I first met Justin Cornelius, or “J Hollywood,” backstage at a charity fashion show. He was doing the makeup for about a dozen nervous women in media who are more comfortable telling someone else’s story than taking center stage on a runway. Despite the nerves, the hectic atmosphere and the time crunch, Cornelius was calm, soothing, and as he applied my makeup, we chatted like old friends. Unfazed by the frenzy of the room, his professionalism was clear, and when I saw my face in the mirror when he was finished, his talent was too. So I was not surprised to learn later that this man is a big deal with a huge online following, in addition to his real-life fans. He’s been in the industry for close to a decade, working as a makeup artist for Chanel and MAC, as well as for various salons around town. He’s done New York Fashion Week and painted the faces of celebrities. If you’re lucky to sit in his chair, though, you’ll feel no ego, only a steady hand and a warm smile, and you’ll love who you see staring back from the mirror.
Bow tie or traditional neck tie? Skinny tie.
Cologne or aftershave? Hermès aftershave.
The worst fashion faux pas to me is wearing multiple luxury designers with big logos. It makes me cringe!
My favorite place to shop for clothes in the city is All Too Human.
My artistry is my strongest asset.
Being content and loving yourself is my idea of perfect happiness.
My fashion splurge is a Chanel graffiti backpack, the marquee accessory from the spring 2014 runway show.
When I was a kid, I was always different than the rest.
Coming out changed my life.
The best advice I ever got was be yourself.
If I had three wishes, I would wish for just one thing—for my mother, who passed a few years ago, to see everything I have achieved.
My motto is we are what we believe we are.
My earliest style memory is winning best dressed my senior year of high school.
Photography by: Karin Dailey
