It's Called Maintenance: Kick off your shoes with Oxford Jasmine!

Today in the "Kick Off Your Shoes with..." interview series we get to know the beautiful, talented and incredibly sweet Oxford Jasmine. Jasmine is from the UK and has the most pleasant accent (you know how I love an accent). Her channel is a wonderful combination of wearable everyday looks and special occasion looks and of course everyone's favorite, hauls. She also posts really great tips and tricks. She shows you how to achieve beautiful looks while keeping things simple and fun, all the while remaining cruelty free which I think is amazing. She really has something for everyone on both her YT Channel and her Blog. If you weren't familiar with her before then I definitely suggest you subscribe to both her channel and blog, you won't be disappointed!

ICM: At what age did you discover make-up? When did you start wearing makeup and what did you wear at first?
OJ: I remember clearly my first eye shadow trio; it was by Constance Carroll (anyone remember?). My friend and I were 10 and we bought one each, I bought the blue trio and she bought the pink trio. We had no idea what to do with it but instinctively knew to put it somewhere on our eyes… Unfortunately, we grew tired of looking less than glamorous but for me it opened up a door just a bit to wonder what make up was all about. I would read my sisters’ magazines and wonder what “translucent” powder was and why it was necessary for “setting” your make up.

I was fascinated by face and eye shapes and used to love drawing faces of what I thought a beautiful woman would look like; she had almond shaped eyes, square jaw and curly hair. I was the opposite, squinty-odd eyes, round face and dead straight hair.

I loved Christmas time the most as that’s when all the gift sets of make up and perfume would come out, and one year I bought myself a pink and purple eye shadow set. I was a bit ahead of my time by wearing that particular colour combination but I knew it was gorgeous!

ICM: What made you really get into make-up (wearing and/or collecting)?
OJ: A few years ago, I started taking a real interest in my appearance and vowed to take care of myself a bit more. I started to wear a bit of make up to work and people complimented me on how good I was looking. I used to do my make up on the bus! I was also dating, and what better than a full face of flawless make up to hide behind when meeting someone new on a first date? I would always wear a natural look but accentuated my eyes and lips. Collecting started then really as soon I was bored of natural looks and itched to get better at the more dramatic and eye catching looks which meant buying more make up. I then decided to go to College and learn professional techniques which helped me to improve on my early attempts!

ICM: What role did or does the YT beauty community play into your love of make-up?

OJ: YouTube has been and still is a place to express yourself and share your ideas and passion for make up without feeling guilty about being a bit girly. I have learned so much and been inspired by the more dramatic YouTube make up people to explore those aspects of my personality. I wouldn’t have anyone to share my make up fondness with otherwise!

ICM: Did you start out with drugstore makeup first? If yes what was the first brand(s) you remember using?
OJ: Besides Constance Carroll, I remember buying a fair bit of Rimmel, it was cheap to buy and had a huge range of colours suitable for all skin tones. Black Cherry Lipstick was a particular favourite of mine for a night out!

ICM: Who’s your favorite Drag Queen?
OJ: It has to be the unsurpassable RuPaul hasn’t it? What an amazing ego and legs that go all the way up!

ICM: What was the first brand of high end makeup you ever remember using?
OJ: It was a Clarins gold and dark brown eye shadow duo. My friends and I went for a make over. The results were just disastrous, really hideous as we looked over done and not in a good way, but the eye shadow was lovely so bought it.

ICM: What are your staple items, the ones you can’t live without and have replaced at least once if not more?
OJ: I can’t live without Barefaced Mineral Foundation in Sincere as it is just the perfect shade for me. It is so hard to find good make up for Indian skin tones, everything looks either overly orange or grey generally. As soon as I tried this, I knew it was going to be my staple. It only costs £12 and lasts ages. I’ve also got my sister hooked on it too, she loves the glow it gives her skin without looking like you’re wearing a lot of foundation and I have to agree it’s lovely.

ICM: Bret Michaels or Dee Snider and why?
OJ: Oh dear, do I really have to choose one of them? I really can’t, both are so not my type. I like that they both wear make up though. Ok, Brett Michaels because of those fine abs.

ICM: Any makeup or skincare tips or tricks that you’d like to share?
OJ: Love it or hate it, sunscreen should be your best friend. Ageing can’t be undone but the impact that the environment has on the severity of wrinkles and age spots can be reduced by protecting your skin.

Once in a while have a facial and get your skin analysed so that you can develop an effective cleanse/tone/moisturising routine that will work for your skin. You don’t have to buy expensive products, just ones that are right for your skin type.

ICM: What would you say to someone who is just getting into makeup to help him or her get started on the right foot?
OJ: Make up isn’t all about making someone look Ah-maaaazing or trying to emulate an actress or pop star; it’s about making your clients feel happy, proud and confident in their own skin. If I can do that, I’ve achieved something worthwhile. A lot of make up that I do on my channel is exactly about that, I talk about the little things that can improve how we like to look and feel, it’s a very personal thing.

Also practice as much as you can on other people to understand what works for different skin types, tones, ages and face shapes. Don’t be disheartened if the final look doesn’t all come together either, keep at it and don’t let anyone leave your house without having had some kind of make over!

ICM: What do you do for a living and how does makeup play a role in that if any?
OJ: I am a freelance make up artist so I work with companies and individuals for editorial and special occasion make up.

ICM: If you had to label your makeup style what would you call it?
OJ: Stylish rather than Fashionable.

ICM: Where do you get your inspiration for looks?
OJ: A lot of it is from nature itself, such as the changing of seasons, things to look forward to like holidays and special occasions. I am starting to explore fantasy make up a bit more too.

ICM: Was or is there a specific genre of music that influenced your makeup style?
OJ: Not really. I am more inspired by mood, imagery and scenery than music.

ICM: What is your favorite “go to” look if you have little time but don’t want to run out the door with a naked face?
OJ: My go to look that does not fail if I am in a hurry in the morning is a raspberry lip stain on the cheeks and lips, honey beige all over the eye lid with chocolate brown in and above the crease, black kohl liner and mascara. I’ll slip a black liner and glittery lip gloss in my bag if I’m out after work in order to smoke out the eyes and bring out the lips.

ICM: What made you start making videos on YT and start your blog?
OJ: I couldn’t find any tutorials for every day and special occasion looks for Indian women actually on Indian women, so I thought I’d get over my nerves and make a few. I think I’ve made over 100 videos now, so I haven’t run out of inspiration yet! I like to blog about things I have found useful and products that I like at the moment. Blogging is something you can do with a bit of spare time and if the mood takes you, a video takes a bit longer and requires more energy!

ICM: Looking back, what are some things you wish someone would have told you before you jumped into the makeup addiction?
OJ: To make sure you have good make up storage and that it is easy to organize and get to what you need when you need it!

ICM: What is your favorite color?
OJ: Kingfisher blue.

ICM: What is your favorite type of food or your favorite dish?
OJ: Something spicy and that makes your mouth water in anticipation.

ICM: What other hobbies do you have?
OJ: I do a bit of voluntary work with my community, I find this very rewarding because it uses skills that I don’t use in my every day life and it’s never dull!

ICM: What is your favorite 80s movie?
OJ: Ghostbusters!

ICM: What is the best brand or type of make up that will last through the “walk of shame”?
OJ: Well it’s been a long time since I’ve done that particular walk but I think it has to be e.l.f waterproof mascara – it’s doesn’t smudge and any mineral make up, as I can sleep in it knowing I won’t get spotty!

ICM: What is your favorite online store(s) for beauty products or deals?
OJ: Who can argue with the new e.l.f Studio line, it’s amazing value and I haven’t found a dud product yet – and I have them all…

ICM: Who is your favorite comedian?
OJ: I love going to see comedy shows and stand up comedy, my all time favourite has to be Eddie Izzard. I think perhaps because he is an executive transvestite. I’d really love to do his make up, that would be truly awesome.

ICM: Anything else you’d like to share with the readers?
OJ: My humble thanks, eternal gratitude and hopeful wishes go out to everyone who reads and watches my sites. I hope that I continue to provide entertaining and useful material for you.