It was my absolute pleasure to interview Joyce Jacob, who took time out of her super busy schedule to chat with me. Her hands have worked it's magic on celebrities ,socialites and brides globally. I have long admired her work because she is one of the few make up artist that accentuates her clients natural beauty in a soft yet glamorous way. Thank you so much Joyce Jacob for participating in the series, God bless you.
Brief background about yourself and how you started in the industry
I have been fascinated with make up since I was a child. I would always get into trouble for playing with my mother's make up bag and putting in on face; I even have pictures (laughs). I didn't really know that I would be a makeup artist until my Sophomore year in the University of Rhode Island. It started with people liking what I did and I eventually booked jobs on campus and in other universities.
I was keen on being set up in Nigeria because I really wanted to do my part to help the makeup industry grow. At the time, I thought that there were very few makeup artists doing exceptional work, so I thought I could come back home and add my expertise. Plus, I had some clients in Nigeria already so I thought why not; so, I took the plunge.
How important is skincare to you?
Skin care is very important to me because I believe flawless make up is flawless skin. I don't feel as though you could have serious skin conditions and pile on makeup to solve it. It is important to treat the problem, which is your skin, so fundamentally everyone woman and man should take care of their skin.
What is your skin type?
I have combination skin (oily and dry)
As a makeup artist, what is the most common skin condition you come across in Nigeria?
It would be a tie between hyperpigmentation and acne prone skin.
Take me through your skincare routine day and night
AM
I keep it really simple, and this is what works for me.
CLEANSE :I cleanse my skin using a cleanser
MOISTURIZE / PROTECTION : I use any moisturizer, but it most have SPF to protect my skin.
PM
CLEANSE/MAKE UP REMOVAL: For me, I always take my make up with Neutrogena make up wipes. They have the best make up wipes because only one sheet takes all your make up off. After the wipes, I use my gentle cleanser, which is really important step because the wipes take off most of your makeup but the cleanser takes off the dirt you cannot see.
TONER :The toner could be as simple as witch hazel, which takes off dirt and refreshes the pores.
MASK : I leave it on for the required time then rinse off with warm water.
MOISTURIZE : I apply my night cream, and then I go to bed.
TREATMENT
I have acne occasionally and for that I use an Epiduo cream, and it works wonders. At night, I use a Tri Luma cream to help fade light blemishes.
Every two or three months I will get a facial with extractions, and that is pretty much my routine.
What spa do you go to for your facials?
I go to Priscilla's Pride Day spa. They have two locations, one in Dolphin estate Ikoyi and one in Lekki phase 1. Lagos Nigeria.
What is your can't live without skincare product?
My Neutrogena face wipes, because it will save me if I am ever in a situation where I can't double cleanse using water. The face wipes do an amazing job taking off makeup and dirt, so I would be ok (laughs).
What is your can't live without makeup product?
it would be my MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural; can't live without it because it is multi-functional.
If you could create a makeup product or gadget what would it be?
I would create a product that automatically adjust to the individuals skin type. That would be amazing, especially for women of color; we always complain about foundation that make our skin too dry or too oily so this product would set at the correct skin type. If you have oily skin it would set as a matte finish and if you have dry skin if would give you a dewy finish.
What phrase defines how to you live your life?
Work hard, play hard
Biggest misconception of people in Nigeria have about being a makeup artist
The biggest misconception is being a makeup artist is not a sustainable career, and it actually is depending on what scale you do it on. Some people think its a hobby and a lot of people don't take it seriously. You could meet someone and they would ask what you do for a living, when you say "I am a makeup artist" they reply "is that all you do"? (laughs) I think as the industry is growing, that perception is changing gradually.
Beauty is
Beauty is individual. It's not what society deems beautiful. Whatever personal standards you hold true, then that is beautiful.
Whose beauty inspires you?
Lupita Nyongo carries the essence of what I just described. Her look is striking; the way she carries herself is beautiful. My personal beauty inspiration would be Beyoncé.
Advice to aspiring makeup artist
My advice would be to start where you can and do not be afraid to starting small. A lot of people in Nigeria think you need a lot of resources, and you need a lot of equipment to just start, and that is not case. Focus on the resources you do have, and not on what you don't have. Also, be consistent and be confident in your work.
Skincare tips you would love to share
Never ever sleep with makeup on, it's the worst thing you can do to your skin. Also, always moisturize, even if you think you have oily skin.