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BEYONCE FAVORITE Make-up Stylist – SIR JOHN

He is currently a contributing editor for Vogue Italia, where he reveals all his beauty secrets and top tips, including Beyoncé’s celestial inspirations. Follow Sir John on Instagram to stay tuned in to the fashion world.

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Professional make-up artist and lifestyle expert Sir John Barnett has worked with global celebrities including Beyoncé Knowles on the Mrs. Carter Show World Tour and beauty icons like Naomi Campbell, as well as major fashion designers: Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent, and more. Sir John’s go-getter attitude, work ethic, and unique eye have taken him and his art all around the world.

TVM: What is your signature?

Sir John: (Laughs) it’s going to be a signature glow: some kind of luminescent property to the skin. Or definitely smoky eyes. Your signature is basically what—sometimes—you want to run away from, but can’t. People ask you for it.

TVM: Do you prefer working with models or established personalities?

Sir John: I really want to bring light to the fact that who really helped my career were the girls. I can actually project artistic views or the mood I’m feeling through on their faces. They happen to be the  screen I can project my worn on (laughs). So I’m going to say it’s going to be models. Personalities: they’re great. Working on Beyoncé is amazing and it’s like the dream. But when you work with a model, there’s raw clay there. You actually have a chance to really build a story instead of collaborating on something that’s already built.

TVM: Are you currently working with both?

Sir John: Right now I’m on a world tour with Beyoncé for “The Mrs. Carter Show”. So that’s taking up a lot of my time. We just wrapped the U.S. and England, and then we have to go to South America. But I took some time off for myself. I’m going to leave Columbia and go straight to Paris’s fashion week to see a couple of shows. Just need to stay relevant in my business. I don’t want to turn my back on what made me popular in the first place. You know, fashion.

TVM: Some people carry a notebook around to jot down ideas. What’s your strategy?

Sir John: (Laughs) I’m a HUGE lover of Instagram. I live in a very visual world. Instagram is my journal. It’s my way to archive things that I’ve done: to remember where I was last year, what made me happy, what places, or even quotes I was inspired by.

TVM: Where do you get your inspiration from?

Sir John: I’m going to be honest with you, and this might sound really corny, but I get the inspiration from the women I’m working with. I’ve worked with the most amazing women in the world, seriously. For example: last month I did the cover of Harper’s BAZZARD, ESpagne with Naomi Campbell, and the inspiration was her. My inspiration was Beyoncé  was Beyoncé and how she emanates such radiance on stage. I wanted to reflect that in the make-up. I’m not inspired by the competitors or anything else around them.

TVM: Is it important for a vocalist to have a consistent make-up artist?

Sir John:This might lead to my detriment somehow… (laughs). On the contrary, it might be good to have multiple artists throughout your career. Sometimes you can grow out of a look. You can grow out of an aesthetic. You can organically morph into a new person just by doing releasing new album or having a baby or getting married. With all these things life throws your way. It’s good to have someone with fresh eyes to look at you in a complete different way. You should jump and see if you can find that right hand.

TVM: What does your job consist of on Beyoncé’s The “Mrs. Carter Show” World Tour?

Sir John: There are dancers and everybody else, but Beyoncé is my client. I don’t really work on anyone else.

TVM: What would you say are your favourite make-up trends?

Sir John: Trends… trends… trend is a tricky word because it’s recurring. I would say traditional make-up approaches, which are high lighting and low lighting. A series of architectural contours would be my favourite trend: to make the shapes of the face really keen and pronounced. Contour and highlight would be something I would love to do to everyone.

TVM: What is your top tip for a vocalist at home trying to look fresh and ready to go in 10 minutes?

Sir John:The eyes first would be ideal to save time. And also to edit. Edit where you want to go. Know what your direction is. Know what you want to highlight and showcase. And let everything else be minimal. Some girls, they just want to do too much of everything. So what I want to do is smoky eyes, a glossy lip and contour my cheeks. There should be an emphasis on something and everything else should fade away.

TVM: Do you have any favourite products?

Sir John:I love the Tom Ford brand, personally. I know the makeup artists (Charlotte Tilbury) who formulated the collection with Tom. She basically took his ideas and translate them into a well-edited collection. I love La Prairie Skin Care. I just like mediums; I like different textures. I like to play with things a little bit— I’m not just an eye shadow guy. I like to use gloss on the eyelids and shadow on the cheeks, and washed of blush on the temples in a way that is not completly visible. It just looks like the skin is glowing from within, you know?

TVM: Do you practice on a “test-subject”?

Sir John: No longer (laughs). I just go. I have these images floating around in my head. I put my hand to skin, and make something happen. I really don’t have a “test-subject”. At this point in my career, I just go for it.

TVM: Would you say that confidence came with time?

Sir John: Um… within a short amount of time. I don’t think you always have that luxury to have someone sit and you just play. I’m on a job and you’re kind of nervous for the job. Will “the look” translate, etc? You just go for it. A true artist doesn’t really have time to prep and do someone for a mock trial, or something like that. Don’t overthink it too much. Once you start to overthink a project too much in this business, it becomes contrived and you lose artistic value.

TVM: Can you describe one challenge you constantly face in your practices?

Sir John: I feel that in our business, there is no competition. We’re artists; we’re not horses. We shouldn’t compare each other to each other. Sometimes I feel everybody is looking into the next man’s pot. And it destroys what you have when you’re comparing your artistry or your aesthetic to another person. You can find inspiration or align visual interpretations, but you should never look outside of yourself when it comes from the hand. And time! (Laughs) we want time; we want our time. Sometimes you’re allowed the time you’re supposed to have to create a look. And that’s when you can feel cheated as an artist. Every sector of our business is allowed a certain amount of time to do the job extremely well.

TVM: That seems like a lot of pressure.

Sir John: (Laughs) yeah, but you know what? It’s a business where you have to get the girls ready for a show. And you don’t have time.

TVM: What’s one thing you’ve learned from working with Beyoncé?

Sir John: What I learned from her is to use time wisely and to have a serious work ethic. She is a very, very, very hard worker. And I thought I was until I met her. When you’re off the job, you’re still not off the job. You can be editing; you can be doing other things. She uses time wisely.

Relationships are key in my business and how you treat people. The business is so small— it really is. The higher you get in fashion, in music, in media, the smaller it becomes. If you treat someone like sh*t one day, it can really come back to you. It’s important not to burn bridges. It’s one of the things that gave me success in my career.

TVM: What do you enjoy most about your career?

Sir John: Travel. I like to go and see new places. Just the fact you can go from South Columbia to France, and then France to Morocco. I don’t think I would have been able to if it weren’t for the business. It’s also a really large platform to do something else in life, if that’s what you would like to do.

TVM: Where do you hope to be in five years?

Sir John: I want my furniture to be in hotels. I’m slowly bridging the gaps or turning the corners into home & lifestyle, from Fashion and Beauty. If I can do half as well as I’ve done in Beauty, I will be very happy. 

Smokey Eyes How to:

1) Start w/ an eye kohl around the top and bottom lash-line. The base of a smokey eye is one of the most important components. (The perfect eye kohl should be close to the color of your intended shadow.) The difference between eye kohl and a regular eye pencil is that kohl’s have a lot more maneuverability when blending. Kohl pencils smudge with incredible ease. Perfect for layering under a powdery shadow. Pencils offer durability to the shadows by giving the pigment something to grab onto. Resulting in a richer more opaque application of color.

To get the best results with your smokey eye shape, you need the right tools.  I suggest using smaller firmer brush for the initial blending of the kohl so that you have a strong foundation. Fading your base medium is extremely important. (If not blended properly, your shadow will stick to non-blended areas & create a disaster.) 

2) Start to take a short dense brush & with your darker shadow. Pack color on top of your primer/ pencil. Really saturate the pencil/ base. Working your way up from lash line fading away at the crease.

3) Take a clean blending brush & soften the edges of the color you deposited. Practicing your fading technique is crucial. No color should rise above your crease, in other words the brow bone should stay clean.

4) Use a similar technique at the bottom of your eye, except this time use a smaller brush. Set your pencil with shadow. Then begin to diffuse any sharp lines with your clean brush.

Tip: keep your shade of choice neat and contained close to the lash line washing out. Better to start off slow building your intensity as you go along, instead of aggressively saturating your eye too quickly. Often resulting in raccoon eyes, which is not the direction this trend is taking us.

5) At this point you should see a graduation of pigment. Starting intense at the lash line dissipating to nothing at the crease & below eye.

6) Add a bit of shimmer to your brow bone. The skin on the bone should be shinny, creating the look of radiant flawless skin. Simultaneously where the darker color and the highlight meet should appear seamless!

7) Armed with a q- tip & water based eye makeup remover clean up around the smoke. Then apply a concealer & foundation. With a clean blending brush diffuse any lines where the eye meets the concealer/ foundation. Lastly, set your concealer with a fine translucent powder. Doll up your lashes with a volume enhancing mascara & go.

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“Jephte Bastien: Crafting Cinema, Challenging Norms, and Championing Authentic Stories”

Jephte Bastien, a multifaceted director, producer, creator, and editor, has carved a unique path in the film industry. From his humble beginnings in Haiti to his groundbreaking work in cinema, Jephte’s journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and an unyielding passion for storytelling. In a recent interview, Jephte shared insights into his life, inspirations, and the challenges he has faced as a filmmaker.

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Early Beginnings: A Childhood of Creativity

Jephte’s love for storytelling began in his childhood. Growing up in Haiti, he would cut out paper silhouettes, align them with thread, and use a flashlight to project characters onto a makeshift screen. This early form of shadow puppetry allowed him to mimic voices and create stories, laying the foundation for his future in filmmaking. Music also played a significant role in his upbringing. As the seventh of nine boys in a large Christian family, Jephte started singing in church at the age of five. His family’s tradition of entertaining one another—through poetry, singing, and dancing—fostered his creative spirit.

Haiti: A Source of Inspiration

Haiti holds a special place in Jephte’s heart. Despite the media’s often negative portrayal of the country, Jephte describes it as a paradise filled with vibrant culture, music, and natural beauty. His early memories of Haiti are filled with joy—playing games, eating mangoes straight from the trees, and forming lifelong friendships. When his family moved to Canada, Jephte struggled with homesickness and depression. Haiti became a recurring theme in his dreams, a place he would revisit mentally to find solace and inspiration. Even as an adult, he traveled back to Haiti frequently, using the trips to rejuvenate his creative energy.

The Church and Early Questions

Growing up in a religious household, Jephte was deeply involved in the church. However, he began to question the narratives he was taught, particularly the lack of representation of Black people in religious imagery. These early questions about identity and representation would later influence his work as a filmmaker. Jephte’s departure from the church was not a rejection of faith but a search for truth and authenticity in storytelling.

A Journey to New York and Beyond

Jephte’s pursuit of his passion led him to New York in the 1990s, where he studied theater despite his parents’ wishes for him to become a lawyer. This decision marked the beginning of his independent journey. He worked tirelessly to pay for his education, immersing himself in the arts and honing his craft. After returning to Montreal, Jephte faced the harsh realities of the film industry. Despite his talent, opportunities were scarce, especially for a Black filmmaker in the 90s. Determined to tell his own stories, Jephte enrolled in film school, where he began to develop his unique voice.

Breaking Barriers in Filmmaking

Jephte’s career is marked by a series of groundbreaking projects. One of his early successes was editing a music video for the song “Due to the Interest” by Garou. Despite the director’s inexperience, Jephte stepped in to manage the set, ensuring the project’s success. The video became a buzz clip, earning praise from industry heavyweights like Luc Plamondon. However, Jephte’s refusal to accept a $2,000 bonus from the director highlighted his commitment to integrity over financial gain.

In 2003, Jephte produced Haiti Through My Eye,” a docu-series that showcased Haiti’s rich culture and history. The project was a critical success and opened doors for future opportunities, including funding for his feature film Exit 67.” Despite the challenges of securing funding and navigating the industry’s systemic barriers, Jephte remained steadfast in his mission to tell authentic stories.

The Draft: A Powerful Vision

One of Jephte’s most ambitious projects is The Draft,” a film about a young Black hockey player whose dreams are shattered by a brutal act of racism. The story follows his journey as he mentors his younger brother, offering a new paradigm for success. Jephte describes “The Draft” as the most powerful film he has ever written, a project that challenges the status quo and highlights the resilience of marginalized communities.

However, the production of “The Draft” was not without its challenges. Jephte faced significant obstacles, including interference from unions and a lack of support from industry institutions, except Telefilm and Harold Greenberg Fund, who supported the project from the beginning. Despite these hurdles, he remained committed to the project, pouring his own resources and energy into bringing his vision to life.

The Struggles of an Independent Filmmaker

Jephte’s experiences shed light on the difficulties faced by independent filmmakers, particularly those from underrepresented communities. In Canada, the film industry is heavily reliant on government funding, which often comes with strict quotas and limitations. Jephte has faced numerous rejections and setbacks, including being blacklisted by medias after an interview. Despite these challenges, he continues to create, driven by his passion for storytelling and his desire to challenge societal norms.

A Legacy of Resilience

Jephte Bastien’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and creativity. From his early days in Haiti to his groundbreaking work in film, he has remained true to his vision, using his art to challenge stereotypes and inspire change. As he continues to work on “The Draft” and other projects, Jephte’s legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of representation and the enduring power of storytelling.

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Jephte Bastien: The Visionary Filmmaker Behind Exit 67 and The Draft

Whether through his portrayal of gritty urban landscapes or his exploration of the human spirit, Jephte Bastien continues to push the boundaries of cinema. As we await the premiere of The Draft, one thing is certain: Bastien’s journey as a filmmaker is just beginning, and the best is yet to come.

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Jephte Bastien, the award-winning filmmaker renowned for his gripping storytelling and raw cinematic style, is set to captivate audiences once again with his upcoming film, The Draft. Best known for his debut feature film Exit 67, which garnered critical acclaim and won numerous awards, Bastien has established himself as a powerful voice in the world of cinema.

From Haiti to Canada: A Unique Perspective

Born in Haiti and raised in Canada, Jephte Bastien brings a unique perspective to his work, combining the rich cultural heritage of his homeland with the multicultural influences of his upbringing in Montreal. This blend of experiences has given Bastien a distinctive voice in filmmaking, allowing him to explore complex themes of identity, belonging, and the immigrant experience with authenticity and nuance.

Breaking Ground with Exit 67

Bastien burst onto the scene with his first feature film, Exit 67. Released in 2010, the film tells the story of a young man named Jecko, who is caught between the world of street gangs and his desire for a better life. Drawing from his own experiences and the reality of many young immigrants in Montreal, Bastien crafted a gripping narrative that resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. The film’s success earned Bastien a Genie Award, cementing his status as a filmmaker to watch.

The Draft: A New Chapter

With his latest project, The Draft, Bastien is poised to once again capture the imagination of viewers. While details about the plot remain under wraps, the film promises to explore themes of power, corruption, and the human condition—elements that have become hallmarks of Bastien’s work. Set against a backdrop of political intrigue and moral dilemmas, The Draft is expected to be another compelling addition to Bastien’s filmography.

A Filmmaker with a Mission

Beyond his artistic achievements, Jephte Bastien is a filmmaker with a mission. He aims to tell stories that reflect the realities of marginalized communities and challenge societal norms. His films often delve into difficult subjects, shedding light on issues such as crime, poverty, and the immigrant experience, all while maintaining a deep sense of humanity and hope.

Looking Ahead

As Jephte Bastien prepares for the release of The Draft, anticipation is building among fans and critics alike. With his track record of compelling storytelling and his commitment to exploring important social issues, Bastien is sure to deliver another thought-provoking film that will leave a lasting impact.

Whether through his portrayal of gritty urban landscapes or his exploration of the human spirit, Jephte Bastien continues to push the boundaries of cinema. As we await the premiere of The Draft, one thing is certain: Bastien’s journey as a filmmaker is just beginning, and the best is yet to come.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19799652

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3904454

https://www.instagram.com/the_draft_movie

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“Spark Davidson: The Visionary Behind Montreal’s R&B Revolution”

THIS IS THE TRUE STORY OF SPARK AND HIS HUSTLE THAT NEVER STOPS AND NEVER SLEEPS AS HIS DREAMS BECOME REALITIES AND HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THE BIGGEST HE CAN IMAGINE.

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Spark Davidson, a Montreal-based artist, has made significant contributions to the music industry since launching his professional career in 1995. At the age of 28, Spark began managing multiple music groups, including his own R&B ensemble, “Portfolio,” featuring three of Montreal’s most talented vocalists: Alan Prater, Chris Millington, and Danny Blanco. With his keen eye for talent and innovative management style, Spark quickly established Portfolio as a powerhouse in the R&B scene. Within a year, the group achieved remarkable success, consistently selling out performances and captivating audiences with their soulful harmonies and dynamic stage presence.

Spark’s strategic negotiations for Portfolio’s publishing and recording contracts in both Montreal and Los Angeles further solidified his reputation as a savvy music industry professional. His efforts culminated in the launch of his own music production label, “4indamorning,” which rapidly became a household name in Montreal. Under his guidance, “4indamorning” emerged as a pivotal force in the local music scene, known for its distinctive sound and dedication to nurturing emerging talent.

Beyond his work with Portfolio, Spark Davidson’s influence extended throughout Montreal’s music community. His commitment to innovation and excellence helped elevate the city’s R&B and hip-hop genres, setting a high standard for artistic expression and collaboration. Spark’s ability to fuse traditional R&B elements with contemporary influences showcased his versatility and deep understanding of the evolving music landscape.

Spark’s impact on the music industry is a testament to his passion, creativity, and determination. As a manager, producer, and artist, he has left an indelible mark on Montreal’s music scene, inspiring a new generation of musicians and contributing to the city’s vibrant cultural tapestry. His journey from a rising artist to a respected industry leader is a remarkable achievement, reflecting his dedication to music and his unwavering pursuit of artistic excellence.

His latest music project IT’S ABOUT TIME -DA 4AM MIXTAPE ALBUM is available NOW

https://www.4indamorning.com

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