We’re guessing that anyone who is considering cosmetology school has a healthy love of beauty and might appreciate having a place to discuss their obsession with fellow product hoarders. That’s why Pampadour was started. The social network for beauty lovers was designed as a place to share about all things beauty-related.
“I wanted to create a space where makeup could be discussed freely,” says co-founder Jennifer Hakimian.
On Pampadour, people share their favorite beauty products, ask questions, post pictures and give advice. Hakimian designed it to be a positive community for ordinary people who just want to find something to make them feel more beautiful.
We recently checked in with Jennifer to talk about both beauty trends and cringe-worthy fads. Here’s what she had to say:
How did you become so passionate about beauty products?
I remember as a young child having a very beautiful French mother who rarely took time to take care of herself, since she was always busy with her four children. She would spend her days makeup-free and slathered in sunblock as she entertained us at the park or the beach. But for special occasions, she would take out her hot rollers, bright lipstick and pencil liner. Those evenings, I would wait out in the living room of our apartment in great anticipation, excitedly telling my babysitter, “Wait till you see my mommy!!” After a short while, which felt like an eternity, she would emerge from her bedroom looking like the most magnificent movie star.
I was always mesmerized by her beauty and was fascinated with her transformation. As I got older, I would watch her get ready. She used Nivea cream, a lash curler, foundation, blush, and pencil liner that she would take a lit match to so that the tip would soften and the color would transfer easier to her waterline. The last thing she did was apply her lip pencil and lipstick, and the result was amazing.
Needless to say, I couldn’t wait to be old enough to wear makeup myself. At the age of 12, I began my journey by saving up all my babysitting money to buy new products. I was always looking for beauty products at the drugstore and my local department store, and I would flip through magazines for inspiration. Through the years, I have found what works for me and what doesn’t, and I also realized how many women really struggle with finding products that can work for them.
What do you read/watch/listen to in order to stay up to date on beauty trends?
I read WWD, countless beauty blogs, and magazines; and I attend trade shows like the IMATS, the Make Up Show, New York Fashion Week and Beautypress Spotlight Day. I scroll through Instagram and Pinterest a few times a day, and I also talk to the staff in my office as I love to hear what some of the younger girls are interested in.
What trends are you predicting in 2016?
Hair: I think Balayage hair color will continue to be a trend for 2016. Also shoulder-length bobs and bold hair accessories.
Eyes: All over the runway we saw metallic eyes – from shiny gold lids to a hint of liquid metallic liner. You can be as bold or as subtle as you want with this.
Lips: Bold lips were everywhere. This trend isn’t for me. I’m a nude lip girl and will always be.
Nails: I’m excited to see what the Pantone Color of the year will be, since that will be big with nails (we should hear shortly). I also think everyone is always looking for new ways to make their manicures last longer, so I’m sure there will be exciting new products on the market.
Skin: Glowing radiant Skin. Korean skincare is just catching on, and I predict that will be even bigger in 2016.
What are readers on your site buzzing about right now?
It’s all about skincare, highlighters and new shadow palettes. Everyone is always looking for ways to make their skin glow, and that starts with proper skincare. With the release of new highlighters from brands like Anastasia Beverly Hills, Becca, Bobbi Brown and The Balm, it seems like everyone is always in search of the best new strobing product.
What beauty trends do you think will fall out of favor in 2016? Or what would you love to see fall out of favor?
I’m really not a fan of overdrawn eyebrows and extreme contouring for everyday looks. I think filling in brows with a pencil or powder, following the natural shape of your brow and subtle contouring, can work on almost anyone. I’m also not a fan of the liquid lipsticks. They are all the rage on Instagram, but I can’t get over how drying they are.
What skills or abilities do you think those who are interested in studying cosmetology today should make sure they learn?
I think studying cosmetology is a fantastic choice for so many creative people. Not only do you get to be creative, you get the opportunity to make someone feel beautiful.
The few things that stand out in my mind that they should make sure they learn:
- First and foremost, it’s people skills. Communication is key. They are coming to a professional to look and feel more beautiful, and it’s important to try and understand what their version of “glam” is. Learning to handle different types of clients (including skin types, styles, and temperaments) will go a long way since this is mostly a word-of-mouth business; and the happier the client leaves, the more likely they are to recommend the professional.
- Time management. How long will it really take to create a full-on bridal look with lashes and all? Running late is never good.
- Making skin look great. From the 20-year old with acne to the 70-year old with deep wrinkles, nothing is more important than how the skin looks. It’s the canvas.
- Makeup application for mature skin is different than makeup on a 20 year old. Taking the time to prep the skin, making sure that the foundation and concealer do not settle into lines to make them more visible, and learning techniques to make aging eyes look more youthful and open. There’s nothing worse than a 70-year old woman with heavy contour and caked-on, mismatched foundation.
What are some beauty trends you don’t think will ever go out of style?
- Winged liner
- Full lashes
- Smoky eyes
- Red lips
- Great looking skin
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