The Sweet Side of Kandee Johnson

Celebrity makeup artist, YouTube beauty phenomenon, and now CoverFX brand ambassador, Kandee Johnson, is making an appearance at Sephora Santa Monica, this Saturday, October 22 from 3:00 to 4:00pm. We got face time with the social media star to uncover how she got her big break, and what beauty trend she thinks is “un-normal but so unique.”

B&TB: What inspired you to start a blog?
KJ: I thought it would be fun to share all the stuff I like. I think the first beauty blog I did was about mascara. And a few months later, I ventured into my first YouTube video on how I clean makeup brushes.

B&TB: How did you get your ‘big break’?
KJ: I don't know when I can pinpoint [it]. It just feels like I had [a lot of] little breaks, but to me each one felt amazing and surreal. When I first would get recognized out in public and when I saw my face printed in ELLE magazine, those were pretty amazing!

B&TB: What beauty trend are you loving right now?
KJ: The tangerine mouth. I had been a hot pink lip fan for a long time, but something about a heavy black eyeliner and an electric orange mouth is so "un-normal" and unique.

B&TB: What do you do when you’re not filming for your 5 million viewers?
KJ: I'm a mom of 4, so I am always working! I am either blogging, trying to catch up on emails, making snacks, answering people on Facebook, or testing out new products that look fun or interesting. If I had a dream day off, I would probably go antique hunting or paint.

B&TB: What’s your favorite Cover FX product to use on-set?
KJ: I am absolutely addicted to using the cream foundations as concealers. I was hunting at my local Sephora for a new concealer for myself– and was instantly amazed and in love with how flawless and perfect my skin looked. My Cover FX cream foundation goes with me everywhere now!

B&TB: Where do you find inspiration for new looks?
KJ: Anywhere and everywhere–whether I see a beautiful color on a vintage kimono that would make a beautiful lip or I see something artistic that could translate into a makeup palette. And, vintage anything inspires me. The colors of sunsets and colors in nature, plus fashion, and fabrics. And, of course, I get inspired by my "Internet family" that share things they love and want to see.

B&TB: Who is your beauty icon?
KJ: I've always loved the classic Hollywood legends. Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Sophia Loren all had such iconic style. Women looked amazing back then: their hair was always perfect, makeup and wardrobe were always perfect. For a modern day beauty icon, I have to say Gwen Stefani. She has the classic pin-up look that is timeless, just like the Hollywood starlets of the '40s and '50s. It's just perfectly classy and classic!

B&TB: If you could give one piece of advice to women out there, what would it be?
KJ: Have fun with color! Have fun with makeup! You only live once, and each day your face and your body are waiting to say, let's play dress-up! Whether it's with a hot pink flower in your hair or a bright tangerine lip gloss, dress to impress you!