What A Fine Time!

April 1, 2017. The Westin Hotel, Times Square. Sam Fine. I am setting up the scene for you, as I had to come down from yesterday’s high to write this post. Sam Fine is considered beauty industry royalty as he’s been in the business for over a decade. He is Queen Latifah’s go to makeup artist, and his hands have also blessed the faces of Naomi Campbell, Iman, Tyra Banks and more. Mr. Fine hosted his very first hands on Masterclass yesterday for artists to learn his signature techniques, and I was a model.

Yes, I was a model for Sam Fine’s class!!! I know my fellow beauty enthusiasts are gagging, the same way I was when I confirmed the booking! Sam put a model search out on his Instagram page, and I jumped at the chance to apply. We are still in my YEARS of YES!

How I Showed Up To The Class

Upon arrival and viewing all the other models there, I was intimidated. I could tell some of these women were actual models, like from agencies. But I was quickly pulled together by my sister-friend who assured me, I was there because I was chosen! Sam greeted us by saying he’d never done an Instagram casting before, and he was quite pleased to have us there!

So I walked in and took my rightful seat, with my fresh face drenched in coconut oil. Which I was later told by my wonderful MUA Muriel , to stop using; she recommended a creme based product from Kiehl’s for my dry skin. I need to get that product into my arsenal very soon!

Foundation Laid

Sam demonstrated to 25 artists his technique that they now had the opportunity of practicing on us guinea pigs. Sam came around and gave guidance and advice to every single student throughout their demonstration. He was so knowledgeable and kind, with such an awesome spirit and sense of humor. Did I mention he touched my face and applied makeup. I CAN NOT DEAL!!!

Eyes Done

I picked up some tips here and there too, even though we weren’t there to witness Sam’s actual demonstration. Let’s be honest, I can never recreate a full face like this, because hunny that requires much skill and patience. Besides, I don’t wear foundation in my day to day life. I’m more of a concealer, bronzer and lip kind of girl! Nonetheless, it was so great to have been in his midst, soaking up his knowledge! I mean I have NEVER seen Queen Latifah with a bad makeup job. (You may have seen Sam in her Queen Collection for Covergirl commercials.)

After the makeup application, we then had a photo shoot with world famous photographer Keith Major. Keith has been in the industry for 30 years and has a close relationship with Sam. Keith was one of the first photographers Sam was able to work with as he built his portfolio. Keith gave us direction while he shot us, and I felt like I was on an episode on ANTM. I mean a 33 yo Mom, with a womanly body, modeling for all these beauty heavyweights, tell me dreams can’t come true?! The professional photos will be mailed to me, but I was able to snap one shot after I was all done, in the bandeau top they provided below! I will of course share the real images when they arrive on my Instagram page.

#notamodel

It was a great day, and I just wanted to inspire my fellow Mothers out there. We put aside so much of our dreams once we have kids, that many of them never get the chance to be fulfilled. I am proof that it is never too late. As always, stay chic!

Thanks for the goody bag Mr. Fine!