From a young age, makeup artist Jill Ventimiglia has been getting her hands dirty –whether painting or making pottery. So it comes as no surprise that makeup artistry came naturally to her.

An assisting gig doing makeup led Jill to recognize similarities to painting ceramic pieces, and she instantly found her niche. However, it was really her fondness for building confidence in women that propelled Jill into the makeup industry. From that point on, Jill thrust herself into the business, working at a makeup counter in Atlanta. Thus began a journey into making a career out of cosmetics. After three years, Jill was ready to take herself to the next level — she moved to Los Angeles where she enrolled at the renowned makeup school, Makeup Designory (MUD). Her talent and drive got her hired on her first film before graduating, and she has been working in the business ever since.

Her experience in the film industry led her to conceptualize her first product — a foundation that would not break out her clients and would actually benefit the skin. With the creation of the Shea Butter Foundation Stick, Jill decided to go all out and design a full line of cosmetics: Jack & Jill Cosmetics was born.

Jill’s approach to beauty is simple yet classic, which is evident in Jack & Jill Cosmetics. Her belief that beauty starts from within is evident in her motto: “beauty from the inside out.” Her knack for bringing out the inner beauty of her clients is at the core of her brand. “To touch a woman and give her the gift of confidence makes me feel like I’m doing something good for the world. I try to teach more then just outside beauty. I’m trying to empower the woman of tomorrow,” she says.

With the launch of Jack & Jill Cosmetics, her career is about to come full circle — from selling cosmetics to customers in the retail industry to bringing her own line of cosmetics to the shelves of boutiques and beauty supply stores. Jack & Jill Cosmetics is already building up a following, as it was recently used by makeup artist Tym Buacherern on Beyoncé and on by Jennifer Hudson in DreamGirls.

In Los Angeles, Jill actively works between film, television and the red carpet — and was Key Makeup Artist on the film Brick. Her growing celebrity client list includes Megan Good, Daryl Hannah, Emilie De Ravin, Noureen DeWulf, Joseph Gordon Levitt, and Lukas Haas.

Female FYI recently sat down with Jill Ventimiglla to get a little more up-close and personal with the makeup artist.

Tell us a little more on how you got started in the makeup industry.

As a young adult I got into dancing and acting. I was supposed to dance in a show but got mono. Since I couldn’t perform they stuck me backstage the makeup artist. She said I was a natural. After working at the makeup counters and salons in Atlanta, GA I made the jump to Los Angeles, CA to pursue my dream.

Did you have an artistic background growing up?

Yes, I painted ceramics, pottery, lampshades, boxes, chairs, anything I could get my hands on.

Did you have any formal makeup training?

I received my Masters makeup certificate at Makeup Designory in Los Angeles.

When did your freelance makeup career begin?

Before graduating from MUD I got my first job as an assistant on a movie in 2002. I’ve been freelancing ever since.

What areas of media do you frequently work in?
I started in independent films; currently I work on commercials, headshots, print, red carpet, and private clients. I just recently obtained my Esthetician’s license so I’ve added facials and waxing to my repertoire.
How did you become interested in creating your own cosmetic line?

While working on film sets I couldn’t find a foundation that would moisturize the skin without causing breakouts to my actors. Most movie makeup is heavy and oily. This led me to the conception of my first product, the Shea Butter Foundation Stick.

How do you keep up with all the new trends and styles? How do you incorporate them into your makeup repertoire?

I’m constantly looking at magazines and what’s on the runway. My clients / directors usually have a direction they are going in with regards to makeup design, but I always give them my advice on what is best for the project. It’s
a collaboration between us to come up with a “look.”

If we took a look in your makeup kit what would we see?

Jack & Jill cosmetics, MAC cosmetics, Joe Blasco, travel-size Wet One wipes, cotton swabs, cocoa butter lotion…and much more.

Give Female FYI readers your best beauty tips for Spring.

Moist, hydrated-looking skin.

Long lashes are big. A huge trend is permanent false lashes applied individually. They last a couple weeks and are especially big on the West Coast. Not ready to go the glued route? Layer on the mascara. Several coats should do you fine.

Coral is in this spring for women of all ages. It is the perfect shade when pink feels clichéd & red is just too vampy. The deal with coral is to stay away from mattes and opt instead for glosses and lipsticks that you apply with your finger (the stick itself can make the color too heavy). You want it to look as if you just ate a piece of fruit.

You have become known for your makeup work with lesbians. Explain why this is unique in comparison to women in general.

I am a lesbian so lesbians feel comfortable in general with me doing their makeup. They know they can share their fears about makeup with me and I won’t make them look like a glamour shot photo. I have a knack for listening to their needs while bringing out the true beauty within. A lot of my lesbian clients don’t even know how to properly wash their face, put on moisturizer, and have never picked up a makeup brush before. I take each woman at their own pace without making them feel insecure. You would be surprised by the butchest of lesbian who wants to bring out their best features with makeup, they just don’t know how. My clients know they can trust me. I bring out the femininity and confidence inside without changing their “identity.”

For more information:
www.jackandjillcosmetics.com
www.jventimiglia.blogspot.com
www.jillmakeup.com

Chart topping R&B star Kelis and red-hot dance music sensation Erika Jayne will shake things up at Girl Bar’s world famous pool party “Wet N Wild”, Saturday, April 3rd at the Renaissance Palm Springs newly remodeled pool deck!” Don’t miss one of the hottest pool parties of the weekend. Pool opens at 9 am.

The hilarious Jennifer Coolidge, best known as the voluptuous mom in American Pie; the zany UPS driver-loving manicurist in Legally Blonde, as well as unforgettable roles in director Christopher Guest’s “Best in Show” and “For Your Consideration,” will hit the stage for an incredible evening of laughter on Saturday, April 3rd at 8 pm, a benefit event for Human Rights Campaign Fund, happening at the Hotel Zoso Ballroom. A portion of this event’s proceeds will go directly to HRC.

Get ready to rock as Australian musical sensation Orianthi, known world-wide as Michael Jackson’s explosive guitarist from “This Is It,” adds her own high octane dose of “girl guitar power” with a special not-to-be missed live, in-person performance on Sunday, April 4th at “SPLASH” the hottest pool party of the weekend, at the Renaissance Palm Springs. Pool opens at 9 am.

“We are thrilled to have all of these amazing women performing this year,” said co-producer Sandy Sachs. “With her global hits, “Milkshake” and “Bossy” and new upcoming album, Kelis continues to be an R&B powerhouse and rising star Erika Jayne is a rare and unique talent that you won’t want to miss.”

Co-producer Dr. Robin Gans added, “Jennifer Coolidge has wowed us on the big screen and TV and now she’ll have everyone in stitches when she performs at our special Saturday benefit show for HRC. We also have Orianthi, the incredible bombshell guitarist whom we all saw strut on stage with Michael Jackson, guaranteed to rock our Girl Bar world!”

Tickets and event passes are on sale now. Special room rates also available. For more information or online purchase, visit www.dinahshoreweekend.com

Joining the stellar line-up is the legendary Grammy Award-winning American hip-hop trio Salt-N-Pepa who will rock the house during Saturday night’s “Hollywood Party” at the Palm Springs Convention Center.

As the first all female rap crew, Salt-N-Pepa historically changed the face of the music scene. The groundbreaking cult band has broken many records in the music industry and is, to this day, credited as being one of the first rap artists to cross over into pop mainstream, laying the groundwork for a number of other female artists in the likes of TLC, Destiny’s Child and Beyonce.

Selling over 15 million albums and singles worldwide, Salt-N-Pepa became the first female rap Grammy winners; the first female rap act to go gold or platinum; and the first female rap act to have a multi-platinum album.
“Much like The Dinah has over the years changed the face of lesbian event production, Salt-N-Pepa have changed the face of women in music. We herald them as the perfect headliner for our signature event,” says Hanson.
Blending the old with the new, Hanson is commemorating The Dinah’s milestone 20th Anniversary by delivering a never-been-seen before star-studded entertainment program – a sure crowd-pleaser and show stopper event!
After all who else but Hanson can bring together on the same stage, under one roof for one weekend ONLY, the hottest, sexiest and most talented music divas of yesterday and today – from Ke$ha, the current # 1 Billboard charting artist in the country (who stole Lady Gaga’s “most downloaded song on iTunes” record), Paradiso Girls, Lolene to music legend Salt-N-Pepa?
This year club Skirts Presents The Dinah® is not just breaking grounds, it is making history!

www.TheDinah.com