Jemma Kidd Beauty Guru Interview

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You know what’s a little unnerving? Getting made up to go interview beauty guru, and world-renown make-up artist, Jemma Kidd.  Especially if you’re like me and your skill set in that department is seriously lacking. But regardless of my misplaced eyeliner, sitting down with this mogul/mommy was a huge treat.  Her product lines have been a huge success in high end stores like Bergdorf Goodman and for the last three years, every mama’s favorite, Target.  I started using her Red Carpet Lip and Cheek Tint and Gloss only a week ago, and honestly, I can’t imagine my life without it.

When Jemma and I sat down during her promo event at Target, I was thrilled to get some insight, tips and beauty advice from a truly stunning woman.

Your career began as a model in the fashion industry. How did you transition into the world of make-up?

I started out in the fashion modeling side. Never felt comfortable doing it.  My sister, Jodi is a brilliant model. Born to be a model, she came out of the womb 6’1″.  …It just wasn’t me. But every time I was getting my make-up done, and watching the transformation and the power of how it made me feel- made me know that this was something more than just painting a face.  There was an emotional, uplifting experience I was drawn to.  Organically, over time I just kept gravitating towards that…and suddenly I just woke up and realized, “I want to do make-up. It’s what I want to do.”

Your products have been in both high end department stores as well as in places where every woman can access them- and have succeeded in both. What is your secret to this?

I think it starts with understanding women.  I learned the most when I started my school. I had been so used to working with models and celebrities. They live in a bit of a different world. When I started the school, I began to meet real women with real insecurities and real problems, it just was the biggest eye opener for me and I learned about what women were intimidated by, what they liked, what was important to them…I loved dealing day to day with real women. And that’s where I think my line became un-intimidating, products are multi-purpose. Women are in a hurry all the time, one product does three different things.  And when I was presented with creating a line for Target, I wanted to make a line that really reached out to the Target customers. So we spent time analyzing them. They are real women, who love designers, love fashion. We made something with big color, that followed the trends- a cool and modern feel. We made very wearable colors.

What fun trends are you seeing for this fall and winter?

There is such an array of trends. What resonates with me is the smokey eyes of the 60’s.  This year we’ve created products that brought that look to life. We created smokey eyes, sultry products that make that look easy. I love the 60’s. Bridgette Bardot is my icon of style and beauty.

You are a mom, like most of our readers. Give your insight on how you balance career and being a wife and mom of young twins.

It’s really tough actually. It’s the toughest thing that I have to manage. I mean, my babies are first before anything. But then I have this “other” baby- my business.  It also requires loving, nurturing and looking after. Right now I work at the office only Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays and I am home on Mondays and Fridays- and my staff know that there are no events, or meetings planned on those days. Of course I’m checking my phone and email all day long.  It is a juggling act, and I have the most amazing team.

For your personal routine and beauty regimen, what are some of your essential must-haves?

For me, I have to start with primer to so everything lasts all day. I’m a massive primer addict, eyes, lips, face…I have to have a foundation or tinted moisturizer. It also depends on what kind of skin day I’m having. But I feel like if I can get my skin looking nice- because if you’ve got good skin you look great- and then just add a little mascara and lip stain and gloss and I’m good.

Many of our readers are tired. We’re moms who don’t always get our beauty sleep. What are some tips and tricks we can use to compensate for less-than sleep?

Focusing in on products that have illuminating qualities that lift the skin are essential. Color correctors are amazing. I try to avoid concealer. If I’m wearing concealer, its because I’m having a blemish or a REALLY bad day. A good color corrector will work wonders. They literally neutralize any dark circles.  Brighten up, get rid of redness. Avoid heavy under eye make-up and liner anything that draws you down. The goal is to brighten and lift.  And it is important to keep hydrated. When you’re dehydrated – the lines around your eyes become sallow. So drink water!

So, there you have it.  Great advice from the expert.  So go pour a glass of water and head to Target to check out Jemma’s incredible line of products.

What’s that?  You’re on your way?

I knew I wouldn’t have to convince you to go to Target.

You are a mom.

 

 

 

 

 

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Noelle Larson is a mom still searching to find the “balance” between her spiritual journey, family, ambition, inner peace, world peace…all while trying not to blink so she doesn’t miss one minute of her beautiful, messy life.  Noelle writes at metromom.org where she journals her crazy days chasing after her kids and husband, deep thoughts, and captures her latest adventures.

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