Memphis makeup artist Kendrick Simpson sees most clients on really important days. A wedding, media event, big birthdays, an important corporate function – you get the idea. But what about on a Tuesday morning with their makeup bag or switching gears from the office to a night out?
“I love being there for the big, but I also love helping for everyday life,” she notes.
Kendrick has been a makeup artist for over twenty-five years. For the past fifteen, she has been an independent artist and doing private makeup consultation. Artist Advisory by Kendrick Simpson is a way to access professional makeup advice for your everyday life.
“It’s a comprehensive experience. After assessing a client’s existing products and routines, we go shopping. I can keep it all at Target or explore the high-end lines. Most of the time it’s a mix. And we finish with instruction and application. I like seeing clients as the seasons change so they feel updated. Plus, it’s always nice to experiment with the new,” she adds.
We sat down with Kendrick to learn some of her favorite Splurges and Saves. Along with some product notes that feel like a best friend rundown.
“I just love this industry. It’s ever changing. A decade ago, higher-end makeup was almost guaranteed to be better quality than a ‘drugstore’ brand. Formulations have improved; the science is more advanced. Ingredients are more sophisticated across the board,” says Kendrick.
She explains that with larger brands like L’Oréal acquiring luxury brands like Armani Beauty, their secrets have been shared. “At times, you are paying for prestige. And that prestige may just be packaging,” Kendrick guides.
“I use dozens of products and am not tied to any line. My go-to products may not work for every client. Every face is different, and I don’t have a signature look. And that’s what makes my job fun.”
Eyeliner
Splurge: Victoria Beckham Kajal is high pigment, creamy and very blendable. It has a satin feel, glides on. Lasts all day, gorgeous colors.
Save: NYX Professional Makeup. Multiple styles from a liquid pen to a retractable. Favorite colors include Smoky Plum and Sapphire Bling.
Mascara
Splurge: YSL Lash Clash. Extreme volume (200% more!). Guaranteed smudge-proof. Long wear and highly pigmented.
Save: Maybelline Sky High. Major length and lift. No flaking and superior pigment.
Brows
Splurge: Benefit Gimme Brow. Fullness + hold with this gel product.
Splurge: Anastasia Brow Pencil. Precise shaping. Queen of brows.
Save: e.l.f. Instant Lift. A pencil with a spoolie to help shape.
Eyeshadow
Splurge: Tom Ford Eye Quad. Luxury pigment, smooth blend. Cherry Smoke is a favorite. Intense colors. Almost universal.
Save: Morphe Artistry Palette. Large shade range, buildable. Pretty in Peach for everyday.
Concealers
Splurge: YSL Touche Éclat. A click-pen brightener, radiant. Great after a workout or to be photo-finish ready.
Splurge: Bobbi Brown Corrector. Neutralizes dark circles. Blends so well can top with concealer.
Save: Maybelline Age Rewind. Lightweight, easy to use. Shade 150 for color corrector. Shade 160 for brightener.
Save: Palladio. A color corrector that brightens. Has caffeine and peptides for an eye lift.
Foundation
Splurge: Armani Luminous Silk. Pore smoothing – truly blurs lines. Silicone based with a bouncy texture.
Splurge: Dior Backstage. Natural, long-wear. Waterproof and sweat resistant. Outdoor event must.
Splurge: Givenchy Prisme Libre Glow Serum. A blurring foundation in a serum-like texture. Like having skincare in a foundation.
Save: L’Oréal True Match. Extremely hydrating with a diverse shade range. The dupe for the Armani foundation.
Blush
Splurge: Givenchy Prisme Libre. A traditional loose powder blush but easy to use. Super fine and silky.
Save: Milani Baked Blush. Highly pigmented and buildable. For a pretty, healthy glow with a hint of shimmer.
Bronzer/Contour
Splurge: MAC Sunstruck Matte Bronzer. It’s a mainstay. Does not fade and will not settle into lines.
Save: Revolution Beauty Balm Glow. Sun Kissed Nude is the must-have color. It’s a blush and bronzer in one. And way better than the Jones Road balm!
Save: Maybelline Lifter Stick. I use shade 70 for an easy and natural looking contour.
Lipstick
Splurge: Guerlain Rouge G, Ultra Care. Wild over this! Stunning colors, especially the reds. You can special order cases for a great gift.
Splurge: MAC. All of them. You can’t go wrong. Whirl is a favorite mauvy shade. Highlights all clients' features so well. Ruby Woo is the best bricky blue/red.
Save: Revlon Super Lustrous. A classic for a reason. Great dupe colors, like the retired Bobbi Brown Raisin – try Revlon’s Rum Raisin.
Gloss
Splurge: Dior Lip Oil. Really overtook the makeup world. Hydrating shine with the most fun colors. Wears well with a lipliner.
Save: Maybelline Lifter Gloss. Has hyaluronic acid for plumping. Two favorite colors are Moon and Heat.
Save: NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss. Wears well. A soft shine but has more of a lipstick coverage.
I just love this industry. It’s ever-changing. A decade ago, higher end makeup was almost guaranteed to be better quality than a ‘drugstore’ brand. Formulations have improved; the science is more advanced. @makeupbykendrick