Get Comfy with Crimson!

I recently had the opportunity to chat with the celebrity makeup artist/entrepreneur extraordinaire, AJ Crimson. This Detroit native has worked with the likes of Christina Milian, Amerie, and Keyshia Coles (to name a few). He’s the inspiring, creative and motivating force behind all of those “pretty faces”.

How did you first get started in the industry?
It all sort of evolved; I started in radio, which eventually led to promotions, then artist development which then introduced me to styling. From there I started to flow towards makeup styling. While working on the set of “8 Mile” I dabbled between both styling and makeup.

Do you delve into any other art forms?
I’m still heavily involved in artist development; creating visuals and inspiration- basically creating an image for an artist. Inside my head I have sooo many creative ideas of how an artist should be perceived and how they should be seen.

Who was your first major client?
Fergie from Black Eyed Peas, I worked with her for four years, as well as Keyshia Coles.

Tell me all about Kissable Couture!
Kissable Couture is luxury for your lips! The idea came to me while I was in NYC working with Fergie. I needed something to keep me busy between jobs, and I came up with idea of creating a lip gloss brand. One day while I was in LA talking to Keisha [Nash-Whitaker], I brought up the idea and that’s really how it all started. KC launched about a year ago, and we just completed a fourth collection, Transitions. Bare Your Soul, is our summer collection.

So now, tell me a secret- Is expensive makeup really much better than the drugstore brands?
Sometimes. Drugstore brands are not always going to provide great quality- they may be missing a few key things based on wear-ability, comfort and longevity. Similar to shopping at H&M- the clothes are great but are not meant for the long-term. Kissable Couture is affordable, but still luxe. It gives you the opportunity to bring home a bit of "celebrity" in a sense.

I have to ask this because ALL of my friends would like to know- How does AJ CRIMSON achieve “the smokey eye”?
(These are specific directions honeys, so grab a pen & paper and take notes!)
1-Start with a kohl pencil (try MAC in “Teddy”): Run pencil over the eye (doesn’t have to be in any specific form or fashion) all the way into the crease.
2- Use a nice fluffy brush to blend it out, and maybe a little beyond the crease. (The liner does not “stick” and can easily be blended)
3- Next, use MAC liner in “Smolder” to rim the inner eye and line the eye around the lash line, while smudging color into the “Teddy”. (“Bengali” by NARS is also good with this technique). Note: NO HARD LINES!
4- I personally love to finish off with #33 Giorgio Armani- continue to brush around the inner lid.
*Please note: AJ does not suggest using black as a base, better to use brown.

Last but not least, what keeps you going?
Most importantly: God! He inspires me to do so much more. In the past, I’ve prayed for things and have forgotten what I’ve actually prayed for until it actually came to pass. I also try not to buy into my own hype- I feel like I’m good at what I do, but I also know that there is still so much more for me to learn. I try to stay driven through the up’s and down’s, especially during the slow periods. I always keep in mind that there will always be someone waiting to be where I am- I just continue to move forward and never stop.

*On the Hotline! If you have any questions for AJ and/or Kissable Couture please feel free to leave him a message at:
(323) 622-8140

FOR 25% OFF ANY ONE SHADE PURCHASED THROUGH KISSABLECOUTURE.COM, ENTER CODE "HONEYBROWNSUGAR" AT CHECK OUT!