CONNECT WITH ANAIS ON INSTAGRAM @anaisjbeauty
MEET ANAIS: FROM LOVE & HIP HOP TO THEATER MAGIC
Hello beautiful people, I'm Anais McCaskie, a professional makeup artist, beauty educator, and photographer. I've been in the beauty industry for over fifteen years, specializing in bridal, beauty, TV, and commercials. I pride myself on creating soft, timeless looks that will be cherished for years. My clean aesthetic ensures that every client leaves my chair feeling enhanced, beautiful, and empowered!
Aside from running my own beauty business, I work with the Teknique Agency, founded by Tekoa Hash. Here, I provide makeup services for popular reality television shows, such as VH1’s “Love & Hip Hop NY,” WeTV’s “Hustle & Soul,” and Bravo TV’s “Your Husband is Cheating on Us.” In 2018, I set a goal to be published in a magazine, and not only did I achieve it, but my work was featured on the front cover of “Glamour” magazine, modeled by women's activist Tamika Mallory. In 2016, I received an Honorary Doctorate, recognizing my accomplishments over the years.
I'm also a full-time beauty educator, traveling and sharing my knowledge of business and beauty. I created the Booked & Busy Beauty Planner, launched on February 10, 2020, the first and only full planner dedicated to professional makeup artists. This planner is equipped with everything needed to effectively run a beauty business, including a color wheel, makeup kit checklist, expense tracker, and more.
In April 2021, I ventured into the world of theatre, becoming the Hair and Makeup Supervisor at The New School College of Performing Arts and the Mannes Opera program. In the fall of 2022, I was promoted to Hair and Makeup Designer, a role I still operate in today. In 2016, I created a popular Facebook group called “Thee Kiss n’ Makeup,” where I mentor over 10,000 members—makeup artists, makeup enthusiasts, and makeup lovers alike. I not only impart my wisdom of the beauty industry but also encourage and empower everyone to pursue their purpose and passion.
My work has been featured on CW11, Pix11, Good Morning America, The Today Show, CNN, MTV, BET, VH1, Bravo, OWN Network, Essence, The Breakfast Club, Glamour Mag, BET Black Girls Rock, and more.
In May 2021, I began my role as Assistant Hair and Makeup Supervisor for “Beetlejuice the Musical” (closed January 8th, 2023). During my ten-month tenure, I gained extensive knowledge about the world of theatre, enhancing my skills and knowledge for The New School. In August 2023, I achieved a long-time dream by becoming a sales rep and education specialist for Danessa Myricks Beauty.
Advice for Aspiring Makeup Artists
My suggestion to anyone looking to grow their career and achieve success is to find your tribe! The beauty industry is vast, and as my aunt always told me, "If you try to be for everybody, you won't be for anybody!" I had to ask myself, "What are the voids, and how can I fill them?" This led me to find my purpose in the industry as an educator.
Strategies for Success
Reflecting on my journey, the key components that helped me reach this point are good character and integrity. Makeup artists are plentiful, so what sets YOU apart? In this life, all we have is our name, and maintaining a level of excellence that allows people to speak well not just of your artistry, but of how good you made them feel, is where the real prize lies.
Navigating a Successful Career
This industry is not for the faint of heart. As a newly single mom of six, community is crucial for me. Whether it’s needing a sitter, venting to colleagues about a stressful day, or finding motivation and inspiration on social media, I truly value community. I have a circle of friends in the industry, and we're intentional about our monthly FaceTime calls. During these calls, we share our accomplishments for the month, which helps us see that we're doing much better than we give ourselves credit for.
Gerard Cosmetics Clean Canvas Eye Base & Concealer
My Favorite Gerard Cosmetics Product
The GC eye bases are amazing! I'm not a big eye makeup artist, preferring clean, classic, and timeless glam, often with soft satin or matte finishes. A good eye base is key to ensuring the shadows don't skip or appear patchy. This is the first eye base I've used that made me fall in love with it. It dries down beautifully and doesn't leave the eye lid dry. Psst... guess what else I've done with it? I mixed a little of the deepest shade with a foundation to adjust the color, and OMG! The finish and wear were incredible! 10/10, my fave!
Pro Tip for Elevating Your Artistry
My "Pro Tip" for elevating your artistry skillset is to NEVER STOP BEING A STUDENT! Even after almost 15 years in the industry, I prioritize learning. I take classes as much as I teach them because there's always something new to learn.
Anais's Campaign Work for Designer Alice Boh
Anais's Makeup for Actress Naturi Naughton