The following review is from one of the bloggers who used Carnival Faces:I made my foray into professional carnival make up for the first time this year, and I chose Trudy Young and crew of Carnival Faces. The makeup cost $250.00TT which included lashes.
I arrived at 5:30am at a house on Murray Street in Woodbrooke. There were breakfast snacks set up which included finger foods like baked quiche and an assortment of fresh fruits, complete with an array of breakfast cocktails, that people seemed to be enjoying at the wee hours of the morning.
We were all seated in the initial waiting room to wait our turn to be called down to the make up area. One suggestion I would like to make is that they should have a number system. Although it was by appointment, it was still a first come, first serve thing, and we could not always remember who has shown up in what order. Thank goodness, all of the ladies who were waiting were very gracious, and we organized ourselves into what order we had arrived to make sure no one got overlooked.
Once called down into the make up area, I was taken to one side where a lady decided on which foundation was the best match for my face. Once this was decided, an assistant painted my entire face with the foundation, and then sprayed my face with something that I think would make the foundation stick.
It was then on to the next available make up artist. A beautiful young lady with a smooth chocolate complexion, medium length two strand twists, and a silver chain with an "Allah" pendent on it written in Arabic, did my make up. (Whoever you are… THANK YOU!)
Since this was my first go round with carnival makeup, and not being much of a daily make up wearer, I did not know exactly what looked I was going for, so I just sat quietly and prayed for the best. While she applied my make up, I observed the work of the other artists who were also working in the room. The styles of make ranged greatly from the dramatic and sultry with complimentary shades, to the colorful and theatrical with face swirlies and an explosion of face gems and glitter. What ever was being done by the individual artists, Trudy was right on the scene adding her suggestions or requesting corrections. She was very involved.
Once my make up was finished, since I am not used to seeing myself in so much make up, I was a bit concerned that I was looking like a drag queen. One of the workers told me that I am "SUPPOSE" to look like a drag queen for carnival. LOL. Since she is the professional, I took her advice, collected my goodie bag which was filled with all kinds of nice treats including lip gloss, and off I went to meet my band.
I am a big girl, so not one that Triniscene or Trinisoca photographers typically run after for a picture. I actually got stopped in the road several times on Tuesday, in the middle of my jammishness, to be complimented on my fabulous make up and to have my picture snapped.
At 5pm on Tuesday, one American lady walked up to me and said,
"DAYUM!! Who did YOUR make up?"
I said, “Trudy's crew from Carnival Faces”.
She replied with, "I WANT HER... A BEOTCH IS LOOKING FRESH!!! LIKE YOU AINT BEEN RAINED ON OR SWEATED ALL DAY!!!"
Needless to say, my husband and cracked up, but she was right. My make up stayed intact all day.
I wrote down the website for the American lady on a napkin. Next year, I would suggest Trudy print up cards that can be given to clients, so as we get stopped and complimented, we can pass the contact information along more easily.
I did have one friend who was not at all pleased with her make up job by Carnival Faces. She equated her looked to a clown made up for a children’s birthday party. She got one of the swirlie and explosive gems looks. I think this had a lot to do with the luck of the draw, and which artist she got assigned. That could have very easily been me.
So I think this is a lesson for all of us who are foraying into the professional make up arena. Go in knowing what look you want, and requesting that specific look. Also, maybe communicating with Trudy beforehand about what artist would be best for the look you are trying to achieve and maybe they can make your appointment so that particular artist can accommodate you.
My husband also has a suggestion for Trudy. Since many women were leaving straight from their makeup appointment to meet their band, the husbands came with them. My hubby suggests a husband waiting area. Apparently a very nice little lime had formed amongst the husbands and boyfriends who were waiting outside, but with a day of chipping on the road ahead of them, and many still tired fetes, jouvert, and carnival Monday, he says some chairs outside for them would have been nice. Especially since many were “man bags” and had to stand up waiting for an hour holding everything from purses, to head pieces.
Based on my personal make up job, I give Trudy Young and Carnival Faces two thumbs up for great customer service and a job well done.
To contact Trudy
Trinidad booking agent is Niki – 868- 473 8747.
If you are in the United States - 561- 445-7966.
Website -
http://www.thebutterflybeauty.zoomshare.com/7.htmlMakeup Portfolio -
http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/3260844#P-1-15
