If you haven’t heard of the amazing, Mr. Kevin Wade by now, stand by because you definitely will soon! This fabulous mister is not only a steadily rising (and highly requested) makeup artist who’s worked with the likes of Boyz II Men, Kip Force (from Bravo’s Millionaire Matchmatcher and VHI’s I Love Money) and pop-singer, Tinashe (signed with Columbia Universal Republic and RCA Records), but he’s also a fierce photographer who has shot with none other than yours truly and the Latte crew! Kevin shot my fashion features for the Frederick’s of Hollywood “67th Anniversary of Black Lingerie Blogger Challenge,” and he also shot LLL’s Spring 2013 Lookbook! I recently caught up with Kevin and got the scoop on some of his favorite makeup products – and tips – as well as some of his photography aspirations.

Make way for Mr. Kevin Wade!

Bella: When did you first fall in love with makeup and photography?

Kevin Wade: I fell in love with make-up and photography when I was a part of a paid summer internship for the Long Beach Community Action Partnership. They pretty much started me out on my journey. Shout out to April And Maeve! I also wanna say thank you to my instructors Anthony Evans and Liz Castellanos for teaching me the skills I use today and for keeping me interested in make-up and photography; you both are so amazing!

Bella: What are some of your favorite products in your makeup kit?

KW: I really love YSL’s Multi Action Concealer, Sarah McNamara’s miracle Skin Transformer, Laura Mercier’s Secret Brightening Powder , and MAC’s mineralized skin finish natural and sugar lip treatment is my absolute favorite.

Bella: What is your everyday look or signature style?

KW: My everyday look is so super plain. I never really get too dressed up or anything. I live in jeans and a t-shirt, but thanks to my amazing my friend and stylist for this shoot – Mr. Jamal Caroll – I’ve been stepping out of my comfort zone and adding new pieces into my wardrobe.

Bella: Consider this scenario. You woke up late because your alarm clock didn’t go off and you have to be at work in 30 minutes. You’re in a rush, and you can only apply one beauty product (hair, skin, whatever). What do you use?

KW: I would grab my sugar lip treatment lip-balm and run out! *laughs* It’s a really amazing product! I love the fresh scent of it and how smooth it makes your lips feel, without looking ridiculously glossy or anything.

Bella: How would you describe your signature makeup look and what is it about your style that sets you apart from other makeup artists?

KW: I would say my signature look would be a very defined brow and a full eyelash look. And I wouldn’t know what sets me apart from anyone else… I just know I love what I do. And I can see my work getting better – and I’m growing as an artist – and that’s all I really want. Just to consistently get better at my craft.

Bella: What is the most important beauty advice that you could give to women?

KW: The most important beauty advice I could give would be to take care of your skin! Good skin is the bees for everything. Make-up looks even more amazing on skin that is taken care of. “The skin you take care of in your teens and 20’s is the skin you’ll have in your 30’s and beyond.”

Bella: What is the most important part of the beauty routine?

KW: Consistency! We all get so wrapped up with life, we forget to be consistent with something that works over time and then we get mad when we don’t see over-night results.

Bella: What are some common beauty mistakes that women make?

KW: Wearing the wrong shade of foundation is the biggest culprit! I was told that “there is no such thing as wrong make-up, it’s supposed to be fun,” but we all know the wrong foundation on someone when we see it!

Bella: What essential products do you think every woman should have in her purse?

KW: I think every woman should carry a lip balm. Dry lips are devastatingly unattractive! And oil blotting papers…

Bella: What popular makeup trends do you wish would disappear and why?

KW: I don’t know about popular but people need to take a little more time to blend. The harsh line look is no bueno! With your eyeshadow blend!! With your foundation, blend!! If you want a professional look take that extra bit of time, effort makes a difference.

Bella: Which beauty-related old wives tales or misconceptions do you think should be put to rest?

KW: I think the putting toothpaste on blemishes to remove them is the worst! They irritate and inflame the blemish! But a good remedy is Apple Cider Vinegar. It’s good for everything. Dandruff, acne…. I love it!

Bella: Would you ever consider creating your own makeup line? If so, what would it be like? What goals do you have for your career in beauty?

KW: Have I considered it? Yes! But there are so many amazing cosmetic lines out there that I’d have to find what mine would bring to the table. Something that only I can offer that other brands can’t. But if it’s meant to be, it will.

Bella: What is your dream photo-shoot? And your dream model to work with?

KW: My dream photo-shoot would be a very exotic and sexy pool or beach photo-shoot with amazing styling and make-up. As for the model, my dream model is the amazing Chanel Lorae! I’m so obsessed with her beauty! A very sweet and genuine girl and I can’t wait for us to work together!

Bella: What is your next project or endeavor? What can we look forward to?

KW: Well, I’m always doing make-up. I have a feature coming out with Hot New Hip Hop soon. And awards season will be here before you know it so you might just see a few faces by me on the red carpet!

Find out more about Kevin Wade via his Instagram, http://instagram.com/iamkevinwade

Photo-Shoot Credits:
Photographer: Brittany Roughton, Instagram: @brittanyroughton. www.brittanyroughton.com
Hair Stylist: Janet Holt, Instagram: @curl_up_and_dye_janet
Wardrobe Stylist: Jamal Caroll, Instagram: @FlyHeights