When it comes to being an industry leader in the world of beauty, A.J. Crimson, has you covered. He has launched a successful makeup line of his namesake, A.J. Crimson Beauty, beat the faces of your favorite celebrities from Amerie, Brandy, and Fergie and has recently launched his It Girl campaign, featuring actress and singer, Ryan Destiny. To put it plain, the beauty industry is what he does and he does it well.
“It’s luxe, skin, and it is undetectable makeup,” says A.J. about his preferred look to do on clients and what makes him stand out from other makeup artists. “Most artists have one offs, only working with one girl. I’ve never had those,” he says. “She could be working with what they consider the best in the business, but after me, she would not go back. That’s been with every client that I’ve had,” said A.J. But why? Why would you choose him over the others and not want to use anyone else.
“A lot of that has to do with the skin,” he says. “The challenge is to see yourself in the girls that you do. I’ve been able to master each girl having their own identity. Having flawless skin and creating a polished her,” A.J. says about his technique and being able to modify it depending on his client.
A.J.’s ability to hone in and enhance the natural beauty of his clients has made him the perfect expert in the field to develop a makeup line. “I started A.J. Crimson beauty 3 years ago. We are actually entering into our 4th year,” he mentioned.
“The whole basis of the line was inspired by her (Estelle) complexion. If I can find a contour color for her that works, without mixing black in or anything like that, then I am winning,” A.J. said about his makeup line and passion for creating a foundation that would become a go-to product for women of color. “I’ve found that a lot of black girls were finding ownership in A.J. Crimson Beauty,” he said. This has made his line stand out, as major beauty brands have not even been able to have the color variety of offerings that he has created.
This passion for creating a relatable and usable product for women of color has led to his It Girl campaign. “It Girl is evolving into a campaign about any girl that is empowered to be great,” he said. “Who is working hard to be her better self and empowering others to do the same. As we move forward with It Girl, I’m looking into tapping into the everyday girl. The girl who is making a difference everyday but are not recognized.”
Now if you are interested in having a career like A.J.’s you have to put in work. So, where do you start? “Research. You gotta research. Everyone wants a microwaveable career,” he said. “You cannot microwave a career like mine. I want people to stop settling for what’s just enough. You have to be prepared. Do not be afraid to embark on something. There are no rules.”
Be sure to follow A.J. Crimson on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube for the latest on all things A.J. including his upcoming Pro on the Go tour and release of ajcrimsonbeauty.com, which will serve as his educational portal on all things beauty.
Written by Venus Austin of pinkklipstick.com.
