Racquel Jenkins is referred to as “the Guru” of make-up artistry in Jamaica. Indeed, her phone has not stopped ringing since her return late December. Jenkins credits her mother for introducing her to and nurturing her interest in the industry. “My mom made it a fun and exciting game. She’d quiz me on lipsticks and the various eyeshadow colours. She trained me to be and give my best, and how to mix colours.”

Clearly her mother saw cosmetology as a part-time endeavour, however, as Racquel was encouraged to excel in academics which she did and left university with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Her desire to be immersed in beauty and art remained insatiable which led her to study Intradermal Cosmetics at AIIC in Texas and Make-up Artistry at the Make-up Forever Academy in New York.

A decade later this certified and successful beautician has become an influential, energetic powerhouse in the industry. Indeed, her uncompromising standards have seen her regularly directing make-up for fashion shows, advertising campaigns, editorial shoots and serving as key make-up artist on movie sets. It is an accepted fact that if you want it done right, if you want that “certain little something”, then RacquelJ has to do it.

Currently based in New York, Racquel J is blazing a trail and hot-stepping to the beat of her own drum by developing her own line of cosmetics under the aptly named Bold Cosmetics. The line comprises eyelashes, lipsticks and lipstains…

Your Under The Dryer team welcomed the make-up guru to the offices of the Jamaica Observer where she transformed three very lucky ladies.

Get The Look

Step 1: Creating the Perfect Frame: BrowsStep 2: Putting a Lid on the Eyes: EyeshadowEyebrow primer: Perfect if your eyeshadow has a tendency to crease and smudge or if you have oily lidsPressed shadow: For layering colours. Racquel J used a neutral shade champagne shadow to base the eyelids, then went into the cut crease area to contour the eyes and add definition.For Debra’s Soft Smokey Glam look:Contouring, highlighting and foundation: I chose a high-definition foundation which gave full coverage by using very little. Using a foundation with warm tones all over the face and neck, to give a soft natural tone. I used very little highlight and concealer.Eyes: Debra has beautiful brown eyes which were played up. When applying the eyeshadow, I used different brushes for each step. This allowed a cleaner application. I applied a bronze eyeshadow putting it on the lid, in the crease and under the eye — before layering the dark colours. The purpose of this was not only to create warmth and emphasise her brown eyes but also to unify the canvas, which allowed me to build from there. I completed the eyes with our Bold Strip 100% Human Hair Lashes to add drama.Cheeks: A subtle blush was used to keep the focus on her eyes.  I used natural colours that warmed up her face. Moving the blush brush in a circular motion, a plum cream blush was applied with a loose bronzer dusted over.Lips: Debra loves red lips so the Scarlet lip lacquer from the BOLD lipstick collection was applied. The same lip colour as the lip liner was used to add definition to her lips.Moya’s LookEyebrows: Moya’s eyebrows were slightly crooked the result of using a razor — a definite no-no — and were a dominant feature of her face. Racquel J  started there, to create a softer and more uniformed look and to get the perfect shape for her face. Eyes: Moya has wide-set eyes, so I wanted to balance the eyes with the rest of her features. Lips: Temptress, a Deep Plum Lip Lacquer from Racquel J’s lipstick collection, was used.Setting the look: A powder brush was used to apply a light dust of translucent powder to not change the colour of the foundation and the blush.

Debra Edwards was transformed right in front of our eyes into Jennifer Hudson

Here’s how…  

Eyebrows are essential to beautiful eyes. When shaped properly, they can add symmetry to not only the eyes but to the entire face. Brows add polish to your look and makes your face softer and even younger.

The brows were then filled in with a dark brown eyebrow pencil to balance the shape.

(a) A dark brown eyeshadow was used in the crease of her eyes and slightly above. More was applied to the centre of the eyelid to make it darker.

(b) Toasted Oatmeal eyeshadow was dusted over the entire lid.

(c) The look was further balanced with Racquel J’s Bold 100% human hair lashes.

d) A soft brown eyeliner completed the look.

Donisha’s look

Eye: A liquid  green eyeshadow along with some gold dust glitter for the glam diva eyes. Bold 100% human strip lashes gave the eyes a dramatic, classy finish.Contouring, highlighting and foundation: An oil-based foundation was used to add moisture to Donisha’s  skin. Setting the look:  Translucent loose powder was dusted lightly over her face.Lips: Bombshell Lip Lacquer from Racquel J’s Bold Lipstick Collection. The lipstick was also used to line the lips to give a more defined look..

The same steps applied using Moya’s look but with more of a dramatic finish.

(a) A goat hair brush was used to apply the contouring dark foundation underneath the cheekbones.

(b) Racquel J used a concealer brush to highlight her bones using highlights and shimmer creams. Highlighting concealer  underneath her eyes, on top of her cheekbones, underneath the eyebrows.

(c) A separate goat brush was used to apply the foundation that matched her skin tone perfectly colouring on top of the contouring and the highlighting. A lot of time was spent blending in a circular motion with a very light touch to give the desired flawless finish.