Interview with Judy " Mi Chic " Williams

The beautiful Elizabeth Schoonmaker has been a makeup  artist for 14 years and is currently selling her fabulous cosmetics line privately to clients. However, something this good (and it's really good) should not be kept a secret from the public. Therefore, I was thrilled when she agreed to do this interview and speak with Mi Chic about her Mason & Mia Cosmetics line.

Mi Chic: How is Mason & Mia Cosmetics different from the other cosmetics line?

Elizabeth: Mason & Mia Cosmetics is a line of Make-Up, Skincare, and Brushes & Accessories that I began creating 6 years ago. Yes I am a married woman, and yes I have 3 beautiful children, but staying young at heart has always inspired me to make my line Fun, Flirty & Fabulous. So, I researched & created The Quick 10, made for every type of woman of any ethnicity that could wear my make-up; and more importantly, wear it well in today's world where time is of the essence.
Today's woman is always on the go, and in a perfect world she wants to look fabulous in 10 minutes or less. This is why every product in my "Flawless Face Essentials Must Haves" helps women to create that perfect look in less time.

Mi Chic: What is your top selling  product and what makes it the sought - after item?

Elizabeth: Most definitely: The Infamous Retexture Crème w/ Liposomes. It's an oil-free lightweight luminescent gel/crème that will be your moisturizer AND under make-up primer IN ONE. Excellent for ALL skin types, it will improve your skin's texture, elasticity and moisture retention. You can use it alone, or wear it under your favorite make-up. It just makes your skin radiate, keeps your make up in place all day, thus minimizing time consuming touch ups. All my clients swear by it, & it will become your best friend too.

Mi Chic: What is the one product from Mason & Mia that you would recommend every person should use? Why?

Elizabeth: If I had to just pick one, it would be Mason & Mia Skin Retexture Crème. It will become your secret weapon. You simply apply 5 dabs (forehead, nose, cheeks and chin) and rub in a circular motion. Let it absorb for a minute or so and voile! Your canvas is ready, leaving your skin with a glowing and flawless finish. It should be a staple in every woman's make-up routine.

Mi Chic: Give Mi Chic readers your best beauty tip.

Elizabeth: My best beauty tip would be an egg mask that has been in my family for 3 generations. My mother introduced me to this quick and easy facial you make right in your kitchen. I apply this simple mask once a week to keep my skin youthful and glowing. There are 2 variations to this "at home" beauty staple.

 For Dry Skin: Mix together 1 raw egg & 1 tablespoon of honey. Spread on face and neck & let sit for 15 - 20 minutes. Rinse well with tepid water.

For Oily Skin: Mix 1 egg white & 1 tablespoon of oatmeal. Spread on face and neck & let sit for 15 - 20 minutes. Rinse well with tepid water.

Extra Bonus: This mask is EXCELLENT for removing blackheads.

Mi Chic: What's in store for Mason & Mia Cosmetics?

Elizabeth: Sky is the limit! My motto has always been, "Think BIG, Be BIG." We are currently working on our website, working on our Holistic Skincare Line, our Men's Skincare Line. And of course we are always looking for the most recent trends as inspiration to expand our make-up line. My main goal is to simplify a woman's beauty regimen, & provide her with products that make her look and feel fabulous. There is a lot in store for Mason & Mia Cosmetics, so be on the lookout!

Mi Chic: Who in the beauty industry do you admire?

Elizabeth: Wow, there are so many. The late and great Kevin Aucoin. He was the "Master of Transformation". I learned a lot just from his books. Chris Lanston, Billy B , Sam Fine , Charlie Greene - she is amazing, along with Pat McGrath, Carmindy, Gucci Westman and my girl Mally Roncal. All are such amazingly talented people with the gift to put a little pretty on our faces.

Mi Chic: What steps did you take to break into the beauty industry?

Elizabeth: I worked as a make-up artist for every major cosmetic line: Chanel, Lancôme, Prescriptives, M.A.C., Christian Dior and IMAN Beauty. I used these opportunities to help me progress as a master in the beauty industry. I have always had a passion for the art of making women look & feel beautiful, therefore making it very easy for me to LOVE my job.

Mi Chic: What are some obstacles you faced while working in the industry?

Elizabeth: The cosmetic industry is a very competitive business. When I first started in the industry, I discovered people were very manipulative and deceiving, taking credit where credit was not due. The most important, but most difficult thing to do is to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and continue pushing forward to make it in this industry.

Mi Chic: How did you overcome these obstacles?

Elizabeth: Sometimes you have to keep your little book of secrets. As excited as I am to share my products and techniques with my colleagues, at times I've had to learn how NOT to disclose my ideas to benefit someone else.

Mi Chic: What is your advice to aspiring make-up artists/ entrepreneurs?

Elizabeth: Never, ever give up on your dreams. Like I always say "Think BIG, Be BIG". For every door that closes another will surely open. Always believe that what you have is unique!