Over the last few years, makeup artist Jo Michelle has made quite a name for herself. From sharing her style and hair journey on YouTube to becoming one of the most beloved makeup artist on Instagram, it’s only right that we caught up wit this beauty for some girl chat! From areas like makeup pointers, beauty and fashion glam and hair care guidance, Jo Michelle has a way of relating with her followers as if she’s one of your girls. There’s something to admire about a woman who eludes confidence, style and finesse. She is leaving a lasting impression all while shining in her own spotlight. Check out what Jo Michelle has to say on her style inspirations, skin care, her favorite go to looks and much more!
Name: Jo Michelle
City & State: Orlando, FL
Occupation: Professional Makeup Artist
The Iconic Girls:
We were first introduced to you from your hair/beauty vlogs on Youtube and now you're a huge sensation within the IG community. What or who inspired you to pursue a career in makeup artistry?
Jo Michelle:
I have always been in love with the beauty industry, but I was unsure how I could make a career out of doing makeup. I was inspired by other makeup artist who took their passion and turned it into a lucrative career. Alexandra Butler was my initial inspiration. Her professionalism and business mindset reassured me that it is in fact possible to make a business out of makeup. Makeup was always a fun hobby for me, I was the girl in college that did everyone’s makeup before they went out. I landed a permanent part-time position with M.A.C Cosmetics when I was 20 years which taught me more about the beauty industry, and the rest is history!
The Iconic Girls:
In your Instagram Feed, your fashion sense is always on point. In our opinion, you are a natural hair muse, style inspiration and makeup genius! Where do you draw your fashion sense from?
Jo Michelle:
Thank you! I draw my makeup inspiration from various makeup artist artist who have master the art of makeup allusion. I have always been into art in general and it’s so fascinating to be able to shave 10 pounds of your face, sculpt your nose and plump your lips all with the magic of makeup!
The Iconic Girls:
Speaking of being a makeup genius, what are your beauty regimens for your skin morning and night?
Jo Michelle:
I use the Equate makeup wipes from Wal-Mart! Those makeup remover wipes are AWESOME! I also use the Clarisonic brush with black soap every night. I keep my skin care regimen pretty simple because I have the habit of waiting until the last minute to take my makeup off, and at that point I really just want to get in the bed and go to sleep!
The Iconic Girls:
In your opinion, which celebrity/celebrities had the best makeup looks this year?
Jo Michelle:
Of course, Kim Kardashian’s look are absolutely flawless every time. I love the looks that I see on reality TV shows mostly, like Love and Hip Hop etc. because they really go for that FULL BEAT! Hollywood celebs keep it pretty simple most days (i.e. Brown smoky eye, nude lips etc), but the ladies on those reality shows kick it up a notch. I could watch those shows on mute and still be entertained by just the makeup looks lol.
The Iconic Girls:
Do you have a "secret weapon" product you can share with us?
Jo Michelle:
Hum, my secret weapon would most definitely be Ben Nye Banana Powder. That highlight/setting powder is everything and more, and if you haven’t purchased it already, you are definitely missing out on LIFE! lol
The Iconic Girls:
How do you define beauty?
Jo Michelle:
Beauty is confidence and a kind heart.
The Iconic Girls:
Your best makeup tip/advice?
Jo Michelle:
Winged eyeliner and lashes will instantly wake your face up and give you a polished look without having to spend hours getting ready. This is my signature look everyday!
The Iconic Girls:
What is your hottest "go-to" beauty look of the moment?
Jo Michelle:
A clean highlighted and contoured face with a deep plum lip is perfect for the fall weather. Go light and neutral on the eye shadow and kick up those lashes with some falsies J
The Iconic Girls:
For the budget conscious Iconic Girls, what are your favorite drug store brands?
Jo Michelle:
Definitely IMAN, ELF, and NYX products are my favorite. I love Revlon Colorstay foundation also. You can never loose with drug store prices with high end quality.
The Iconic Girls:
It's not a secret that you're a huge fan of MAC Cosmetics. What is it about MAC that's different from other brands?
Jo Michelle:
The staying power of MAC Cosmetics is what really hooked me. I do A LOT of weddings and MAC foundations/concealers last literally the entire day.
OK...so every time we do an interview, we like to throw in some random Q&A's just for fun! So, here goes:
The Iconic Girls:
What is one thing that many people don't know about you?
Jo Michelle:
I CAN NOT drive past a dog in the road without pulling over and rescuing it. My husband hates that even when we’re running late, I have to or I won’t feel right for the rest of the day.
The Iconic Girls:
What is the last concert you went to?
Jo Michelle:
Concerts are TOO dang expensive! The last one I went to was Destiny’s Child in 2007! And that’s only because my friend had an extra ticket.
The Iconic Girls:
If you could stop on bad habit that you have, what would it be?
Jo Michelle:
I have the bad habit of coming home, and taking my shoes and pants off and leaving them right on the floor until I feel like picking them up. My husband is so neat, so I know that gets on his last nerve. I’ve always admired the super neat and organized girls with their all white rooms and organized regimen for everything in their life.
The Iconic Girls:
You're expecting a baby girl in a few months. Congratulations! If you could have only one food for the rest of your pregnancy (assuming that this strange situation would not affect you or your child's health), which food would you choose?
Jo Michelle:
I love green apples! I could eat this every day. I haven’t really had cravings much, I have to make myself eat every 2 hours because my Doc told me to, but food doesn’t really taste the same anymore.
The Iconic Girls:
If you could have a makeup session with any celebrity, who would it be?
Jo Michelle:
Definitely Renny Vasquez! I need a one on one photography session too. He’s amazing!
The Iconic Girls:
What was the last song you downloaded on your Ipod?
Jo Michelle:
Teyana Taylor-Maybe I love the beat!
The Iconic Girls:
You can cast any actor to play you in a film about your life. Whom would you cast in the role?
Jo Michelle:
Everyone who REALLY knows me knows there's only one celebrity I'm obsessed with, Tae Heckard!
Website: JoMichelleArtistry.com
Instagram: http://instagram.com/lovejomichelle
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovejomichelle