Meet KJ Bennett
Multiple Emmy Award winner Kevin-James Bennett has spent over 20 years exploring and mastering the multi-faceted world of makeup. From backstage to boardroom, he has honed the skills that bring him accolades from industry peers as well as viewers of his work in television, film and print.
KJ is widely regarded as an industry expert and cosmetic reference source and proudly lives up to his notorious title of 'Product Junkie'. Shifting gears from a successful, high profile makeup career in the entertainment industry, KJ has returned to his corporate cosmetic roots as Director of Artistry & Development for one of his favorite cosmetic brands, MAKE UP FOR EVER. He looks forward to maintaining a strong voice in the evolution of the cosmetic industry through this exciting partnership.
IN THE BEGINNING...
As a Performing Arts major, KJ was introduced to the art of theatrical makeup. The spark that began in college was truly ignited after meeting ground-breaking fashion makeup artist Way Bandy.
On the advise of mentors, KJ began training with and assisting some of NYC's most celebrated and creative artists. His passion was intensified by the dawn of the "Supermodel". The media focus on these superstars of the catwalk and the artists creating their legendary images fascinated him. Perfecting his skills became a joyous obsession. It didn't matter if it was a model, socialite, drag queen or department store mannequin ...Kevin "painted" anything that would sit still long enough.
When he wasn't training, assisting or testing, he was clocking thousands of hours doing retail makeup applications to sharpen his techniques and increase his speed. He freelanced for Dior, YSL and Givenchy and eventually landed at Chanel (the makeup icon of the late 80's). He was awarded the position of Promotional Coordinator for Chanel's National Accounts and was planning, organizing and running the high profile events he had previously worked on. But after 3 years, Kevin decided that that he had much more to prove before settling into a corporate position.
He left Chanel and expanded his freelance network to include NYC's luxury salons. He eventually landed at the door of the famous Peter Coppola Salon on Madison Ave., home of celebrity stylists Kevin Mancuso and Oscar Blandi (Mr. Blandi now owns this location). Thanks to talent and a gracious, professional manner with society and celebrity clientele, Kevin was booked often and eventually became Resident Makeup Artist. He worked closely with the top stylists and participated in talk show "make-over" segments that featured the salon. Noting his speed and technical expertise under pressure, the television studios began booking him directly to work on a variety of shows.
In the early 90's, KJ's makeup career was taking off and he left retail makeup entirely. Fashion runway, print and television bookings filled his schedule now.
In 1994, he
landed in the world of Daytime Drama (better known as “soaps”) and soon became Key Makeup Artist for two network shows ("Another World" and "As The World Turns").
Over the next 9 years he (and his amazing makeup team) received Five Nominations and Two Emmy Awards. He is also credited as being the first artist to introduce "airbrush makeup" to daytime dramas in 1999. A skill he continues to use for HD (High Definition) Video projects.
In late 2003, KJ decided to explore new outlets for his talent and to diversify his makeup experience. He worked on primetime shows like "Law & Order", national commercials and lifestyle/reality shows for Discovery, "E" and Scripps networks. He designed "the look" of a number of series pilots, and worked consistently on independent and feature films.
In 2004 he took his cosmetic addiction to the next level, launching a consulting company, MADE (Makeup Art & Design Enterprises LLC) NYC.
In 2005 the "IN MY KIT" professional makeup review website was created (since it's debut, IMK has become a pro makeup insider's bible).
In December 2007, KJ appeared for the first time on HSN (Home Shopping Network). His appearances sparked a "following" and he now appears regularly as On-Air Makeup Expert for MAKE UP FOR EVER branded shows.
KJ is an accomplished educator, teaching intermediate to advanced make-up techniques both here and abroad. He is also a frequent guest speaker at media events and trade shows involving the cosmetic industry.
His editorials and advise on beauty appear in top tier magazines including Vogue, Glamour, Elle, Town & Country, Self and Health as well as industry insider publications such as WWD, American Salon and Beauty Link. He also contributes online in blogs, podcasts and on YouTube.
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