Oprah’s Friend and Mine: Reggie Wells

I recently attended a Master Makeup Class with Emmy Award winning makeup artist Reggie Wells, Oprah Winfrey’s makeup artist of 21 years. On her famous television show, he was often seen applying her makeup. I was always amazed that she would show herself—before and after. Even the most beautiful actresses need makeup to look flawless, and if you have ever seen Oprah without makeup, you will recognize that his skill is masterful.

I watched Oprah’s show for so many years and every time I watched him apply her makeup, I was surprised by her complete transformation. He and Oprah’s hair dresser, Andre Walker, would work together for hours to make her look beautiful.

Reggie was the one who changed the lighting on her show, to make it more flattering. He explained to her that while he was applying her makeup, the lighting was perfect, but once on the set it wasn’t as good. It took a long time before they changed the lighting, but when they did the difference was striking.

Reggie was nominated four times and received an Emmy Award for being the most masterful makeup artist on daytime TV. He has made up countless actresses, as well as actors, for the red carpet.

By the time we met, I had seen him so many times on television that I felt like I knew him. I took a three hour Master Class with Reggie at a hotel in New York. Everyone in attendance was thrilled to be there. He gives classes very rarely, so we were incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to learn from the best. All the attendees were professional artists who are in a class by themselves. Many have their own businesses and some have their own agents.

When the class ended, he stayed for an extra hour to talk with a few of us. I had so many questions and he was very generous with the answers. He kept saying to the class, “Sylvia knows this, don’t you Sylvia?” I kept saying, “I’m here to  learn.” Reggie and I hit it off so well, that he offered me his telephone number and asked me to call him.

A true artist, Reggie taught art in a Junior High School and was discovered by Essence Magazine while working in a department store.

One day, while working at Essence, he was told that a talented black woman from Chicago needed to have her makeup done for a cover story. He did her makeup, and Reggie said, she had never seen herself looking like she did when he was done. The rest is history.

To date, his work has appeared on 120 Essence Magazine covers as well 125 covers of O Magazine. He has worked with Brooke Shields, Imam, Beyonce, Halle Berry, Barack and Michelle Obama and countless others, including, most recently, Jennifer Hudson.

Believe it or not, while writing this, Reggie called me to talk about doing a cable radio show together—wow!

Reggie’s Makeup Tips for 2013
1. Use brighter eye shadow and don’t forget to highlight your eyelids.
2. Try blending your blush with your foundation for a more natural glow. Apply just above the apple of your cheek.
3. Don’t be afraid of color when it comes to eyeliner. If you don’t wear eyeliner, try a light color.
4. When it comes to eyelashes, put more focus on your lower lashes.

Sylvia Hamowy is the owner of Reflections Cosmetics. She is a professional makeup artist, beauty editor and former radio show host. She is featured in the international Who’s Who of Entrepreneurs, a distinguished professional reference.