Marsha Page, The Melanin Therapist, is a New York-based and Emmy nominated professional makeup artist and beauty expert. She says there are a billion blessings in possessing melanin, and for women of color, every month is Black History Month. Her makeup artistry goes well beyond the surface to enhance the natural beauty of anyone sitting in her chair. She desires to make her subjects feel confident and empowered in themselves and their skin.
The Melanin Therapist was born out of Page’s desire to share her journey of empowerment and self-love. With a passion for makeup artistry with all people of color in the African diaspora. She is a 20 year veteran of the health, beauty, and entertainment business.s of experience in the beauty and entertainment business. Her work is featured in national editorial campaigns, in films such as “The Week Of” and “The Photograph,” and television shows including God Friended Me, and Wu-Tang: An American Saga. She has participated in the Tribeca Film Festival, New York Fashion Week, and Bridal Fashion Week. She is a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (I.A.T.S.E.). Page recently sat down with NJ Urban New Beauty Editor Lapacazo Sandoval to share her thoughts about makeup and the artistry of maintaining and caring for melanated skin. “The standard of beauty not only includes us, but it also begins with us,” she said.
NJ Urban News: What is an essential thing most people forget when applying makeup?
Page: The most important thing most people forget about applying makeup is proper skincare and primer. Makeup will take on a flawless appearance once the skin is prepared and appropriately primed.
NJ Urban News: What high-end brands have the best undertones for our community?
Page: The high-end makeup brands that I find with a suitable formulation suited to the undertones of melanated skin are Pat McGrath Labs, Giorgio Armani, Christian Dior, and NARS Cosmetics.
NJ Urban News: What’s the best brand of kohl black pencil for tight lining and waterline?
Page: The best brand of kohl black pencil that I am using on myself and my clients right now is Juvia’s Place Nubian Pencil Eyeliner. Great for defining the eyes and filling in the waterline
NJ Urban News: How do you keep makeup brushes clean?
Page: Personal makeup brushes should be sanitized at least once a week and be cleaned using a brush cleanser or sanitizer. It is important always to remember to lay wet brushes flat to dry to keep the shape and prevent water from draining down into the ferrule of the brush. This will lengthen the life of your brushes and prevent the bristles of the brush from loosening over time.