CREDITS – All images sourced from Team Yolonda Frederick
A multi-talented entrepreneur and screenwriter—having co-written screenplays with Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins of TLC—Yolonda is a force in the beauty industry.
From the theatre stage to the make-up chair, celebrity make-up artist Yolonda Frederick has proven herself a creative powerhouse. While studying Communications and Theater at Central Methodist University in Missouri, Yolonda’s dream of becoming a newscaster took an unexpected turn when she discovered her true passion for make-up artistry. In 1998, she launched Face-Value, Inc., her make-up and image business, and has since worked with celebrity icons like Jennifer Hudson, Ciara and Usher.
The Peacock Magazine caught up with her while she was busy working on her new products. Find out how she juggles her busy work endeavours, how her journey to becoming a celebrity make-up artist panned out and who her style icon is.
Q) What were your growing-up years like?
Yolonda Frederick (YF): I experienced a nuanced but happy childhood being raised by my mother and Aunt Lilly. We lived in a sleepy little town in Florida where I spent most of my free time riding quads, mini bikes, horses and playing with friends. My mother was a very young mother who loved music, dance and fashion. Hence my fascination with make-up! My mother was also raised by our Aunt so we all coexisted together as a family. I had a simple life with humble beginnings. As a child, I always dreamed of a life beyond my small town. I had an adventurous spirit and was the first to earn a college degree. I seldom think of those early days but when I do it’s with great fondness.
Q) How and when did you realise your calling for becoming a make-up artist? Did you always want to become one?
YF: My career as a make-up artist was quite accidental. It really happened by pure chance. I had won an International Rotary Scholarship to study Business abroad. So I sought out a job doing make-up at the prestigious Van Michael Salon in Atlanta, Georgia, to save up for my year abroad. After finishing my studies, employment was time-sensitive so I returned to work at Van Michael. At that time, it wasn’t my preferred career choice but it was definitely the right path.
Q) How did you land your first assignment?
YF: After working for a few years in the salon, I was promoted to the role of Senior Master Make-up Artist. Eventually, I hit a glass ceiling and desired more interesting opportunities so I began freelancing outside of the salon. This soon landed me an interview to work on a project with a new artiste at LaFace Records. Coincidentally, the Creative Director was someone who remembered me from my first corporate job out of college. He hired me for my first professional freelance assignment. It was serendipitous, to say the least.
Q) When did you get your first big break?
YF: My first big break came from my connection with LaFace Records. I was called to do a shoot for Teen People magazine with T-Boz from the biggest-selling female group TLC! It was a pivotal moment in my career and the birth of my obsession with perfecting commuter beauty hacks and solutions.
Q) How do you decide the looks for any shoot? Do you always go by the memo or do you choose to go by your instincts?
YF: Deciding looks for shoots is always a collaborative effort by the entire glam team. Whether it be for a cover shoot, music video, or commercial, we are guided by the direction of the brand. We are first presented with a mood board that acts as inspiration for the creative direction. Then all the components of glam are added to achieve the desired outcome without sacrificing originality. Of course, each of the artistes brings their own style and creative interpretation to the table which creates that signature style that defines us both individually and collectively. It’s essential that our styles all complement each other in order to make the vision cohesive.
Q) How would you describe your signature look?
YF: My signature look is essentially “natural glam”. My philosophy is to enhance one’s own natural beauty while still keeping looks believable.
Q) What have been the highlights of your career until now?
YF: One of the biggest highlights of my career currently is my new partnership as a Global Artist in Residence with Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. After this, I would say that the opportunity to travel the world doing make-up is a highlight that is ever present and what made me so efficient and passionate about commuter beauty solutions throughout my career.
Q) What’s your definition of ‘Beauty’?
YF: My definition of beauty is being confident in what distinctively works for you. Your unique and unapologetic expression of “self-love” or “self-care” to me is beauty personified.
Q) Who is your ultimate make-up icon and why?
YF: My ultimate make-up icon is hands down my best friend and entertainer Ciara. I actually presented her with a richly deserved ‘Beauty Icon Award’ from the Black Beauty Roster in September of 2024. Over the years, I have been an integral part of her beauty evolution so my connection to her journey has been the ultimate experience in beauty.
Q) Who is your style icon?
YF: It would have to be Diana Ross “The Boss”! She never gets it wrong in my opinion. Her style has transcended time! I’ve been an admirer of her beauty and style since high school! Her style is impeccable and timeless.
Q) Debunk the biggest make-up myth you’ve heard.
YF: A huge make-up myth is older women shouldn’t use shimmery make-up products. In fact, any age group can wear shimmery make-up. In order to get the best payoff, first consider the quality of the product, skin condition and the application technique. For instance, with mature skin, it’s critical to start with well-hydrated skin! And it’s best to stipple on creamier shimmery formulas using the fingers.
Q) What’s the craziest make-up request you’ve ever had?
YF: The craziest make-up request I have experienced was from a client who requested all new make-up products of their choice and a brand new set of brushes before working with them!
Q) Who would you love to give a makeover to?
YF: I wouldn’t use the term “makeover” but I would love to work with Viola Davis. She’s a beautiful, gifted and authentic artiste with whom I would love to share an experience with make-up.
Q) Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever done someone’s make-up?
YF: While in flight on a commercial airplane! Between the bumps, stares and giggles it was quite an unforgettable experience!
Q) What are the three make-up products you can’t live without?
YF: I can’t live without my Bobbi Brown “Vitamin Enriched Face Base”, NYX conceal, correct and contour palette in “Deep” and Danessa Myricks Yummy Lip and Cheek Balm in ”Rosé n Brunch”.
Q) What is your number one skincare tip?
YF: My number one skincare tip is “Never sleep in your make-up”. Always use a great skincare system like OAMSkin. Its vitamin C properties will keep your skin bright, smooth and radiant.
Q) Which is that one make-up product or tool that is always in your kit?
YF: I always carry 111SKIN Rose Gold Eye Masks. They are the best for brightening, and hydrating before applying foundation and concealer. This always preps the undereye area for a more luminous and flawless finish.
Q) What’s one celebrity beauty secret we might not know about, but should?
YF: Outside of the common things like diet, exercise and drinking enough water, there are B-12 shots! Vitamin B-12 helps to maintain your skin’s moisture barrier, and elasticity and reduce wrinkles.
Q) What do you love most about what you do?
YF: I love the freedom that comes along with working in an artistic, creative, flexible, exciting and ever-evolving creative space.
Q) Who is your go-to make-up artist when it comes to your make-up?
YF: This is a tricky question because I can count on one hand the artistes who’ve done my make-up, so I don’t have a go-to MUA. The person who comes to mind is @adamsecruz who blessed me with the most beautiful make-up application for my best friend’s English country-side wedding!
Q) What skincare product still needs to be invented?
YF: I would love to see an efficacious lip balm or lip scrub that effectively brightens dark lip pigmentation for women of colour.
Q) What would we be if make-up never existed?
YF: If make-up never existed it would force us to be hyper diligent in both our skincare and total body-care habits. We would zero in on alternative ways to enhance our natural beauty from a more holistic perspective.
Q) What are your future plans?
YF: I plan to continue evolving within the beauty space by gaining more partnership opportunities with top-quality brands that represent and advocate for authentic inclusion as a forefront principal. Moreover, my continued development of commuter beauty products that make access to beauty essentials simple and convenient for all.