Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/831804
38 tors and producers). It is the way we talk and interact with them. We make them feel beautiful so that when they walk out of the trailer, they are feeling great and ready to work. I usually start out matching the skin tone by blending 2-3 bases because everyone's undertones are different. I do all the additional corrective applications and contour sparingly following the bone structure usually using a cream contour, then layer a cream color blush, then set everything with a translucent powder. I'll finish with a powder contour and color blush in the same color family just to bump it up. For the eyes, after all the corrective work is done and set with powder, I prefer to use powder shadows in light and dark color tones to highlight and contour eyes' natural shape followed by a "smudged: eyeliner pencil, individual lashes as needed and mascara to complete." Missy: The way BJ does a make-up, she can "beat" a face down! I'll look over and sigh, wow B! She has taught me so much stuff (and I'm not a make-up artist). I've learned so much from this woman. What was the most outstanding hair? Missy: I made a dreaded wig and a braided wig for two of the dancers and of course, there were a lot of Afros. Nessa is wearing a long curled and styled wig. Hakeem is also wearing a little wiglet I had to make to match. At the season break, he had cut his hair short for another film and we had to start the season in continuity. What was one of your favorite make-ups? Bev Jo: I love the boo-boo kitty look on Anika. Why should your peers vote for "The Unkindest Cut"? Missy: CREATIVITY! We pulled a lot of things outta our ___s! To me, this is where we show our skills. Bev Jo: We gave them variety. We had fun and it looks amazing! This is why I love Empire. It gives us the opportunity at times to showcase our creativity—nominations, awards or not! Give me a shameless product-line plug? Bev Jo: I use anything and everything of course, a shout-out to MAC, Make Up For Ever, L'Oreal and Ardell lashes but I like no-name brands I find in stores and online too because I'm into things that work for what I need. I like at least something out of every line. It doesn't have to be a big-brand name. There are things in my kit I've had for years like YSL glitter, William Tuttle and Shinto palettes that still work. I don't need a whole lot, I can create out of a little box. I give my thanks to everyone that makes whatever I can use. I'm always learning, I'm always asking people and sharing tricks but when in doubt, I go back to what I know. I like to incorporate what I learn from peers. I'm always seeking. I'm also always in tune to each actor's needs individually. I like to see what they bring in their little bags. Missy: I use Oribe, Kenra, ORS, Alterna Caviar, Miracle 7, SheaMoisture (which the boys love on their hair). As for tools, I love Vodana irons and T3. I test a lot of irons. I stay up on my education. I go to hair shows and take classes. Do you prefer using an oven or electric irons? Missy: I grew up using Marcel irons on the stove in the kitchen with the fire. I now use electric irons, which are less intimidating to the actors, but sometimes you just need that oven on all types of hair, not just African-American hair. You just need to know how to control the heat. Do you have a can of Sterno in your kit in case of a power outage like they teach us? Missy: Yes I do! I also have butane irons, which fell out of favor and are now coming back. I have a few things in my kit like foam rollers and Lottabody in case you gotta roll that hair up and sit 'em in the sun. Any challenges with the weather in Chicago? Bev Jo: Lord yes … when it's hot and they're sweating, we have to have fans even onstage. Missy: The cool weather helps me. Do you have anymore inspirational advice to share? Bev Jo: Never let your dreams die and the world is your backyard. Missy: Follow your dreams regardless of your field. Bev Jo: Did we do all right? The love these two artists express for their craft is palpable. They are genuinely interested in the work and caring for their actors. They love Local 706 and really wish to extend their gratitude to all those artists that have helped them along the way and on the show specifically. • Trai Byers as Andre Lyon and Sierra Aylina McClain as Nessa in "The Unkindest Cut."