This section covers some of my top frequently asked questions and is updated on a regular basis, so please check back for news!!
Q: What does your name mean and how do you pronounce it?
Q: What does your name mean and how do you pronounce it?
A: Maryam Maquillage is a combination of my given name and the word "Maquillage" (which means makeup in French, Russian and many other languages). It is pronounced ::Mah-ree-yum Mah-kee-yaj::
Q: How long have you been doing makeup and nails? Are you a professional makeup artist?
A: I have been doing my makeup and nails (also my friends' makeup & nails) since about 12 years old. I am self taught and have had no professional training, though I do come from a family of artists and am formally trained in all aspects of visual art. Having a background in the arts has given me a solid foundation to transition into makeup artistry by simply switching my medium from paint to makeup. With that said, I am not a skin care professional, so everything expressed in this blog is solely my opinion based on personal experience and practice. I am, however, looking to expand my knowledge and put my skills on paper, and I will update you once I do so.
Q: Where are you from? What is your nationality / ethnicity / racial background?
A: I was born in Russia and came to New York with my parents when I was 10 years old. I am an American citizen and identify with the Russian culture and nationality. My ethnic / racial background is Russian and Bashkir, but to simplify things, I consider myself Eurasian (part Slavic, part Central Asian). To read more about my mix, you can check out The Eurasian post dedicated to my Bashkir (Bashkort) culture and ethnic group.
Q: Do you have a YouTube channel? Do you make video tutorials?
A: http://www.youtube.com/maryammaquillage Stay tuned!
Q: May I send you products to review?
Q: What kind of camera do you use? Do you take your own photos?
I use the Canon Power Shot S95for most of my ready-to-wear makeup looks (portrait mode, self timer), as well as my eye shots, lips and nails (macro mode, no flash, natural lighting). Because the camera is compact, I'm able to take the photos myself. For conceptual looks, face shots, 3/4 shots or whenever there's no sunlight available for eye shots, I usually take the pix with the Nikon D90 camera and zoom lens. Since this is a professional camera, it is almost impossible for me to take my own photos, so I have my boyfriend take the shots using a tripod. Occasionally, I also like to use Photobooth, as well as my iPhone for quick reference shots.
Canon Power Shot S95: I Dream of Kashmir
Using Nikon D90: Marilyn Makiaj isn't afraid of color!
Q: May I send you products to review?
A: Yes you may. Please contact me at info@mmaquillage.com
Q: What kind of camera do you use? Do you take your own photos?
I use the Canon Power Shot S95for most of my ready-to-wear makeup looks (portrait mode, self timer), as well as my eye shots, lips and nails (macro mode, no flash, natural lighting). Because the camera is compact, I'm able to take the photos myself. For conceptual looks, face shots, 3/4 shots or whenever there's no sunlight available for eye shots, I usually take the pix with the Nikon D90 camera and zoom lens. Since this is a professional camera, it is almost impossible for me to take my own photos, so I have my boyfriend take the shots using a tripod. Occasionally, I also like to use Photobooth, as well as my iPhone for quick reference shots.
Canon Power Shot S95: I Dream of Kashmir
Using Nikon D90: Marilyn Makiaj isn't afraid of color!
Q: How tall are you and what size do you wear?
I'm a little guy, I stand 5' 2" tall and I wear a size 4 -- sometimes a 2 -- depending on the brand... but why do you wanna know?! Just kidding, I've got nothing to hide, so I'll even offer my weight before it becomes a FAQ: I'm 115-118 lbs and proud of it :)
Q: How long does it take you to do your nail designs? Where do you get the patience for such tiny details? Do you use a nail stamper?
I'm a little guy, I stand 5' 2" tall and I wear a size 4 -- sometimes a 2 -- depending on the brand... but why do you wanna know?! Just kidding, I've got nothing to hide, so I'll even offer my weight before it becomes a FAQ: I'm 115-118 lbs and proud of it :)
Q: How long does it take you to do your nail designs? Where do you get the patience for such tiny details? Do you use a nail stamper?
A: My nail designs usually take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to complete (not including the drying time). I actually find painting tiny details quite relaxing and meditative and I'd say I probably enjoy it even more than putting on makeup. All of my nail art is hand painted and I've never used a stamper before in my life -- I don't even know how to use one!
Q: What do you use to dye your hair?
A: Nothing. I've never dyed my hair in my life, but it is very sensitive to the sun, so it gets significantly lighter in the summertime. #virginhair
Q: I want to recreate one of your looks, may I re-post your photos?
A: Yes you may, just please provide a proper citation, i. e. my name & a link to the original post.
Q: Do you have any advice for novice beauty bloggers?
A: Sure. Post often, take clear HQ photos, and be kind. Refrain from ruthless self-promotions, work on your niche (looks, reviews, nails, etc.) as well as diversifying your content, and get to know your audience. Be open to questions and criticisms and be a part of the community. Join beauty forums and interact with other beauty bloggers. Again, be kind :)
Q: I noticed that you often include French words in your writing. Do you speak French? Also, you seem to talk a lot about various cultures, do you blog about it elsewhere?
A: A couple of years ago, I was lucky enough to live and study in Paris, so I am very passionate about the French culture and language. I actually have a degree in International Relations and Cultural Anthropology, so I am incredibly committed to and involved in getting to know the people and cultures of our many nations and corners of the earth. I don't own another blog or website dedicated specifically to anthropology or international relations, but I like to include a little bit of culture and history in many of the posts that I write.
Some examples in cultures: Russian, Arabic, Indian (Kashmiri), Jewish, Spanish (Latin), Chinese, Moroccan, Afro-Caribbean, French
Some examples in eras: 50's pin-up, 60's mod, 70's disco, 80's glam metal, 90's style
plus many others and many more to come!
Maryam Maquillage™ 2012-2014. www.maryammaquillage.com