Delvin Gonzalez - Contributed Photos
Garfene Grandison, Assistant Lifestyle Coordinator
Coming soon to the shores of Jamaica is Delvin Gonzalez, a very well recognised international make-up artist with Maybelline New York for over 10 years. Trained in Paris, New York City and Miami Gonzalez has participated in many events such as New York Fashion Week, TV programmes in Puerto Rico and Miami, music videos and runway shows. Because of his years travelling around the world representing Maybelline New York, inspired by the different experiences and cultures that he has been exposed to, Gonzalez considers the world his canvas where he is always willing to create great artwork.
Gonzalez had a heart-to-heart with the Flair as he dished about his life and how he got started in the beauty industry. "Since I was a kid, I've always been very interested in fashion and glamour, so make-up and hair were something that really attracted me. It took me a while to admit it but after trying other things, I realised making other people beautiful was my passion," he ended.
Gonzalez attended beauty school in the early 2000's and right away he knew that his passion was with make-up. According to him, "I started to do make-up for my friends and family until I decided to try to work for a company, and that's when Maybelline came into the picture," he ended.
Even though he has practised his artistry around the globe, Gonzalez tells us that nothing compares to the vibe of New York City. "It's such an amazing city, with women from all places; so its very inspiring," he says.
But what exactly does his job entail? "On a daily basis, I tend to inform my clients about what's good and what's not good for them when it comes to make-up and skincare. But that depends on whether I'm working in a store or a photo shoot, TV or a workshop," he says.
His favourite feature on the face to work with is the eyes because according to him, there is so much that can be done with it and the options are endless.
His inspiration comes from everything and anything around him. "I'm always very aware of what's in. But I truly believe that you should always do what works for you. Sometimes, what's in won't make you look prettier so you need to make a decision. I always vote for what makes you look your best, even if something else is in," he says. With his expertise and vast knowledge working with clients around the world, Gonzalez tells us the difference between Latin and European women when it comes to make-up. "Latin women love make-up. Europeans tend to like the more natural make-up effect so when it comes to doing faces, I definitively enjoy more working with Latinas," he ended.
common mistakes
And when it comes to women of colour, Gonzalez highlighted the most common mistakes that women often make. According to him, "The most common mistakes that women make when they do their make-up are usually foundation-related. They tend to pick either a foundation that's too light or too dark for them. Same thing with the concealer. Nothing looks good if those things are not the correct ones," he ended.
Gonzalez also mentions a few tips that ladies need to adhere to in order to look their best after make-up application. "First, get the correct foundation for your skin tone. Second, hydrate skin before make-up. And third, sometimes less is more, " the make-up artiste stated.
Gonzalez looks to make a huge impact on the Jamaican beauty scene as he jets into the island to choose the winner of the the Maybelline 'Daring Looks Competition.' In doing so, Gonzalez will stay true to his mantra - 'There are no ugly women in this world, only women that don't know how to use make-up'.