “It’s a very competitive field and requires a lot of dedication and passion,” she observes. “Before wanting to do makeup I had to test it out trying photo shoots with friends etc. Loving what you do is the key to success.” Domingue says that aspiring artists must be prepared to be away from their families, sometimes several days and weeks at at a time for assignments. “I believe its takes a lot of courage and personality to do what I do.”

And perseverance. Domingue asserts that a hardworking artist, no matter how successful should never get too comfortable, and those new to the field must be prepared to face obstacles, even daily. “From people not respecting what you do to not appreciating your work,” she observes. ‘Many times people have use the term “Its just makeup. Why do you take it so seriously?’ People have tried to bring me down on multiple occasions to give up what I do. But with my faith in God and myself. I have learned to strengthen up and keep it moving. I do it because it’s what I love. I love transforming a worm into a butterfly.”

And that has been primarily the secret ingredient to her success. Another secret to her success is definitely her ability to approach each client on a person-to-person basis. “Making a client feel comfortable to me is the best way to start,” she says. “I love getting to know them while I do there makeup. Because not everyone likes to have a unknown person invading there personal space. So with a little conversation and laughter it eases the client to fall into there comfort zone.”

Domingue works with all kinds of complexions, and ranks certain products as her favorites to work with. For every day type of makeup, she recommends the foundation to powders, blushes, and shadows in the “Makeup Forever” line, one of her favorite brands. She says that one of my favorite mascaras is DJV Fiber Wig. “It’s amazing,” she gushes. “I also like MAC shadows, concealers, blushes, and lip stick. Nars also has amazing lip glosses. For sensitive skin I recommend Korres they have amazing products that are naturally based. Just to name a few.”

Domingue has great plans for her business, including hiring and training additional makeup artists to join her staff.A woman with impressive business acumen, Domingue wants to eventually create her own line of cosmetics, and expanding her little empire beyond the state of Florida and dip nationwide and delve into the European market. Among her other plans, is to provide clothes and other essentials for underprivileged kids and babies in Haiti. Says the entrepreneur: “God has blessed me profoundly and I feel that its only right that I give back to the ones in need. Also I would like to help the women that have the same interest [with] seminars and such. Zoule Makeup to me is not about finding the outer beauty but also finding the good within yourself.”

And all who know her would agree.

Would you like to be a professional makeup artist, who also offers styling services but don’t know where to start? Get some tips here from Haitian makeup artist Eunice Pierre, owner of Beauty by Bebe, with branches in Miami and Port-au-Prince. The entrepreneur has done the makeup for magazine photo shoots, fashion shows, and for private events.

Kreyolicious: Some people learn about makeup and style from their moms or older sisters. How did this love for makeup and styling come about in you?
That’s is a tough one! I just want to start by saying I have no idea where my passion for the beauty Industry came from really. What I can say is I know that since I was a little child I just love beautiful people I love beautiful skin I love makeup and my mother was not into makeup actually I remember at the age of 12 or 13 my mother bought my eldest sister a makeup kit I cried to play with it but was never given a chance. At that time, I told myself when I get older, I will buy my own makeup and never let her touch them. I will stay hungry just to buy that one lipstick that I can’t live without. I had a passionate love for the beauty Industry, and I couldn’t wait to let it be known to the world.

Kreyolicious: What are some of your favorite products to work with?
The number one brand would have to be Artistry by Amway. But one thing about me I am not married to any company or any brand. This short breakdown of how I purchase make up or use me for a foundation I love using our street because of coverage this year coverage though it is sheer it is also full coverage but it does not look packed on and it comes off more natural. When it comes to eyeshadows I would definitely have to go with MAC products; specifically there lose pigments, I love their dip down to fill-in the eyebrows and also they have the best sculpting cream. Lip colors…definitely NYX Matt Lipsticks, their Matt lipgloss is amazing. I use the Jumbo milk pencil by NYX as a eyeshadow primer also. As far as primers…for the full face prior to applying foundation Givenchy Matt primer is amazing, I have extremely oily skin and it actually helps maintain lasting coverage. For highlighting, I love using banana powder and MAC luster drops.

[The results of Beauty by Bebe’s work on a client. Photo provided by subject.]

Kreyolicious: Some clients like to wear makeup, but are very lazy when it comes to taking care of their skin. What message do you have for those ladies?
Skincare is the key to a gorgeous makeup application. We all get lazy at times and those times are fine, but we must remember this saying; “pour être belle il faut souffrir”, which means to be beautiful, you have to suffer. If you feel as if you’re unable to do a proper cleansing regimen invest in Makeup Remover Wipes. They are quick and easy. You can take a wipe or two to the shower with you and while your water is running to get the right temperature start wiping it off. Keep in mind a healthy skin gives a gorgeous Makeup application. One little regimen that I like to use is [a watermelon cleanse]. After grating a watermelon, take out the juice and apply it on your face. Keep it on for fifteen minutes. Wash off with hot water first and then with cold water. This will give you a fresh and clean feeling. If you want to close open pores, mix watermelon juice with crushed mint leaves. Freeze the mixture, and rub the ice cubes on your skin. This will also have a cooling and soothing effect on your skin. A cup of watermelon pieces can be smashed and applied on the face to tighten the skin. Leave this pack for ten minutes, relax and then rinse. This exfoliates your skin and gives you a natural facelift. You can also choose to exfoliate your skin by combining mashed watermelon pulp with yogurt (if you have an oily skin) or with a banana (if you have a dry skin). To prepare a natural toner, combine the juice of watermelon with honey and apply it on dry skin. For catering to the needs of oily skin, you need to mix a cup of watermelon juice with two tablespoons of witch hazel. Add two spoons of water. Dab it on your face with a cotton ball.

[Beauty by Bebe owner Eunice Pierre working her skills on a client. Photo provided by subject.]

Kreyolicious: Thanks for the tip! When you get approached by a potential client, what’s usually your approach in working with them?
I usually start asking questions that I are related to skincare and make up. I also ask about their preferred brands what do they like about, what they don’t like about their skin and giving them some advice. It take no more the 3 minutes, like that they usually ask for my card and then contact me at a later time for services.

Kreyolicious: What has been the most satisfying thing about being in the beauty industry?
The beautiful people I meet, The impact I have on a client after their makeup is applied. I truly love after I have finished a seminar and the attendees come out with that boost of confidence they needed to give their best.

Above: Makeup artistry from Eunice Pierre of Beauty by Bebe.

Kreyolicious: Do you have any counsel for up-and-comers on how to grow their client roster?
Have fun, do it only if you have a passion for it and try not to make it about money. Customers will love you and automatically draw to you. Treat every customer special and make them feel relaxed. The word will get around!

Kreyolicious: What’s next for you?
That’s a big secret! I will be sure to let you know when everything is finalized…

CLICK HERE to keep up with Haitian makeup artist Eunice Pierre of Beauty by Bebe on Instagram |

CLICK HERE to visit the Beauty by Bebe website to see all the Haitian makeup artist’s offerings!

The fact that Joanna Petit-Frere is also a fashion photographer distinguishes her from many other celebrity makeup artists in the entertainment industry. She’s able to use her skills as a photographer, and her knowledge of light and exposure to help her celebrity and non-celebrity clients create the ideal look.

Celebrities like Elle Varner, Cecily Tyson, Blair Underwood, Kenny Latimore, Angela Simmons (among hordes of others) have all had their faces done by her. Tyson’s spectacular makeup in the award-winning film A Trip to Bountiful was also done by Joanna.

Above: The result of the makeup work that Joanna Petit-Frere did on the face and hair of actress Cicely Tyson for the film A Trip to Bountiful.

The Boston resident and Massachusetts College of Art graduate has earned two honors for her dual talents. She won a Best Makeup Artist trophy at the Boston Fashion Awards and was selected as Best Photographer of The Year
 at the Boston FAB Awards.

Above: Joanna Petit-Frere works on Nancy V. Brown.

Check out the L’Oreal tutorial below made by Joanna herself.

Be sure to also watch this segment of “Style It Up” in which this kreyolicious makeup artist gives some makeup tips, and talks about her work as photographer. She busts the popular myth that a woman must wear the same color makeup as her clothes. She also discusses makeup and style trends.

Joanna has worked with so many brands, including L’Oreal, Christian Dior and her fashion, makeup and artistry work has been featured all over, including VibeViven and RollingOut. By the way, this Boston resident and Haitian-American is the founder of Visage 1 Studios, her own firm.

Hope you enjoyed meeting Joanna Petit-Frere. This is your favorite chick Kreyolicious signing off.

BE SURE TO VISIT JOHANNA PETIT-FRERE’S WEBSITE BY CLICKING HERE!

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