What Insights Did Danessa Myricks and Uche Natori Share in Their Masterclass?

This article explores the collaboration between beauty mogul Danessa Myricks and influencer Uche Natori, focusing on their masterclass "You’ll Always Be Famous", which highlights the importance of artistry, education, and representation in the beauty industry.

Last updated: 25 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways from the Masterclass

• The collaboration focuses on merging professional artistry with digital content creation.
• Skin preparation is deemed essential for timeless beauty.
• Representation and inclusivity are central themes in both artists' work.
• The masterclass encourages experimentation and personal expression in makeup artistry.
• Both Myricks and Natori believe in the power of education to elevate beauty techniques.

Beauty Icons Unite for a Purpose

When two influential figures in beauty come together, it often leads to groundbreaking moments. Danessa Myricks, a celebrated makeup artist known for her innovative products, and Uche Natori, widely recognised as the "Base Queen", have teamed up for a masterclass entitled "You’ll Always Be Famous". This event was a highlight of New York Fashion Week (NYFW) and served as a platform to showcase their unique approaches to beauty.

The Vision Behind the Collaboration

Myricks views her partnership with Natori as an essential merging of the worlds of professional makeup artistry and digital content creation. She asserts, “It’s always been important for me to merge the worlds of professional makeup artists and creators.” Natori’s ability to quickly demonstrate the value of beauty products resonates deeply with Myricks, who recalls how Natori effectively amplified the narrative surrounding her Water Powder Serum, creating an instant connection with audiences worldwide.

Bridging Digital and Real-Life Connections

Natori, who initially built her fame online, sees this collaboration as an opportunity to transition digital engagement into real-life interactions. “I always talk about how to take online offline,” she explains. This sentiment reflects a growing trend in the beauty industry, where consumers increasingly seek authentic experiences beyond digital screens. For Natori, sharing techniques in person allows for a deeper learning experience, aligning perfectly with Myricks's education-first approach.

The Significance of "You’ll Always Be Famous"

The title of their masterclass, "You’ll Always Be Famous", carries profound significance. Natori selected this name to pay homage to the beauty industry's cultural icons while honouring Myricks's lasting impact. “I cannot imagine a time where we don’t have Danessa and her innovations,” Natori says, highlighting Myricks's pivotal role in evolving beauty standards. Myricks, in turn, found Natori’s words transformative, noting how they made her feel recognised as an artist.

Timeless Beauty: The Heart of Their Technique

At the core of their artistry is a shared belief that complexion serves as the foundation for timeless beauty. Myricks emphasises the importance of skin preparation, stating, “What’s timeless is your skin. Once the skin is beautiful, everything else is play.” This philosophy suggests that a flawless base allows for creative expression with other makeup elements.

Natori reinforces this idea by explaining that her artistry is about finding a balance between signature styles and current trends. “Having a signature means you’ll never get lost in what’s popular,” she advises. This perspective encourages artists to maintain their unique identity while exploring new techniques.

Representation in Beauty

Representation is a pivotal theme in both Myricks and Natori’s work. Myricks recalls the early days of her career when assumptions were made about her expertise solely based on her work with darker skin tones. Rather than shying away from these assumptions, she embraced them, stating, “I wanted to show deeper complexions in every way possible—glowy, matte, Technicolor.” This commitment to showcasing diverse skin tones informs her product development, ensuring inclusivity in her brand.

Natori echoes this sentiment, pointing out the significance of connecting with Black women in a space where they often feel overlooked. “Creators can serve as vessels to show others that yes, you are seen,” she asserts, highlighting the need for visibility and representation in the beauty industry.

Elements That Make Them Feel "Famous"

When asked what instantly makes them feel "famous", Natori mentions a bright under-eye look, a nod to her UK heritage. Myricks, on the other hand, finds beauty in the artistry of using light to enhance facial features. Their responses illustrate the personal connections that both artists have with their craft, revealing how individual styles can contribute to a sense of identity within the beauty realm.

Advice for Aspiring Artists

Both Myricks and Natori offer invaluable advice for those looking to break into the beauty industry. Myricks encourages aspiring artists to embrace experimentation: “Learn everything, expand, play—whatever lights you up, that’s your thing.” This advice underscores the importance of personal exploration in developing one’s artistry.

What's Next for the Beauty Industry?

The partnership between Myricks and Natori exemplifies a shift within the beauty industry towards more inclusive and educational experiences. As beauty continues to evolve, collaborations like this one are likely to inspire a new generation of artists, fostering a culture of creativity and representation. The question remains: how will future collaborations shape the landscape of beauty in the years to come?

As the beauty industry embraces innovation and inclusivity, it raises intriguing possibilities for aspiring artists and brands alike. Will we see more collaborations that bridge the gap between online and offline experiences? Only time will tell. #BeautyCollaboration #MakeupArtistry #InclusivityInBeauty

FAQs

What is the significance of the masterclass title "You’ll Always Be Famous"?

The title reflects both pop culture's fascination with beauty icons and serves to honour Danessa Myricks’s lasting influence in the industry.

How do Myricks and Natori emphasise education in their masterclass?

Both artists focus on sharing techniques in person, believing that real-life interactions enhance the learning experience for aspiring makeup artists.

What is the central theme of their beauty philosophy?

Their philosophy centres around the idea that a beautiful complexion is the foundation of timeless beauty, allowing for creative expression with other makeup elements.

Why is representation important in their work?

Myricks and Natori aim to empower underrepresented communities within the beauty space, ensuring that diverse skin tones are showcased and celebrated.

What advice do Myricks and Natori give to aspiring makeup artists?

They encourage artists to experiment and explore their unique styles, emphasising that personal expression is key to developing one's artistry.