Celebrity Makeup Artist Kevin James Bennett Interview

Multiple Emmy® Award winner Kevin James Bennett (also known as KJ) is identified as a leading industry expert due to his impressive credentials, diverse skill-set and acute dedication to the cosmetic industry and the profession of makeup artistry.

KJ began his career in retail cosmetics – a training ground which has produced many of the industry’s most notable artists. This evolved into photo, runway and celebrity makeup. The next step was TV and within 3 years he received his first Emmy nomination. In less than 10 years he had received 5 nominations and won 2 Emmy Awards as Key Artist for Outstanding Achievement in Makeup. His resume of broadcast artistry includes primetime network and cable productions (including the Law & Order franchise), talk shows, news magazines, daytime dramas (Another World and As The World Turns) and commercials.

KJ has appeared on international entertainment and news shows including Access Hollywood, Entertainment Tonight, Good Morning America, Today, “E” Entertainment Network and HSN (Home Shopping Network). His engaging on-camera personality has been utilized by shrewd producers who took him out of the makeup trailer and put him in front of the cameras on a number of realty shows for MTV, VH1, TLC, Style, HGTV and TV Land, where he was featured Makeup Expert on “She’s Got The Look”.

His irreverent, insightful and unmistakably honest beauty advice has been featured in Vogue, Glamour, Elle, InStyle, Town & Country, Good Housekeeping, Self and Health as well as highly respected trade publications WWD, American Salon, Skin Inc and GCI. He is also quoted regularly by popular online publications, beauty blogs and in YouTube videos.

My Beauty Bunny (MBB): What inspired you to start doing makeup professionally?

Kevin James Bennett (KJB): I was a display designer working at Bloomingdales in the cosmetic and accessories areas.  I was asked to help with windows for a few weeks which included prepping and dressing mannequins.  I had no idea they did the mannequin’s makeup with the store’s featured cosmetics.  So I was “painting” mannequins with makeup and something inside clicked …I knew that makeup artistry was my path.

MBB: Who has been your favorite celebrity to work with?

KJB: I honestly can’t answer that.   I have worked with some of the most gracious, fun folks in the industry and my celebrity experiences have been pretty awesome. One of the most  lovable, wacky and totally dear people I’ve had the pleasure to work with was HGTV star Genevieve Gorder – We spent a few months together doing a reality show.  We worked 15 hours a day – 6 days a week and she kept everyone happy and motivated.  NOT an easy task when you’re the on-air talent (star), designer, project manager and executive producer all at the same time.

MBB: What are your favorite cruelty free makeup brands?

KJB: My Loves:

Dr. Dennis Grossman Skincare – especially the Alpha Beta Peel (Extra Strength)
Revolution Organics  All Over Beauty Balm
CoverFX  Skin Prep Primer and Total Coverage Foundation (ALWAYS in my makeup kit)
Jane Iredale Cosmetics Eyeshadows
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Loose Color Concentrates and Lip Tars
FACE Atelier Lip Glazes
Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay Blush and Bronzer

MBB: Any advice for makeup artists who want to get into TV and film?

KJB: Get professional Video/Film media makeup training and practice, practice, practice.  Then assist senior artists to learn how a production works – especially on-set protocols and professional behavior in the workplace.  If you follow direction (and the rules), you will eventually have the trust of the artists you assist and they will feel comfortable suggesting you for other jobs.  That’s how I built my career and I’m still working decades later. MAJOR RULE – Don’t burn bridges, this industry is smaller than you think.

After speaking with a number of esteemed peers and respected cosmetic executives, KJ discovered that no company offered a single job classification which would utilize all of his diverse talents. Independent consulting was the logical choice. It would allow him to evaluate a project and offer custom tailored services to address each client’s specific needs. This is how Makeup Art + Design Enterprises (MADE) was born. This boutique consulting firm offers a full array of corporate and artistic services, supported by it’s Creative Director’s 25+ years of experience and devotion to the cosmetic industry and the craft of professional makeup artistry.