TVISUAL

DREAMING OF DIVERSITY : MEKELIA MILLER

Visuals by Terrance Make Up by Mekelia Miller Model Lynda De La Mothe

Written by Anastasia Tomkin

Now that Carnival fever is in full swing in many of our Caribbean isles, most of us are getting ready to slay those costumes and when you’re stepping out like the glam goddess you are, don’t be afraid to accentuate those facial features that make you uniquely beautiful. To celebrate the diversity of beauty, we’re catching up with Mekelia Miller, the Trinidadian makeup artist who’s all about breaking barriers in the industry. She can attest to the fact that for ages it had been ingrained in women's minds that makeup was intended to cover, rather than enhance. We're now witnessing a time of reform within the beauty industry, where women are actually encouraged to use products that highlight their beauty marks and distinctive traits.

Visuals by Terrance Make Up by Mekelia Miller Model Mekelia Miller

With this dramatic, avant garde look on Lynda de la Mothe, Mekelia gives us an idea of how our perceived flaws can still be attractive. Now, ladies, we know you love your fleeky brows, so only the most outgoing fashionistas may dare to let the eyes speak for themselves! But the idea is to highlight your unique features, like Mekelia has shown off Lynda’s freckles, moles, and diamond sharp cheekbones.

"The look I created for Lynda, who is already a stunning canvas, was intended to showcase the striking beauty in uniqueness . This look shatters stereotypes and forces people to take a closer look in order to appreciate the artistry of it all. For starters, I chose a sheer tone foundation that would give a luminous healthy glow, paired with a light contour to enhance her incredible bone structure. I wanted to draw more attention to the eyes so I went for muted brows, then to really carve out those beautiful eyes I used a combination of shimmer and matte rusty brown colors. Lastly the freckles, which to me, add the perfect finishing touches to her look."

She was once told that perfection is a myth, and that sentiment has stuck with her today. Mekelia believes that its time for the wider world to understand that true beauty has absolutely nothing to do with what you look like, but how you feel about yourself, even at your most vulnerable. The next image is of Mekelia herself, a proud, plus sized afro-trinidadian young woman.

"The makeup look on myself was very simplistic as I used a combination of bronze neutral colors to enhance my complexion. I kept the cheeks pretty simple in terms of color and opted for that all over highlighted effect. To finish off, I added a glossy lip. The great thing about this type of look is that it can be adapted to suit almost any occasion."

Visuals by Terrance Make Up by Mekelia Miller Model Mekelia Miller & Isaiah McClean

She spent her adolescent years seeing images of straight blonde-haired size zeros plastered throughout the media . That type of unrealistic aesthetic was long held up as the standard for young women. It was only until the latter part of her teens that Mekelia gained unabashed confidence and knowledge of self, which led to a desire to share her message of true beauty with the world, through the art of makeup.

"I am beautiful for simply being who I am and LOVING IT. Any woman aware of her uniqueness, which some may consider to be flaws , and who stands proud of all that she is,is truly beautiful."

Want to keep up with Mekelia’s flawless beats and sneak peak her new Carnival lookbook?
Follow her at @BeautydreamsbyMekelia on Facebook or Instagram.

Mekelia's IG (Click)