“We can get stuck doing low-level things out of fear. We say yes to those things, because we feel comfortable ... Everything is possible. I’m fortunate that opportunities presented themselves, and I didn’t let the fear stop me”
Photo-Illustration: The Cut; Photo: Getty Images Danessa Myricks was given 30 days to change the course of her life. A single mom with two kids, she was working in marketing for a publishing company in the hair-care industry when her boss decided to shut down the business. The 30 days’ notice became a turning point.
Myricks began studying makeup, reading books by Sam Fine and Kevyn Aucoin. Starting as a self-taught makeup artist, she’s also worked in product development for KISS and Benefit, and is the founder of her eponymous makeup line. Danessa Myricks Beauty is known for its extra-vibrant colors and its waterproof and long-wear abilities, which she personally tests out in dunk tests, underwater shoots, and sleeping in her makeup for days.
Then Benefit wanted a color consultant, to reach a broad audience. After one day, they asked me to come and work full-time. It wasn’t something I would have considered. They waited for almost a year for me to come. I did product innovation, and not only their complexion line but their brow line from beginning to end. It was one of my proudest moments in development. There have been others in prestige and drugstore and masstige since. It was the best education I ever had.
Growing up, I had tons of insecurities. I was bullied at school for most of my life. There was so much racial tension in my corporate life. I never saw myself as this beautiful face, because I never saw myself in beauty. These all made me feel insecure about making those forward movements. If you’re developing it in a different part of the world, they may not have the skin tone there that can represent who you’re creating for. I always make sure to insert myself in the testing process. I don’t rely on the lab to do the work. I live in the U.S., the biggest melting pot in the world. I have the opportunity to test it on everyone. Nothing goes forward until it goes into that cycle.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Squad wants to shut down oil pipeline, local leaders say it's time to 'accept reality''I don't believe for one minute that there'll be an impact on any of our workforce,' Dan Olson, business manager of the union LiUNA! Local 1091, told Newsweek.
Read more »
Supreme Court Abortion Decision Should Show Democrats It’s Time To Embrace DemocracyStop counting on elite institutions to do the right thing. Pass popular laws with a majority of votes and let the chips fall where they may.
Read more »
Ana Montana Says She's Taking Extra Precautions After IG Model's DeathAna Montana wants to beef up her security after another IG model was killed.
Read more »