This new beauty series further increases the visibility of Black makeup artists | Essence

In an industry full of insiders, this new Cultural Beauty series seeks to unlock closely guarded doors. collapse of beautya live series that spotlights up-and-coming artists and transparency in the industry, made its home at creative mecca HEVN Studios this past weekend, creating an intimate space led entirely by Black women.

The range is the brainchild of HEVN Studios founder Imary Mezquita, Mind Candy Beauty founder Lyric Christian, and Nyala “Lala” Chamberlain, makeup artist for celebrities including Lala Anthony, Awen Chol, and Simone Biles. However, it was not an idea that I gave much thought to.

“The idea actually started organically,” Christian tells ESSENCE. When Chamberlain and Mesquita first approached her about hosting a master class, Christian immediately recognized their idea as more than just a single event. Instead, “I worked closely with them to bring their vision to life. collapse of beauty” is a long-running series that platforms Black women across the beauty and creative industries.

For Christian, that meant thinking about not just the demonstration, but the storytelling, the structure, the audience, the brand and product partners, and how to create a space that felt both elevated and accessible. “We wanted participants to leave not only with creative inspiration, but also with real insights, tangible lessons, and a sense of belonging to our industry,” she says. And it all came together on Saturday night.

Our first night started with a light cocktail hour, sipping on The Pale Rosé and nibbling on sweet treats from Black-owned bakery Love London Sweets. After guests had mingled and felt at ease in the space, it was time to move on to the heart of the event: Chamberlain’s makeup masterclass.

As the featured artist of the night, the makeup artist, who is venturing further into luxury bridal and celebrity beauty, will demonstrate a softer, more romantic version of her signature glamor, which she says is perfect for weddings and date nights. This is especially true now that Zendaya’s recent rom-com stars a Black woman. drama to harry bailey you and me and tuscany. To achieve this look, she focused on “radiant skin-first beauty,” emphasizing rich moisture to achieve a finish that glows from within.

She uses a number of Black-owned products, from Danessa Myrix’s Yummy Skin Serum Tint to an unreleased high-shine nude gloss from her personal makeup line, Dreamland Beauty (relaunched this year), which shows how intentional Black representation is in this space. “This look was about fusing techniques and fusing my love of editorial artistry with the timeless charm of ’90s glam to create something modern, luxurious, and effortlessly glamorous,” she says.

Chamberlain, who worked closely with Christian as an intern at Mind Candy Beauty, later hung up for an intimate fireside conversation about her growth. “I may have taught, but I left something equally valuable unlearned,” she says weakly. “I felt really safe being myself and speaking openly about the good, the bad, and the ugly of my journey.”

Now a respected artist, her biggest tip resonated with all 50 guests in attendance. “My biggest advice is to focus on your craft first,” she says, developing your own tastes rather than following someone else’s. “At the same time, don’t wait until you feel ‘ready’ to put yourself out there.”

And as Christian watched the lead intern command the room, he remembered why he was doing this in the first place. “It felt like a full-circle moment, not just for her, but for what Mind Candy Beauty stands for in terms of spotlighting emerging Black talent,” Christian says. Until the audience joins in and shares the story. collapse of beauty Flowers were blooming in front of her, and “it was a truly beautiful sight.”