Scroll through the beauty diary of mua + YouTuber, Naomi Ajala:

Getting ready for class can be fun but stressful if you’re in a time crunch, what’s one beauty must-have that lives in your bag?

Usually, when I’m in a rush for school and I’m so tired and even late to apply anything on my face but I still want to look good and comfortable, a gloss and liner lives in my bag definitely. 

What’s your number 1 beauty rule?

My number one beauty rule is to be confident in yourself. The way you walk, dress, talk and act should be fiery. Most importantly, not letting people tell you how you should look.

Find more of Naomi’s looks here:

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Walking through the beauty aisle in the drug store, restocking on some needed essentials I’m immediately met with this overwhelming spectacle of red and pink teddy bears. Turn the corner, chocolates in big red boxes and on the opposite side a massive wall of red theme colored cards.  I started to think  “tis another holiday for red lipstick” and rolled my eyes just a little.

Now let me make two things very clear, I enjoy everything about Valentine’s Day and I love a classic red lip, anytime any day.  However (insert long dramatic pause), how often do we go to that particular scarlet shade for date night, during the holiday season, to do laundry, go to the grocery store or during sessions at the gym? (Or is this just me?) Let’s ditch the red lip this Valentine’s Day.

One lip shade that has made a statement over the last two years or so has come in hues of purple.  The night this majestic color captivated the world was the night of the 2014 Met Gala, where Joan Smalls graced the red carpet wearing a stunning Vera Wang gown (she was the designers date that night), bronze skin and this enticing purple shade of lipstick.  Joan reminded me of a modern day Aphrodite that night.  The purple lip shade, crafted by professional makeup artist Sir John B and Joan herself, a statement on it’s own, compliments Smalls glowing skin tone effortlessly. Joan’s flowing gown and fishtail braid completes this modern goddesses look.

Photo Credit: The Coveteur

Since, we have seen tons of celebrities hit the red carpet, give interviews and even host events in royal hues of purple.  Urban Decay makeup artist Shani Rich and Sephora Senior Artist Johan Castro weigh in on their favorite purple lip shades for all skin tones and ages, and how to wear them so you to can have your goddess moment.

What is your go-to purple lipstick?

“My go to purple lip color for all skin tones would have to be “ Matte After Dark” by Urban Decay” exclaims Shani Rich.  “It looks great on everyone and is good to wear all year round”.  “Try L.U.V by Kat Von D (one of my personal favorites) it is long lasting and looks great on every skin tone, especially if you’re hesitant on trying a full on purple lipstick.  This shade has a little fuchsia balancing it out perfectly.” suggest Johan.

On women of brown and deeper skin tones …

“A great shade for women of deeper skin tones would be “ZIPPER” liquid matte by Colourpop Cosmetics.  With this lip color I have to say less makeup is more.  The complexion should be clean with seamless foundation and contour application, and subtle highlight.  You don’t want to do to much as this lip color is bold and will stand out on it’s on.  Also, I would avoid matching the eye shadow with the lip.  That is a no-go and looks like way too much makeup.  Simplicity is key, especially when trying to achieve a flawless makeup application with deeper skin tones.” – Shani Rich

On women of light to medium skin tones …

“A great shade from women of light to medium skin tones is Makeup Forever Rouge Artist Intense 15.  This bold color is the perfect shade of purple. It won’t make your complexion appear washed out or as if you were about to relive your gothic teenage years.  The iridescence finish gives your entire complexion this subtle glow to it.  When wearing this shade make sure to apply tinted moisturizer or a sheer foundation to even out any redness in the skin, and play off that subtle glow from the lip color.  Avoid wearing heavy blush and opt for a bronzer or subtle highlight”. –Johan Castro

For our tweens …

I believe teenagers should wear lipgloss or very sheer lipsticks nothing too bold. Lipgloss is very age appropriate and still FUN! Like Sephora’s “ Sweet Mauve Sparkling” Ultra Shine Lipgloss “ says Shani.  As for Johan “For the younger readers tinted lip balms are great. Gives you a hint on color and conditions the lips”.  “Try Clinique’s Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balms in “Voluptuous Violet”.

Before you reach for your favorite red lip this Valentine’s Day season, ask yourself, how many times will I wear this again, this month alone?  Try these recommendations from the pros, make a statement like Joan and feel like a goddess during these days of love.  Seriously who doesn’t want to feel like and exude the aura of a goddess?

-Autumn Johnson

Who doesn’t want to live in a world surrounded by beauty, makeup, and photo shoots? Hands up! Well, fab makeup artist Autumn Johnson has carved out her passion in the beauty industry and we’re thrilled to have her as a Beauty Editor for C.O.R.E Mag!  Autumn Johnson graduated from The Academy of NYC: A Paul Mitchell Partner School in 2010. After graduation she went on to help launch the first Brooklyn Sephora store becoming their Beauty Studio Captain and later took her talents to work with stylists at Hair Rules Salon. The talented makeup artist has freelanced for innovative beauty companies such as Hourglass, Too Faced and Laura Mercier.

She has  assisted with wig designs for Fashion Underground The World of Susanne Bartsch, an exhibit at the FIT Museum. She has also been apart of New York City’s fashion Week, The 48 film project and the short film New Clear from Kickstand Productions.

Today, Autumn is building her own brand providing makeup and hair services to women & men all over New York City. Aside from her beauty career, Autumn is also starting a nonprofit to help aid children in high-risk communities to become empowered and achieve all their goals and dreams.

Let’s get to know Autumn a little better…

You graduated from The Academy of NYC: A Paul Mitchell Partner School, what attracted you to the innovative world of beauty?