MJ Studios wants to hear from you!

There's a lot going on at MJ Studios right now. We're hard at work getting things in order for our launch, developing our exclusive 2 line series of makeup, and researching fun and fabulous products and services to bring to our clientele. We have some really great stuff in the works so keep your eye on the blog for all the news.

We're still learning about the blogging world and working out the kinks, but we are committed to providing you with the best information we can. We plan on bringing you some fun information to help you look and feel your best. MJ Studios wants to hear from you. Whether its a burning question about skin care/makeup, a suggestion for a product , or if you just want to say hi, we would love to hear from you. Leave us a comment or send us an email and we'll be glad to get back to you!

MJ Studios at Smashbox Pro Artist Workshop

Michelle recently traveled to Culver City, Los Angeles to attend the Smashbox Pro Artist Workshop. 28 makeup professionals attended the workshop; 26 from the United States and 2 from Canada. Those in attendance had the opportunity to participate in a professional photo shoot held at the Studios. Models were provided for the artists and 2 looks were created through demo.

The first look was a “perfect canvas” where artists were asked to create a beautiful, perfect canvas enhancing natural features only. The aim was to bring out the bone structure of the entire face. The second look was a “fashion magazine look”. Artists were instructed to create sultry eyes using 2 sets of lashes, darkening the shadow and liners to bring out the eye structure without sinking the eye and using the appropriate colours to do so. Check out the slideshow below to see MJ's take on both looks!

Out of the 28 participants, Alex Factor, who represents the professional artists of Smashbox studios, recognized MJ’s work as being exceptional. Alex contacted Michelle asking her if he could use the images on the Alex Factor Facebook page. Michelle is honoured to have her work acknowledged by Alex and has returned with a wealth of knowledge to pass on to her clients.

Meet MJ

Certified Makeup Artist Michelle Loustel has lived, breathed and dreamed about makeup for about as long as she can remember. Her interest in makeup began early as a child, admiring her stay at home mom’s desire to look her best. Michelle fondly remembers watching her mother freshly applying lipstick before walking into a shopping mall and associated this with the fact that women feel their best when they look their best. This early association drives Michelle to provide every woman with the opportunity to look and feel their best. To this day, Michelle is inspired by her mother. When applying makeup, it takes her back to the image of her mother and seeing the satisfaction in her. Michelle dedicates her passion to her.

At the age of 18, she started doing freelance makeup for various friends, family and strangers who would comment on her meticulous appearance. People were impressed with her obvious talent despite no formal education or training. Not knowing much about the field of makeup artistry, Michelle worked several office jobs but always held the dream and passion in her heart and thought about pursuing a career in the industry all the time. She got married and supported her husband by managing his businesses. After her son JD was born and he got ill, Michelle decided not to return to the office but rather stay at home to raise her son.

Known as a regular customer at The Bay, Michelle could be found playing with the make up at the various cosmetic counters; and her passion was apparent. Noticed by the Cosmetic Manager, Michelle was offered the opportunity to work as a part time manager at the fragrance counters. Michelle willingly accepted the job, enabling her to fulfill not only her family commitment but also her passion. Management soon discovered her true talent when Estee Lauder was short a makeup artist and she jumped in with nothing but her personality, passion and natural talent.

From there, Michelle was handpicked by CHANEL cosmetics to open the first CHANEL boutique in Saskatchewan. While waiting for the CHANEL counter to open, she worked as a floater, working all cosmetics counters that required makeup artists. She has also worked for Shoppers Drug Mart where she was a featured artist for such lines as Rimmel, Lise Watier, Elizabeth Arden, GOSH, and L’Oreal.

Michelle officially pursued her passion and received her diploma in advanced makeup artistry. During her training she built on her talent and knowledge of basic, advanced and specialized makeup artistry. Because the nature of the cosmetics industry is ever changing, she is committed to continuous learning and is always looking for new techniques and skills to master her art. She recently traveled to Los Angeles to attend the Smashbox Studios Pro Artist Workshop. Her work there was recognized as being exceptional.

At present and for the past 3 years, Michelle has represented CLARINS PARIS as their Saskatchewan Makeup Artist and Skincare Specialist. Michelle is known in the industry with a reputation for flawless application, and as an educator. Not only does she excel in makeup application but she loves to teach. Each client receives step-by-step education on their appropriate look. From chic, contemporary to over the top glamorous, Michelle creates a clean, breathtaking look that is right for each person.

Her commitment to her family led to the decision to stay in Saskatchewan although the industry demands usually lead to a move to a major centre like Toronto or Hollywood. As such, she is committed to bringing the people of Saskatchewan the quality of services and products they would expect to see in Hollywood. Michelle’s passion, eye for detail and her ability to see the beauty in everyone is evident in her work. Her decision to open MJ Studios was born from this passion and she is definitely excited to live her dream.

While she is very busy with getting things ready for the launch of her own 2 series makeup line and the opening of MJ Studios, Michelle is taking bookings on a limited basis. To discuss the possibility of booking Michelle’s services, please contact Michelle by email at mloustel@msn.com

YOUR BEAUTY + MICHELLE’S KNOWLEDGE = TEAMWORK

Welcome to MJ Studios Pro Cosmetics Ltd.

Scheduled to launch early in 2010, MJ Studios Pro Cosmetics is the brain-child of professional makeup artist Michelle Loustel. With over 10 years of industry experience, Michelle has been drawn to create her own 2 series makeup line due to the limited number of quality makeup lines accessible to rural residents and Saskatchewan as a province. Michelle has worked with and for some of the top cosmetics companies known worldwide such as Chanel, Smashbox, MAC, Christian Dior, Lise Watier, Rimmel, L’Oreal, Lancome, Elizabeth Arden, Estee Lauder, and Clarins Paris. This solid foundation of product knowledge gives Michelle a competitive edge, enabling her to make the best analysis of a client’s needs and choose the products and techniques necessary to create a specific look.

MJ Studios Pro Cosmetics is devoted to creating high quality product to suit everyone’s needs. Our M1 series of High Definition Cosmetics is a makeup artist’s product created for the everyday consumer. Our M2 series of Virtuous Minerals provides women with the option to choose a HEALTHY, paraben and chemical free alternative to colour cosmetics without sacrificing the bold, beautiful long lasting colour. We are dedicated to Saskatchewan women and bringing them the type of product that they deserve. While we feel that true beauty comes from within, we strive to offer exciting products to help women of all walks of life feel as confident, sassy and sexy as possible.