#BTS with Romero Jennings, Director of Makeup Artistry for MAC Cosmetics

Romero Jennings is one of MAC Cosmetics’ Directors of Makeup Artistry, joining the brand in the 1990s. Jennings claims he’s always felt at home with the cosmetic label, and after working in Japan, was offered a place assisting make-up artists such as Mitsuru Kohno and Savaro Watanabe. He credits his organization within his skillset, a must for the hectic and demanding schedules of fashion weeks across the globe, “I always strive to innovate and to think about the next big trend. I constantly challenge myself to be more efficient, technical and productive. This really can be seen in the organization of my make-up kit,” he reveals. We caught up with Jennings to get an insight into the life of an MUA at NYFW.

Fashion week for me tends to start a few weeks before New York Fashion Week kicks off. I’ll do a make-up kit refresh and revamp about a month before, and fill my kit with innovative colors and products with a vision of what I think will be the next big trends. I also need time to source plastic containers to repot liquids and creams, and I’ll collect multiple sizes of the MAC Cosmetics palettes, conforming and customizing to suit my needs. There is no time for training on new products or experimenting with unfamiliar items through Fashion Week! All the products in my kit need to be items that I am confident in using. 

The night before a show I will usually restock my kit, clean my brushes and check my schedule for the days ahead. The MAC Cosmetics team becomes my support system during Fashion Week.  It really feels like a family as many of the same people are all traveling to the same cities. I count on my associates to relay ever-changing information and direction - changes happen at the speed of light! Our show organizers and schedule planners are crucial to structuring the amazing dance we call fashion week! 

I get up three hours prior to my call time to give myself enough time to get to the show location, after I have had my breakfast – there are always occasions where we will have to work through lunch. Locations vary; it could be anything from a high-end hotel to a parking lot. I’ll always layer up with my outfits, even in the summer, so that I have options in case the location is too hot or too cold.

I’ve built many lovely relationships with models from all over the world; I feel they know I have compassion for how hard they work. I respect these young men and women who dedicate their lives to fashion at such a young age. I love working with all designers since I get inspired by travel culture and global style.

I’ll look at editors’ and designers’ social media pages to help influence my direction. Usually I get my inspiration from the designers when we discuss the mood and direction of their collection. Sometimes there are visual references and sometimes it could just be one word as the inspiration. Then it’s my turn to come up with a make-up look that will enhance clothing and hair without being overpowering. Balance is key, editing is key, taste level is key! 

The most-used items in my kit for fashion week are make-up remover, skin care and gel liner. The MAC Cosmetics Blacktrack Gel Liner is key as creative detailed liners have been so popular recently. My favorite make-up removers to use are the MAC Cosmetics wipes, which I add MAC Cleanse Off Oil to for easy and smooth make-up removal backstage. I use a combination of MAC Cosmetics Marine Bright Softening Lotion with Prep + Prime Fix + Prep and Prep + Prime Essential Oil to prepare, smooth and plump the skin. I’ll follow with MAC Cosmetics Mineralized Charged Water Gel Moisturizer to hydrate the skin. Finally, I apply Prep + Prime Skin Refined Zone to the t-zone and around nostrils to mattify and minimize pores for flawless skin.

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