Deeper Connections is a regular series where we get the chance to introduce you to friends and colleagues whose work we love, and who we love to work with. You may meet them if you collaborate with us, you may want to hire them yourself, and you’ll definitely want to learn more about their who, what, when, where, why and how.

Our first collaboration with MJ was on our documentary, Adele and Everything After. She did hair and makeup for the re-creation scenes featured in the film. Since then, we’ve worked with her on commercial and corporate shoots, and she created the amazing 90s looks for our short film A First. Whenever we have a shoot that requires hair and makeup, MJ is our first call. She’s so easy to work with and talented, and she can do anything from an all-natural look for an interview, to crazy special effects makeup.

Who are you?

Melanie Jeanette DuBarr aka MJ DuBarr. Since I was a child I’ve always been fascinated by arts and crafts. Any time we had a project in school, I excelled with flying colors. It’s no surprise that my love for art grew during my teen years while exploring makeup. Seriously, I’ve been rocking my wing liner since the age of fifteen. Friends would ask me to do makeovers and well, I wasn’t a pro then but I did play with makeup a lot. Lol. Never crossed my mind that it would end up being my career. 

I love being on set the most. Meeting new people, working in different locations, watching the magic happen and being a part of it all is the best feeling for me. Yup! A desk job was not meant for me, lol.

What kind of shoots do you work on?

My favorite shoots to work on are film/tv, commercials and music video sets. I also love working on photo shoots. Occasionally I work weddings too.

How long does it take to get talent camera ready, and how much does that vary by shoot?

It honestly depends on the look. Beauty makeups are 45 minutes tops. Camera ready around 20 min or less. Special makeup effects depends, it could be anywhere from 45-2hrs. Full body makeups are about 5-6 hours, or 8 hours depending on detail. 

When did you know you wanted to be a makeup artist and hair stylist?

In 2008 I realized that playing with hair and makeup was more than just fun for me. My friends and family asked me to do makeovers. I enrolled into beauty school that year and graduated makeup school in 2010.

Where do you find creative inspiration?

Anywhere really. Nature, other artist work, or even the job I’m being offered to work sparks my creative juices and I can’t wait to get to work.

Why do you do what you do?

My love for makeup artistry has given me hope in my life. I’ve gone through many difficult situations, so when working I get to experience a positivity and passion that gives me freedom to be myself in my element.

Links for people to learn more:

website: www.mjsmuah.com

ig: @mjsmuah

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mjsmuah