Q: What made you two decide to launch this up and coming brand?
We decided to launch Illusions Cosmetics to meet the needs of women of color and to give them more options when selecting makeup shades and products.

Q: What type of products are included in your line?
The products that are included in our line are lipsticks, lip glosses in several shades and formulas, crème foundations, loose and pressed powders, blush and a large selection of eye shadows.

Q: Both of you are seasoned celebrity makeup artist. What is one of the biggest mistakes you think women of color make when applying and/or purchasing makeup?
Some of the biggest mistakes women of color make when applying and/or purchasing makeup are:
Denise: Buying incorrect shades of foundation and buying products they do not use.
Janice: Following trends but not knowing what colors compliment their skin tone.

Q: In your opinion, what makes Illusions Cosmetics stand out from other brands?
The fact that we are willing to educate our clients on products and colors first and sell second is what make us stand out from other brands.

Q: As you both know, one of the popular trends in makeup right now is mineral makeup. How do you feel about this trend and does Illusions Cosmetics have or plan on introducing mineral products into the brand in the future?
Denise: Mineral makeup has actually been around for quite some time. Most women buy it because it is a trend and they have seen it on TV.

Janice: As a makeup artist, we’ve found that mineral makeup can be very ashy on some women of color with medium to dark skin tones. Some clients have shared with us that it doesn’t give them enough coverage. We have talked about it and researched and tested, and at this time, there are no plans for Illusions to come out with a mineral makeup line.

Q: You two recently launched a new collection of lip glosses named after some of our favorite films. What inspired you two to pay homage to these cinematic classics?
Most of our careers as makeup artists have been spent working on feature films. We thought it would be a great idea to name our new line of glosses after some of our favorite movies. We wanted to make it fun. So far, everyone’s loving it.

Q: If you had to, what would be the one product from Illusions Cosmetics you would want someone to purchase to introduce them to your brand?
One product we would use to introduce the brand to someone… without a doubt, is our LIP GLOSS!!! Our clients love our lip glosses and it’s been our most popular item to sell. Most women wear color on their lips, even if they don’t wear anything else. Lip gloss has been a hot cosmetic item for a long time now. Actually, that’s what we started our line with years ago.

Q: What’s is your number one makeup tip you give out the most?
Denise: Always use a moisturizer before applying foundation and powder.
Janice: Always use a lip conditioner or lip balm before applying your lip color (lipstick or gloss). This will prevent dry, chapped and cracked lips under your lip color.

Q: Since this is Clutch, we would love to know what beauty products are in your clutch bag?
Denise: Rosebud Lip Salve, Carmen Lustre lip gloss and Cappuccino pressed Powder from Illusions.
Janice: Dream Girls Lustre lip gloss, Copper Lip Gloss, and Cappuccino pressed powder all from Illusions.

Q: Lastly, what’s next for you two and Illusion Cosmetics?
A beauty DVD is in the works, distribution in several retail outlets and an Illusions Cosmetics Boutique!

For more information about Illusions Cosmetics please visit illusionsbeauty.com or call 310.748.3489
If you are in the Maryland area you can purchase Illusions Cosmetics products at Haute Chocolate Style Studio, 925 Fairlawn Ave. Suite 109, Laurel, MD 20707. (T) 301.725.0303

Q: How long have you been a makeup artist?
I’ve been working my craft for six years now. I attended Columbia College Chicago for their makeup artistry program which took me five months to complete. After completing the program, I hit the ground running.

Q: What are some of your favorite brands or cosmetic lines?
Some of my favorite cosmetics lines include Dior, Yves St. Laurent, M.A.C and Bobbi Brown to name a few. I love to experiment with different products and different makeup lines.

Q: What is one thing you wish we [black women] would start doing when it comes to applying or wearing makeup?
I would suggest being more adventurous when applying your makeup. Whether it’s applying a new shade of lip gloss, to a funky color eyeliner to pop the eyes. Step out the “makeup box” and have fun with your look. Remember you can always wash the makeup off.

Q: For 2008, what makeup trends do you hope to see appear?
I foresee the upcoming Spring Trends to be BOLD, BRIGHT & STRONG. The colors…CHERRY RED, BRIGHT FUSHIA, CORAL AND ORANGE. The lips this season will be GLOSSY and BOLD. The overall face look should be DEWY with fresh breathable skin. Be BOLD and definitely have fun with the trends.

Q: You worked on the famous GQ Obama cover, how was it to work with such an upcoming icon?
Working with Presidential Hopeful Senator Barack Obama was absolutely amazing. I went in nervous and after meeting him, all my fears quickly dissolved. He was very polite, funny and he definitely put me at ease while doing my job. That is one experience I will not soon forget.

Q: What’s one product you cannot live without?
The one product I could not be without is definitely moisturizer. I believe in having a daily skincare system to maintain great skin.

Q: Looking back on your career, what client or project sticks out as one of your favorite experiences?
Definitely walking the path along side Jennifer Hudson leading to the Oscars was such a highlight for my career. During the Dreamgirls tour I experienced every emotion you could possibly think of. In the end, I believe I am a stronger person and makeup artist as a result of it all. I was blessed with an opportunity of a lifetime and I’m so thankful I was chosen for the job.

Q: As we all know, there are some women who really don’t like makeup. If there were one product you could recommend to change their mind what would it be?
I would suggest working with a product that would serve more than one purpose like Tinted Moisturizer. Not only does it even out your skin tone, it’s loaded with SPF 15 and even more importantly it has moisturizer in it. This is one product that saves you time and it looks amazing on the skin when applied with a fluffy brush.

Q: Lately, lots of artists are successfully launching their own makeup lines. Do you have any plans to do so any time soon?
Absolutely, I have a great desire to continue to build my brand and create something new and fresh. Therefore, I’ve been hard-at-work testing products for my own cosmetic line. Stay tuned to www.tiadantzler.net for all the forthcoming news.

Q: Lastly, what advice would you give to an up and coming makeup artist?
When you are starting a makeup career you should do makeup as often as possible and on as many skin tones as possible. Work for the experience and not for the money. The money will come in later when you have the experience and the skills to back it up. Be persistent, and never give up.